Free State - Central Free State

CLOSEST TOWN »     Harrismith    
DISTANCE »     Self-guided 45km circuit
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[ OVERVIEW ]

On your bike

This route forms part of the Dirty Harry MTB Classic held every year in October and follows dirt roads, concrete strips and jeep tracks.

Platberg Mountain has always announced to travelers that they are either well on the way down to the coast or nearing Gauteng. It is a timeless landmark brooding over the provincial border between the free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The busy N3 toll road down to Durban and the small town of Harrismith are clustered at its feet.

This monolithic, flat-topped mountain, which soars to 2,394m above sea level, has a unique ecosystem at the top. This acts as a giant sponge, absorbing rainfall which seeps down and finally flows off sheer cliffs and kloofs as mountain streams and waterfalls. From the gentler lower slopes, it is a gradual climb to the foot of Donkey’s Pass.

Consisting of two concrete strips, this radical 3 km ascent will force race snakes into granny gear, while mere mortals will push their bikes. When you look back from the top, this pass beautifully frames the glittering Sterkfontein Dam and Drakensberg Mountains. It is possible to ride left along the top surrounded by incredible views but this jeep track is difficult to find from the pass and you may choose some dead ends initially. To the right of Donkey’s Pass there is the small Gibson Dam and the sheer cliffs facing Van Reenen.

The good news is that the descent off Platberg is easy to find, as it is near a prominent, illuminated crucifix. The bad news is that you’ll have to carry your bike down the eroded, rocky zigzag footpath down. An easier ride would be to go straight past Donkey’s Pass, cycling parallel to the cliffs. This contour road is still high enough to have excellent views.

Off your bike

Botanical Gardens, Boer War Blockhouse, Sterkfontein Dam.

CONTACT
Route information: Johan de Bruyn, Topsport Cycles
Address: PO Box 1548, Harrismith, 9880
Telephone: (058) 623 0435 or 082 926 0369
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.bergbohaai.co.za

Bike Friendly Alternative

Establishment: Clifford Estate Health and Wellness Manor
Activities River canoeing, hiking, birding, horse-riding, fly- and river fishing, game drives, bolted rock climbing courses, a driving range and golf at a nearby course. Also meditation and beauty and lifestyle therapy.
Telephone: (058) 622 3309 or 082 413 7082
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.cliffordestate.co.za

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Difficult to Extreme

DURATION:

CONFIGURATION : A self-guided 45km circuit

START POINT: At Platberg Nature Reserve

TERRAIN: Dirt roads, concrete strips, jeep tracks

MAP: A Platberg Nature Reserve map is available from Topsport Cycles, 34B Warden Street, Harrismith.

MORE INFORMATION: Johan De Bruyn, Topsport Cycles (058) 623-0435 / 082 926 0369

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Public access to cyclists

FACILITIES:

BEWARE OF: