Best Road Climbs in SA?

[TNT1]

Yeah well I dont want to die just yet........

Would actually be lekka to spend a week in Sabie with both the road bike and mtb.Must plan that but in the dry season

 

And then do a week in Clarens. Riding Golden gate is like heaven. Actually last time I went, I stayed outside Fouriesburg, but that also works.

[Kranswurm]

And then do a week in Clarens. Riding Golden gate is like heaven. Actually last time I went, I stayed outside Fouriesburg, but that also works.

What a good idea.I have never been to Golden Gate amazingly.Saw some pics the other day and blew my mind.

Can throw in a hike to the Amphitheatre as well

I need a good 3 week holiday

[Andymann]

Golden Gate is really good - the ride from Fouriesburg to Kiara lodge has a few nice shortish but challenging climbs. Do the sections inside golden gate nature reserve for a real challenge - think the junior tour did a hill-climb on those sections once. And, it's at altitude, so you get that bit of training done while you're at it! Nice challenge is Bethlehem - Fouriesburg - Clarens - Bethlehem. The last 10km into Bethlehem *bites*

[Thorn199]

And if you're up for a proper challenge while in Clarens / Fouriesburg, pop into Lesotho and ride the Mafika Lisiu pass (3090m altitude) on the way to Katse Dam.

 

http://blog.getaway.co.za/files/2011/05/View-from-the-top-of-Mafika-Lisiu-Pass-at-3090-metres1.jpg

 

http://www.lesothotours.co.za/Images/English/Mafika%20Lisiu%20pass%20Large.jpg

[Sean32]

I did the Sabie Grasskop over to Pigrams over the easter weekend. Then Brunch with the wife and kids. Boy was i happy about that.

43km 1280m of Elev. From the Fork split to Pilgrams and Graskop its 1.6km to the top at 10.4% then i nice down hill to Brunch.

[TNT1]

And if you're up for a proper challenge while in Clarens / Fouriesburg, pop into Lesotho and ride the Mafika Lisiu pass (3090m altitude) on the way to Katse Dam.

 

http://blog.getaway.co.za/files/2011/05/View-from-the-top-of-Mafika-Lisiu-Pass-at-3090-metres1.jpg

 

http://www.lesothotours.co.za/Images/English/Mafika%20Lisiu%20pass%20Large.jpg

 

Oh ya. Remember the Tour D' Lesotho? Fark me!

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Yeah, and the steep side of robbers is awesome to ride down, those hairpin bends. When the sign says danger, 30km/h, believe it.

 

- Yeah true, I have ridden up and down there quite a few times as I have time share at Crystal springs and yeah, going down is hectic, ......I used to stop off halfway down at the little viewing point off the road, but last time I was there a cop was there, stopped me and said its dangerous to stop here on your own as a few people had been mugged.

 

Sad, but ....well, thats SA.

 

......but climbing back up the steep side of Robbers is a killer, the steep switch back part is probably only, what about 5kms long? but the awful road surface makes you feel like you are sticking to the tar and it climbs all the way from Pilgrims to Crystal springs at the top, around 12kms on my Garmin.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

And then do a week in Clarens. Riding Golden gate is like heaven. Actually last time I went, I stayed outside Fouriesburg, but that also works.

 

Yeah, I also go to Golden Gate every now and then, not nearly as steep or long as Robbers and Long tom but fun none the less.

 

If you go to Fouriesburg again there's a guest house there built as a medieval castle, I stayed there a few years ago and it was super, I cant remember the name now, my brain is toast, but if you do a bit of internet looking you should find it.

 

Its built right on the top of a mountain and the views are fantastic, its only bed and coffee, so its a bit of a bummer as you have to find your meals elsewhere, they have braai facilities and stuff on the property if you want, but I just went into town or drove to Ficksburg, Clarens, or even in the Park.

[Breezer]

Vanrhynspas from Vredendal and back.

[Breezer]

A bid harder climb.

Pakhuispas from Clanwilliam and back.

[gtr1]

Do 2 laps, (1 either way) Lydenberg - Sabie - Pilgrims Rest - Lydenberg.

 

You go over Long Tom, then climb from Sabie, over Bonnets into Graskop and then Robbers. Then do it the opposite way so you do the steep sides of both Robbers and Long Tom. Bonnets is quite tough as well. Especially from Pilgrims side. Ok, maybe over 2 days :-)

 

Ride from Fouriesberg, into Lesotho and all the way to Oxbow. Overnight and ride back. Some serious climbing. At times the gradient is 12% with switchbacks. Goes on forever. Only about 70k's 1 way but could take some srious time.

[Cav']

And if you're up for a proper challenge while in Clarens / Fouriesburg, pop into Lesotho and ride the Mafika Lisiu pass (3090m altitude) on the way to Katse Dam.

 

http://blog.getaway.co.za/files/2011/05/View-from-the-top-of-Mafika-Lisiu-Pass-at-3090-metres1.jpg

 

http://www.lesothotours.co.za/Images/English/Mafika%20Lisiu%20pass%20Large.jpg

I seriously need to plan a trip to ride there

[T-Bob]

I seriously need to plan a trip to ride there

 

That is seriously impressive. Is that the pass in Lesotho?

[Cav']

That is seriously impressive. Is that the pass in Lesotho?

Only the one pic

[Zac.A]

Also the Dasklip pass close to Porteville, Picketberg and Beaverlac.

 

Starts at 220m and ends at 700m, think it's about 10km.