THE ROUTE TO HAPPINESS
2024 was special, 2025 is going to be even more special. This is how we roll at go2berg. In 2025 we will have more trails, more breathtaking riding and some exciting new surprises. Our aim is to reward those who have trained hard and smart, with a challenging, yet uplifting route across the heart of South Africa.
go2berg is not a tour or a ride in the park, it is a proper challenge, and you will earn your medal after 7 days of riding in this magnificent country. The 2024 route will give you an indication of what to expect but we will have many new sections and changes that will make it even better.
The route profiles below are from our recent route recce – these may be subject to slight changes.
575 km
DISTANCE
7873 m
CLIMBING
8215 m
DESCENT
DAY 1 - 13TH SEPTEMBER - THE "WARM UP"
Villiers to Frankfort – 59km
We will start in the small town of Villiers about one and a half hours South of Johannesburg. This 58km stage is the perfect distance calibrate bikes, body and soul for the week ahead. This new route goes straight into farms and back country roads. You will immediately feel like you have left it all behind.
DAY 2 - 14TH SEPTEMBER - "FREE STATE OF MIND"
Frankfort to Reitz – 81 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.
DAY 3 - 15TH SEPTEMBER - THE "BOSS STAGE"
Reitz to Clarens – 116 km
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. This will be breathtaking in terms of scenery and in terms of your lungs.
DAY 4 - 16TH SEPTEMBER - "THE JOURNEY TO MT PAUL"
Clarens to Sterkfontein Dam – 87km
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. 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.
DAY 5 - 17TH SEPTEMBER - "THE BIG DROP"
Sterkfontein Dam to Emseni 99 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…
DAY 6 - 18TH SEPTEMBER - "SUPER SINGLE TRACK STAGE"
Emseni to Emseni – 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.
DAY 7 - 19TH SEPTEMBER - "THE CHAMPAGNE STAGE"
Emseni to the Drakensberg – 83 km
Normally an ending of something you love doing can be an anti-climax – our ending on the foothills of the Drakensberg will break this mould but providing a truly magnificent conclusion to your journey. Set in the foothills of the Drakensberg World Heritage mountains, the ending will have everything you need to unwind and to even extend your stay. We will ride towards the berg on farm trails and single track with views worthy of National Geographic picture spreads. We will have a great evening to round off a proper South African experience.