Kwazulu - Natal - Berg, Bushveld, Battlefields

CLOSEST TOWN »     Newcastle    
DISTANCE »     91 km circuit
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[ OVERVIEW ]

On your bike
This is an ideal ride for a taste of “bike packing” or genuine endurance training. The circuit is very scenic, meandering through the foothills of the Drakensberg. Except for 21 km of tarred road at the end of the pass, it is all along secondary dirt roads, known only to the local communities. The circuit starts and ends at the Mullers Pass general dealer in KwaZulu-Natal, but includes a 30 km stint through the Free State. At the Mullerspas shop, turn left onto dirt. The climb up Mullers Pass begins at the 7.8 km mark, and is the first of many ups and downs.

After the turn-off to Memel, it’s a roller coaster ride to Normandien Pass along the S783. Normandien Pass is definitely the highlight of this ride. At 57km be sure to stop and admire the incredible view from “Noah’s Ark”, a large rock near the top of the Pass which is vaguely shaped like a boat. To the left is the Holkrans Mountain ridge, covered with a vast expanse of indigenous forest. To the right is the ‘Berg. Ahead of you lies Newcastle and the shimmering Chelmsford Dam. The reward is a 7 km flight down the pass. This descent is technically demanding and very steep in some sections, so make sure your brakes are plush. Turn left and ride the last 21 km on tar, back to the Mullerspas shop.

By road (57 km)
For all those caught somewhere in between MTB and road cycling, this road route follows the perimeter of Ntsingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam. The dam is 25 km outside Newcastle CBD and can be accessed by exiting town along Scott Street.

CONTACT
Route information: Chris van der Linde, Triathlon Cycles
Address: 25 Ayliff Street, Newcastle
Telephone: (034) 315 4055
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.triathloncycles.co.za

Rated by : Susanna Mills

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Moderate

DURATION:

CONFIGURATION : 91km circular route

START POINT: Start and finish at Mullers Pass general dealer

TERRAIN: Dirt roads, tar

MAP:

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Public district roads

FACILITIES:

BEWARE OF: Strong winds on Normandien Pass