JOZI & SURROUNDS

A pillar of the Johannesburg cycling scene, the Engen2engen can attract a huge turnout and has a long history of putting the city’s best riders to the test. With only 400m of climbing, the route is pretty fast; riders usually average about 38km/h.

There are a couple of short, steep climbs on the route. Wicklow Hill, a 1min45sec all-out effort on a 7% gradient, is the first, and is renowned as a section of the route where attacks are popular. You’re offered a brief respite before you hit Jan Smuts Drive, which sees the pace accelerate again, thinning out the peloton even further. By the top of Jan Smuts, there are generally only five to 10 riders left at the front.

As the first ride of the week, the Tuesday outing is the pick of the roster. Everyone goes pretty much full gas all the way, but with big bunches come lots of attacks – no waiting if you get dropped.

DISTANCE: 38KM

WHEN: TUESDAY TO FRIDAY, 4.45AM STARTING POINT:

ENGEN GARAGE,

MAIN RD, BRYANSTON

GEES FACTOR

“There’s definitely an element of competition to the Engen2engen; but at the same time, everyone’s there to get in a really hard ride. You won’t find guys sitting in to save themselves. There’s usually quite a mix, with some of the elites joining in, a lot of the very strong subvets and vets, and then some more social riders as well.”

– Richard Damant, Engen2engen regular

GET INVOLVED

Simply rock up at the start… if you have the legs for it.