To Hell and Back: As Jy Weet, Weet Jy…

“Hulle Weet Nie Wat Ons Weet Nie” might have been popularised by the Springboks and Dricus du Plessis, but it could well be the watch words of the men and women who frequent the To Hell and Back pilgrimage. Three decades on from the inaugural edition, which started the South African love affair with stage race mountain biking in 1995, the trek in and out of Gamkaskloof remains a favourite of experienced riders. Its legend is spread on word of mouth and that is how EcoBound Adventures prefer it – simple, true to the sports roots, boutique without the bourgeoisie implications.

That is not to say that To Hell and Back is a spartan experience. 30 editions and everything the changeable Swartberg weather has thrown at them has refined the race offering and highlighted the essential elements. For 2024 these include a lush campsite on the banks of the Oshoekshangrivier, cottages and luxury upgrade tents, as well as three well stocked water points, beers, a braai, and great coffee – despite the race village being in the middle of nowhere. It is everything real mountain bikers need from a stage race, with none of the hype or palaver, and will take place on the 16^th and 17^th of November 2024.

Gamkaskloof – affectionately known as Die Hel – is one of South Africa’s most remote regions. There is only one road in and despite the march of modernity no connection to the national electricity grid or cell phone signal. Photo by Reblex/Llewellyn Lloyd.

“To Hell and Back is the OG of South African stage racing,” Zane Schmahl, of EcoBound Adventures explained. “It has seen trends come and go, has withstood some difficult years through fires, floods, and a pandemic. But it continues to attract a core group of riders. It feels like, ‘if you know, you know.’ It’s perhaps not a race that’s on many newcomers to the sports’ radar, but that’s okay. We like that it has become a reunion of sorts for industry stalwarts and proper mountain bikers.”

“In Die Hel you braai your own supper, but you don’t have to pitch your own tent anymore – we’re not that DIY with the riders anymore,” Schmahl laughed. “It’s part of the ethos of the event. Safari Braai supply the braai drums, we light the fires and keep the coals perfect, then you reflect on Day 1 and strategize for Day 2 while charring your meat to your personal perfection.”

Braaiing your own dinner is part of the To Hell and Back appeal. Photo by Reblex/Llewellyn Lloyd.

The 29^th edition, in 2023, took riders deeper into Gamkaskloof than ever before. This extended the route to 75 kilometres a day, but rewarded with the kloof’s most welcoming campsite, Boplaas. “The new race village, in Die Hel, at Boplaas is fantastic. It’s located on the banks of a small river, boasts lush green lawns, and offers ample additional accommodation options. There are a number of cottages as well as luxury canvas tents which riders can upgrade to or book for themselves,” Schmahl stated.

“As a family the EcoBound team are looking forward to our annual pilgrimage into Die Hel. It’s a highlight for us, and for the many riders who return year-on-year too. We look forward to hosting just under 150 riders and their family members this year, which is a nice size from a vibe but also from a close-knit group perspective.”

The Boplaas race village boasts lush green lawns on the banks of the Oshoekshangrivier. Photo by Reblex/Llewellyn Lloyd.

The road to hell has been extensively repaired after the April floods and are in a better condition than they were in 2023. “We will be taking a recce into Die Hel on the weekend of the 19^th and 20^th of October to check the road and finalise our logistics plans,” Schmahl confirmed. “Follow our social media hands for updates from the route and a look at what to expect at the Boplaas campsite in the kloof.”

Riders in the 30^th edition will receive a custom CIOVITA To Hell and Back t-shirt as well as support from Squirt Cycling Products, GU Energy, Sugar Bird Coffee, and Safari Braai. Due to the remote nature of the route there will be no live updates from the course, but riders can share in the pre- and post-race excitement by following @ridetohellandback on Instagram or liking the To Hell and Back Facebook page. For more information visit www.tohellandback.co.za.

The Road to Hell has been repaired after the April 2024 floods and should be in a relatively good, but not gravel bike friendly, condition. Photo by Reblex/Llewellyn Lloyd.