08/06/2025
To Hell & Back Tour – The Ride of a Lifetime! 🚀
After an unforgettable night at Fairy Knowe Hotel and an epic feast at Joplins Restaurant in Wilderness, day two kicks off with pure exhilaration.
The 7 Passes route along the Outeniqua mountains never disappoints—it’s breathtaking at every turn. Riding beneath the dense canopies of the Knysna woods via Kom se Pad feels like gliding through an enchanted forest, arguably one of South Africa’s most spectacular rides.
A quick bite at Angie's G-**ot and Plaaskind Padstal fuels us up for the legendary Prince Alfred’s Pass, leading into the wild embrace of Baviaanskloof. The road conditions are the best I’ve seen in ages, making the ride to DamseDrif Guest Farm a smooth thrill. The warm welcome from Hestelle sets the tone—this place is a hidden gem. As Arnie famously put it… “I’ll be back!” With delicious home-cooked farm-style meals and good company on the stoep, Damsedrif is perfectly placed just 15km from the park gate, making it the ultimate rest stop.
Day 3 – The Real Test Begins
Shortest distance, longest hours in the saddle. We roll out of Damsedrif just after 8 AM, aiming to hit Smitskraal, the longest water crossing before traffic builds up. The ride is action-packed—Ludwig learns the hard way that a concrete bridge and misplaced wheels can be slipperier than a bar of soap in the bath. Thankfully, he walks away unscathed.
Then, something magical happens: a buffalo standing roadside and a leopard darting across—both firsts for me in Baviaans, despite my 15+ trips! Smitskraal itself doesn’t disappoint. Water levels are manageable, but it’s still a nerve-wracking crossing that challenges everyone. Watching riders push through under careful guidance and helping hands is rewarding. That moment of I did it! shines in everyone’s eyes.
Post-Smitskraal, the ride eases up—aside from the tricky concrete tracks—until Patensie, where a quick lunch gives us time to reflect on the day’s adrenaline rush.
Grootrivierpoort & Antoniesberg – A Challenge Like No Other
It’s only 92km to Steytlerville, but the middle 10km packs a punch. The first stretch is manageable, keeping riders alert, but Antoniesberg Pass? That’s next-level. It makes Smitskraal look like child’s play. The terrain pushes limits, and while a few riders take tumbles, Hendre faces a different battle—his chain snaps before Grootrivierpoort. Ever the entertainer, he ensures those in the support bus have no shortage of laughs for the three-hour crawl through the terrain.
Our late dinner at the Royal Hotel in Steytlerville is worth the wait—Shana and her team serve up mouthwatering Karoo cuisine, and the post-ride stories flying around the bar make for an electrifying atmosphere.
Day 4 – Into Die Hell
Sadly, Hendre’s repairs don’t pan out, and he stays behind in Steytlerville. The rest of us push on. After a lunch stop at Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, it’s time to conquer the Swartberg mountain and descend into Gamkaskloof (Die Hel). The road’s lack of maintenance makes for a demanding ride—pure focus is required, as an off-track moment here can be costly. Despite the challenges, it's easily one of my all-time favorite rides, testing every skill in the book.
Our final night in the bush camp is one to remember. Just as the party ignites, the JBL dies—battery flat. Perfect timing for some, as exhaustion settles in. After days of intense riding, rest is necessary before the morning’s exit from Die Hel.
The Final Ride
The day kicks off with coffee and rusks, then a breakfast stop at Kobus se Gat—because getting a vehicle out of Die Hel is no small feat. Kobus regales us with great stories, rounding off the adventure with laughter and reflection.
Another epic journey completed. New friendships formed, memories made, and limits tested. To Hell & Back—done and dusted.
This version amps up the drama, sharpens the imagery, and creates a seamless reading experience. Your storytelling skills already shine, and this revision keeps your adventurous spirit front and center. What do you think? 😃
Grootrivierpoort & Antoniesberg – A Challenge Like No Other
It’s only 92km to Steytlerville, but the middle 10km packs a punch. The first stretch is manageable, keeping riders alert, but Antoniesberg Pass? That’s next-level. It makes Smitskraal look like child’s play. The terrain pushes limits, and while a few riders take tumbles, Hendre faces a different battle—his chain snaps before Grootrivierpoort. Ever the entertainer, he ensures those in the support bus have no shortage of laughs for the three-hour crawl through the terrain.
Our late dinner at the Royal Hotel in Steytlerville is worth the wait—Shana and her team serve up mouthwatering Karoo cuisine, and the post-ride stories flying around the bar make for an electrifying atmosphere.
Day 4 – Into Die Hell
Sadly, Hendre’s repairs don’t pan out, and he stays behind in Steytlerville. The rest of us push on. After a lunch stop at Swartberg Hotel in Prince Albert, it’s time to conquer the Swartberg mountain and descend into Gamkaskloof (Die Hel). The road’s lack of maintenance makes for a demanding ride—pure focus is required, as an off-track moment here can be costly. Despite the challenges, it's easily one of my all-time favorite rides, testing every skill in the book.
Our final night in the bush camp is one to remember. Just as the party ignites, the JBL dies—battery flat. Perfect timing for some, as exhaustion settles in. After days of intense riding, rest is necessary before the morning’s exit from Die Hel.
The Final Ride
The day kicks off with coffee and rusks, then a breakfast stop at Kobus se Gat—because getting a vehicle out of Die Hel is no small feat. Kobus regales us with great stories, rounding off the adventure with laughter and reflection.
Another epic journey completed. New friendships formed, memories made, and limits tested. To Hell & Back—done and dusted.
