Pathfinders is a unique Western Cape team-based, navigational enduro event lasting 1 to 2 days. It is the only Western Cape-based HARD ENDURO event. Gather your friends, family, or fellow riders and work together to tackle one of four challenging tracks: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Gold X Routes approximately 50km per loop, the journey will take between 4 to 8 hours, with GPS routes guiding you along the way. Expect 1-2 designated service points (DSPs) per route to help you along the course.
Navigational Enduro Event
PATHFINDERS 4.0
23 - 24 October 2026 | Elgin Grabouw Country Club
What is Pathfinders?
PERFECT TIMING
When does the event take place?
Pathfinders set its annual event date to precede the Roof of Africa by one and a half months so as to afford the Cape Based riders some pre conditioning locally.
TERRAIN TYPES
Where is the race held?
Pathfinders takes place in the Grabouw forested area on DFFE land, which consists of various desirable terrains, such as…
- Forests
- Sand
- Mountains
- Rocks
- Rivers
EXPERIENCE LEVELS
How Do Skill Levels Impact Race Choices?
By default of enjoyment, we are focused on the more skilled rider entering Gold and Gold X where the challenges are bold and not for the faint of heart. Our biggest entries come in at Bronze level riding where the fun element is turned up for riders of all skill levels, where its more of an adventure through the wilderness rather than a technical challenge.
EXPECTATIONS
What can riders expect on the day?
On the day the riders can expect to arrive at a surprisingly big event for our sport located in the most beautiful setting alongside the Elgin Grabouw Country Club dam, aka Eikenhof Dam, where the excitement and buzz are pulpable. The country club facilities are at hand, and all is good.
The Race Has 4 Difficulty Levels:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Gold X
The atmosphere is HUGE – With the reputation PATHFINDERS has earnt nationally as being a serious day on the bike …The nerves are understandably high and excitement is evident. The front runners in Gold and Gold X are generally a bit quieter and calmer than the rest of the field as they have an idea of what to expect.
Bronze Level
Bronze riders can expect distance and adventure over technicality; we set this track for the fun element whilst requiring a little bit of stamina in order to complete the distance. Given it’s a team event, the riders will always have their partner with them to assist in the moments of darkness. Despite this track being more friendly than the other 3 , I would not suggest this to be your first ride in the mountains in semi race conditions unless your partner is a strong well experienced rider. it remains wild out there.
Silver Level
Silver ups the anti by means of a shorter track than Bronze but includes a few technical sections such as climbs, descents and river beds … once again, the rider will have their partner alongside for re assurance and assistance if and where needed.
Gold Level
Gold is a step up and not necessarily any shorter than Silver, rather count on it as being longer with a bucket load more technical section. The aim here is to test the riders to their maximum levels of endurance whilst trying to keep the enjoyment factor very high.
Gold is where a partner is most certainly appreciated because it’s a guarantee the dark side will present itself at least once on the day.
Gold X Level
This is a new concept where we try the most ridiculous lines and obstacles, seemingly impossible at face value. We have the privileged influence of Kyle Flanagan and Bronson Louw setting this track with the oversight of Daniel Forsyth and Brendon, ensuring the safety aspect.
Pathfinders Requirements and Support
RACE REQUIREMENTS
Race Entry Requirements?
Anyone is able to enter this event so long as they have the courage and an enduro bike …even an Electric Bike along with all the surrounding protective gear and a riding partner.
Bike Requirements?
The bike must be a reliable, well-maintained enduro motorbike with no oil or fuel leaks whatsoever. The track is not suitable for MX bikes or larger Adventure (ADV) bikes.
SAFETY SUPPORT
What safety measures are in place?
PATHFINDERS takes the riders safety exceptionally seriously and has 3 ambulances on stand by because of the vastness of the terrain. Some of the trails are not accessible by vehicle so should the injury be one of dire consequences, the Ambulance company has direct access to a helicopter service. Further than the medics on site, we have a few roaming marshals who are dedicated to their allocated class and spend the day herding chickens and cats.
Support available during the race?
During the track creation and routing … we are constantly putting safety first and there in believe anyone with common sense will be safe on any one of our trails presented. This does not omit the inherent dangers of our sport though.
Key Highlights
- The location and tracks as they are refreshing for the Western Cape community and further more surprising for those who travel down to the event from up country.
- Gold X was run for the 1st time last year in 2025 and we had some South African enduro royalty participating. Will Slater, Travis Teasdale, Bronson Louw and Kyle Flanagan fought it out at the sharp end of the track. What they conquered was phenomenal and even more phenomenal to watch. We are proud to have riders of this calibre entering our event.
- We have a large community of sponsors who generously afford a purse for various achievements as well as a number of lucky draw prizes to those who hang around for the prize giving.
Pathfinders FAQ's
What is the Pathfinders event?
Pathfinders is a team-based off-road motorcycle navigation event hosted by Trax and Trails in the Western Cape, South Africa. Teams use GPS navigation to find their way around closed off-road routes rather than racing on a fixed track.
Where is Pathfinders held?
Where is Pathfinders held?
The event takes place at Elgin Grabouw Sports Club, roughly 50km from Cape Town International Airport.
What difficulty levels does Pathfinders offer?
Riders choose between Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold X levels, each roughly 50km per loop and taking around 3 to 6 hours to complete, with difficulty increasing from Bronze to Gold X.
What equipment do I need to enter?
Each rider needs a reliable, well-maintained enduro motorcycle (electric enduro bikes are accepted) with no oil or fuel leaks, full protective riding gear, and a riding partner. MX bikes and larger Adventure (ADV) bikes aren’t permitted, as the track isn’t suited to them. Each team also needs at least one Garmin eTrex GPS unit for navigation.
Is Pathfinders open to spectators?
Yes, it’s designed to be spectator-friendly, with a R150 entry fee for 4×4 spectator vehicles.
How do I book tickets for Pathfinders?
Tickets are sold through Quicket under the Trax and Trails organizer page; search “Pathfinders Trax and Trails” on Quicket.co.za.
How do I join the Trax and Trails community or get event updates?
Via the WhatsApp groups linked at linktr.ee/traxandtrails, which include separate groups for Pathfinders, Road 2 Roof, Ladies Training Riding Camps.
When is the next Pathfinders event?
Dates change year to year (past editions have run in April and November), so check the current listing on traxandtrails.co.za or Quicket for confirmed dates.