Mountain Biking (Clarens) 7:40:00 [3] 135.9 km (17.7 kph) +2396m
shoes: Specialized Epic FSR Mthn 2014
Team ride that ended up taking most of the day.
Out on the tar road pass up Surrender Hill and down the other side to the Lesotho border patrol road running beside the Caledon river. Went past Old Mill Chalets which now look pretty run down and then climbed the pass over the Rooiberge. Some of the track is very badly worn away and we hike-a-biked a few sections. Very tough going, but fun. Went through the saddle at 2200m and headed back down into the Little Caledon valley, descending the 4x4 track, back down to the Golden Gate tar road and then turned east towards Golden Gate Park itself.
Stopped for an extended lunch at a pancake house to let a few thunderstorms pass over us, then continued along the road into Golden Gate and over the main pass.
At the bottom, turned northwards onto the Kestell district road, and then west, following the northern edge of the park and the Rooiberge back towards Clarens, climbing 2 further pases. Some muddy sections here from the wet weather. Bagged five passes in one day before coming back along some farm tracks and through the Noupoort. Snuck into town just with the last available light.
Tm 7:33:14
Av 17.9
Mx 79.8 (on the Golden Gate pass downhill)