To Hell and Back
Two-day MTB stage race across Gamkaskloof’s remote Hell pass, limited to 500 riders with on-site overnight in the valley
The legend of To Hell & Back — C.S. Lewis said that “the road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” In this case, the road to The Hell is a rocky dirt road with steep slopes, sharp switchbacks, ups and downs, dropping a hair‑raising 3000 feet down into a valley.
This race proudly is the first MTB stage race in South Africa. The views while riding on these historic roads are extraordinary, jaw‑dropping and nail‑biting all in one. It is known as the longest mountain pass in South Africa. The overnight stop in The Hell means everybody stays together, which makes for a great atmosphere.
The uniqueness of the race village is captured within the sheer remoteness of Gamkaskloof: no electricity, no cell reception, no TV, not even radio reception. It was in 1995 that the first To Hell and Back took place. It came about from the love of riding and to popularise The Hell. Due to limited accommodation and facilities in The Hell, only 500 participants are allowed.
