Rhodes Annual Events

Rhodes plays host to three significant annual sporting events:

Running: Rhodes Trail Race

The oldest of these is the Rhodes Trail Race. This is a 54km event held in the heart of winter which starts and ends in the village but in the course of which reaches an altitude of 2666m above sea-level!. Runners participate by invitation only and the field is limited to 300 entrants due to the inaccessibility of some portions of the course.

MTB: Rhodes Mountain Bike Challenge

Billed as "The Most Extraordinary Mountain Biking Race in Africa ", the Rhodes Mountain Bike Challenge is an 80km grind that is usually completed in less than 4 hours by the front runners since 1974. It follows the road to Naudesnek and then off past the Tenahead Lodge and the Cairntoul Stock Theft Unit Police Station, the Tiffindell Ski Resort and back to Rhodes via the Carlisleshoek Pass. Other than during the race, the route can be partially or completely ridden by enthusiasts but who should consult local folk as to prevailing conditions, particularly concerning the weather. Part of the event is a 40km route. Before you start the route, known as the Rhodes Dragons Tail ride, purchase a R25,00 entry permit for the Glass Nevin Private Nature Reserve at Walkerbouts. This is a good ride, with lots of variety, and a little adventure - from hard-packed gravel, to trackless stone-riddled grass veld, to tractor-trails, to narrow meandering paths, to rocky drop-offs. There are some tricky sections where it will probably be wise to push your bike - unless you have lots of experience - and confidence! If you are alone, take very special care.

For both rides, we recommend that you take a rain-jacket of sorts with you, and some warm clothing - in case you run into trouble and have to wait to be picked up. The weather changes quickly in this part of the world. Make sure that you carry lots of liquids. It is also highly advisable that you let someone know that you are going and how long you expect to take.

If at all possible, ride it with a friend.

Fishing: The Bell 's Whisky Wild Trout Festival

The Festival is not a competition but a veritable celebration of the art and essence of fly fishing. Like-minded folk gather in Rhodes in early to mid-autumn each year and spend 3 days fishing and 4 nights talking about fishing, amongst other topics and enjoying the sponsor's product. This, of course, gives rise to even more fishy stories. The culmination of the event is a prize-giving dinner which features a lucky draw for prizes from the sponsor as well as items begged from industry suppliers and local accommodation venues who provide vouchers to entice participants back again!