We Biked the Insane ROAD TO HELL in South Africa (Amazing Experience!)

Рет қаралды 34,992

3 ай бұрын

Join us on a crazy bikepacking journey through Seweweekspoort, The Ladder, Die Hel, Gamkaskloof, and Swartberg Pass. 🌄
Like my videos? Patreon supporters get early access to my films and exclusive access to my Q&As:
🌱 PATREON (Monthly rewards!): bit.ly/3vVaioW
⚡️ PAYPAL (One-off donation to replace broken camera gear!): www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
📘 The Bikepacking Bike Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/bikepack...
📕 The Touring Bicycle Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/touring-...
🔥 INSTA: / cyclingabout
🌎 FACEBOOK: cyclingabout/
🚵🏻‍♂️ CYCLINGABOUT (endless bike travel info!): cyclingabout.com/
🚲 MY BIKE: KOGA WorldTraveller • The 2020 KOGA WorldTra...
⚒ MY GEAR LIST: bit.ly/2C1BCKF
📸 MY CAMERAS: iPhone 13 Pro

Пікірлер: 149

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

I had all my camera equipment stolen in Botswana a few weeks ago, so I'm currently filming and editing everything on an iPhone 13! 😳 Let me know if you think I should make more iPhone films 🔥

@FGKTV 3 ай бұрын

Filming on iphone is a great option here, so don't stop if it works for you!

@dkeith-fc8hn 3 ай бұрын

Sure! I'm very sorry for your loss.

@alexhofvander 3 ай бұрын

Just wow! I believe this proves a couple of things. I had no idea it was filmed using only an IPhone until I read your comment. It proves it’s not necessary to use expensive high end camera gear and it also shows that it is more down to the filmmaker and how it’s shot. Storytelling and editing makes it interesting. Not the megapixels and sensor size. Tell me one thing though. Did you use the standard camera app and is it straight out of camera? Any colour correction or editing? I am looking for what to bring on my cycling world tour starting next year. If I can do what you did with only an iPhone I would be thrilled. That would save space and weight considerably. Great film and good luck. Thanks. Alex

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

This is the standard camera app and colours, and I'm stitching it together with Adobe Premiere Rush currently.

@MrQuestful 3 ай бұрын

I’m so impressed! What’s it been like to make that switch? Are there things you feel like you’re missing out or are you adapted?

@jamesng8767 3 ай бұрын

I believe, given a potato to film with, your videos are still going to be as magical as it has always been. That said, what a bummer to have your gears stolen. Stay safe!

@MartininitraM 3 ай бұрын

Even if you recorded on an old Nokia I would still watch your videos. Your technical reviews are unmatched.

@ssenssel 3 ай бұрын

This is a way better version of what GCN+ used to be. 👏👏 Cheers from Brazil. 💚💚💛💛🚲🚲

@brianwheeldon4643 3 ай бұрын

Hats off you guys, incredible cycling and filming. A real adventure, and then some. A botanical heavenThank you

@swnorcraft7971 3 ай бұрын

Another Home Run, knocked out of the park! What an epic journey......not for the faint of heart. Thank you so much for sharing this most awesome footage with your viewers. You two are so blessed to have this sense of adventure in common. Be well.

@REDHOTPOFFER 3 ай бұрын

Great footage! Its a pitty that video can never portray it like you see it with the naked eye... The inclines on those passes are insane! Thanks for showcasing our beautiful country. It was a pleasure meeting you in Meiringspoort. Happy trails and be safe out there. People in South Africa don't exaggerate when they warn against crime...

@amineroadbikerider1504 3 ай бұрын

after finishing this video i felt like waking up from a dream, this was a magical one

@marioeugenequintongrispe1961 3 ай бұрын

Excellent video and history bits added. Were hiking over "die leer" on the 18 of December seeking access routes from Ladismith to Gamkaskloof in need of emergencies there. What a hike we had with beautiful cloud cover over the valley❤ We will try the bikes indeed😅

@user-fu7ic6sr2r 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful video. Few friends and I hiked the trail a few months back, and we want to go back there. I'm hiking all the way again. Seeing your video awakened an urge to go sooner. 😂 you were swinging in drinking water. 😂😂😂

@PumpkinVillage 3 ай бұрын

What an awesome insight into a beautiful country. Sorry to hear about your gear. Take care, Al

@stefanomigliuolo3468 3 ай бұрын

As usual, a wonderful and informative video. Keep them coming!

@davidwarner6755 3 ай бұрын

Wow! The views are absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing.

@charlesseelye3528 Ай бұрын

After more than 30 years I recently took to cycling again for a little exercise. At near 78 years I don't expect to advance to your level but have been thoroughly enjoying going through your KZfaq and Facebook videos and pictures. Have a belt drive commuter style bike that is great for my purpose and I appreciate your reviews and knowledge that you pass on from lets say an experienced background :) Thank you and I hope you are able to continue the adventure for many moons.

@gonubi1 3 ай бұрын

Fantastic film as always. Can't wait to see more.

@jansteenekamp4775 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for an excellent video - particularly since you had your gear stolen😮😮. As a South African, I've known about Die Hell, but have never seen the place! What a great way to view this area! Many thanks!

@StormCrow1144 3 ай бұрын

That route is majestic!

@cedriccapacchione8111 2 ай бұрын

Haha, I've been following your travels for a year now. Then I hear you bumped into my friend Kelly around Lesotho! Very cool.

@mhe8545 3 ай бұрын

Wow! What beautiful scenery. Tough but worth it.

@climbslc2281 3 ай бұрын

Hold on to each other! It is rare to see a couple cope with such extremes with smiles on their faces. Thanks for sharing your (lovely) moments in "hell."

@ucanskixc568 2 ай бұрын

Well said. "Hold on to each other."

@richardroy6179 2 ай бұрын

Always look forward to your videos. The best on a bicycle!

@ErrybodyGetTypsy 3 ай бұрын

So excited to see another one of your adventures!! Great filming and narration, as usual! Glad you guys made it safe through Hell!

@louiskirby4266 3 ай бұрын

Top job team pushing, gotta get there myself Thanks for your time and support

@tconnolly9820 3 ай бұрын

That is amazing. The barrenness and the desolation of that jagged land. And how determined settlers clung determinedly to a life there through several generations. Fabulous film even though it was shot on an iPhone. The quality is fabulous. I don't believe I would have the strength or stamina for such a trip so my admiration for you both is genuine.

@danchapman8218 3 ай бұрын

Wow, the beauty of the land is incredible, and you two are truely healthty and fit to make it over that terrain in that heat.

@crafty_matt 3 ай бұрын

Wow, that's some amazing scenery, even more impressive that it was captured on a phone! I really like the part with the totally secluded "infinity" dam pool; it's like a private little oasis. That looks like an incredible experience, thanks for sharing it with us! The cinematography and music selection were top notch, as usual!

@lambertbotha4094 3 ай бұрын

Been through there myself and down the ladder- brought back fond memories. Thank you for sharing this beautiful recording.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

You're mad too! It's crazy that it's even possible to take a bike up and down that trail.

@pousserlaportedelaventure 3 ай бұрын

Bonjour , j'ai passé un moment exceptionnel , de tres belles images , vous etes deux guerriers , ( en velo ) merci pour le partage !!

@banditboy6444 3 ай бұрын

Respect in doing all that without any suspension! I camped in Die Hell with my family when I was a kid. Still fond memories. Thanks for the great vid.

@edmongeyt 2 ай бұрын

Breathtaking...visually and literally 🥵

@kennethdunmire2218 3 ай бұрын

Awe inspiring journey. Best wishes to both of you.

@BikePoloThomas 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing. Went to this magical valley a few years back while doing geological field work in the Karoo a few years back. Now dreaming of returning by bike.

@heinschwartz7941 3 ай бұрын

Many fond memories - thanks for sharing 🤗

@r2ecko 3 ай бұрын

Baviaanskloof is similar 👍 Good job doing Die Hell. Did I hear "Shjo!" when you saw the dam? Now you just need to use the word "lekker" 🇿🇦😄

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

There are a few South African words or common phrases hiding in this video! I realised I didn't drop a lekker until it was too late - next one. 😅

@frankhammond9909 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful journey! One of life's greatest pleasures is to explore places that few humans ever go.

@Happy-cb3jq 3 ай бұрын

Great video of a tough trip!

@Goodbashop 3 ай бұрын

Great journey!

@Jan100Jan 3 ай бұрын

So sorry to hear you had your camera equipment stolen, Alee, but you've managed to capture the whole Hell experience more than adequately with your phone. (Now let's hope you're not going to lose that too 😁.) What a stunningly beautiful place, this.

@andrewnorris5415 3 ай бұрын

Those phones are more expensive than even the latest gopros!

@mikaelljungberg1019 3 ай бұрын

Lovely video. Very intresting. You chould do more of them.

@StanEby1 3 ай бұрын

What an epic!

@highpointview256 3 ай бұрын

Wonderful adventure. I would love to see a video about how you researched, planned, provisioned, and prepared for this particular trip.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind for future content!

@JakeLuke308 3 ай бұрын

What absolute lovely terrain! If that's Hell, I'm on board.

@vaquerosupreme3189 3 ай бұрын

Man, cycling in that rugged terrain in sandals. I feel my toes curling in.

@seanmarshall7865 3 ай бұрын

Amazing to have shot all this just on your iPhone Alee! And I can't believe you guys continued riding in 43 degree heat, anything above 40 and I would just have to sit out the day somewhere in the shade

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

We were stopping in every shade spot possible that day. 🥵

@keithadler965 3 ай бұрын

Another ability incredible documentary. From you guys

@stefandebeer6796 3 ай бұрын

Welcome to our part of the world. Great scenery! You should do a trip through the Richtersveld, it will make 43 C sound cool. Or Skeleton Coast Namibia.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

We went through both those regions last year. Luckily, it was in winter. 😁

@vegandy 3 ай бұрын

So nice! 🔥

@greg_loper 3 ай бұрын

Great video

@sherab2078 3 ай бұрын

Amazing! I wouldn't have the courage to make this journey myself, I think. Still, the video was very inspiring.

@jeansg9670 3 ай бұрын

This video is amazing. To bad I didn't dear go along. Now I can see sit confortable in my bed 😅😅😅. Thanks for sharing your trip. Sorry about the stolen issue.

@mixermanbear.4002 3 ай бұрын

1:17. Those mountains are the petrified remains of unbelievably big trees.

@mray8519 3 ай бұрын

Uh, yeah, those trees were 200-300 miles in diameter and reached to the moon. People used to climb them and vacation on the moon when it was a popular resort. 😂

@brendonbussy6066 3 ай бұрын

Joh! See you're picking up some Southern African dialectic vibes😁 Love the video too. One day I'll make my way there

@gravelpack8536 3 ай бұрын

Spectacular 🎉

@sixty2612 3 ай бұрын

What’s coolest to me about this is how much the plants and terrain look like my home region of Southern Arizona. Even the road conditions and heat sound the same! I just did a trip in the Kofa Wildlife Refuge and it seriously looks the same. Also the Superstition Mountains, Sonoran Sky Islands in the Coronado National Forest, and many parts of the Arizona Trail. Definitely check out some of the riding over here some time!

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

We passed through Arizona in 2022! South Africa definitely looks similar at times, albeit with slightly different plants and animals.

@sixty2612 3 ай бұрын

@@Cyclingabout oh cool where at? Did you make a video? I only remember and see ones from Mexico.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

@@sixty2612 We made a Baja Divide video then a LA video - needed a break from filming and editing through AZ.

@carljacobsen8947 3 ай бұрын

Awesome ride!

@GordoGambler 3 ай бұрын

More walking than riding. LOL.

@p504504 3 ай бұрын

bro is out there creating full featured epic cinematic content on his iPhone while being on a bike tour in a remote country... LEGEND

@leandrore 3 ай бұрын

Mate the photography and footage quality of this video is insane, amazing to watch!

@louismartini6983 2 ай бұрын

Awesome Awesome Awesome!!!!

@georgechavez9470 3 ай бұрын

Beyond epic man! Do you have any logistical info posted on that epic?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

There's a great ride report on Bicycle South called "TO HELL ‘N GONE - Bikepacking the Klein Karoo", which we found useful. Also, you'll need to contact Boplaas Cottages to get a code for the gate (it's too big to sneak around/over), which is included when you book camping at their site.

@mitmon_8538 3 ай бұрын

I'm not much of a video/camera enthusiast, so everything looked amazing to me. Drone shots can be over done sometimes, in my opinion, and the zoom on your phone worked well enough. Unless you were actually that close to the antelope? : )

@pmcmpc 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful scenery. Re: the sign, about as friendly and welcoming as one expects from many Afrikaans.

@charlesredick9424 3 ай бұрын

There is a little town/village named HELL on Nosy Be off Madagascar. Funny thing is they had lots of touristy things for sale but no hats, shirts, bags etc saying that you’ve been to hell and back or similar.

@ewakingwood 17 күн бұрын

This video totally made me want to go there. It looks sketchy as hell going down "the ladder" with the bikes though... I might just opt for the out and back route if you still get to see all that beauty. Did you happen to record a track of the route?

@jan-olofharnvall8760 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful country 🤓

@VeloObscura 3 ай бұрын

Really impressive work filming and editing all on your phone. The editing must drive you crazy! Beautiful scenery as always.

@inakiarmendariz5741 3 ай бұрын

Amazing video and adventure. Thanks to share it and thanks for your web, that is s reference. Have you already gone to Leshoto? I'm planning for next year. Which season you recomend to travel to that area?

@andrewnorris5415 3 ай бұрын

Cool journey. I've done similar pushes over steep rocky walking paths with my bike loaded up places in Wales in 35C heat. Was hard! Personally I would have taken the road you said? Is the road busy with traffic? I would not mind a fair bit more riding to avoid pushing up terrain like that. And a real risk can twist an ankle, has to be factored in? EDIT - was it all downhill - that is less bad !

@rodmcisaac3 3 ай бұрын

Wow!

@MrJx4000 3 ай бұрын

So sorry to hear about your camera theft, but that still quite the ride, or bike hike maybe--definitely not a boring run.

@rsrnsrwds 3 ай бұрын

Awestruck! As a geologist, this trip would be beyond my imagination. Just wow! Would really like to know about your setup and packing for this trip. How did you carry enough water?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

I have a list of my gear in the video description links. A little bit old, but very little has changed in the last two years. Water was not an issue, there were freshwater streams every 30km or so.

@BikePoloThomas 3 ай бұрын

Did some geological field work there a few years ago. Mostly working in the Karoo desert to the north of „Die Hel“ though.

@Cyclingmuslim 3 ай бұрын

I thought, oh wow, he upgraded his camera equipement. But here he is filming on an iphone 13. Amazing! 😍👌👌

@brandywell44 3 ай бұрын

Imagine that, five generations in that isolated spot. They did so well all of them to thrive. Beautiful country.

@darek8408 2 ай бұрын

That's what I'm talking about! ;)

@sandgroper1970 3 ай бұрын

43 degrees air temperature god knows what it was reflecting off the rocks. Hope you had plenty of water / fluids to drink to keep hydrated.

@gur262 3 ай бұрын

Thoughts on frame mounted front racks? I'm used to putting pretty horrendous weight on the rear of my bike but at some point space runs out and I'd also like some balance. Never used front panniers, did strap the groceries on top of my ➰ handlebar. That's no good . steering is impacted . seems to me weight to the bars gotta be light as seen with your somewhat small front bag. It seems a no brainer to me that touring bikes should have front racks but they dont ( citybikes sometimes do. Schindelhauer. Riese Müller. Fiido titan luggage hauling e fatbike). It would not prevent you from using panniers too. Only clashes with dropbars.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

Weight on the front fork is not a problem if it's done well, in fact, it can even improve the handling characteristics of a bike! The best practice location for any front weight is directly on the steering axis + mounted as low as possible.

@GordoGambler 3 ай бұрын

I ride strictly on roads on a heavy custom frame with Rohloff14 and a SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake, 120 lbs loaded with too much metal stuff. I designed it all 100%. I have a 8L or so CF trunk bolted to the head tube, looks like a shark nose. LOL. Works fantastic and 100% waterproof. I also have a CF pouch over the BB and CF wrapped seat tube to hold it all together. Also have a CF wrapped thermos under that for tools. Works like a ballast tank. LOL. Also a partial frame bag. 2 plastic bike bins for the rear storage. Crosswinds have NO effect. I have old style swept riser chrome handlebars on all my IGH bikes. 100% hotel stays.

@ucanskixc568 2 ай бұрын

@@Cyclingabout I have always tried to run 45/55% of the bike weight.

@pl4free 3 ай бұрын

you guys are crazy going down that descent holding a bike in SANDALS! One wrong step and your ankle is busted; and then who's coming to get you out of there. Splendid scenery though.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

There is a lot of risk in everything we do. I suspect the sandals are probably not the linchpin, however, based on a ridiculous amount of hike-a-bike and general hiking in sandals.

@brendonbussy6066 3 ай бұрын

And strong ankles. Wearing sandles does that. You're also just more aware of your feet, and naturally more careful. And then of course there's the exotic sandle tan ❤😅

@user-xm8xz3sq3j 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful place. Thanks. What is the width of your tires ?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

We use 2.8” or 71mm tires.

@user-xm8xz3sq3j 3 ай бұрын

@@Cyclingabout thanks and what is the model ?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

Schwalbe G-One

@pawel8365 3 ай бұрын

Really great you didnt encounter any crime or misfortune. SA is a dangerous country.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

After five months of travel here, we've found 99% of South Africa to be perfectly safe. You just need to avoid crime hotspots, which locals almost always inform you about.

@mohammedziauddin601 3 ай бұрын

Wow, the greatest views of Africa ever. . . I wonder, have you ever meet up with KZfaqr Itchyboots?

@elachichai 3 ай бұрын

How do you buy Koga outside Europe where they don't have any stores

@GordoGambler 3 ай бұрын

How's she liking the Koga Rohloff14 vs the Pinion Priority? GIs range is a bit lessened. I've been watching another guy on a world tour on a Cube 2x deFAILeur bike. Broke his pedals, crank, spokes, rear thru axle flange and a hotel broke his hanger. Hilariously clumsy.

@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon 3 ай бұрын

Sat down to research Poisson probability distribution, ended up watching bicycle touring videos.

@MrAsteliks007 3 ай бұрын

I wish you could try a cold climate for your next trip. We get it you and the world traveler preform well in hot dry climates. Now how about cold and wet perhaps even with negative temperatures?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

I’m not one to go out of my way to be cold. As soon as it starts cooling down, I head for the equator. 😅

@crculver2068 3 ай бұрын

Curious about why you still use a front lowrider rack in spite of your love for riding such coarse terrain. Is this something imposed by your sponsor, or do you personally feel this is superior to mounting fork bags or Ortlieb Fork Packs a bit higher?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

I almost never have to take my front panniers off (including for this hikeabike). I use them because I like the volume, easy organisation, and easy removal. Plus the weight is low and on the steering axis.

@shannonletourneau2766 3 ай бұрын

What brand of bikes are you using?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

KOGA WorldTraveller

@xxwookey 3 ай бұрын

You know this is a quality channel because the thumbnail _isn't_ the nice lady in the pool. The hike-a-bike section looked quite tiresome, but at least the weather was nice :-)

@pantidropper 3 ай бұрын

Hello mate, I’ve commented on your video you made 2 years ago about the concept of driveshafts on a bike. I just wanted to see if you were still posting videos and you are. If you have time could you please have a look at my comment and if you can help at all I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks again, James

@Xtrem3weirdow 3 ай бұрын

06:14 So why was this sign there? Did you know you would be safe and not shot? If I understand correctly, this used to be a danger, but now there is noone linving there. Right?

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

It's just a funny sign someone put up.

@truth-Hurts375 3 ай бұрын

No big deal....there was...not sure if its on anymore...a Race...To Hell and Back. First day you race over the mountain to The Hell...Sleep there...Next day you race back...was always big fun....

@rashadabdullah9769 3 ай бұрын

When is Cyclingabout the motion picture coming out? I heard in metal gear solid 5 you were going to a boss fight in afghanistan, punished venom snake vs cyclist belt drive. But it got cut bcoz konami fired kojima. Also heard you encountered Mokele-mbembe in africa and quetzalcoatlus in south america! (⁠☉⁠｡⁠☉⁠)⁠! I cant wait to hear how you escaped death and what you discovered!

@delkelso 2 ай бұрын

hate to post this here, but can't login to your website. i'm submitting the correct e-mail address, but never get a reset link via e-mail. bought your books, so i know i have an account. thx for help.

@PEDALSnPROJECTS 3 ай бұрын

If there's a road why not take a car i say

@RomanoCortesJorge 3 ай бұрын

I think that even more tragic than the decline of the isolated community of European settlers in this valley is the utter lack of any indigenous African (Khoisan?) people from the land that was once their home prior to colonization. I don't see any in the video. It would been more meaningful to hear their story. It's tragic to see that the end of apartheid did not result in the repatriation of all stolen native land and plundered wealth.

@ARonAR 3 ай бұрын

The South African government allowed Khoisan families (up until 1998) to pursue land claims which existed prior to 1913. The South African Deputy Chief Land Claims Commissioner, Thami Mdontswa, has said that constitutional reform would be required to enable Khoisan people to pursue further claims to land from which their direct ancestors were removed prior to 9 June 1913

@komgen 3 ай бұрын

i admire your determination but the title of the video is grossly exaggerated. no one survives hell. you might have endured a lot of pain and trouble but that my friend... is not hell.

@Cyclingabout 3 ай бұрын

The valley is called “The Hell”. Anyone that goes has literally been to Hell.

@REDHOTPOFFER 3 ай бұрын

I can attest to that...