All you need to know about the 2023 Midnight Express Route.

Steytlerville to Bucklands WH1 – 45km / 150 m Elevation. Departing from Royal Hotel in Steytlerville on a gravel road with a gradual descent to our first Waterhole at Bucklands Farm. Slowest riders should do this section in 2.5 hrs max. 

Bucklands to Grootrivier District Road – 20 km / 415 m Elevation. Leaving Bucklands farm the riders head into some awesome Jeep Track that forms part of the Freedom Challenge route. Very rideable with some gentle climbs. Watch out for Kudu!

District Road to Grootrivier WH2 {E – Bike Battery Swop} – 30km / 372 m elevation. This gravel road hugs the northern side of the Baviaanskloof. It is a roller-coaster of ups and downs all the way to the Poort waterhole. This waterhole will prepare you for the climb out of the Poort. 

Poort to Tower – 20km / 866m elevation.   This is the toughest piece with the route taking you up and over the Antoniesberg Pass. The main pass is only 5.4km and the vistas over the Cockscomb and Baviaanskloof are truly amazing. Once you have conquered the tough climb out, you can fixate on the Tower in the distance. It’s a gradual uphill with some nice places for a little walk if you wish. There is a water table at the top and you are truly on top of the world and 99% of your day is done.

Tower to Patensie – 14km / 170 m elevation.   It is mostly a descent of 943m but there are a few sharp climbs that tend to take you by surprise so be aware of it. It is also a rough road so you could let tyre pressures down slightly to make a smoother ride. 129 kilometers later, at the crack of dawn, the journey ends at Endulini Landgoed in Patensie.