Hello,

We’re doing the garden route in South Africa from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town over christmas and new year and wondered whether anyone has any good recommendations for some technical riding destinations along the way? I haven’t started looking properly yet but its always difficult to tell whether or not you are going to get a fire road fest that takes all day with a group of ‘extreme’ mountain bikers who are body armoured up but have an average speed of 1mph. I’ll need to hire a bike. Also be interested to here about any nice and easy 1 day cycle trips/tours along the way e.g. wine region that people have done for something a bit more mrs compatible?

cheers

Matt

There are trails in Knysna but I’m not sure what they are like as I haven’t ridden them. If you want some trails to ride when your in Cape Town I can get you a contact with the Tygerberg MTB club, they have some great trails out by Durbanville. (http://www.tygerbergmtb.co.za/trails.html)

There are great trails at Stellenbosch (Jonkershoek) as well.

Try this site for finding trails. (http://www.mtbroutes.co.za/trails/western-cape/316-jonkershoek-assegaaibosch-reserve-mtb-trail-closest-citytown-stellenbosch.html)

Word of warning though, I’d advise strongly against riding by yourself. Some of the less friendly locals have discovered that bikes make easy targets for muggings. Always ride in a group.

http://www.thehubsa.co.za is the local MTB forum which may be of some help.

And there is this, no idea what it is like: http://www.gardenroutetrailpark.com/

http://www.irideafrica.com
Great company with really good kit and experienced guides, we had a fantastic trip with them, bike hire, guided day trips or packages to suit

http://www.irideafrica.com
Great company with really good kit and experienced guides, we had a fantastic trip with them, bike hire, guided day trips or packages to suit

This.

I did a couple of days around Cape Town with them and got shown some fantastic spots around Tokai Forest.
Stellenbosch is supposed to have some great trails as well, I’ll be heading there next time I’m in SA.

The trails near Knysna are the Harkerville Forest and Petrus Se Brand. I have ridden the Harkerville Forest three times – it is not technical, nor is it just fire road. The initial outward leg to the sea (cliffs) takes in narrow forest singletrack with one or two bits that might test you, but nothing major at all. Really enjoyable cross country stuff, but not technical. You then ride some coastal path stuff with stupendous views. The return leg is not that interesting, being more fire road and wide track than singletrack (although there are a couple of bits). I haven’t ridden Petrus Se Brand, but this is a point to point from Diepwalle to the start of the Harkerville trail.

Ride these for a nice cross country loop with loads of photo stops and lunch etc.

One tip – DON’T BELIEVE THE BUMF ABOUT THE STREAM WATER BEING DRINKABLE.

I nearly shat my entire nervous system out in the following 24 hours!

Great thanks guys, will take a look tonight.

+1 for contacting the Tygerberg MTB club

I rode with them for a day when I was over there back in March/April.

Really friendly bunch of chaps.

Hogsback mountain – bit out of your way (3 hours from Port Elizabeth in the wrong direction), but I have very fond memories of riding out there.