The route to trail adventure happiness

The route

 After some great rides which, we call the dry run, we have some good news, the route is very, very special. In total it will be 519km. See daily info below.

13 September to 19 September

13 Sept 2024 – Day 0
Frankfort to Frankfort – 20km

After registration at Frankfort, we will have a 20 km “prologue” to warm the legs up. A meander down the Wilge river will get rid of all the travel fatigue and get you ready for action. Time to calibrate bikes and body.

14 Sept – Day 1
Frankfort to Reitz – 93 km

This is where the adventure begins. You will ride through remote farms and on trails that completely take you away from it all. You may not see another moving vehicle the entire day. The water points hosted by passionate farming communities will keep you energised. The open landscapes are breathtaking. Terrain: trails, farm roads, gravel roads.

 

15 Sept –  Day 2
Reitz to Clarens – 91 km Queen Stage

We have made this day a shorter. How you make ask? You will find out on the 13th September. Your destination is Clarens, a small tourist town, set in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. This will be a wonderfully rewarding day on the bike for those who have put the work in – Don’t come unprepared. It will test the racing snakes and the riders alike. Save some legs for the spectacular new ending into Clarens. This will be breathtaking in terms of scenery and in terms of your lungs.  

 

16 Sept – Day 3
Clarens to Windmill Guest Farm (the Escarpment) – 102km

The route alongside the mountains of the Golden Gate National Park, in the early morning, will warm up the legs and senses, before heading onto rural farm roads, some testy sections and then on to the trails of Mount Paul and on to an over Sterkfontein Dam wall before a 2okm “roadie” style ending at Windmill Guest Farm. Mount Paul, Sterkfontein Dam Wall, are just some of the big names you will experience on an awesome journey towards the escarpment (where the Free State drops to Kwa-Zulu Natal). This is another proper day in the saddle to ensure that you have earned your drinks at the end of the day.

17 Sept – Day 4
Windmill Guest Farm to Emseni 79 km 

This is a truly special day on a mountain bike. The massive drop from the Free State to Kwa-Zulu Natal provides some of the most awesome riding along with places to take spectacular photos (if you are not racing). You will be riding on trails used by Voortrekkers, you will ride past battle sites of the Anglo-Boer war, and you will experience the majestic beauty of South Africa as you work your way to Emseni camp where you will spend two nights. There are trails for Africa on this descent and at the end of day you will just want more……so we will give you more…

 

18 Sept – Day 5
Emseni to Emseni (Super Single Track Stage) – 50 km

50km of proper mountain biking single track trails to inspire all levels of riders. You will ride from the camp in the morning and finish hours later with stories and more stories. You will descent off Spionkop mountain and other great trails that have made Berg and Bush famous. The Kop at Liverpool is named after the famous Anglo Boer War Battle of Spionkop. We think this could be one of the most exciting mountain biking stages you will ever ride.

 

 

19 Sept – Day 6
Emseni to Champagne Sports Resort – 83 km

Normally an ending of something you love doing can be an anti-climax – our ending at the famous Champagne Sports Resort will break this mould but providing a truly magnificent conclusion to your journey. Set in the foothills of the Drakensberg World Heritage mountains, this resort has everything you need to unwind and to even extend your stay. We will ride towards the berg on farm trails and single track trails with views worthy of National Geographic picture spreads. We will have a great evening together on Thursday 19th September.  

 

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