To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race | 2026
Event information
Ride To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race on 21-22 November 2026 in Oudtshoorn. Tackle 152km over two days across the rugged Swartberg.
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 at De Hoek Holiday Resort near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. Established in 1995, this legendary two-day mountain biking event takes riders on an unforgettable adventure through the rugged Swartberg Mountains and into the remote Gamkaskloof valley, famously known as Die Hel (The Hell).
⛰️ Riders tackle a challenging 152km route over two days, navigating rocky mountain roads, steep climbs, sharp switchbacks and spectacular descents. The journey takes participants through one of South Africa's most remarkable mountain landscapes, with an overnight stay in the remote race village before making the demanding return journey on Day 2.
🏅 Race Distances & Elevation
| StageDistanceElevation Gain | ||
| Day 1 – To Hell | 76km | 1,820m |
| Day 2 – And Back | 76km | 2,150m |
| Total | 152km | 3,970m |
🔥 The route features demanding mountain terrain, historic dirt roads and dramatic scenery as riders descend into Gamkaskloof before climbing back out the following day.
💰 Entry Fees & Accommodation Packages
| Entry PackagePrice Per Person | |
| Hell Race Camp – Boplaas Guest Farm | R5,100 |
| Own Accommodation | R4,700 |
| Luxury Race Camp – Sharing | R6,700 |
| Luxury Race Camp – Single | R7,700 |
| Supporter Package | R2,200 |
| Luxury Support Package | R3,700 |
Accommodation packages offer different levels of comfort for riders spending the night in The Hell, from traditional race camp tents to luxury tented accommodation.
📍 Event Details
Dates: Saturday, 21 – Sunday, 22 November 2026
Start Venue: De Hoek Holiday Resort
Location: Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Overnight Race Village: Boplaas Guest Farm, Gamkaskloof
Organiser: Ecobound Hell & Back
Total Distance: 152km
Maximum Entries: 500 participants
Event Format: Two-day MTB stage race
🎁 What's Included
Depending on your selected race package, entrants can receive:
🏕️ Overnight accommodation in the remote Gamkaskloof race village.
👕 Official event T-shirt.
🏅 Finisher medal for riders completing the event.
🍽️ Saturday lunch and dinner, followed by Sunday breakfast.
🎒 Luggage transport for race camp packages.
🌄 An unforgettable mountain biking experience through the Swartberg wilderness.
⛰️ Experience the Legendary Die Hel
The To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race is more than a mountain biking challenge. It's an adventure into one of South Africa's most remote and spectacular landscapes.
With no electricity, mobile reception, television or radio in the overnight race village, riders can disconnect from everyday life and experience the camaraderie of a truly unique MTB stage race.
Whether you're returning to conquer the legendary route or taking on The Hell for the first time, prepare for 152km of climbing, descending, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable mountain biking adventure.