- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
K2K: More Than Just A Bike Ride
The 23rd of November will see over 500 cyclists participating in the 13th edition of the K2K bike race. Not to be confused with India’s multi-day race from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, South Africa’s homegrown K2K sees riders meander along a scenic route from Kwelera to Kei Mouth.
The event starts at Crossways Village on the East Coast Resorts Road and follows an exciting course through diverse landscapes. It cuts through traditional Xhosa villages, picks up little-used farm tracks, traverses bumpy gravel roads, and takes in more hills than some participants care to count!
The Spirit of the K2K Bike Event
People flock to the Eastern Cape for this event, travelling from as far afield as Durban, Bloemfontein, and even Johannesburg – a journey of over 1,000 kilometres – for the experience.
While organiser Rob Hartzenberg acknowledges that some races may attract up to 1,000 competitors, he maintains that the K2K’s distinctive blend of challenge and camaraderie sets it apart from any other cycling event in the country.
No one, he says, would travel all the way to Kwelera to take part in a race, but they will to enjoy this 70km scenic outride, where professionals and amateurs pedal side by side, enjoying the views, and the company.
It’s All About the Journey, Not the Finish Line
Since its inception in 2011, the K2K has attracted an unprecedented number of participants. What started as a fun ride for Rob and his friends, soon developed into an annual event attracting at first 132 participants, before growing to its current size, where 500 to 600 people participate each year.
What sets the K2K apart from almost every other mountain bike event in South Africa is that the first person over the finish line isn’t even mentioned, let alone celebrated! This is not a race and the whole ethos of the ride is not about winning, but about enjoying the journey. This year, that journey will be even more enjoyable with an increasing number of local businesses coming on board to supply water points where riders can refresh, refuel, and recalibrate.
While winning is not the name of this particular game, it doesn’t stop people from training hard in preparation for the event. After all, covering 70km of hilly terrain using nothing but your own two legs takes some serious training and determination.
Building A Community – One Bike at a Time
Locally, Rob organises regular training rides that often include a stop at a local eatery, like Emerald Vale, allowing participants to support the same sponsors who provide water points on event day. It’s all about fostering a sense of community and mutual support, where riders, sponsors, and local businesses come together to build connections.
There’s nowhere that this sense of community involvement is more evident than at the finish line when Kei Mouth Country Club pulls out all the stops. When weary, muddy riders arrive, they’re greeted with warm hospitality, cold beers, and hot food – everything a tired cyclist could hope for after a long day in the saddle.
Pedalling Towards An Even Better Future
According to Rob, there was a time when all the accommodation in Kei Mouth and the surrounding area would be booked out far in advance, with hundreds of cyclists looking to make the most of their Eastern Cape experience. Sadly, COVID played a significant role in dampening that excitement, as travel restrictions and safety concerns led to fewer overnight stays in the area.
Many local businesses, from guesthouses to restaurants, would like to see that change and, by pulling together, everyone, from riders and organisers to local establishments hope we’ll experience that bustling atmosphere once again.
Rob is optimistic that as the event continues to regain momentum, it will once again bring in visitors eager to experience the Eastern Cape’s beauty and hospitality. This year’s turnout also looks promising, with cyclists returning in larger numbers and helping to revive the vibrant, community-centred spirit that the K2K is known for.
Rob’s also keen to encourage those offering holiday accommodation in the local area to promote their properties to this year’s participants. A well-placed advert and a promotional discount for K2K riders could be all it takes to encourage a few more to spend their whole weekend, and a few extra rands, in the local area.
Conclusion
As the 13th edition of the K2K approaches, it’s clear that this event represents far more than just another mark on South Africa’s cycling calendar. It demonstrates how a simple idea – a casual bike ride among friends – can evolve into something that touches hundreds of lives and brings significant value to an entire community.
While the event has weathered its share of challenges, particularly during the COVID years, its appeal lies in the same qualities that set it apart: the warm Eastern Cape hospitality, the inclusive atmosphere that welcomes riders of all abilities, and a strong sense of community.
For those considering joining this year’s K2K on 23rd November, either as a participant, an accommodation provider, a water point sponsor, or a volunteer, Rob’s message is simple: come for the cycling, stay for the camaraderie, and discover why hundreds of riders return year after year for this unique event.
- If you’d like to promote your accommodation to K2K participants, please contact Rob Hartzenberg via WhatsApp on +27 82 570 0294. He will supply you with a logo and share your advert on social media.
If you're taking part in the K2K, please book your Kei Mouth accommodation here:
