OVERVIEW

Breedtsnek is a bugger of a gravel pass over the Magaliesberg ranges, set along the T3 district dirt road from Hekpoort. This one of those ‘must crank’ rides if you’re addicted to the rush of high-speed, downhill rolling.

On your bike

For a demanding return ride of 55 km, start and finish at the Bird Store General Dealer on the R560 Hekpoort road in Gauteng. Take the T3 dirt road up past the Ingwe Bush camp gate on your right. Riding parallel to the imposing Magaliesberg mountains on the right, keep going until you get to a T-junction. Keep turning right until steeper and steeper switchbacks let your legs know that the pass is near. Admire the fascinating rock formations and sweeping views over Hartebeespoort and Buffelspoort Dams.

For a less demanding, 10 km return ride, start at Sugarbush Hill Cottages, some 30 km from Rustenburg on the north-West province side of the pass. Riding in this area is mostly along quiet, undulating secondary dirt roads used to access the farms in the area.

Off the bike

Sugarbush Hill has hiking trails. There’s a plethora of restaurants, arts and crafts venues, fly-fishing, hiking trails and game farms in the Magaliesberg.

The Elephant Sanctuary near Hartebeespoort offers luxury lodge accommodation and the opportunity to get up close and personal with Africa’s giants on elephant walks or during the early morning elephant brush downs. 

The cheese gourmand will relish a visit to the charming Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, situated near the hamlet of Skeerpoort along the Hekpoort road. Take a tour around this working cheese farm and learn how your favourite products are made. Picnic baskets are available, but bookings are essential. There is also a lovely patio restaurant.

A little further down the Hekpoort road is Bill Harrop’s Original balloon Safaris. Bookings are essential. Alternatively, try your hand at abseiling and climbing in the Magaliesberg or enjoy some extreme caving in the Cradle of Humankind.

GPS: Sugarbushhill – 25°48’56.5″ South / 27°24’24.57″ East   Hekpoort – 25° 53″51.3″ South / 27° 35’41.5″East