Old Helshoogte Pass

[Robbie Stewart]

I will strongly advise against about going up there alone.

And with the SE blowing, a lot of the bluegum branches breaks off and lands in the roadway, so you will have to dodge them (and the ones still hanging from the tree by a sliver of bark)

 

fixed it (I am not intending to be a grammar-nazi, but in this instance clarity is paramount.)

[jandemoerin]

Safety in numbers right? So how many is enough?

[Thomo]

Hi Guys. Is the old Helshoogte pass rideable?

Technically rideable, but I don't think many go up there anymore.

Pity, cause it is quite a nice ride.

[Wannabe]

Safety in numbers right? So how many is enough?

 

Well, the guys lurking in the shade was brave enough to tackle 5 x mountain bikers not too long ago. (although they did come of 2nd best)

[dannygirl]

Lovely as that pass is, it is simply NOT safe.  Especially with the African Valley squatters in close proximity - which also rendered Bothmaskop unsafe.  

 

Going up you won't have enough speed to take evasive action, going down, a stick in spokes might be lethal.  This road has lots of hiding places for those meaning harm, and hardly any overlooking or cars passing by.  

 

There's been many examples throughout the Cape Peninsula and elsewhere of attacks on cyclists and hikers who were attacked while out in a group. 

 

My opinion - just too risky.   

[-cK-]

Safety in numbers right? So how many is enough?

Glock 9 on the hip

R1 over the back

Berreta Nano on the one ankle

Ballistic knife on the other

And what ever you can still fit on your person and pedal...  

[jandemoerin]

Sjoe!

[Robbie Stewart]

Simply put, the ride is not worth the risk.

The last time I ascended Helshoogte, and came down the old pass with my boet, and although it was a lekker ride, I felt on edge all the time. This was about 3 years or so ago, and at the time there was a spike in incidents all along that stretch. Even riding the new, current climb is dodgy.

 

There are many better options available. It is a pity to lose that stretch, but unless you part of a large bunch, the odds are stacked against you.