2023 Rider Feedback

The Trans Elands MTB race is always such a great and well organised event. The 160km route is a proper challenge with long climbs and rolling terrain making you work all the time. Well done and thank you to the Trans Elands team for a great event!

– Victor from JBay

The Trans Elands is definitely one of the highlights on my racing calendar. It is brutally tough and demanding and the weather (usually the wind) makes this the toughest single day race in the country.
The organisers, Leon and Christine Claasen are so passionate and with the amazing help of the title sponsor ChemChamp Africa they have taken the Trans Elands to a next level.
Well done to all involved for a fantastic event. I really enjoyed it.

– Yolande from Oudtshoorn

Thanks, and congrats on an even more polished edition. Always a must do event, even if there’s a bit of a breeze!

– Andrew from Graaff-Reinet

Die Trans Elands 60km het vir my gelyk na n berg wat voor my lê op die oggend voor ons weg gespring het. Ek was verskriklik senuweeagtig en ek het geweet die resies gaan bepaal of my oefening reg is vir my of nie. Die roete was verskriklik mooi gewees, nes laas jaar, en dit was baie goed gemerk gewees. Die fietsryers was almal aangenaam en die 60km A-groep was almal baie vriendelik. Ons het daar gekamp by die Ferry Hotel vir die naweek en my ondervindig daarmee was net so tops gewees. Ek is nog te jonk om die 160km te ry maar ek sal definitief weer die 60km resies volgende jaar ry.
Baie dankie vir al die moeite wat oom en oom se span in die resies ingesit het, ek dink almal was baie tevrede na die naweek, ek weet ek was, so dit voel vir my na n wen-wen situasie.

– Juané from Uitenhage

Nogmals, baie dankie. Die event was foutloos van begin tot einde. (Die 160km) Roete is great. Baie challenging maar ek het dit baie geniet en sal definitief volgende jaar weer terug wees.

– Erick from Gauteng

The 2023 Trans Elands event was once again a top-class event and extremely well organised! I loved the atmosphere and the challenging race route!

– Kelsey from PE

This was my 3rd Trans Elands 160km team event. It is always a tough race with wind playing a major factor on the day. Very well organized with well stocked water points. The first 90km is always tough and when that is behind you from there it is smooth sailing. This race is great preparation during winter for Around the Pot and Trans Baviaans. well done to the sponsors and race organizers for hosting a successful event, we will be back.

– Jacques from George

It’s always a pleasure to be back at the Trans Elands MTB marathon in Jeffrey’s Bay, this year was my third time lining up for this Iconic event and I was quite looking forward to it! With no Strong teammates ligning up this year I knew the racing would probably look a bit different but after taking a look at the weather forecast about a week out, I knew that we would be in for a brutal day out with some strong winds predicted …(first part of race report).

– Rossouw from Stellenbosch

As always, the event was well organised and the (60km) route was great, tough but great. The atmosphere at the finish line is always mellow and supportive. The facilities were great and it is always so nice to have shower facilities for after a race. Thank you and your team for a great event.

– Alessandro from PE

The route was well marked and I could see that a lot of effort was done to prepare the route. A big thanks to the water points that were nicely managed and met by very helpful volunteers. This makes a tough day on the bike a lot easier to finish. The wind really made the first half tough, but helped all the way back from the Patensie water point. Well done to you and the team for putting on such a great event. I can only see it growing bigger year on year. ChemChamp are the best by far. Looking forward to next year’s event.

– Ian from PE

2022 Rider Feedback

“My first Trans Elands
What an event! From the very first moment during registration everything was managed smoothly and efficient. The venue was exquisite, especially for a MTB event. The start was on time and the initial tar section designed to ease into a tough day. The route markings were ample and very clear, even the steep downhill markers. (I cannot descend at all!)

The scenery did not disappoint, and the road surfaces include anything that you may wish for. It is an above average tough race that I will definitely repeat if possible.

All the locals that we have encountered along the route were very hospitable and vocal in my home language. That was a pleasant surprise!

Thank you for a very enjoyable weekend and a superb race.”
– Charles – from Vanderbijlpark

“The race and route itself was fantastic. The organisation and communication was really clear and detailed and the logistics around number collection and the venue was very smooth.

It was my first time doing (and actually hearing about the event) and the route was perfect – I love the long and up type of riding and it was perfect. I have recently moved with my family to Plett and am constantly amazed and the quality of riding and events in this part of the world.

I’m not sure if you guys had arranged it or it was just luck that so much of the route had been recently graded but that also made for fast and “easy” riding. The water points were also great – well stocked and really friendly and happy people helping out. Overall a great experience. Thank you!”
– Grant – from Plettenberg Bay (ex Johannesburg)

“Thanks it was a great event and the weather played along nicely. The route was awesome with some scenic views at the top as rewards after the climbs. There was good support along the route. Good value for money and not as overpriced as some of the other events are getting. Nice venue and great overall experience, will definitely be back next year.”
– Cobus – from East London

“The Trans Elands was a great experience. Everything about the event was so well organised. The waterpoints were well stocked with just the right snacks. The people helping at the waterpoints also were very helpful. The ride overall was great and the turn off points were well indicated for the riders. I will do the Trans Elands again as the experience is unforgettable! Once again, thank you.”
– Mario – from Roodepoort

“2022 Trans Elands Race Review
160km, 3000m; I knew going into this race it was going to be a long day in the saddle, so strategy and the nutrition was key to finishing. Hydration was also super important and I really appreciated how quick and easy it was to refill bottles and grab fuel for the rest of race at the water points. It was a tough, but rewarding route and I’ll definitely be back next year. Hopefully more ladies line up on the start line next year and tackle the 160km.”
– Kelsey – from PE

“Thanks Trans Elands for a great 60km event, one of the best marked routes out there and just a all-round good vibe.”
– Victor – from JBay

“Trans Elands 2022:
The Trans Elands MTB race has been on my racing calendar for the last couple of years. It is usually held on the first weekend of June. The 160km extreme route is tough and demanding and it is a great motivation to keep up training through the colder autumn and winter days.

We left Oudtshoorn on the Friday afternoon after work excited and nervous at the same time. After a good night’s sleep in Jeffrey’s Bay it was time to get ready for the startline at The Ferry Hotel.

Luckily the start was not so cold as in 2021. We lined up and after a few words from the race director and commissaire it was go time. We rolled out at the Ferry Hotel and we had a steady pace on the tar road just to warm the legs.

The Trans Elands MTB event is really one of the toughest events in SA. It’s long, the climbs are brutal. It really tests you as a rider – physically as well as mentally.

A huge thank you to Leon, Christine and team for a world-class event. You ticked all the boxes. From the route, the vibe, the finish line, the waterpoints…….. everything is spot on. I know that you are not a huge team but wow! You really have an amazing team. Thank you for all the hard work behind the scenes. I really do appreciate it.

Just a last word: Thank you for keeping Lex’s legacy alive. I know he is smiling in heaven.

Looking forward seeing you guys in 2023.”
– Yolande – from Oudtshoorn

“The race was once again extremely well organized, you seem to be getting it better and better each year so well done for that. Course seems to also be getting easier each year in terms of the quality of the road, hardly any loose gravel up to the Cheese Shop anymore, the gravel makes for exciting racing for us, but for your average rider the climb is hard enough without loose gravel. Water points were great and from what I could see in the short space of time I was at them, they were stocked very nicely with food and drinks. The weather this year was absolutely incredible and probably the best conditions this race has had to date. There was almost a tailwind on Elands river road and when you got to Patensie it almost changed to a cross tail wind and finally a full on tail wind home, I think this played a massive role in the fast times again. All in all, I have no complaints and I will be back racing again next year. I enjoyed every moment of this year’s race. The good parts and the bad.”
– Brad from PE

2021 Rider Feedback

“Thank you for putting on a great race!
Although I have an endurance background, I entered this race having only done one other MTB race and having only ever ridden a maximum of 60km on a mountain bike, I was looking for a challenge! My expectations were met plus a whole lot more.
The route, though bumpy in parts, wasn’t overly technical. It was well marked and had sufficient marshalls so, even though we were cycling through sparsely populated countryside, you never felt too alone or lost out there. I was in utter awe of how beautiful the terrain was!
The water points were well stocked, extremely neat and well organised. The friendly volunteers were very helpful and eagerly provided any necessary assistance.
Thank you again to the entire team! I’m looking forward to coming back next year. I would particularly encourage anyone living outside the Eastern Cape to come and experience the beautiful scenery of this area.”
– Mawa

“A massive congratulations to Leon and his team for putting together another excellent Trans Elands Race.  They really go out of their way to show their appreciation to each and every entrant. I am not surprised this event is attracting more and more top riders each year.

Thanks again for organising the best 100 miler in the country.”

– Michael

“What an event, well organised and executed. Thank you so much.”

– Steve

“Thank you for the great event. This was the first time my wife and I had done such an event.
The 60km route was excellent and well marked. Great job.
Complements for the people at the water points who were friendly and helpful.
Once again, thanks for the great event. We enjoyed it and you will definitely see us again next year.”

– Herman & Marlene

“I had a lot of fun at the event this year. The route was really tough and certainly one of the toughest 100miler races that I’ve done on SA soil. The route was well marked, the start and finish area was easily accessible and all the necessary facilities for post race necessities before heading home.”

– HB

“Thanks so much for such an incredible event. It was a great day out, weather was perfect. Route as always is tough but a great one that’s what makes this race so thrilling. Markings were very good, road surface was also excellent. I think you and the rest of the crew could not have pulled it off better. It’s so difficult with all the regulations at the moment so the fact that you managed to first of all made the race continue was super impressive and second of all you guys ran it so smoothly. Can’t wait for the next one. Thank you so much for everything once again. ”

– Brad

“My experience at the Trans Eland MTB 100 miler:
We arrived a bit late to registration at On Tap, but the women there made our registration quick and easy! I enjoyed the race route (also the first time I’d ridden in that area). As a whole I enjoyed the event and atmosphere. There’s nothing I feel the race route is missing, trails are always nice but over a distance like that the current route is tough enough.”

– Rob

“I absolutely loved racing the Trans Elands 2021. The weather was perfect. There were still lots of climbing and corrugated and rough descents which made this 160km tough and brutal.
Thanks for a fantastic event. Thank you Leon, Christine and the whole Trans Elands team for keeping Lex’s legacy alive.”

– Yolande

“Thank you for a very well organized and very beautiful bike ride. I feel privileged to have been able to see such a magnificent part of our country. ”

– Paul

“Thanks for a great event, and organising the weather perfectly.
Towards the end of the race you always think never again until you finish. The next day you find yourself counting down till the next one! Road conditions were super smooth in places and quite rough down from the mast and before Zuurbron till the end of the dirt road. My fork suspension collapsed from before the mast so the rocky down was challenging and broke a spoke. Luckily Robbie and team were at the Patensie stop and managed to get the fork working a little!
Thanks again, we’ll definitely be back quicker for next year!”

– Andrew

“Amazing! Thank you so much and thanks again for a WONDERFUL event!! Your hard work and passion really shows.”

– Juanita

2019 Rider Feedback

“It was once again an unbelievable experience! Thè toughest 100 miler!! I will be back next year!! For the following reasons: It is very well organised. The water points are well stocked and the people at the water points are one of a kind!! They just want to help with whatever you need. ” – Erna

“This was one of the best organised events I have done, ever. From the entries to actual event, water points and finish – everything were in place, not to mention the beautiful scenery. I personally can encourage any mountain biker to it, if you have not tried the event in the past or in 2019, do yourself the favour and enter 2020, even if it’s for the shorter routes – this is a must do and a race you can tick of your bucket list. Lizanne and myself will definitely enter 2020 (maybe we’ll be on the top step next year) and I’m sure everything will be as good as in 2019 if not better. Thank you Trans Elands for a life changing experience. You guys rock! ” – Eugene

“I decided to come down from Bloemfontein after Christo and Tanya told me about their experience with last years race. I must commend you and your staff on all aspects of the race, but I will single out the following:       1. Your attention to details must be applauded.                                               2. The water points was actually more than just water points, it was more of a oasis with refreshments and friendly people.                                             3. Coming from the “flat” Free State, I was in for some serious climbing. This is however what sets this race apart from the rest. Once again, congrats on a great event and I will try to be back next year.” – Gerhard

“Trans Elands was a race to remember. A race I will always cherish. Not only because it was my first win but because of the people and the spirit of the race. I am new to the mountain biking community but I was welcomed with open arms from my very first training ride. Training rides that were planned by the race director to ensure participants would finish if they did the hard work. That’s impressive and it shows heart and true organizational skills. A plan for everything from the very beginning.               – So for me the race started on my first training ride and it just got better from there. Admin sorting out my entry, was super helpful and then our goodie bags were awesome with a T-shirt! That doesn’t happen anymore, the race route was tough- a true challenge but beautiful and well marked, the water stops were fit for a king- a scrumptious feast every time. You could see folk had gone over and above to ensure the athletes were well taken care of and had a good time: from the very first training ride, to the extra bar ones on the tables to removing all the markers when the race was over. A genuine love and care for the race, the land and it’s people shone through and it really showed. The Trans Elands breeds a certain type of person – you have to know how to dig deep to finish the race. It shows character. A never give up attitude by all who participated. Folk who enjoy a challenge and conquering their fear. The best type of folk in my opinion.                                                                                                                – And then there is the legacy of Lex. I never had the privilege of meeting the man but you can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps. And Lex held some great company, who I have had the privilege of meeting. He would be proud and you can feel the spirit of Lex out there through his friends. A spirit of true grit, authenticity, genuine friendship, constant encouragement, great sportsmanship and unwavering support. A true passion for the sport and it’s people. This is rare. But it’s also what the Trans Elands race means to me and what it embodies. A special race, a special people and a race to always remember. ” – Juanita

“Dear Leon and Trans Elands Team 2019, I hereby want to thank you for having hosted a truly magnificent event on 8 June 2019.    As a recreational rider I hardly ever feel nerves when I am on a starting line, as my only objective is to enjoy the day on my bike, but this year was a bit different as TTE 2019 marked my fifth year of riding marathons and my fifth Trans Elands event. I needed to finish this one                                         – As I stood on the starting line I looked at the sea of cyclists chatting, checking water bottles, eating a last snack, setting their equipment. I thought about my meeting with Lex Holmes, the founder of the Trans Elands Extreme and  how much he taught me about mountain biking. I also thought about Leon Claasen giving the race briefing and the journey he and his wife, Christine had to make after Lex, a few weeks before his untimely passing away, asked Leon to take over the Trans Elands event.  Leon, true to his character, fulfilled Lex’s last wish.  That brings me to why I want to thank you:                                                                                                 – Leon, not only were you loyal to your friend’s wish, but with your passion for mountain biking you have shaped the Trans Elands into a top class event.  This year I stopped at 4 of the 5 perfectly situated and well-stocked water points and realized that big effort was put into working out the menus for each point to support a tiring marathon rider.  I counted four photographers on the route and unlike many other races where one must pay for the photographs, riders can simply download the photos they want. How awesome is that?                                                                                   – The presence of PEARS (Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society) was a big plus to the event. They cover events like Iron Man SA, Trans Baviaans, and the Volkswagen Rally and ensure communication where cell phone reception fails – a big plus for the safety of the event.  It was also now possible for the public to track riders via PEARS’ joint operational center.     – Although it is each rider’s responsibility to familiarize him- or herself with the route, I found the route marking excellent and reassuring. The additional orange tape helped in moments of doubt.                                        – As I was pacing myself this year, I had more time to take in the scenery.  We first rode through Loerie with aloes and a lake filled with flamingoes livening up in the morning sun. Then we climbed Lex’s Monster (a 12 km climb, named after Lex) through the Longmore forest with its deep kloofs and exotic, quiet feel. A technical section led to the Elands River Valley and the mountains and farm scenes were beautiful. Soon the climb to the Mast, with the ever watching Hanekam Mountain was done and dusted and an approximate 20km of descent to Patensie followed as a reward.  In Patensie, with its beautiful orange trees heavy in fruit, I joined 3 riders, Pierre Deysel, Marius Erasmus and Niel Louw at the water point and we started our climb up the Never Ender.  We did not talk much, but it was good to have company and hear the shifting of gears as we made turns to ride in front. We made Zuurbron within the cut-off time! Marius, being the stronger rider, opened a gap and from there Niel Louw, Pierre Deysel and I kept together and enjoyed the  jeep track, knowing that we are heading home.                                                                                                                          – Nothing can describe the feeling when one crosses the bridge to the Ferry Hotel and know that you have made it! The historical Ferry Hotel was buzzing with riders, family and friends enjoying the beautiful evening. The Ferry Hotel offered clean bathrooms and showers and the meals in the restaurant were affordable and delicious.  What a stunning venue! (Please convey my thanks to the management of the Ferry Hotel. I saw the couple tending to their staff and visitors and their professional presence made a big impact on how smooth everything ran.)                                                            – At the prize giving I was surprised to find out that there are prizes for the age category winners as well. This is a very rare, but thoughtful touch and once again shows the passion you have for keeping people on their bikes.                                                                                                                         – There is so much more I can praise you for, but to me the cherry on top was to receive the most beautiful trophy I have ever seen, as well as a specially designed long sleeve top for completing my fifth Trans Elands!” – Llise

2018 Rider Feedback

“Trans Elands is defnitief een van die moeilikste wedrenne wat ek nog gery het. Ek het al 3 keer die vol 36ONE gedoen, eenkeer die halwe, 3 keer Trans Baviaans en ook hierdie jaar die Swartberg Gran Fundo, maar die Trans Elands is die moeilikste. Fantastiese roete en puik georganiseer. Miskien het die stormsterk wind dit ekstra moeilik gemaak.” – Erna

“Thank you for a great event and for continuing Lex’s legacy.  Both Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed the race and it certainly was a highlight for both of us in our racing calendars. My decision to enter the lite event was very last minute (20 mins before the race start!) but I’m super glad I did. The route was a nice combination of jeep track, district road and some tar, making it challenging in sections with short, loose, rocky climbs. Route markers were effective and water points super friendly. ” – Andrea

“Thank you once again for a great event loved every minute. ” – Tracey

“Trans Eland Extreme is exactly that. The overall elevation does not seem to bad but considering that 2000m is in the first 80km with a headwind is no joke at all. If you want to finish the race with a smile on your face, train and then train some more.This really is a bucket list race though with a great atmosphere, beautiful scenery when you remember to look up and look around. ” – Bradley

“This was one of the toughest rides I have ever done and I’ve done Trans Baviaans and some other long ones.  The headwind from The Meadows to the Cheese Farm nearly broke me, I was getting myself through 1km at a time in 5km batches.  There were many moments during those 30km where I had decided to give it up at the Cheese Farm.  For some reason, just before the Cheese Farm my mood shifted 180 degrees and I made an inner decision that I was going to try and finish; that the organizers would have to physically pull me off the road to stop me from finishing whether I was within the cut off times or not.  At the Mast the view was spectacular and so worth the pain, I knew there had to be some downhills and boy did I enjoy them especially with the wind behind.  At Patensie, I knew I could do it within the cut-off times and so even though it was not plain sailing and the legs were screaming there was motivation to keep going to the end.  In the mood of Jens Voight #shutuplegs.  Thank you for organizing the opportunity and I will certainly promote the race up in Gauteng. ” – Chandre

“Just wanted to touch base to say thanks for a truly exceptional event on Saturday. It all came together right at the end for me to take part and I am so pleased that I did. We are a dof bunch so I think most of us have by now forgotten how damn hard it was trying to get down the Elands Road. Hopefully now only the good bits lingering in our memories. Like getting to the top of the tower climb. That view of the rolling mountain tops from who knows where? Not to mention the last 4km of tar and the well stocked water points. A big thank you and will be back next year.” – Craig

“Our friend and founder of The Trans Elands mtb race, Lex Homes, would have been so proud of the Trans Elands race and organizers this year. We lined up on the start line on Sat 9 June on a chilly, but lovely morning in front of the Ferry hotel, very excited to start with our 60km short Trans Elands. The atmosphere was festive and everybody in a good mood and anxious to start. After a few kilometres on the tar road, we turned onto an undulating gravel road, beautiful among some farms, so refreshing after a bit of rain during the previous few days. At the watering points we were greeted with big smiles, enough nutrition and lots of encouragements. We had to endured a few challenging climbs, just to add to the fun!! Then after the 2nd water point, it was all the way back to the Ferry hotel with a bit of a cross wind to remind us that we are around the Windy City. Then the last few kilometres on the tar road took us back to the Ferry Hotel to the end. We were received with huge support of all the organizers and other supporters!! What a lovely race, atmosphere and turnout! I know that Lex Homes would have been so proud and happy!! We will certainly enter again next year! This is worth every cent we paid for this event, hope to see even more people next year!” – Salome

“Once again, this year’s race was as tough as it gets. I was so thankful for all the pre training  rides that were organised by the KID group. This year was my 3rd TTE extreme and I was surprised to have done so well, but I could not finish at my set target of the 8 hours or better. Unfortunately I had picked up a sinus infection prior to the race that compromised my performance. Well then I will have come back next year to have another attempt at the 8 Hour target.  Well done to all in keeping this event going, definitely going to become one of the year’s top MTB races. The best Trans Baviaans preparation rides around.” – Ian

“Me and Christo definitely will do the race next year again. We will be more prepeard though. It is definitely a race to be ridden and is testing every part of you throughout the route. I think with the wind and the climbing it makes the race unique and interesting. The waterpoints are fantastic and the people who are helping there is so friendly and kept us motivated. Its a race we will definitly promote for you on this side. Thank you for all the effort that you put into it.” – Tanya

Photo Galleries

Trans Elands presented by ChemChamp 2023

Race Start (160km, 60km & 25km)
Bully Hill (60km + 25km)
Lex's Monster 160km KOM
Race Finish (25km, 60km & 160km)
Podium (25km, 60km & 160km)

Trans Elands presented by ChemChamp 2022

160km start + 25km & 60km pics by Grant Liebenberg
160km on route pics by Mel Pettitt
160km finish pics by Dewald Van Staden

Trans Elands 2021

25km & 60km pics by Grant Liebenberg
Elands River Rd photos by Amucia Buchner
The Mast to Patensie photos by Amucia Buchner
Zuurbron to Finish photos by Amucia Buchner

Trans Elands 2019

160km "extreme" 2019 @ Lex's Monster KOM point, photos by Richard Pearce
160km "extreme" on route, photos by Amucia Buchner
160km "extreme" 2019 - finisher photos, by Chris Scott
60km "lite" 2019 - finisher photos, by Chris Scott
30km "mini" 2019, photos by Chris Scott
"mini" "lite" and "extreme" Prize Giving 2019, by Chris Scott
160km "extreme" 2019 @ Lex's Monster KOM point, photos by Richard Pearce