Race to Paarl route
The Race to Paarl (RTP) is the final leg of the Freedom Challenge, carrying riders from Willowmore through the dramatic landscapes of the Swartberg and Cape Winelands to the finish in Paarl. Along the way, they descend into the remote valley of Gamkaskloof, better known as Die Hel, only to face the legendary Die Leer hike-a-bike climb out of it—a steep, unforgiving ascent that has broken many tired legs and spirits. From there, the trail winds through the vineyards and mountains of the Cape, building toward a fittingly brutal finale. On the last day, riders must choose between two iconic finishes: the notorious Stettynskloof, a wild, boulder-strewn thick with protea kloof that demands hours of scrambling and carrying bikes, or the scenic alternative via Bainskloof Pass. Whichever path they take, finishing the Race to Paarl is the culmination of both hardship and triumph, a final test of grit and determination before crossing the line.
6 days
680 km
7 750m
June 2026
map & compass
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Support station splits
The route passes through the Swartberg and Winelands sections of the Freedom Trail which traverses a wide variety of off-road terrain including dirt roads, farm roads, old historical wagon routes and animal tracks. Apart from the riding, there a few portage sections where riders will have to hike, push and even carry their bikes. It includes the iconic Gamkaskloof and Die Leer hiking route out of Die Hel. On the final day RTP riders have the choice of hiking through Stettynskloof as per the RASA route or talking the touring route option via Slanghoek and Bainskloof Pass. Many of the trails retrace old historic wagon routes which are no longer in regular use.
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