Cederberg routes

Can anyone give me some info on the routes through the Cederburg? I need to know how technical it is as we will be riding through this area in December. We are visiting Wupperthal and will travel there from Calvinia via the Botterkloofpass. From there to Clanwilliam via the Pakhuispass. We are both newbies as far as off-road is concerned and woul like to get some objective advice

Hi Kobus
Fortunately for you last year's GS Challenge took place in this area and made for some wonderful riding. It is obviously technical at certain stages, but not impossible. My advice would be to try and obtain the GPS routes from one of our members who still has the GS Challenge routes on his GPS - unfortunately I did not have a GPS with me.
Someone like Bruno Gila should also have lovely pics of the Cederberg areas that will give you a good idea about the technical level and also the beautiful scenery. I'll add one or two of my pics from last year to give you an idea.

Most of the GS Challenge routes went south from Clanwilliam on dirt roads all alongside Clanwilliam dam (brilliant!) and then over two passes (can't remember the names now) to Algeria, from there some more gravel roads with bits of sand and small water crossings on the plateau before the steep cement road down to Wupperthal. From there we climbed another pass before returning to base camp near Nieuwoudtville.
I'll see if I can find my logbook maps but no guarantees though...

Those who took part in last year's GS Challenge, how would you rate the roads of the GS challenge to the YEF GS route?

Jpbez

We are travelling from Calvinia to Wupperthal via the Botterkloofpass and then to Clanwilliam via the Pakhuispass. Any info?

Kobus
I now understand the route you plan on taking. You do not need to worry about the comments I made earlier about sand and water crossings. The pretty technical stretches that I referred to are in the Cederberg wilderness area as you approach Wupperthal from the south south west (not indicated on most maps).
The R364 between the R27 Calvinia road and Clanwilliam is a gravel road with nothing funny - obviously a surprise every now and then in the form of loose sand in a "driffie" but nothing more technical than most gravel roads east of Pretoria. Obviously you just need to take the passes a bit slower due to sharper turns etc. (Botterkloof pass 1:10)
As you then take the smaller gravel road to Wupperthal you will encounter 2 more passes that are also not indicated on most general maps, namely the Uitkyk pass (1:7) and Kleinhoog pass (1:6 - that's pretty steep!). The Kleinhoog pass is actually cement on the steeper parts, so you just need to take care as you approach Wupperthal down the pass. Back up is great fun. Pakhuis Pass on the way to Clanwilliam is beautiful and easy compared to the other (I think it is 1:9)
I would certainly also recommend that you do a short ride out next to the Clanwilliam Dam - even 20km's out and then back would certainly be worthwhile!

Kobus
For some reason I cannot figure out how to include images in my posts... Mail me at jpbez1@gmail.com and I'll send you a pic or two to give you an idea of the road surfaces etc.
Hope the info helps

Now that I look at it I actually realise that my profile pic/avatar is most probably on the Bloukrans pass south of Calvinia - but gives you a very good idea - Botterkloof and Pakhuis are the same condition and surface

JP, thanx for the important information, and your avatar picture. I believe I can handle those steep corners if I go really slow, if surviving those steep gravel corners near Lone Creek is anything to go by.

JP, thx for the info. I speak for myself when I say I am inexperienced and I would therefor try to avoid highly technical routes as my prime objective is to enjoy the scenery and not to concentrate to stay on the bike. I love the outdoors and love nature and for me it make no sense doing such a technical route and not being able to enjoy the surroundings. I feel much better about our Cederberg part of the route after your input

JP, I have sent you an e-mail so you can send me some of your Cederberg pictures.