The Western Cape offers an abundance of wine estates, but these farms are about more than just wine. Top-notch dining, cultural events, open-air markets … visitors are treated to so many activities at wine estates. Add mountain biking to that list, too, because there are several track and trails available for sporty Capetonians to enjoy.
Bartinney
Bartinney offers mountain bikers, hikers and runners the opportunity to explore the spectacular landscape of the Banhoek Conservancy right on their doorstep. Try the iconic, flowing single track mountain bike trail descent from Botmaskop to Bartinney.
Bartinney Vineyard Cottage guests also get to savour the best of winelands living with a complimentary Estate wine tasting after exploring the Bartinney and Banhoek trails.
A permit is needed to ride the trail and can be bought online. This permit, which will be valid until 31 December 2022, allows for access to over 700 km of mountain bike trails including those of the Wine Lands Cycling Club, A2Z, Helderberg trials, Stellenbosch Trail Fund, MTO Jonkershoek, Banhoek Conservancy, Boschendal, Franschhoek trails, Paarl trails and Wellington Wild boar and scouts. Membership will be valid until 31 December 2022.
Boschendal
Boschendal has got a variety of hiking, biking and running trails that cater to all levels of experience.
You can expect some mean climbs and sweet singletrack rides all the way down their MTB trails, beautiful farm scenery along their running trails and exquisite views of the Franschhoek Valley on the hikes.
Visit the Trail Centre to get your permits and they will help you navigate all the routes they have available, such as the 4 km Yellow Route, 9 km Green Route, 11 km Blue Route, 15 km Red Route, 23 km Black Route, and the Black XL route which adds three to four sections onto the Black route.
They also have a MTB pump track for younger riders which is located next to The Tree House Playground and open to all Boschendal visitors. However, guests are advised to bring their own bikes as very limited amounts of rentals are currently available.
Details:
- Location: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690
- Contact: Call 021 001 9401 or email [email protected]
- Website: boschendal.com
Constantia Uitsig
Open seven days a week, from 8am until 6pm, the Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig offers cyclists of all ages and skill levels laps and laps of fun. Featuring a variety of pump tracks currently totaling 2.8 km, there are beginner jump lines all the way to expert drop-offs, rock gardens, a wooden berm, rollers and a suspension sky bridge (that tracks the canopy of the trees) ending in a corkscrew exit. In addition to the new Bike Barn – which offers spectators a cozy hideout and cyclists a pitstop with bike repair facilities, a dual slalom race track and bike party hire facilities are all on site too. Designed by Downhill World Champion, Chris Nixon, the tracks are ideal for honing one’s bike handling skills. BMX’s, mountain bikes and cyclocross are all welcome.
Riders can either opt for an hourly rate of R50, an annual membership of R950 per person, or family memberships for up to five family members.
Bikes and protective gear are also available for hire, but is on a first come first serve basis.
Details:
- Location: ERF3347 Spaanschemat River Rd, Porter Reform Estate, Cape Town, 7806
- Contact: Call 081 833 4488 or email [email protected]
- Website: bikeparkatuitsig.co.za
Lourensford Wine Estate:
Get out and about into the mountains overlooking the majestic Lourensford Wine Estate.
Ups and downs, turns and whirls, gravel and dust, MTB @ Lourensford offers the perfect terrain to go mountain biking.
They offer several memberships and riding options. Longterm bikers can take out a yearly membership, or opt for a once-off riding session. There are also special offers for children and a smaller pump track where 3 to 12-year-olds can ride.
Details:
- Location: Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130
- Contact: 021 847 2300
- Website: lourensford.co.za
Meerendal Wine Estate
Meerendal offers mountain biking, hiking and running on their estate. They boast great mountain biking trails, with a route made up of inter-leading 5 km, 10.5 km and 17.8 km trails. You can expect one to two hours of riding depending on your ability. Their routes accommodate beginners who are still learning the ropes, as well as experienced riders keen for a challenge.
Sign up to become a member of their Mountain Bike Club. Annual memberships can be bought online, and they also offer Junior, Student and Pensioner memberships.
Explore their many routes to see what excitement awaits.
Details:
- Location: Vissershok Rd, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550
- Contact: Call 021 975 1655 or email [email protected]
- Website: meerendal.co.za
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