Route

The route is almost entirely unmarked except for some of the fast flowing descents and some tricky sections. Each team follows a detailed route sheet containing specific instructions and accurate kilometre distances between instructions. A functioning bike computer is essential (GPS units are not permitted – unless needed for measuring distance).
There is one water point each day at approximately the halfway mark. This is also a compulsory check-in point.
Certain sections of the route have been included specifically to indulge those who relish the challenge of a technical climb or descent and should be approached with caution by the saner amongst us.

Day 1 – Hawane to Bulembu

Day 1 starts with a gentle climb from Hawane Resort into Malolotja Nature Reserve and straight into a technical single track climb up to the Old Mine. Passing through the mine leads to a jeep track leading on to the top of Swaziland’s second highest peak, Ngwenya Mountain. The jeep track gets very rocky just below the summit along the section aptly known as Baboon’s Back.

The jeep track fades away as it drops off Ngwenya Mountain through the gates at Mbanjwa 1 & 2  and into the plains of Malolotja Nature Reserve. The fast and furious section down towards Tjomoloti should be handled with care to avoid wipe outs. Tjomolti is a cracking new single track section which flows through Madze Matje towards the water point at the top end of Maguga Dam.

The swing bridge over Maguga Dam leads along a single track section past the Luhumuneni School and up along the sparkling Mkomasaan River. Day 1 is notoriously tough with 2 massive stings in its tail. First up is the zig zag forest climb up to the base of Lions Head. What goes up must come down and in this case it drops sharply along the single track of Heenans Staircase. It’s a good idea to stop if you want to admire the view across into Malolotja from here. A mountain bikers’ heaven awaits as you enter The Brown Crocodile which slips you into a dream world with refreshing sparkling pools to cool off in. The illusion ends abruptly as you come face to face with Too Brutal. There is simply no easy way around or through the Mkhomasaan gorge.  Too Brutal has only ever been ridden by a handful of mountain goats and provides an opportunity for you to become one with your bike. Once the portage is over, it is a gentle roll into the finish in Bulembu.

Day 2 – Bulembu to Orion

Day 2 is a real treat for the legs after the grueling day 1. It starts with a short neutral zone before a 3km jeep track climb through the forest and along the border. A tricky descent including Vernon’s Steps drops you into the once abandoned village of Bulembu to the cheers of the kids from the Bulembu Primary School.

The rapid twisty descent along Nathi’s shoots you down through the forest and leads to the first real climb of the day. The climb is quite friendly as it is mainly on shaded forest track. The work done on this climb is richly rewarded by the 25km downhill section that follows. This legendary section starts with a blistering forest Zig Zag before dropping down into the Mganda Valley for some of the finest single-track riding you are ever likely to encounter including countless shimmering river-crossings.

Once past the cheering kids at the Lufafa Primary School it’s through the stream to the Wyldesdale water point at the end of this valley. Track surface in this rural area is generally smooth but the rich soil can get sticky in the wet. A small(-eish) 3km climb rolls you onto the contour track, over Wappo’s Steppes past more cheering kids at the Phophonyane Primary School and along to Phophonyane Nature Reserve. The Phopha is the sting in the tail so it is wise to keep a bit in reserve for this juicy 5km climb. From the top of The Phopha, it’s a gentle cool down and a well-earned lunch at the poolside of the Piggs Peak Orion Hotel.

Day 3 – Orion to Maguga

Day 3 starts with a short neutral zone out of the Orion Piggs Peak Hotel and straight into a gentle shaded forest climb. An exhilarating descent through Boshimela private Game Farm gives the technically gifted amongst us an opportunity to relive our childhoods and let the rest of the pack eat some dust.

After a small stream crossing the work begins with a long climb that gradually increases in intensity on a bumpy surface through Forest Fever. This is followed by a flowing descent down through the forest to meet the Mlambongwenya River. The single track along side the river is fast and open. The pace drops when the track turns up past the Nginamadola School and the cheers of the school kids and follows the eroded track up Nginamadola Hill to the water point. The downhill past the Nsangwini Rock Art is very fast on rutted rural tracks and continues down the steep loose surfaced track to The Gap on the Komati River. The spectacular swing bridge leads to more challenging single track through some homesteads and to a river crossing.

The sting in the tail of Day 3 presents itself in the form of a 12km climb out of the sweltering Komati valley on exposed rural tracks and dusty roads.  In clear conditions the views from the top over Maguga Dam and the Komati Valley are spectacular.  The finish venue at Maguga Dam comes into sight. A mind blowing drop off the mountain through Mickey’s Madness provides a twisting single track run into the finish where the cold beers wait.