Beast of Loskop

Tame the Beast — Now a Gauteng Gravel Series Race

Step into the next evolution of the Beast of Loskop with Drake Cycle Tours, now officially a race within the Gauteng Gravel Series. After five exciting years as a fan-favourite ride, the Beast returns in 2026 with a sharper, faster, and more competitive edge. Race from Bapsfontein to Loskop on an iconic A–B gravel route that blends tough climbs, fast rolling sections, and wide-open scenery that defines Gauteng gravel riding at its best. Whether you’re chasing points in the series or pushing for a personal victory, the Beast of Loskop delivers a race experience that’s challenging, rewarding, and undeniably memorable. Join a passionate gravel community, push your limits, and experience the electric atmosphere that comes with racing one of Gauteng’s most anticipated gravel events — this is your chance to conquer the Beast. Let’s race. Let’s ride. Let’s make history together.

wesley finishing the beast of loskop
“We’re incredibly excited to host the Beast of Loskop in 2026 as part of the Gauteng Gravel Series. Over the past five years, this event has become both a crowd favourite and a personal highlight. The route is demanding, but truly something special. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how the elite and age-category riders take on the climbs through Langkloof.

It’s going to be a very lekker day out—whether you’re pushing for the podium or simply enjoying the ride with Drake Cycle Tours.” 

Wesley Drake - Race Director

Entries Deadline

Secure Your Spot

  • days
  • Hours
  • Min
  • Sec

Entries close at midnight on Sunday, 22 March 2026

Why Race With Us

Join The Adventure

The Experience within the Race
Even as the Beast becomes a full race, riders still get the signature Drake Cycle Tours experience. Expect smooth logistics, great support, and the same hospitality that’s made this event a favourite for five years — now with the added thrill of competitive gravel racing.
Snacks to Sips. Start to Finish.
Every water point is fully stocked with 32Gi, water, coke, bananas, crunchies, and sweets — with a few surprises added along the way so you’re not grabbing the same snacks all day. Our feed zone is designed to keep you fuelled, refreshed, and ready to take on the last stretch of the Beast.
Fully Supported and Safe
Safety is a top priority. With the support of the Think Bike Marshals, traffic will be managed and rider safety closely monitored throughout the route. While no ride is ever completely risk-free, their presence ensures a secure, and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Premium Finish-Line Experience
Cross the line and step straight into the Drake Cycle Tours atmosphere — a welcoming finish area with shade, seating, ice-cold drinks, and great vibes. It’s the perfect place to recover, regroup, and celebrate your effort with fellow riders. We make sure the end of your race feels just as good as the ride itself.
start line vibes
bike number board lets race

Laerskool Witpoort   

Start Venue

Witpoort Road, Bapsfontein

Male Racing Batches: Elite, 30-39, 40-49
Non-Racing, Timed Batches: Open Male & Female
Registration Time: 05H00
Race Start Time: First Batch from 06H00
Parking: Laerskool Witpoort is a private property and will have safe parking. We will also have private security watching cars throughout the day.

early morning bicycles
motlatjo lodge
drake cycle tours cycling apparel
start of the cycle race
cycle race signage

Motlatjo Lodge   

Start Venue

Plot 19 Bronkhorstspruit

Female Racing Batches: Elite, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
Male Racing Batches: 50-59, 60+
Non-Racing, Timed Batches: Open Male & Female
Registration Time: 06H45
Race Start Time: First Batch from 07H45
Parking: No cars will be allowed to park at Motlatjo Lodge for the day. You'll need to arrange a drop-off at the start.

mountain bike cyclists
beast of loskop climbs
gravel race cyclists
gravel mountain bikes
beast of loskop hard finish

Follow The Signs   

Race Routes

Big Beast : 167km • Small Beast : 110km
The Beast of Loskop will present two route options for both the racing snakes and the social rider. The age cat racing distances have been determined by Cycling South Africa, in line with Gauteng Provincial Gravel Champs rules and regulations.

167km - MALE RACING Elite, 30-39, 40-49
167km - NON-RACING/TIMED Open Male & Female
110km - FEMALE RACING Elite, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
110km - MALE RACING 50-59, 60+
110km - NON-RACING/TIMED Open Male & Female

sliding into the experience
riders at the beast of loskop
group at the start of the race
race is on
marshal directing riders onto dirt

Two distances, one incredible race experience!   

Batch Start Times

Start Times and batch groupings are subject to change, pending final entries.

Big Beast 167km | Laerskool Witpoort
06H00 Male Elite
06H02 Male 30-39, 40-49
06H04 Male & Female Open
_______________
Small Beast 110km | Motlatjo Lodge
07H45 Female Elite
07H47 Male 50-59, 60+
07H49 Female 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
07H51 Male & Female Open

feed zone relaxing
box bar at feed zone
32gi at water point
feed zone beast of loskop
32gi top up at water point
banana bread

Fuel Up & Refresh at Every Stop   

Fully Stocked Water Points & Feed Zone

Every water point will be fully stocked with 32GI, water, coke, banana’s, crunchies, sweets and other select snack items. At various water points we will change things up so you’re not eating the same thing all day. Below is an overview of the provisional water point and feed zone distances. Take a break from watching the clock and enjoy the offering at each stop.

____________________
BIG BEAST 167KM
WP1: 33km
WP2 68km
FEED ZONE 106km
WP3 124km
WP4 143km
____________________
SMALL BEAST 110KM
WP1 32km
FEED ZONE 49km
WP2 67km
WP3 86km
____________________

Maroela lodge aerial
picture of finishers
beast of loskop happy finishers
maroela lodge giraffe
happy riders at the finish

Maroela Game Trails   

Finish Venue

Maroela Game Trails, a family-owned farm in the Loskop Valley near Groblersdal, offers riders a relaxed and scenic base for race weekend. The property is home to abundant wildlife, giving cyclists a true bushveld atmosphere after tackling the Beast. After the race, riders can unwind at the Maroela Pub & Grill — perfect for refuelling after as day in the saddle. The lodge is race-friendly, with ample space to cool down, grab a meal, and enjoy the tranquil setting. Accommodation is available in both the Main Lodge and Maroela Camp, offering comfortable rooms ideal for teams, families, and support crews.

Awesome Finishers Medal
Recovery Zone
Post Race Vibes
Secure Private Property
Pool & Kids Play Area
Fully Licensed Bar & Restaurant
Accommodation (Limited Availability)

bicycle trailer
bicycle trailer
relax at the finish

Ride Hard, Relax After - We’ll Handle the Journey Back   

Shuttle & Bike Transfer

Drop off your bike at the BCycle Transport bike park.
Relax and unwind while bikes are safely loaded.
21-seater shuttles available for return trips.
Shuttles depart as soon as possible to avoid long waits.
Final shuttle only departs after the last riders finish.
Estimated departure times: 15h30-17h30 (subject to change).
Bikes are transported to Laerskool Witpoort only.

Your Adventure Starts Here

Discover Your Ideal Package

Answer the call of the Beast of Loskop. This is a rugged, fully supported MTB and gravel challenge through dramatic terrain from Bapsfontein to Loskop. Expect breath-taking scenery, community spirit, and a tough but rewarding ride built for both seasoned riders and adventure seekers alike. 

Big Beast

Solo Entry

R850
↑ 167km
→ 1350m Ascent
  • Safe & Secure Start Venue
  • Start-Finish Bag Drop
  • Think Bike Marshals
  • Medical Support on Route
  • Race Photographers
  • 4 x Stocked Water Points
  • 1 x Feed/Supporter Zone
  • Finishers Medal
  • Recovery Zone
  • Free Bike Wash
  • Family-Friendly Finish

Big Beast

Entry + Transfer

R1250
↑ 167km
→ 1350m Ascent
  • Day Parking at the Start
  • Start-Finish Bag Drop
  • Think Bike Marshals
  • Race Photographers
  • 4 x Stocked Water Points
  • 1 x Feed/Supporter Zone
  • Finishers Medal
  • Recovery Zone
  • Free Bike Wash
  • Family-Friendly Finish
  • Shuttle & Bicycle Transfer

Small Beast

Solo Entry

R750
↑ 110km
→ 965m Ascent
  • Safe & Secure Start Venue
  • Start-Finish Bag Drop
  • Think Bike Marshals
  • Medical Support on Route
  • Race Photographers
  • 3 x Stocked Water Points
  • 1 x Feed/Supporter Zone
  • Finishers Medal
  • Recovery Zone
  • Free Bike Wash
  • Family-Friendly Finish

Small Beast

Entry + Transfer

R1150
↑ 110km
→ 965m Ascent
  • Safe & Secure Start Venue
  • Start-Finish Bag Drop
  • Think Bike Marshals
  • Race Photographers
  • 3 x Stocked Water Points
  • 1 x Feed/Supporter Zone
  • Finishers Medal
  • Recovery Zone
  • Free Bike Wash
  • Family-Friendly Finish
  • Shuttle & Bicycle Transfer

Includes all expenses paid:

  • Security at the start venues
  • Safe Parking at Laerskool Witpoort
  • Secure Bag Drop
  • Think Bike Marshals on route
  • Water points and feed zone on route
    • Including 32Gi Hydrate & Endure along with snacks at each stop
  • On-Route Photographers
  • Recovery Station at the finish
  • Finishers Medal
  • Family-Friendly Finish
  • Free Bike Wash
We cover almost everything but the following must be arranged/ordered separately:

  • Medical Aid
  • Bicycle Insurance
  • Food & Beverages at the start venue
  • Food & Beverages at the finish venue 
  • Event Apparel
  • Shuttle & Bicycle Transfer
Should you need assistance with any of the above, let us know so we can update your package. 
Medical Insurance

Cyclists entering the Beast of Loskop are not required to have their own medical insurance. However, entrants acknowledge that if they do not have personal medical insurance, they will be liable for all medical costs that may arise in the case of an emergency. In these cases, Drake Cycle Tours will arrange adequate medical assistance on the entrant’s behalf, and all associated costs will remain the responsibility of the entrant.

Drake Cycle Tours will have qualified medics on route throughout the event, providing immediate support where needed. While medical support is available, it is strongly recommended that participants have their own medical or hospital plan in place to reduce potential out-of-pocket expenses.

By entering the event, all participants accept these conditions and acknowledge their responsibility for any medical expenses incurred during the event.

PARTICIPATE IN STYLE

Official Event Apparel

DCT25 Gravel Jersey

R1750

Blue / Navy *Limited Stock

DCT25 Road Jersey

R1750

Blue / White *Limited Stock

DCT25 Gravel Socks

R150

Blue / Navy

DCT25 Road Socks

R150

Blue / White

DCT25 Training Jersey

R1750

Navy/Yellow *Limited Stock

DCT25 Training Socks

R150

Blue/Yellow

drake cycle tours jersey 2026 drake cycle tours jersey 2026

DCT26 Synergy Jersey

R1750

Sacramento Green

What You Should Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Beast of Loskop is a race in 2026, sanctioned with Cycling South Africa as part of the Gauteng Gravel Series.

A valid racing license or membership with Cycling South Africa is required.  Should you not have either, you'll need to purchase a day license. 

No, the route is not technical.  It is, however, a tough route and you'll be presented with all forms of surface from primarily gravel district roads, to soft sand, jeep track and sections of tar.

All packages are all-inclusive of event day services: goodie bag, nutrition and fully stocked water points, Think Bike Marshals, security at the start venue, finish line ablution facilities, finishers medal, a feed zone on route and a recovery station at the finish.

No.  Bike rental is only available for our tour offerings.

Yes! Bicycle transport from Loskop to Bapsfontein is available. Upgrade your package to include this service.

Yes, a free bike wash is available after your race.

A goodie bag with samples/vouchers, your rider number board, an armband for ID and feed zone access, and any ordered event apparel. 

Insurance is not mandatory, but is heavily recommended.

Yes, the route is marked with signage placed by the Drake Cycle Tours team at every turn or route split.  The Think Bike Marshals will also be on route to assist with traffic control at static points.

Big Beast : Laerskool Witpoort, Bapsfontein
Small Beast : Motlatjo Lodge, Bronkhorstspruit

Big Beast : 05H00
Small Beast : 07H00

Yes. Parking is available at both start venues.  Only at Laerskool Witpoort, will dedicated security be on-site to watch over vehicles throughout the day.  There will be no daytime parking allowed at Motlatjo Lodge. 

If you’ve booked a shuttle back from Loskop, simply drop your bike at the BCycle Transport trailers and relax while we handle the loading. 

Depending on final numbers either a 22-seater shuttle or 35-seater semi-lux bus will be booked, or combination thereof. Since riders finish at different times, shuttles and trailers will depart as soon as they’re ready to minimize waiting. 

Estimated departure times are from 15h30 to 17h30. Please note that times may vary depending on rider finish times and bicycle loading. The last shuttle will only leave once all riders have finished. 

Your bike will be safely and securely loaded onto the BCycle Bicycle Transport Trailer. Once you arrive back at Laerskool Witpoort, your bicycle will be offloaded and ready for you to take home. 

Pug

Let's Give Back

Riding with Purpose

Drake Events proudly supports Pug Rescue South Africa, a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes over 210 Pugs each year. Their Benoni sanctuary provides lifelong care to unadopted and elderly Pugs, with a strong focus on matching the right dog to the right home.

Through the Thanda Inja Project, they also offer free basic vet care and food to over 450 dogs and 80 cats in under-resourced communities every two weeks.

Join us in making a difference.

As part of our commitment to giving back, Drake Events donates 
R20 per person on every one-day event to support this life-changing work.

OUR VALUED PARTNERS

Backed By Excellence