This is one of those rides that really put ‘mountain’ into mountain-biking. Crank off from the village main street along tarmac until you see the sign to the Swartberg pass on your right. From here it’s gnarly gravel all the way as you granny-crank into the teeth of gravity and sweat it out along 18 km of relentless climbing. Drop down for a few hundred metres until you see the sign to Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) on your right, but only head in here if you’re feeling brave.

A challenging 50 km slog along eroded gravel, up ruthless dirt passes and down steep switchbacks will eventually bomb you into Die Hel. Brutal road conditions, extreme weather and an accumulated climb of around 3,600 m for the return journey make this a ride you should not attempt lightly. It is best to do the route over two days and camp overnight in Die Hel, or cycle in and arrange for a backup vehicle to pick you up.

Note that another route option into Die Hel is now open to mountain bikers. This is even tougher than the public road route and follows the 4x4 eco-trail. More information on this is available from Cape Nature Conservation’s web site (www.capenature.co.za). Other route options from Prince Albert include a speedy and flat ride from the village to the Gamkapoort Dam. This undulating and pleasurable ride traverses the foot of Aasvoëlberg before crossing the Gamka River where the surface becomes sandy in places. Pass through several gates into the nature reserve surrounding the dam, juddering along the last 10 km of trail. Here the road passes through steep koppies and becomes very rocky and testing. This rates as an intermediate one-way ride of around 40 km.

Off your bike

Period architecture abounds in Prince Albert and accommodation options include Victorian guest houses, country hotels and self-catering cottages set amongst sprawling fruit orchards. Antique shops, fig farms, artists’ studios, tractor trails, cheese dairies, wool weavers and a Karoo vineyard add to the dorp’s earthy attraction. Annual events not to be missed include the Olive festival in April and the Witblits Festival in August, but keep in mind both winter and summer go hand in hand with climatic extremes.

[ FAST FACTS ]

• GRADING: Intermediate to Extreme
  
  
• DURATION:
  
  
• CONFIGURATION : 57km one way
  
  
• START POINT: At the main street in the Village
  
  
• TERRAIN: Tarmac, gravel – other routes sandy and rocky
  
  
• MAP: Available from Prince Albert Tourism
  
  
• MORE INFORMATION:
  
  
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Public road
  
  
• FACILITIES: Various accommodation facilities in Prince Albert and Die Hel; poor cell phone reception
  
  
• BEWARE OF: Extreme heat in summer and extreme cold in winter