Join a community of like-minded individuals and influence the future of competitions, challenges, events and much more!
Sign up here and start earning points on actions taken across the MTBR site that will reward you with discounts, free entries, VIP access and much more! More here or view the leaderboard here.
TRAIL INFO
Closest Town: Amalienstein / Ladismith
Grading: Intermediate | Duration: 3–4 hours
Location (Area/Province): Central & Klein Karoo and Western Cape
Configuration: Return ride through the Poort – 50km; full event route – 78km
Start Point: Amalienstein Village
TRAIL BASICS
Access: Free access to public roads
Beware of: Public traffic; falling rocks during rainstorms
Facilities: Mission village; small restaurant; safe parking
Cell Reception:
Premium and Curated Trails Only
OVERVIEW
This mountain pass meanders through some of the most amazing rock formations – towering high above the pass – while following the Seweweekspoort River.
On your bike
Starting on a farm track from Amalienstein, you cross over the R62 and then onto a dual-track for a short while. This joins up with the main dirt road leading into Seweweekspoort. This road meanders through some of the most amazing rock formations – towering high above the pass – while following the Seweweekspoort River
It might not feel like it, but you actually climb quite a bit to the end of the pass. Shortly after you’ve exited this magnificent pass, you enter a farm gate on the right and, once past the farmhouse (near the road), you get onto a jeep- and singletrack, looping clockwise before linking up with the dirt road coming from the Gamkapoort Dam. This road leads you back to the pass by way of a long downhill. Once you enter the pass again, it’s mostly downhill. Just watch out for vehicles!
Once you’re back at Amalienstein you have the option to carry on to Ladismith [the ‘Long’ Seweweekspoort Challenge Race route]. From Amalienstein you’ll take a singletrack to Zoar village nearby. Crossing over the R62 again, you now enter various farms and, unless you do the race, this might become confusing without a map. You’ll need to obtain permission from Pieter Blignaut – details below.
The rest of the route is equally stunning – you pass Langenhoven’s Residence (Hoeko) and enjoy views of the orchard-filled valleys and the gigantic mountain ranges not far away. The final climb is worth all the effort, resulting in a vista of note – rolling hills as far as the eye can see, with Ladismith just around the corner, and also ‘Towerkop’, the legendary rock peak (apparently, a witch flew into the peak during a foggy night many centuries ago, resulting in the huge cleft at the peak).
Be warned! After enjoying the top of this last biggish climb, there’s a seriously fast downhill with a 90-degree right-hand bend at the end of it. If you miss this, you’ll end up among a flock of ostriches … if you’re lucky! From here it’s not far to town, with one last ‘small’ climb … [/div2]
Off the bike
Oudtshoorn, Ladismith and Calitzdorp (and the Karoo in general) brim with outdoor options, from game farms and hikes to gorgeous wine estates.
CONTACT:
Telephone: +27 (0)44 279 1013
Website : www.7weekspoort.co.za
GPS: 33°28’59.9” South / 21°27’41.6” East
For his contribution to our community over the past 10 days, we're sending @milky4130 off to compete in the Stanford MTB Classic!
Good luck Malcolm, give it horns!
Sign up and find out more about our community, challenges & competitions, prizes and much more!