The wind at our backs and Plettenberg Bay ahead, 4 days of riding and glamping await.
The 2027 M&G Investments PE PLETT is all set to embark on its journey towards the West, returning to the spectacular starting line at St Francis Links in St Francis Bay in February 2027 on 17 February. This will mark the milestone 15th edition of the beloved event, which has become renowned for its breathtaking landmarks and rider-focused features. Continuing with our popular format, “The Tour” will set off 15 minutes after “The Ride.” This allows touring riders to soak up the scenery at their own pace, with open start chutes and a more relaxed experience entirely free from timing constraints.
Both “The Tour” and “The Ride” will cover spectacular distances over four days, traversing South Africa’s famous Garden Route before culminating in the beautiful Natures Valley. For 2027, we are thrilled to introduce a brand-new overnight stop for Night 1: the stunning Fynbos Ridge. Because we will be staying right on the edge of the Indian Ocean, riders can look forward to cooler, refreshing coastal conditions after their first day in the saddle.
“The 2027 race is a massive milestone for the M&G Investments PE PLETT as we celebrate our 15th year,” says event Director and Founder, Mike Glover. “With our inclusive format catering to everyone from racers to relaxed riders, and exciting new coastal additions like Fynbos Ridge, we believe we have the perfect offering. This new edition allows us to elevate the experience while fiercely preserving our core values: keeping the event small, intimate, and exclusive, with a strict cap of only 250 riders.”
Curious about the exact trails and distances for 2027? Keep your eyes peeled and your cleats ready—the official 2027 route preview drops on the 1st of August.
2027 Route Overview
4 Days
262.1 KM
4016m of Elevation gain
Stage 1: St Francis Kick Off
Start: St Francis Links
End: Funbos Ridge Country House & Cottages
Distance:
77.7km
Elevation:
1155m
Difficulty:
5/5
The adventure begins in St Francis Bay, our all-new Grand Depart village for the 14th edition of the PE PLETT. Riders roll out through the Oyster Bay road, escorted by ECM Ford Rangers, with the Indian Ocean and iconic wind turbines marking the horizon.
The first waterpoint arrives quickly, bringing a festival atmosphere courtesy of Nutri-Go South Africa, complete with pumping music and ice-cold Nutri-Go—the perfect fuel to “Keep the Cadence.”
The day’s Queen Stage features a climb into the forestry town of Clarkson before tackling trails last seen in 2018. Riders will descend the newly re-opened Phoenix Trail in the ECM & Ford Tough Section, a true highlight of Day 1.
With just 5km to go, the first M&G Investments Boost Bar awaits with milkshakes, bean bags, and music, before riders roll into Fynbos Ridge. Here, a world-class race village offers Doolhof Wines, Castle Lite, live music, and bike washes by the Kwano Cycling Academy.
Stage 2: Ridge Lines
Start: Fynbos Ridge
End: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
Distance:
58.4km
Elevation:
1500m
Difficulty:
4/5
Stage 2 opens with fireworks! The climb straight out of the gates—formerly the KOM—is now the rugged ECM Ford Tough Section. After the descent, riders traverse the Kareedouw Pass, cresting the ridge for panoramic views before dropping down towards the Indian Ocean.
At the Regyne Protea Farm, Tsitsikamma Spring Water keeps tradition alive with their famous waterpoint—a PE PLETT constant for 13 years. From here, the route plunges into the enchanting Tsitsikamma Forest, where lush greenery and shifting weather create a truly African stage.
Be warned: the rolling hills of Tsitsikamma await—save yourself or pay the price! The M&G Investments KOM is now featured on a brand-new sector never used before, with extensive clearing done specifically for the 2026 race.
Spirits remain high with support from Nutri-Go and Red Cherry Events at Robberhoek, before the stage winds to a close at Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa, just off the N2 near Storms River Village. With two nights spent here, riders can enjoy chalets or luxury tents, recovery smoothies, bike washes, and the camaraderie of being halfway across the Garden Route.
Stage 3: Tranquil Trails
Start: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
End: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
Distance:
59.4km
Elevation:
1302m
Difficulty:
3/5
With a later 9:00 AM start, Stage 3 is all about maximum vibes. Riders cross the N2, warm up in the Tsitsikamma Mountains, and attack the M&G Investments KOM/QOM early on. You will also tackle the ECM Tough Terrain section early, taking you deep into the valley. The reward? Sweeping ocean views and fresh singletrack.
The first stop is Nutri-Go, closely followed by Buco Plettenberg Bay, perched near the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean—a spot so spectacular we just had to place a waterpoint there! Riders then traverse the lush “50 Shades of Green” trails, including exclusive access to Trevor Elliott’s property and once-a-year MTO forestry singletrack.
High spirits continue at the M&G Investments Boost Bar, where iced coffees and bean bags give weary legs a lift. Riders finish the loop back at Tsitsikamma Lodge, where a traditional Eastern Cape lamb braai awaits. The evening is dedicated to storytelling, prizes from Scicion Sports, Leatt, and Doolhof Wines, and soaking in the magic of the Tsitsikamma Rain Forest before the final push.
Stage 4: Victory Ride
Start: Tsitsikamma Lodge and Spa
End: Natures Valley Camp Site
Distance:
75.1km
Elevation:
1662m
Difficulty:
3/5
The Grand Finale delivers a true Garden Route showcase. Riders drop into the Storms River Pass, where the final M&G Investments KOM arrives early to test the legs.
The ECM Ford Section sweeps along jagged cliffs and deep forests, but riders should pace themselves. Save some energy for the rolling hills before the Bloukrans Bridge, as the terrain gets punchy and testing on 3-day-old legs!
The last M&G Investments Boost Bar brings one final celebration before the tarred descent into Nature’s Valley Rest Camp—the jewel of the Garden Route. This stage is consistently voted the best, not only for its beauty but for its symbolism: four days, 250 riders, and a journey that unites St Francis Bay, Clarkson, Kareedouw, Tsitsikamma, Storms River, and Nature’s Valley into one unforgettable story.
All told, the route includes 262.1 kilometers of riding, with over 4000 meters of climbing. The stats only tell a fraction of the facts, however. Only riding the M&G Investments PE PLETT can do the route justice. To experience it, from the 19th of February 2026, click here to secure your spot.
All told, the route includes 262.1 kilometers of riding, with 4016 meters of climbing. The stats only tell a fraction of the facts, however. Only riding the M&G Investments PE PLETT can do the route justice. To experience it, from the 19th of February 2026, click here to secure your spot.
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