The Race
For two decades, the #AttakwasExtreme has been South Africa’s toughest one-day mountain bike race, pushing riders to their limits. Since its inception in 2007, it has earned legendary status as a must-do event on the mountain biking calendar.
On 17 January 2026, the 20th Edition of the #HellOfTheSouth promises to be more unforgettable than ever!
To celebrate this milestone, we’re extending the cut-off time by one extra hour—giving you 12 hours to earn that medal and finisher’s t-shirt.
This race is more than just a challenge—it’s a true test of endurance, resilience, and determination. Only the toughest #SurviveAttakwas. If you didn’t conquer it before, this is your chance to return stronger and embrace the challenge once more.
The ENTRIES ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN for the 20th Edition of the #HellOfTheSouth!
Relive the 2025
#HellOfTheSouth
THE HISTORY OF THE AREA
Then there’s the Attakwaskloof, this 300-year-old rugged pass over the Outeniqua Mountains is steeped in tradition and has over the last few hundred years reached legendary status among the early pioneers, 4×4 enthusiasts, trail runners and mountain bikers. The kloof offers arguably the best scenery of all the Outeniqua mountain range’s many splendid and breathtakingly beautiful viewpoints. This legendary race will provide you with exclusive access to this declared national monument and take you past amongst other; block- and toll houses and an old English fort to name a few. The rich history of this area is embedded within this remote and unforgiving landscape – only to be rediscovered on a mountain bike!
The Attakwaskloof Pass was used by elephants before the pass was built.
This became the main road to the north for 180 years from 1689–1869
The records showed that during the course of the toll house being in operation, that an astonishing 4250 ox-wagons paid their toll fees here in a single year.
The ruins you see today are not the original toll house
Outeniqua Mountains – the mountains were named by the Khoi San
Today a magnificent oak tree +- 200 years old and one of the largest and oldest surviving oak trees in the Cape today, marks the entrance to the original homestead.
Enter #AttakwasExtreme through the App to qualify for your tier level discount.
By completing this race you will earn 10 points towards your loyalty level.
Reviews
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Good vibes, good food, amazing views and terrible climbs. Back next year? 
Tertius Vivier
- Look this is a very tough event and put lots of strain on you physically.You need to be prepared for this one.What stands out for me is the well stocked waterpoints and the clearly marked route.One thing is for sure:Dryland knows how to organize a spectacular MTB event!!
Philip La
- Brilliant riding, very mixed terrain.
well sign posted
Well stocked water points
Lots of paramedics, sweepers etc
Craig Aron
- Wonderful race, very challenging, well organised, a real endurance test, has it all, technical, long routes, long climbs etc! Would definitely be back!!
Michael Van
- Best 1-day MTB Race in South Africa!! Challenging route and distance, Beautiful scenery, Friendly people everywhere, Amazing waterpoints... best feeling to reach that finish line!!!
Jacques Tmsa
- Die hele Attakwas span agter die skerms wat ook met die ryers “gewerk” het was amazing. Baie geluk en dankie vir n lieflike dag.
Deidre Cloete