The Original and first Mountain Bike stage race of South Africa. It started in 1995, the legend of its kind. Today it’s still a challenge, so come prepared!
The To Hell and Back did not only help shape MTB’ing in SA, but put Gamkaskloof (The Hell) on the map for all outdoor nature enthusiasts. You need to come and experience the Hell and Back for yourself.
2 Days, in and out of ‘The Hell’ (60kms per day) – but DON’T let the distance fool you! Back in 1995 this was the extreme MTB race on everyone’s calendar.
28/08/2026
Rewind to 1999 … ⏪
Different bikes. Different kit. Same mountain. Same magic.
To the has been writing its story since 1995, and every rider who has lined up has become part of it.🚲
#1999
21/08/2026
Fast on the dirt.
Free in the valley.
Smiling at the finish.
Two days in the Swartberg has a way of giving you everything all at once.
The burn in your legs on the climb. The silence of a valley. Rocky switchbacks and the list goes on.
Some races you finish. This one you feel.🚲
05/06/2026
From the Start Arch to the Valley Floor🌄
This is To Hell and Back in all its raw, beautiful, leg-destroying glory.⛰️🦵
The only question is: are you ready for the start line in November⁉️
29/05/2026
The land that made this race!🏞️
This is what humility looks like.
Tiny riders, endless winding road, and a valley that couldn’t care less how fit you are. The Gamkaskloof descent doesn’t negotiate, it just drops away beneath you! Switchback after switchback, until the world above disappears and all that’s left is dust, rock, and the sound of your own breathing. ⛰️👊
This is To Hell and Back. And every metre of it was earned. 🚵♂
22/05/2026
The Swartberg doesn’t do predictable⁉️
One minute sunshine☀️, the next wind🌬️, rain🌧️ and everything in between. ‘Die Hell’ will throw every kind of weather at you and it won’t apologise for it.
Pack for all of it. Layers, waterproofs, sun protection. If you think you won’t need it, bring it anyway. The mountain has a way of proving you wrong. 🏔️
Be ready for anything.🎒🚲
15/05/2026
A night in ‘Hell’🌑🔦
It’s an experience that strips you down to the basics. The Swartberg will test everything you’ve got, and just when you think you’re through it, the night reminds you that you’re not done yet 🔦
A compulsory night in Gamkaskloof , ‘Die Hell’ where the stars are the only light and the silence is louder than anything you’ve heard ⭐️
No shortcuts, no escape, just you, your gear, and the mountain ⛰️
08/05/2026
Have you entered yet? 🎟️
Your spot in The Hell is waiting for you!
With 120km of raw, untamed terrain across South Africa’s longest mountain pass. You will ride through the remote Gamkaskloof Valley where gravel roads and dramatic switchbacks have humbled riders since South Africa’s very first MTB Hell&Back.
There are only 500 riders get to experience this legendary journey each year ⛰️
Don’t miss the ride 🚵♂️
🔗 Link in bio to enter!
01/05/2026
🔥 Entries for To Hell & Back 2026 are officially OPEN 🔥
South Africa’s oldest mountain bike stage race is calling…
Two days of grit, climbs, dust, suffering, and unforgettable memories in the Gamkaskloof.
Think you’ve got what it takes to go To Hell & Back?
Secure your spot now:
🌐 www.tohellandback.co.za
27/11/2025
The sweet sweet taste on a finish line! showed up in class and kept the hydration levels up!