At last! Just what we've all needed: a guide to the most superlative mountain bike rides in SA – from the best downhill to the rockiest, wildest, hottest and most hellish rides. But wait, there's more: the best gravel cruise, greatest family ride, most charming ramble... So whether you're looking for the lung-busters or the metro options, here's the pick of the crop: SA's 20 top rides.

PLUS:
• colour maps
• altitude profiles
• detailed route descriptions
• terrain-specific riding tips
• distance, gradient & ability gradings
• loads of photos to show the conditions

About the Authors:

Jacques Marais

Jacques Marais is a professional photographer and writer who regularly works with leading local and international publications such as Sports Illustrated, GQ, FHM, Men's Health, Discovery, Quicksilver, Bicycling, Earthyear, Ride and Travesias, contributing articles and features on a range of outdoor activities, including adventure racing and other adrenaline sports. He has also acted as consulting and contributing editor to various magazines, and has closely followed the development of adventure racing on the African continent, covering a multitude of races both locally and internationally.Highlights include Africa Adventure Quest, Global Extreme, High Coast 400 (Sweden), Namib Desert Challenge (Namibia), G4 Challenge and the Arctic Team Challenge (Greenland).

Jacques is a self-confessed trav-a-holic who has cycled more of this country's backroads and byways than most.

Susanna & Herman Mills

Susanna and Herman Mills met through mountain biking and their enduring passion for the sport saw them launching Ride magazine, initiating numerous off-road events, and producing a number of mountain biking books, including Adventure Sport Series: Mountain Biking and Mountain Bike Trails Guidebook.