To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race

The Original Stage Race of South Africa will open the gates for the entries on Friday 1 July 2016 at 08:00am. This year will celebrate 22 years of riders taking on the longest mountain pass in South Africa to Gamkaskloof aka The Hell.

Did you know that originally The Hell entry system all worked on "snail" mail? If you wanted to enter the race you had to send a self addressed empty envelope to Ecobound. We only printed enough entry forms for the envelopes received. All envelopes was sent back to everyone on the same date for a fair chance to get an entry. The riders then filled it out and sent it back with their entry fee included in the envelope. The first 500 complete envelopes received got an entry! To say the least, Ecobound's office was flooded with envelopes, bribes and other things to ensure a spot in the much anticipated race of the year.

This year we have a new entry system with our brand new website (don't worry not so complicated as years before). All you need to do on Friday 1 July 2016 is to click enter on the website, fill in your details and select the options. Please make sure you understand the options available.
Option 1: To Hell and Back MTB Stage Race with own accommodation means you will need to organise your accommodation on your own with Cape Nature or with The Fontein Gaste Plaas in The Hell.
Option 2: This is The Hell Race Camp at the finish of Day 1 with a tent, mattress and meals. (Yes you need to braai your own meat at #TheHellBraai )
Select the other options available and hit enter, as easy as that. You will be prompted by email if there is anything else you need to do.

CS Lewis said that ‘the road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.’ In this case, the road to the Hell is a rocky dirt road with steep slopes, sharp switchbacks, ups and downs, dropping a hair raising 3000 feet down into a valley.

This race proudly is the first MTB stage race in South Africa. The views while riding on these historic roads are extraordinary, jaw dropping and nail biting all in one. It is known as the longest mountain pass in South Africa.

The overnight stop in The Hell means everybody stays together, which makes for a great atmosphere. The uniqueness of the race village is ‘captured’ within the shear remoteness of Gamkaskloof, no electricity, no cell reception, no TV, not even radio reception.

It was in 1995 that the first To Hell and Back took place. It came about from the love of riding and to popularise The Hell. Due to limited accommodation and facilities in The Hell, only 500 participants are allowed.

The Hell Riders of 2016 can look forward to an ice cold Darling Brew beer as the cross the line!

Jip you know it, those Spur Burgers will be somewhere in the middle of the road when you need it most!

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FROM THE TO HELL AND BACK 2015