Four Passes Challenge - TRAILS END

[rooikat]

Hi all, 

Anyone attempted this yet? Anyone keen to? https://www.trailsend.bike/four-passes-challenge/

I am not amped to do it on my own, but looking for non-racing snakes buddies who are willing to trek out early, take it easy, and make it back for sunset at Trails End! 

Let me know! 

Regards,

J

[Sid the Sloth]

Are you looking to do Mtb or road? 

[rooikat]

I don't mind : MTB or Road. 

Edited June 27, 2022 by Jenette

[rooikat]

9 minutes ago, Sid the Sloth said:

Are you looking to do Mtb or road? 

I'm happy to do either. 

[splat]

I have done that (road) loop and its pretty awesome - except for any stretch on the N2 and Sir Lowry's pass. They are currently doing some work on the mountain side and taken up a whole lot of road.

Whenever we did it, we tried to go early and did Sir Lowry's Pass first. The way that Trail's End had done the loop is so that the pass is at the end, when I imagine traffic would be the worst.

Franschhoek pass is generally awesome, but the motorbikes doing their thing in the mornings detracts from that a bit.

If I looked into doing it now, I would do the MTB option (on my gravel bike) and would stay clear of Sir Lowry's Pass.

[rooikat]

2 minutes ago, splat said:

I have done that (road) loop and its pretty awesome - except for any stretch on the N2 and Sir Lowry's pass. They are currently doing some work on the mountain side and taken up a whole lot of road.

Whenever we did it, we tried to go early and did Sir Lowry's Pass first. The way that Trail's End had done the loop is so that the pass is at the end, when I imagine traffic would be the worst.

Franschhoek pass is generally awesome, but the motorbikes doing their thing in the mornings detracts from that a bit.

If I looked into doing it now, I would do the MTB option (on my gravel bike) and would stay clear of Sir Lowry's Pass.

Thank you this is helpful, yes, I was in Elgin yesterday and Sir Lowrys Pass was a bit hectic! 

[MongooseMan]

2 hours ago, splat said:

If I looked into doing it now, I would do the MTB option (on my gravel bike) and would stay clear of Sir Lowry's Pass.

How doable do you reckon the MTB route is on a non-sus gravel bike?

[rooikat]

11 minutes ago, MongooseMan said:

How doable do you reckon the MTB route is on a non-sus gravel bike?

Someone posted about this on TrailsEnd IG. TrailsEnd said it should OK, depending on how well you choose your lines. Trails on A-Z section are quite rocky in general though. Could be a bit of a hike-a-bike vibes? 

Edited June 27, 2022 by rooikat

[Michael S]

Reviving a tread here. 

This section of track on the Northern part of the Theewaterskloof dam seems to run on private land.
Seems like you also need to jump a gate where it meets the base of FH pass. 

Does anyone know if one can ride this freely or with a trail pass, or is it a race only route requiring special permission?

[capediver]

Would also be interested in doing this...but I also see a few gates..

Coming along the Graymead Road:

 

 

And then joining the R45 to climb Franschoek Pass: