Two hours outside of Cape Town the world changes fairly dramatically, and this holds true no matter which direction you travel in. We aimed north and via Malmesbury and the small town of Piketberg to drive up the short but spectacularly beautiful Versveld pass and into the wonderland that is Piket-bo-berg. It is insanely beautiful and literally a world above the clouds.
The terrain is not only beautiful but also has a natural unspoilt ruggedness to it and despite the orchards of fruit trees there is a definite sense of being rustic with a raw edge. Huge outcrops of granite shoot up in the middle of the farms, roads and settlements flow around the terrain which has been respected and not excavated or blown apart to suit us. The same acceptance, tolerance and respect for the land has been taken into consideration by the local mountain bike trail builders. The trails are possibly the best I have experienced in my riding to date. Don’t expect manicured, smooth bike park type trails; these are gnarly, rough, white knuckle, unrelenting, tight bermed, exhilaratingly technical mountain bike perfection!
From the outset the organisers make no bones of how difficult the race is. Don’t be fooled by the mere 48kms! The ride is brutal. It is a tough challenge with not one free kilometre. The climbing is unrelenting and the gnarly, high speed downs ensure you are standing and concentrating every crazy, eye-watering kilometre – yes kilometre – of descent covered! The U is a celebration of singletrack – there is just so much of it that eventually you have to trust your suspension, sit down and shake your head in wonder. The tracks are the personal play area of the local farmers and not open to the public. The U is a rare opportunity to share these absolute wonders. It is almost a shame that you cannot go up on a weekend and ride these delicious monsters, as such it is essential bucket list riding. Book early as this ride is going to hit “sold out” status fast! But don’t just believe me read what a couple of folks had to say about their ride in the Piket-Bo-Berg:
Name: David Hartley
Age: 49
Fitness level: Average
Your thoughts on the route: Very good
Describe your race experience: Day One amazing downhills with hard climbs. Day Two was constant punishment but with cool singletrack. I felt there was a lack of flow – up, then down, then up, felt like you climbed all day, even the 10km home was uphill but really nice to ride – so much technical single track.
Is there anything you would change to improve the event: Nothing
Th
e race in one line: If you think there is a lot of single track… there is actually more…
Name: Diana Carolin
Age: Veteran
Fitness level: Super Fit (minimum rides 3-4 times a week) (Race Snake)
Your thoughts on the route: Super challenging and brilliantly constructed. Can see a lot of effort went into the trails. There is no rest!
Describe your race experience: Next level! 10/10 for fun and pain.
Is there anything you would change to improve the event: Have the meals ready earlier (or try riding slower? – ed).
The race in one line: Mind blowing trails and fantastic hospitality!
Name: Clive Randell
Age: 54
Fitness level: Average
Your thoughts on the route:
This route is not for the faint hearted. While not unduly steep (I suspect memory loss and a touch of heat stroke here – ed), the length of the climbs on Day One and the short but constant climbs on Day Two are quite demanding. The fantastic combination of miles and miles of singletrack, technical climbs and descents means a great day for the more adventurous bike rider.
Describe your race experience: This is a very well organised event at a truly magnificent location. The campsite was extremely well organised, the amenities clean and well maintained, the food excellent and the peripheral coffee and obligatory craft beer always on tap.
Is there anything you would change to improve the event: No. Excellent all round.
