Author Topic: Die Hell (Read 2106 times)

ShaunF · « **on:** August 20, 2010, 01:51:39 pm »

Hi WD, has anyone ridden Die Hell, I would like to get some info from you. For example, is it a normal gravel road the whole way or is it some what technical, lots of loose rocks and boulders ?, I enjoy riding on normal/gravel Highways but not rocky/technical.

Any info/photos will be great.

thx WD's

Battlestar · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:53:34 pm »

I went down with fully laden 1150gs with wife on the back and it was no problem. Just take it slow on the steep drop into the Hell and you will be fine

I did in December 2008

cloudgazer · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:55:31 pm »

I did it solo earlier this year.
Not nearly as technical as i expected.
Fantastic ride.

lonerider · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:56:44 pm »

Not to be funny, but have you tried searching the forum? There are quite a few ride reports with pictures and stories...

Depending on rain, snow and subsequent washouts, the road is okay gravel, slow going with some rocky patches and a few water drifts. That's until you get to top of the pass down into the Kloof - then it becomes fairly steep, switchbacks, loose rocks, potentially lots of washouts. Last time I went down there was a "lekka" stretch of sand once you got to the bottom of the Kloof at the Nature Reserve entrance.

It's not a gravel highway and it isn't fast going. If that's your thing, keep riding past the turnoff. If you're willing to take the time and enjoy the ride it'll be fun.

DirtRebell · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:59:04 pm »

Not technical. allow for 2 hours in and hour&1/2 out. There is a shoppie down there with some cold one too.

ChristoffGS · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:59:18 pm »

I've seen some guys taking a tumble on the tight corners going down into the Hell. It's definately not 'gravel highway' but also not too technical. Just take your time and you will be fine. Did the route 2 times, second time was about a year ago.

BOER! · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:00:54 pm »

I found that part of the adventure was to explore as I went along.

It is defnitly slow going, so even IF you know what the road is like most of the time, it's got a lot of cuttings and you will have to take it easy.

Back then, I was still a novice on dirt, and did it two up.

Enjoy.

BOER! · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:01:43 pm »

Quote from: Miepels on August 20, 2010, 01:59:04 pm

Not technical. allow for 2 hours in and hour&1/2 out. There is a shoppie down there with some cold one too.

+1

Grrrr.... · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:11:02 pm »

Ek wil saam kom!

ShaunF · « **Reply #9 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:22:48 pm »

ETS · « **Reply #10 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:41:53 pm »

ShaunF.. gaan Hel toe!!!!

ShaunF · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:47:00 pm »

OK

man on the moon · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:57:05 pm »

My wife and i went there a year ago, 2 bikes. the advice we got was to stay on the outside of the bends and against the mountain when descending the last 4km if a car wants to pass, you drop about 600m in the last 4km stretch.
Our only regret was that we did not go through to the end of the valley. Just have to go back and do it again

DD650 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:29:11 pm »

Quote from: man on the moon on August 20, 2010, 02:57:05 pm

My wife and i went there a year ago, 2 bikes. the advice we got was to stay on the outside of the bends and against the mountain when descending the last 4km if a car wants to pass, you drop about 600m in the last 4km stretch.
Our only regret was that we did not go through to the end of the valley. Just have to go back and do it again

Definitely, stay on the mountain side at all times! I was still quite a novice when we did it and it was fine, just the last 4km was a bit hectic with sharp bends and bits of loose gravel/sand.

When we do it again, I will definitely stay over in the valley for one night to allow enough time to explore the valley as well. Also allow yourself enough time to go in and out as it is quite beautiful and you might want to stop often to take photos. Also make sure you start early in the morning as it can get quite hot. Lastly, just enjoy it, it is a great trip to do!

fat b · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:34:34 pm »

I have donei it quite a few times , I only fell once , but it was my fault ! I recently experienced the other side of the Hell though ! Rain , Wind , Snow , Mud , it was a lekker adventure , but shows you that any terrain can show it's teath sometimes ! Great ride though and comparitivly easy ! Enjoy !

Kobus · « **Reply #15 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:36:23 pm »

Quote

has anyone ridden Die Hell

Its like asking do we like beer.

- -

Easy ride, but allow plenty time as said.

ETS · « **Reply #16 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:39:18 pm »

Now, suddenly, everybody wants to go to hell

But! if you do, make sure to take your time and go right to the end!

Heimer · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:46:52 pm »

At the start after the turn-off everybody goes too fast (before the road gets worse).

So on your way out, be very careful of vehicles at speed coming toward you. These windgat types with their 4x4's

Don't start the way in, too late in the afternoon. I did it with the sun in the eyes and we ended having to go fast to get to the bottom before dark. Dangerous. Start before 15:00.

You might have a small stream crossing here and there - nothing to worry about.

If you don't want to camp, or rent a bungalow, there are some caravans that you can rent for cheap. Saves some luggage.

Have fun.

ShaunF · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2010, 03:51:33 pm »

Thanks for the info WD's

>>Thump°C · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2010, 04:04:01 pm »

some pics
http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=26328.msg470047#msg470047