Contributors: Channette Bantjes and Zania Steyn
The Eselfontein MTB 3 Day Stage Race – where adrenaline meets regret and triumph collides with total exhaustion. Last month, Dirt Addict’s very own Channette Bantjes and Zania Steyn took on the challenge, and they’re here to report back: it’s as wild, hard, and downright breathtaking as everyone says.
Day 1: The Night Ride – 30km, 600m Elevation Gain
The race kicked off with a 30-kilometer night ride, packing in 600 meters of elevation gain under the stars. Rolling through the dark trails, it’s technical right from the start, jolting you awake as every turn reveals fresh challenges. It’s a mixture of grit and thrill, and you finish it feeling both invigorated and maybe a little terrified about what the next days will bring.
Day 2: The Beast – 55km, 1200m Elevation Gain
If you’ve ever questioned your life choices, it probably wasn’t on a Saturday morning at 55 kilometers into relentless climbs with 1,200 meters of gain. This day isn’t for the faint of heart. Between steep ascents and tricky descents, Day 2 is the ultimate mental and physical endurance test. The course is unapologetically brutal and humbling, even for seasoned riders. At several points, you start to wonder if you’ll make it to Day 3. But, by evening, after some deep sleep, the sense of accomplishment starts to settle in.
Day 3: Redemption Ride – 40km, 1000m Elevation Gain
With the sunrise and a solid cup of coffee, Sunday feels different. Sure, it’s another 40 kilometers with a good 1,000 meters of climbing, but the trails start to feel familiar. The climbs are still intense, but now they feel rewarding. You’re riding on adrenaline and grit. The technical sections are just as gnarly, but this time, you’re in it with a bit more confidence. Finishing Day 3 is pure exhilaration – you feel alive, mostly because you didn’t die!
Why We’ll Do It Again (After a Long Rest)
The Eselfontein MTB 3 Day isn’t for everyone, but for those who dare to take it on, it’s unforgettable. There’s something addictive about pushing your limits, getting through the lows, and embracing the highs. It’s not just about finishing the race but about what you learn about yourself along the way.
We clocked a total of 15 hours over the three days – a big improvement over last time, especially on technical sections where more skill meant less walking. While the winners flew through in under six hours (how?!), our journey was just as rewarding, if a bit slower. With a little more work on fitness and pace, there’s always room to get better.
Eselfontein MTB: Brutal, Beautiful, and Always Worth It
For anyone considering the Eselfontein MTB 3 Day Stage Race, just know this: it’s tough as nails, gorgeous beyond words, and likely to become one of those “never again, but maybe someday” experiences. We’ll be back – eventually.
And after all, isn’t that why we take on these insane challenges? To push ourselves, find new limits, and come back stronger every time?