The route starts in Willowmore and follows a farm road through Poortjies to link up with the Baviaanskloof turn-off ± 4 km out of town. The route then ascends over a distance of ± 26 km to the top of the spectacular Nuwekloofpas (± 1000m above sea level). For the next ± 80 km the route drops down from steep mountains to the valley floor into the Baviaanskloof, and then climbs back up again, over and over. It is a changing landscape, from karoo to dense green forests where the road winds along steep slopes and passes through a number of farms before heading into a rough stretch with several river crossings en route to Zandvlakte, which is the last farm before the entrance gate to the Wilderness Area (or Baviaans Nature Reserve) under the control of Eastern Cape Parks Board. Towards Smitskraal you’ll ascend along a seemingly endless Baviaansback just over 8km long and includes more than 80 bends with the gradient as steep as 1:6 at times. Smitskraal, at± 123 km, is a good place to stop and gather your wits just before the longest river crossing of 400m and the next climb, Fangs. This pass is only about 3.5km long, but it packs a steep punch, with gradients of 1:4. Watch out for sharp corners but try to enjoy the scenery and river crossings.

From here the route becomes more strenuous, narrower and more difficult to negotiate. The famous pass: Mother of all Climbs (MAC) is long, narrow and steep, with around 50 bends, some are 90-degree switchbacks, along the pass which is just under 5km long. Take care of steep drop-offs without any safety railings, so be sure to have your lights on during nighttime riding. The summit at Bergplaas, at ± 140 km, is around 600m above sea level and lies on a plateau of grasslands and mountain fynbos.

From here the road drops suddenly into the Cambria Valley. This long descend is called the The Big Dipper where in just 5.5km you’ll go down 330m and around more than 70 bends and switchbacks. In some parts the gradient is 1:8 and in parts the track has eroded around the cement tweespoor. Like the MAC, it isn’t very wide, so keep a lookout for oncoming vehicles.

As you leave the reserve through, you’ll meander through Cambria, a lush area of natural forest near the Komdomo Camp site in the banks of the Groot River at ± 175 km mark, where the road continues to follow the sweeps and curves of the river. There are a number of farms (and Pakhuise) and guest houses in this section so be aware of the local community also using the road.

Before reaching Patensie the road turns off to Humansdorp on an undulating gravel road through more farmlands before reaching the infamous climb; The Neverender. It’s mind over matter with this trickster that has multiple false summits before you eventually reach the top. The downhills have sharp bends and loose gravel, sand or rocks so take care when flying down those. The last stretch to Jeffrey’s Bay includes the Mini Mac (only under 1km with a gradient of 7% and ascent of 50m) – take note that there is nothing Mini about this ‘little’ climb. You might find someone’s sense of humour next to the road, left there from previous years.

Homestretch on the last bit of dirt road to the Finish at Mentors Country Estate, Jeffreys Bay.

Baviaanskloof:

The word Baviaanskloof means ‘valley of baboons’ and it’s an integral part of the Cape Floral Region which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes seven of South Africa’s eight biomes – Fynbos, Forest, Grassland, Succulent Karoo, Nama-Karoo, Subtropical Thicket, and Savannah. It’s a wild and rugged place that seems largely untouched by man – and all the more appealing because of it. The unspoiled scenic route, built in the 1880s by ingenious road engineer Thomas Bain, is the perfect way to experience one of South Africa’s remotest wilderness areas with some 48 mammal, 300 bird and 1700 plant species; no wonder it’s one of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots.

Outside Assistance & Support Crew Regulations

To ensure fairness, safety, and environmental responsibility, the following rules apply regarding outside assistance during the Trans Baviaans 24-Hour Mountain Bike Marathon:

Outside Assistance

• Riders may not receive any outside assistance along the route or at any checkpoints, except at Checkpoint 5, where official support crews are permitted.
• Assistance is only allowed from fellow competitors or official race personnel.
• Any violations may be reported by race officials, organizers, or fellow riders and may result in penalties or disqualification.

Authorized Support Crews – Checkpoint 5 Only

• Only riders officially registered with a support crew are permitted to receive assistance, and only within the designated support zone at Checkpoint 5.
• Support crews must comply fully with the rules outlined in the official Supporter Guide.
• Non-compliance by support crews may result in penalties or disqualification of their associated rider(s).
• Riders may report support crews for violations, unsafe behavior, or inconsiderate conduct. Complaints can be submitted at any checkpoint or at the finish.

Vehicle Access Restrictions

To minimize environmental impact and comply with Eastern Cape Parks Board directives, no unofficial vehicles will be allowed to drive through the Baviaanskloof during the event.

• This restriction will be strictly enforced at the reserve’s entrance by Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism.
• Support crews must access Checkpoint 5 via the Langkloof route, through Uniondale and Joubertina.

Thank you for helping us maintain the integrity of the event and protect the unique environment we ride through.