WELCOME

Welcome to the 2026 FNB Wines2Whales!

Thank you for your support and for trusting us to bring you one of the best mountain biking experiences around.We have all the magic ingredients: mountains, oceans, valleys, fynbos, whales, wine and, of course, plenty of Serious Gees! Together, they make for an unforgettable MTB experience. And with new sections and features added every year, we make sure the route menu stays tasty, fresh and exciting.

So, let’s talk route!

STAGE 1: LOURENSFORD TO OAK VALLEY (61km & 1400m climbing)

Three major climbs. Countless thrills. One lekker finish.

You’re all set to roll out from the Lourensford start line. But don’t be fooled by the excitement of the start — this stage has three major challenges in store: a stingy 5 km climb right out of the gate, the portage over the historic Gantouw Oxwagon Pass, and the Mara Climb towards the finish.

For the first time, FNB W2W takes you flying down the Lourensford N4 gravel road instead of continuing all the way to the Neck. Soon, you’ll hit your first feature: the massive Rockwall berm, ready to be enjoyed at full speed! From there, it’s flowing fun all the way down the magical Schoemans, Bluegum and Cork trails. Once you’ve conquered Gantouw, it’s time to enjoy the A2Z Grabouw trails, where the granite-type soil and rocks offer a different grip and riding experience. Look out for new trails, including Wesselsgat. At the 52 km mark, the new Mara Climb awaits. Make sure you’ve kept something in reserve — you’ll need it! Once you enter Oak Valley, it’s mostly downhill: fast, flowing and fun all the way to the finish. Dust yourself off, enjoy a lekker wash in our luxury showers, grab a Devil’s Peak beer and celebrate the first of three great days with your riding buddies and family.

STAGE 2: OAK VALLEY TO OAK VALLEY — PLAYDAY! (64km & 1300m climbing)

More trails. More features. More Serious Gees!

Stage 2 kicks off on a different Oak Valley loop, featuring the new Vissie’s Magic and the JK’s Edge–Rhys Roller Coaster combo.

Then it’s off to Paul Cluver to soak up the spectacular Elgin and Groenlandberg views as you ride along Witklippies and Rietvlei Magic. After crossing the sleepy Pofadder, prepare for the bigger Koos se Klim, from Halfmaan towards Koos se Dam. After WP 2, one of the stage highlights awaits: the Cluver Playpark! We last tackled this hill five years ago, and now we’re back with exciting new features and berms. Hold on, ease off the brakes just a little, and let the jol intensify! Still smiling? Fair Cape welcomes you to test your skills on its floating bridge across the Groenland Dam. Near the finish, get ready to surf the Wave Runner, with its flowing, curved wooden features that turn your bike into a surfboard. We’ve extended the Wave Runner with an artistic BIG BOX — a 12 m container tunnel experience designed to refresh all your senses. Then it’s under the culvert and along more beautiful oak trails to finish back at what we believe is the best race village around: the FNB W2W Race Village at Oak Valley!

STAGE 3: OAK VALLEY TO BENGUELA COVE (63km & 1100m climbing)

One final challenge. Spectacular views. A memorable finish.

Stage 3 starts fast out of Oak Valley and into Paul Cluver, with 10 km of open gravel roads before the single-track fun begins.

From there, it’s trails all the way to Houwhoek Hotel (WP 1), where yesterday’s smile should make a welcome reappearance!

And good news: the infamous Houwhoek Switchback is no more. After numerous letters, emails, notes and messages of trepidation, we’ve replaced it with a fast downhill gravel road. You’re welcome! After three years of creative bridge-building challenges, we’ve also conquered the Bot River crossing again, through Beaumont and Wildekrans. That means we can happily eliminate the tar section through Bot River town and over the N2. It’s fast and furious on the way to WP 2 at Genevieve — but that’s when Stage 3 really starts showing its true colours. Two substantial climbs still await: the first at the turn-off from the Karwyders tar road, followed by the dreaded Shooting Range climb. The final 10 km is fast and flowing, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the hospitality of Escape Wines at your last water point before heading towards the beautiful Benguela Cove for the grand finish.

Three stages, incredible trails, a few tough climbs and memories to last a lifetime. That’s the FNB W2W! We’re confident your FNB W2W experience will be a highlight of your 2026 cycling season. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey and for bringing your energy, enthusiasm and Serious Gees to the trails. Enjoy every kilometre, look after one another, and make the most of every moment! See you on the trails — and join us again for the 2027 FNB W2W SWITCHBACK!

Keep the wheels turning and the Serious Gees flowing!

JK & The FNB W2W Team