To Hell and Back

Lorna and some of her friends recently did a mountain bike race called "To Hell and Back". This race goes via the Swartberg pass down into the Gamkaskloof (also known as "Die Hel"). It is a two day race with day 1 going to the Gamkaskloof and day 2 being back out.

This used to be an isolated community that only got a proper road in the 60s. Before then you had to walk in and out of the valley. I borrowed my brother's bakkie and drove in with Pippa to support the riders and see this unique place.

The Road to Hell



The route starts near the Cango Caves and goes over the pass...



Then it turns off the pass and heads towards the valley...



The big last climb of the day is called Heartbreak Hill



After this the trail goes down into the Gamkaskloof.



At the finish







Swimming at the river







Out of hell...



Pippa and I went by the Cango Caves too...





At the finish again










See all the photos here.

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