Cycle UP to the MUNGA
This will be the fourth time that we cycle up to the MUNGA. But this year it will only be a 1-way for me. I’m cycling up from CPT to BFN as below and then flying back a day before the MUNGA starts. Why? Because this year I entered the inaugural NEDBANK Gravel Burn by Kevin Vermaak. It was a very last minute (2 days before the start) decision, and partly why I got the entry at half price. Which made it a no-brainer, as the value for money for what you get from the Gravel Burn far outstrips what you get on the MUNGA. And it looks like we have a tour group during the MUNGA dates this year so another batch of bicycles for #bicyclecouriers to deliver. Plig voor plesier.
Going up! here is our route up to the MUNGA
- Start in Paarl – a midnight start on the day before is always a good idea when going north because getting to Sutherland is almost 300kms through a vast nothing outside of Ceres and you climb between 3500-4000 meters for the day. So good value for money on day 1 up to the MUNGA.
Day 1 to SUTHERLAND
- Wellington
- Bainskloof
- Michells pass
- Ceres 70
- Bo-Swaarmoedpas
- Klondyke 100
- T-junction
- Tankwa padstal 160
- Kraan 205
- Teerpad 240
- Sutherland 280 – always a big relief when you finally roll into town because now the hardest work is done and the vast expanse of the karoo lies beyond. Can’t wait. This trip is just getting started. Tomorrow we roll on, albeit much flatter, as we cover the same distance but climb over 2000 vertical meters less than the day before. Up to the MUNGA we go.
Day 2 to VOSBURG
- Fraserburg 385
- Loxton 485
- Cecil 540
- Vosburg 605 – day 2 of up to the MUNGA YOYO trip up finishes in Vosburg for us. At least we have on the previous two occasions. And this year should be the same. There is a guest house with a vocal owner ready to regale us with his interesting stories and different take on things. And a pleasant break from the hot reality of the heat outside. Rest well.
Then Day 3 to VANDERKLOOF
- Britstown 670
- Potfontein 750
- Petrusville 815
- Vanderkloof 830 – the dam is a perfect overnight stop for day 3 up to the MUNGA and signifies our trip up is coming to and end. Tomorrow is the last day as we should roll into BFN by sunset. This is usually some of the hottest parts en route and even though there is a bit of tar towards the end it is not just a formality.
Day 4 to BLOEMFONTEIN
- Luckhoff 870
- Fauresmith 930
- Jagersfontein 940
- Windmill 1050 – TADA! Arrive at the casino on the outskirts of town having completed to trip up to the MUNGA in Bloemfontein. Have a beer at the Windmill casino. See all the nervous faces hanging around the start line. Then off to bed for a good nights sleep and a quick bike service the next day before turning back down to Doolhof during the race.
How far each day?
- Day 1 to Sutherland = 280/3750
- Day 2 to Vosburg = 325/1600
- Day 3 to Vanderkloof = 225/1050
- Day 4 to Windmill = 220/1450
- Total is 1050kms with 7800m climbing.
Schedule
- 21st Friday = Sutherland
- 22nd Saturday = Vosburg
- 23rd Sunday = Vanderkloof
- 24th Monday = BFN
- 25th Tuesday = morning flight back home
And the MUNGA starts on Wednesday the 26th November 2025.
Need to send your bicycle up to the MUNGA?
Use #bicyclecouriers!
