[Event] #2 Cradle | Ford Trailseeker Series 2026

[Faces]

Event Name: #2 Cradle | Ford Trailseeker Series 2026
When: 02/05/2026
Where: Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, Muldersdrift, Gauteng
Category: Mountain Bike

The 2026 Ford Trailseeker MTB Series heads to the legendary Cradle Moon in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind. Known for its mix of flowing singletrack, steep climbs, and spectacular scenery, this iconic venue promises an unforgettable mountain bike adventure. Riders can expect a challenging route packed with variety, from fast, open stretches to technical trails and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

Go to Event Page.

[Ewan De klerk]

Hi, missed the cut off. Anybody looking to sell an entry to the half marathon?

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

If you mail them they may be able to help you out. 

[Ewan De klerk]

Have asked. Unfortunately, they mentioned they can't. 

 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

3 hours ago, Ewan De klerk said:

Have asked. Unfortunately, they mentioned they can't. 

 

Ah that’s a bugger. I’m guessing it’s full then. Subsequently a bunch of posts on FB with people desperately looking for entries. 

[JK7]

Wow that was a mud fest!!

I have mixed feelings about the race because was great to see animals on route. But the mud made it difficult, my components were screaming at me, and lots of stopping due to muddy spots. 
 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

I hated just about every second except for the dry parts and the animals 😂

It was wetter than last year for sure, but the water table is sitting so high with this late rain that I’m surprised it wasn’t worse.

If you look at the times of the front runners it was all still very rideable, but it (the mud) always gets worse once the masses start to pass through. 

I am surprised that my bike behaved extremely well, mud and all. I didn’t have any squeaking or grinding and everything worked flawlessly. What didn’t work however was keeping my feet on my pedals. I could not for love or money keep traction on my pedals and I was in flats due to an ankle injury. 

I did not love it overall. 

[JK7]

It was a slog.

very few easy miles, almost no coasting in this race. 
how was that Ford climb!? Crazy.  At least that was dry !

[Avo]

What a day!!

Probably my worst day on a bike. Like you say, no easy Km's at all - the mud just sapped all my energy and by the 40km mark (Marathon) I was done. Nothing left in the tank and I was just wishing the Km's to go by and praying for it to end. Was very close to going down an escape road and calling it a day.

No fault of the event or the organisers. They cant control the mud. Water points were good. Well organsied event. My skills, fitness and legs were not up to the task.

In the lower gears my chain and sprockets were screaming for mercy...LOL.

 

 

[RocknRolla]

Well organised. 

By the time we got going enough wheels have gone through the track to make for some seriously sloshy sections. I could hears the ZAR's on some peoples drivetrains....

The Beer queue was very slow.

I have always supported E-bikes as an entry point to cycling for people who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. But the contenders for the Ebike race, had me thinking negative thoughts as they simply flew up the climbs with no effort.