Mountain Merchant was never built to simply sell products.
It was built around the idea that the outdoors is ultimately about people — the conversations shared on trails, the friendships formed on rides, the ritual of early mornings, and the communities that grow around movement and adventure.
From 1 August 2026, Mountain Merchant will begin hosting a series of free weekly community activities in and around Stellenbosch, open to anyone who shares a love for trails, mountains, riding, hiking and the outdoors.
These are not races.
They are not training camps.
And they are not exclusive clubs.
They are simply opportunities to get outside with good people.
Tuesday Coffee Ride
Every Tuesday morning before work, we host a relaxed social road ride through the quiet streets and surrounding roads of Stellenbosch.
The emphasis is always on conversation, consistency and starting the day properly — not racing.
Routes will vary week to week depending on weather and season, but rides are designed to be accessible to most regular riders.
Every ride finishes where all good rides should:
at a local coffee shop for coffee and a pastry before work begins.
Wednesday Sunset Sesh
Wednesday evenings are reserved for dirt.
The Sunset Sesh is our midweek MTB night ride, rolling out around 18:00 and heading into the mountains as the sun disappears behind Stellenbosch’s ridgelines.
Lights are compulsory.
These rides are designed to capture everything that makes winter riding special:
- cool air
- fading light
- flowing trails
- dusty corners
- and the atmosphere that only comes once the day quietens down
After the ride, those who wish to stay usually gather for pizza, burgers or something cold to drink nearby.
Thursday Sunrise Hike
On Thursday mornings we slow things down.
Our Sunrise Hike series explores some of the most scenic trails and viewpoints around Stellenbosch through relaxed 60–90 minute guided hikes before the city fully wakes up.
Many hikes will include guest appearances from local subject specialists — ranging from conservationists and trail builders to photographers, botanists, endurance athletes and historians — adding an extra layer of insight and storytelling to the routes.
The goal is not simply fitness.
It is to better experience the landscapes we move through.
Open To Everyone
All Mountain Merchant community activities are free to attend unless otherwise stated.
Some rides and hikes may occasionally require pre-registration due to venue limitations or permit requirements, but the objective remains the same:
to create accessible, welcoming spaces for people who feel drawn to the outdoors.
Whether you are an experienced athlete, casual rider, weekend hiker or simply looking to meet like-minded people, you are welcome.
If you want to get added to the mailing list/whatsapp groups for any of the above activities, please send an email with your details to info@mountainmerch.co.za and we will be sure to add you.
More Than A Store
We believe the best outdoor communities are built around shared experiences, not transactions.
Mountain Merchant exists to support that culture:
- through movement
- through storytelling
- through shared adventure
- and through the people who show up week after week
We’ll see you out there.
