2014 To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race
Press Release / 26.11.2014
2014 brought us the 20th To Hell and Back MTB stage race. The year hell froze over, a year to remember!
Turning 20 years old made this the first ever MTB Stage Race of South Africa, covering 120km’s over 2 days. Not much has changed since the first event, back in 1995, when it was created out of a deep passion for remote places and touring-style riding. The true original spirit of mountain biking is captured deep in the roots of the To Hell and Back – the main reason why this is a unique MTB event product and so popular. It’s an original, a classic, enjoyed by the true mountain bikers of SA.
This event is classified for only the brave, adventurous, crazy and passionate mountain bikers, unquestionably proven again this year.
The first day riders started their track up the Swartberg Pass, unaware of the extreme weather they will be facing when they reach the summit. The scenic surroundings over the winding pass took second place when snow started falling and degrees dropped to -3! This is the second year in a row riders had to face some extreme cold weather while doing the To Hell and Back, but the snow added a whole new aspect to the event! Fires were lit at the first water table and riders changed their attitude, from ‘touring’ to ‘surviving’, encouraging each other and helping where they can. With Heartbreak hill always looming in the distance never too far away for the eyes to see, many wished Hell was easier to reach! The top of Elandspass ended the hard work for Day 1, as it was downhill from there into Gamkaskloof or “Die Hell”, the finish for the first day and where warm showers, food, beer and the rugby awaited.
During the afternoon riders enjoyed some in-house entertainment with the rugby match between SA and England. The evening there was great live music and supper was served, or rather ‘braaid’. The overnight stop in The Hell means that everybody stays together, which makes for a great atmosphere. Riders are ‘captured’ by the shear remoteness of Gamkaskloof, No electricity, no cell reception, no TV, not even radio reception!
Day 2 started out with only the brave riders setting off to conquer Elandspass, as the weather didn’t look like it would be warming up. Once again, it was cold, but no snow was falling as the riders cycled the same route back ‘out of the Hell’ returning to the De Hoek Nature Reserve, the Finish of an epic journey and great achievement for all finishers!
More loyal sponsors we couldn’t ask for; Spur with waiters handing out burgers and chips with a smile (come rain, wind or snow!) Squirt making sure every chain gets lube, not missing one bicycle, and Clover, waiting till the very end for each participant to finish.
Due to limited accommodation and facilities in The Hell, CapeNature placed a limit on the number of participants allowed. When the event reaches that capacity – entries are closed.
Make sure not to miss this experience next year and ensure you enter this event when entries open on 01 June! You can expect a party, as the event will be turning 21!
For further information go to www.tohellandback.co.za
