To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race | 2026
Event information
Ride To Hell and Back on 21–22 Nov 2026. Tackle 152km over two days through the rugged Swartberg and legendary Die Hel.
About To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race | 2026
The To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race 2026 takes place on Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 November 2026, starting near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. This legendary two-day mountain biking adventure takes riders deep into the spectacular Swartberg Mountains and Gamkaskloof, better known as Die Hel.
⛰️ Riders tackle approximately 152km over two days, combining long climbs, rugged mountain roads, technical descents and incredible Klein Karoo scenery. With an overnight stay in the remote Gamkaskloof valley, To Hell and Back delivers far more than a traditional MTB race — it is a true South African mountain biking adventure.
🏅 Race Distances & Elevation
🔥 Day 1 – To Hell
- Distance: 76km
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,820m
- Destination: Gamkaskloof / Die Hel
⛰️ Day 2 – And Back
- Distance: 76km
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,150m
- Finish: Back towards the Oudtshoorn race base
🚴 Total Challenge
- Total Distance: 152km
- Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,970m
- Format: Two-day MTB stage race
💰 Entry Packages
🏕️ Hell Race Camp – Boplaas Guest Farm
- R5,100 per person
🚴 Own Accommodation
- R4,700 per person
✨ Luxury Race Camp – Sharing
- R6,700 per person
🌟 Luxury Race Camp – Single
- R7,700 per person
👥 Supporter Package
- R2,200 per person
🏕️ Luxury Support Package
- R3,700 per person
Accommodation options range from traditional race-camp setups to more comfortable luxury tented packages.
📍 Event Details
Dates: Saturday, 21 – Sunday, 22 November 2026
Region: Oudtshoorn & Swartberg Mountains, Western Cape
Overnight Destination: Gamkaskloof / Die Hel
Total Distance: 152km
Event Format: Two-day MTB stage race
Maximum Entries: 500 riders
🎁 What’s Included
🏕️ Overnight accommodation according to your selected package.
🍽️ Meals during the race weekend, including Saturday lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast.
🎒 Luggage transport for applicable race packages.
👕 Official event apparel.
🏅 Finisher medal for riders who complete the challenge.
🚵 Two unforgettable days of mountain biking through one of South Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.
⛰️ Ride to Hell and Back!
The To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race is one of South Africa’s most distinctive mountain biking adventures, combining endurance, remote wilderness and the legendary journey into Gamkaskloof.
Day one takes riders deep into Die Hel, while day two demands another tough effort to climb back out and complete the return journey.
Whether you're taking on the challenge for the first time or returning to conquer the Swartberg once again, prepare for 152km of climbing, descending, spectacular scenery and unforgettable MTB adventure.