THE ROUTE TO THE SEA - CLARENS TO BALLITO
In 2026 we will have more trails, more breathtaking riding and some exciting new surprises as we start our journey in Clarens and finish on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu Natal. Our aim is to reward those who have trained hard and smart, with a challenging, yet uplifting route across the heart of South Africa.
go2sea is not a tour or a ride in the park, it is a proper challenge, and you will earn your medal after 7 days of riding in this magnificent country.
600 km
DISTANCE
± 11 000 m
CLIMBING
± 12 000 m
DESCENT
DAY 0 - 10th SEPTEMBER - CLARENS REGISTRATION AND RIDE BRIEFING
Arrive early to enjoy Clarens, the eclectic Eastern Free State tourist town. You might go for a warm up ride or walk, you might want your first Clarens Brewery beer as you get ready for the week ahead.
DAY 1 - 11th SEPTEMBER - CLARENS TO STERKFONTEIN DAM
85KM
We ride passed the sandstone mountains alongside the golden gate on rugged dual track trails and then we head to the middle of nowhere on our way to towards Mt Paul.
There are not many views that compare to the crest of Mt Paul and not many single track descents compare to the exhilarating drop off the mountain.
Over the world’s longest earth dam wall to the banks of the Free State “Sea” where Harriston School will host you with some of the finest Potjie known to humankind.
DAY 2 - 12th SEPTEMBER -STERFONTEIN DAM TO EMSENI - HOME OF BERG AND BUSH
98 km
We will be dropping from the Free State to KwaZulu Natal on trails that Ox Wagons carved over a century or two ago. You will ride through History with views that are National Geographic material. The trails in the beginning are breath-taking and then there is some transition riding that will test the mind before you hit the trails of Berg and Bush and the smile on the dial is a wide as the Tugela River.
DAY 3 - 13th SEPTEMBER - EMSENI TO EMSENI - THE "SINGLETRACK STAGE"
50 km
Gary will once again put together the best of Berg and Bush trails in a stage that has become iconic – you will ride the Boer route up to the top of Spioenkop Mountain where the fierce Anglo Boer War battle took place, and then you will descent on some of the best trails you will ever ride towards home on the banks of the Tugela for the second night in a row. You will feel like you are in a tented bush camp. The peace is unique.
DAY 4 - 14th SEPTEMBER - EMSENI TO NOTTINGHAM RD
100km
We won’t lie this is a tough but beautiful stage – it is a transition stage as we journey to the sea. It will be a proper test of fitness and attitude as we gain altitude but you will be happy if you have trained smart and ready for the climbs. This day is will be more about rural farm and gravel roads and a chance to sit up and make more friends as you ride through some of the most picturesque areas of South Africa.
DAY 5 - 15th SEPTEMBER - NOTTINGHAM RD TO KARKLOOF
85 km
You’ve done the hard work to get to Nottingham Rd – this stage is your reward. We will head to Karkloof where the trails are sublime, and we will do some of their best trails to finish a great stage. You will love the mountain biking.
DAY 6 - 16th SEPTEMBER - KARKLOOF TO HARBURG
90 km
Forest after forest you will make your way to the start of Sugar Cane territory and a complete change of landscape – the sea is getting close!
DAY 7 - 17th SEPTEMBER - HARBURG TO BALLITO "THE CHAMPAGNE STAGE"
85 km
This will be a day like no other. Completely different and inspiring as you make your way through rural South Africa with breathtaking views towards the sea. This why you ride; to experience places you would not normally get to see. We will pass rural schools with people who have never met a rider from Czech or France or Belgium or even Cape Town. You will then head onto the fantastic Holla Trails for some great trail riding before riding to the beach at Ballito.
The after party will be a blast as you reflect on your journey through South Africa.