Video: Burning Mountains II - Vertriding in Namibia

The Brandberg had been an experiment. The trail, if it even existed, wasn't exactly made for bikes. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful time. We had a few days left and we ventured to a group of mountains called the Spitzkoppe to relax. Unexpectedly, we found a perfect bike wonderland.


Around 100km to the south east of the Brandberg, these giant granite boulders rise unexpectedly out of the flat savannah. From a distance, the Spitzkoppe is the most distinct one, many more are scattered around, it’s an African Joshua Tree. Deciding on a camp ground was hard, each one has its own charming character. The granite has majestic features with a rough surface and smooth lines, perfect for rock climbing.


We came for the scenery, for some photo shots against this unique backdrop. What we found was truly mind-blowing. The most extraordinary riding lines everywhere. We hurried to unpack and explore. On the rocks, we found a stellar grip. Steepness redefined itself for this kind of friction biking. It was an eye-opener and game-changer. It was also the antithesis to the Brandberg, the adventure mountain. Here it was more of a time to enjoy some riding.




Next to our camp ground was this massive rock complex, probably not the most spectacular feature in the area but for some reason it attracted our attention from the first sight. Maybe it was the dimension of unbroken and immaculate granite quality or its harmonic and completely smooth shapes. It was quick and easy to climb to watch the sunset. One night we even camped on the flat base and had a hammer of a view for breakfast.




The rock also hosted a rock pool and a number of possible neat rides. However, to ride top to bottom there were two possibilities only. The obvious one was pretty easy and fun and featured a little drop which looked strange to me. The other possibility was of opposite character, it was down the front face, a real line. While it looked obvious at the initial inspection from far, it actually changed into something of an illusion when we first walked up and needed both hands and all the friction our shoes would yield. For me it was clear right away that this was THE dream line. Every once in a while you might find something that captures you, that draws you in from the first encounter. This line down the granite was one of those occasions. The rock was so bare with no tree or any structure to offer any kind of handle at least for the eyes. The narrow roll in at the top gradually became steeper and steeper, eventually falling onto an inclined ledge. You would simply have to hold it together and get a maximum out of the brakes and the tire rubber. Once on the ledge you were on safe grounds for a few meters until you had to traverse the granite at a sloping angle to reach over onto the safe harbour of a flatter rock section. Also every once in a while you are ready to go all in when the stakes are high. I had to give it a serious try.

It was the last day before we had to leave the Spitzkoppe camp. I think in my preoccupied mind I was quite nervous and irritable and not talking a lot. It was finally time to put the mind games onto the rock. During the last two days we really got comfortable with the granite and I got a glimpse of what was possible with this kind of stellar friction. This line would make the showcase.


When I got ready at the top, I was already pretty much in my own bubble, which consisted of my front brake, the front tire and the few meters of granite below me. When I rolled in with confidence, it was pure joy and relief as I felt things coming together all fine. It was time to talk and laugh again, and for a beer.

- Axel Kreuter

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MENTIONS: @axel-vertman

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