This monster ride kicks off on 500 m of tar and then follows a 7 km jeep track warm-up (5 km along the railway line) before cranking into the first 3.8 km monster uphill. Test your endurance along this rocky 4x4 track ascending Swartberg for superb views of Table Mountain and the Swartland region. The descent is exhilarating, following a steep cement track, aptly named ‘The Mineshaft’ and due care must be taken here. After descending you will have time to relax for a while as you cruise the flats through a farm yard or three and wind your way through wheat fields galore.

A few moderate climbs and a short technical section follows. Then it’s up a 2 km hill and back onto an easy ride along the gravel road crossing the neck of the mountain. Now the real test follows! Take on a severe 3.6 km of granny climbing to the summit of Koringberg and take a deep breath before blasting into a nightmare descent. This hectic footpath bangs amongst stands of eucalyptus trees, through dongas and past gaping aardvark holes for 1.5 km before you make it home – hopefully in one piece. The route is tough but not impossible.

Off your bike

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Swartland’s wide open spaces and visit small dorps brimming with character (and characters!) Darling boasts Pieter-Dirk Uys and his eclectic cabaret venue ‘Evita se Perron’. Riebeek Kasteel is graced with a dyed-in-the-wool Royal Hotel and other establishments featuring the best in country cuisine, art and crafts. Stop for lunch and you’ll stay for a day.

CONTACT
Route information: Barend Smit
Address: Die Pastorie, Kareestraat, Koringberg, 7312
Telephone: 022 432 8005 / 072 185 7785
Email: kingofthehill@cybertrade.co.za

[ FAST FACTS ]

• GRADING: Intermediate to difficult (with 2 extreme downhills)
  
  
• DURATION:
  
  
• CONFIGURATION :
  
  
• START POINT: Start off at the Dutch Reformed Church in Koringberg
  
  
• TERRAIN: Jeep-track, cement track, farm roads, gravel road
  
  
• MAP: Available from Barend Smit
  
  
• MORE INFORMATION:
  
  
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: By prior arrangement with Barend Smit (022) 432 8005 / 083 611 8515 – no entry fee
  
  
• FACILITIES: No ablutions on route; good cell phone reception
  
  
• BEWARE OF: