The Race
For the very brave we have the Momentum Health Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge presented by Biogen, 121km with a 2900m
vertical ascent and for the not-so-faint hearted we have the Attakwas Half, 52km with a 1100m vertical ascent.
#SurviveAttakwas
An adventure through the desert and mountains of the Klein Karoo
with a finish at the Garden Route Coast
South Africa’s premier one-day mountain bike race will stage its 15th edition in 2021 – fourteen years since
that inaugural event in 2007, with a start list then, shorter than the current crew list. Dryland took this task
to hand with no idea where this would take them. South Africans and their appetite for tough endurance
events projected the Attakwas into legendary and cult-like status over the next couple of years. This is the
race to do if you want to test mind, body and machine!
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.
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
Reviews
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Good vibes, good food, amazing views and terrible climbs. Back next year🤣 Tertius Vivier
2/04/2019 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 Grange
1/22/2019 Brilliant riding, very mixed terrain.
well sign posted
Well stocked water points
Lots of paramedics, sweepers etc Craig Aron
1/22/2019 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 Rooyen
1/22/2019 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
1/22/2019 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
1/22/2019 One of the toughest 1 day races with the best water points you can imagine!! Thumbs up Dryland!! Jaco von Molendorff
1/22/2019 It’s my go to race that I love doing every year. Scip Vernede
1/22/2019 - This is a tough event! But the feeling of achievement once completed is like no other.
The support and energy at the water points will also keep you motivated. The best thing is that the coke and water is ice cold. This is extremely motivating and energizing on a hot day.
I give this event the highest rating for organization, water points and support. You will even see the medics patrolling the route as you make your way to the hero’s welcome at the end.
Brian Maynard
1/22/2019 The race organizers, Dryland Event Management always put on well-organized, top-notch events - with tons of MTB events to choose from each season, you can be sure theirs are best-in-class. The Attakwas Extreme is a tough event, to be sure, but with proper training and the encouragement of the amazing volunteers at the well-stocked water points along the route, you'll find yourself at Pine Creek Caravan Park with tired legs, a well-deserved finisher's medal and a big smile to go with your accomplishment! Highly recommended - I can't think of a better start to the MTB season! Richard Sambolec
1/22/2019 Great ride!!! Weather was perfect Andre Avenant
1/22/2019 Great track and atmosphere, like any Dryland event. Amazing on route views on the plains and when crossing the Attakwas pass.
Feed zones like none other, and tech support was the best. Not the services you want to use at a race, but it’s nice to have the peace of mind it’s there and to be able to continue your race when you think that’s not possible anymore. Thanks to the neutral tech zone I was able to finish and qualify for World Championships🤘🏻 Robbert de Nijs
1/22/2019 Wow, what an event! Route couldn't be marked more clearly, water points are top notch and the atmosphere is awesom😎🔥 will be there in 2020 again! Hennie Roux
1/22/2019 Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Water points were amazing! Not only well stocked but well stocked with good food! Route was awesome and clearly marked. Dont under estimate the mini. Its small but its hard. Grest fun! Big one next year! Warren Lee Moult
1/22/2019 The water points are the best I have ever had on a bike race. Stephen G J Lloyd
1/22/2019 It’s my go to race that I love doing every year.
1/22/2019
