Bushman's Nek Pass

Overview

Bushman's Nek Pass is a Category 1 climb in South Africa, running 6.8 km from a start elevation of 1758 m to a summit of 2359 m. That is a net elevation gain of 601 m packed into under seven kilometres, which is why the road averages 8.89%. This is not a climb you settle into; it is one you survive by managing your effort minute to minute.

The number that reframes the whole ascent is total ascent versus net gain. You gain 601 m of altitude, but you climb 722 m of vertical in total. That 121 m difference means the road undulates: there are short descents and flat interruptions that force you to re-accelerate on already-fatigued legs. Every metre you lose to a dip, you have to earn back on gradient. Plan for the extra work, not just the headline elevation.

How the Gradient Unfolds

An 8.89% average is punishing on its own, but it hides the real story. With 121 m of "wasted" climbing baked into the total ascent, the gradient is uneven — the road pitches up hard, eases, then pitches again. Averages smooth over the ramps that actually break riders.

• Expect brief flatter or descending sections that interrupt your rhythm and reset your momentum.
• Anticipate repeated short, sharp climbs rather than one uniform grind.
• Brace for the steepest ramp, which spikes well above the average and demands your lowest gear immediately.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this undulating, chasing even speed is a trap — you will burn matches surging to hold a number through every dip. Ride to even effort instead. Hold a steady, sustainable power output and let your speed rise and fall with the terrain. Accept slowing on the ramps; do not hammer the flatter breaks trying to average out.

Know your ceiling before you start. Use the FTP estimator to set a realistic threshold, then ride the steep pitches at or just under it, using the recovery sections to bring your heart rate back down rather than to push.

Gearing

The steepest ramp governs your setup, not the average. On gradients this severe, come with a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 at minimum, and 34×34 if you have it. Grinding a big gear here will wreck your legs before the summit and may stall you entirely on the sharpest pitch. Check your chainset and cassette before the ride; you cannot fix your gearing on the mountain.

Summary

• Length: 6.8 km
• Average gradient: 8.89%
• Maximum gradient: 35.38%
• Net elevation gain: 601 m
• Total ascent: 722 m
• Category: 1

Bushman's Nek Pass is short in distance but relentless in gradient. Respect the undulation, ride to effort, and bring gearing built for the steepest ramp — do that, and the summit at 2359 m is yours.