Attakwas Extreme

The Attakwas Extreme is South Africa’s toughest one-day mountain bike race — a legendary test of endurance, resilience, and determination that has earned cult status among riders across the country. The #HellOfTheSouth challenges competitors to conquer the unforgiving terrain between the Klein Karoo and the Garden Route coast in a single day. (Attakwas Extreme)

Starting near Oudtshoorn and finishing in Great Brak River, the route traverses remote mountain passes, rugged jeep tracks, rocky descents, and endless climbs through the historic Attakwaskloof. Riders are treated to some of the most spectacular and inaccessible landscapes in the Western Cape, crossing a route steeped in history and surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains.

What makes the Attakwas truly special is that every rider faces the same challenge: a relentless battle against distance, terrain, weather, and self-doubt. It's a race where preparation matters, but grit matters even more. Finishing isn't guaranteed — it has to be earned.

For many, the Attakwas is not just another event on the calendar. It's a rite of passage. A place where legends are made, limits are tested, and every finisher becomes part of the story of one of South Africa's most iconic mountain bike races.