Some say “a challenge”; some say “bucket list”; some say “adventure”; most say “you’re mad!” Most of the 23 riders fell into one of those categories – if not all of them. Our first LCC Sani Pass and Karkloof Weekend Away was memorable.

After an eventful trip down to Himeville on the Thursday (Van Reenen and Oliviershoek Passes were blocked due to accidents and traffic), the weather opened up to a beautiful morning as we headed to the car park at Sani Pass Hotel.

It was then that we noticed that the forecast wind had already started off as a gentle breeze, blowing down the mountain. And, by the time we got to the bottom (SA) Border post it was showing itself as an additional challenge.

The switch from tar to gravel (at the border) didn’t really affect us as the road surface was mostly okay; but as we rode closer and closer to the mountain, the gradient increased – as did the wind speed. This meant that if the road zigged upward (and that section was into the wind – gusting between 30 and 45kph) you either stopped or pushed until you got to a switchback and then zagged upward but able to ride (with the wind was from the side and not the front).  

And so we zigged (stopping or pushing) and zagged (riding) up the famed Sani Pass. The scenery was breathtaking with pink Watsonia’s covering the mountain slopes and water flowing down every little stream. And as we rode higher and higher, the further we could see down the valleys. Of course it was an e-bike (piloted by Anette Kunz) that summitted first followed by Simon Howes and Ryan Kriedman – the only two who did not push their bike (although they had to make frequent stops as the gusts of wind tried to blow them back down the mountain).

All the time watching your mates, either above or below you, on the many switchbacks and hearing them shout in frustration or joy – depending on whether they were on a zig or a zag.

As we got close to the summit, those ahead of us were waiting on the pub veranda shouting words of encouragement  (maybe it was something else) at those battling the wind and the final gradient to the top. Through the top (Lesotho) Border Post with the pub as the destination. Forgotten was the bravado of riding up to Black Mountain and the comfort of the sheltered pub with a few beverages (hot and cold) shared as we gave our accounts of the morning’s ‘adventure’.

Then it was back onto the bike, through the top border and after a quick photo op at the summit board it was every man/woman for themselves down the gravel pass. Three-hours-plus up and less than 30 minutes down to the bottom (SA) border (the e-Bike was not down first…)

After catching our breath it was the simple (for some) ride down the tar road back to the cars and then to the accommodation for a shower and then the 90 minute transfer to the Karkloof area, where the next part of our adventure waited.

To put our trip into context, the climb is 1600m high and 23km long and the last 5km is above 2200 metres above sea level. The steepest gradients are between 18% and 27% and the switchbacks are sharp. Three weeks later there was the annual Sani Pass Time trial. They had near perfect weather (i.e. NO WIND) and of their 42 finishers, the fastest (e-Bike) was just over an hour and analogue MTB was 1:45.  Only 25 of the race riders beat our fastest and most of us would have been in the top 30. One crazy did do it on a Single-Speed – but then we were reminded we were all on single speeds up that mountain too.

Saturday morning dawned clear and calm and as we shared our communal breakfast, everyone was excited for the days riding because “it had to be easier than yesterday!”  After a short commute to the Karkloof Country Club we kitted up and Wendy and Louise took us on some of the most fun riding anyone could have wished for.

Forest trail after forest trail with a few forest road links between meant that the gees was big and the stoke was high. Each trail ‘run’ was preceded by a detailed description of what to expect (Wendy had been there the week before reconnoitring and planning) and so everyone was confident – or at least prepared.  Miles and miles of smiles and happy banter. And then suddenly a bakkie appeared on the forest road laden with cold drinks and Bar-Ones – much to the delight of the riders.

Then more forest singletrack with at least one obligatory slippery corner (pre-warned but it still exacted its revenge) and then more trail. None of us minded the climbs (and the 850m of ascent was nothing compared to what we had endured the day before).  And finally, after 40km of blissful trail, we were at the Karkloof Falls where the bakkie was waiting for us with a cooler box of beers and cold drinks.

We then hit the final 5km single track back to the Karkloof Country Club where we all enjoyed the great fare that had on their menu. That night we were back at the Club (thanks to Nick for opening the club to us to watch the Rugby (SA vs Japan) on the big screen and feeding us again.  By then it was pouring down and the decision was made to cancel the Sunday morning ride. 

In hindsight a mistake because the next morning was becalmed with a little cloud cover – perfect for riding.  But our legs were hammered and so the happy ‘band of brothers’ (and sisters) headed back home.