The Hills Challenge
in collaboration with
Gravel & Grit Festival
15 May 2027
Montagu’s Two Premier Cycling Events Unite to Launch:
The Hills Gravel & Grit Adventure Festival in May 2027
Montagu, South Africa – Two of Montagu’s most iconic cycling events are joining forces to create what promises to become one of South Africa’s premier adventure festivals.
From May 2027, The Hills Challenge and Gravel & Grit Festival will officially unite under a new banner: Hills, Gravel & Grit Adventure Festival.
The new festival brings together the rich heritage of The Hills Challenge with the innovation and rapid growth of Gravel & Grit to create a world-class celebration of mountain biking, gravel cycling, trail running and the spectacular landscapes that have made Montagu one of South Africa’s leading adventure destinations.
Set against the dramatic Langeberg Mountains and the rugged beauty of the Klein Karoo, participants will enjoy an unrivalled combination of mountain bike trails, gravel roads, mountain passes and exclusive farm routes, many of which are only accessible during the festival. Whether riders are elite competitors, weekend adventurers or families seeking an unforgettable outdoor escape, Hills, Gravel & Grit will offer an experience for every level of participant.
A New Era for Adventure Tourism
By combining decades of experience, route development, community partnerships and local passion, the Hills, Gravel & Grit Adventure Festival is poised to become a flagship event on South Africa’s adventure calendar.
The merger reflects a shared vision: to celebrate adventure, strengthen community partnerships, support local tourism and showcase the extraordinary landscapes that make Montagu one of the country’s most sought-after outdoor destinations.
The inaugural Hills, Gravel & Grit Adventure Festival will take place in May 2027, with race entries, accommodation packages and sponsorship opportunities to be announced in the coming months.
As the organisers look ahead, one message is clear: the future of adventure in Montagu has never looked brighter.
Two Proud Legacies | One Bold Future.
For many years, The Hills Challenge has been one of Montagu’s signature outdoor events, attracting hundreds of cyclists and trail runners while raising valuable funds for education through Montagu Primary School. It has become synonymous with challenging routes, community spirit and an event where families can spend an entire weekend together.
Since its launch in 2023, Gravel & Grit has established itself as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing gravel cycling festivals. Developed by Makadas Adventures and support from a passionate team of adventure enthusiasts, the festival introduced Montagu’s first 100-Miler Gravel Race while showcasing the region’s exceptional gravel riding and trail running opportunities.
Now, these two respected events are combining their strengths to create a single festival that celebrates every aspect of adventure in Montagu.
For Hannes Gous, one of the founders of The Hills Challenge, the partnership stays true to the values on which the event was built.
“The Hills Challenge was created for one very important reason – to build a family event where everyone could be involved. We wanted an event where the whole family could participate, support one another and enjoy the entire weekend together from one venue. That vision remains at the heart of this new festival.”
Reflecting on the event’s name, Gous adds:
“The Hills says it all. There will always be sweat, there may even be tears, but what lasts are the memories. That’s what people take home with them, and that’s what keeps them coming back to Montagu.”
For Mitzi Knipe, founder of Makadas Adventures and the visionary behind Gravel & Grit, the merger is the natural next step in growing adventure tourism in Montagu.
“Makadas Adventures has always been about bringing people together through adventure. When we hosted our first mountain bike stage race back in 2010, the vision wasn’t simply to organise another race—it was to create an event where families could spend an entire weekend together. I had seen how competitive cycling often divided families, and I wanted to create experiences where everyone could share in the adventure.”
Knipe says her passion has always been discovering new routes and introducing people to Montagu’s incredible landscapes.
“I’ve spent years exploring the mountains and gravel roads around Montagu. Finding amazing routes and sharing them with like-minded people is what drives me. From mountain biking and gravel riding to hiking and trail running, Montagu offers endless possibilities. Every new trail is another opportunity to showcase the beauty of this region.”
Her work developing the Karoo Gravel Corridor inspired the creation of the Gravel & Grit Festival and its now-famous 100-Miler event.
“I believe events should never stand still. They need to evolve, introduce new routes and new experiences, and keep raising the bar. Bringing Gravel & Grit together with The Hills Challenge creates something much bigger than either event could achieve on its own. Together we can offer riders the very best of both mountain biking and gravel cycling while creating an unforgettable adventure festival.”
One Festival | Endless Adventures
The inaugural Hills, Gravel & Grit Adventure Festival will feature an expanded program, including:
- Signature mountain bike races across Montagu’s renowned trail network.
- Gravel races through the spectacular Karoo Gravel Corridor and surrounding countryside.
- Trail running events showcasing exclusive routes and breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Family rides, fun runs and youth participation events.
- Live music, local food, markets and community celebrations.
- Skills development opportunities for adventure guides and tourism entrepreneurs.
- Community fundraising initiatives, continuing the proud legacy of The Hills Challenge.
The festival also aims to strengthen Montagu’s reputation as one of South Africa’s premier adventure tourism destinations, encouraging visitors to experience the town’s accommodation, restaurants, wine farms, local businesses and outdoor attractions while extending their stay in the region.
One Destination | One Festival | Unlimited Adventure
Welcome to Hills, Gravel & Grit – where mountain trails meet endless gravel roads, and unforgettable memories are made.
“By bringing together the heritage of The Hills Challenge and the innovation of Gravel & Grit, we’re creating an event that showcases the very best of Montagu. Together, we invite riders, runners, families and adventurers from across South Africa and beyond to experience our trails, our community and our hospitality.” — Hannes Gous & Mitzi Knipe