Given the beautiful South African landscapes and scenery that mountain bikers traverse, mountain biking has become one of the most popular activities around.
The Bergrivier region, situated right on Cape Town’s doorstep, is a mountain bike mecca with a variety of stunning trails available for beginner, intermediate, and experienced riders. In addition to this, there are fantastic places to stay and adventures and activities of all kinds to be had.
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The allure of being able to ride bikes off-road through sensational natural landscapes and be out in the fresh air, as well as the camaraderie that exists amongst mountain bikers, are all drawcards that fuel the growth of this sport.
Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism, reveals a few of the top mountain bike trails in the region and where to find them:
“Just above the town of Porterville, which is one and a half hours drive from Cape Town, is the Beaverlac Mountain Bike Route. Tucked high up in the Olifants River Mountains, this trail, which offers two main routes, is good for beginner or intermediate riders who can try their hand at either the 10km loop or the 18km return trail.”
“Beaverlac offers camping and cabin accommodation in a beautiful setting—a secluded 5000-hectare valley surrounded by mountains—and there are a wide variety of hiking trails and rock pools available for visitors. The mountain bike route is open to all (booking required), and Beaverlac guests do not have to pay the entry fee,” explains Ndlangisa.
The 22 Waterfalls Mountain Bike Route is a 15-kilometre circular trail for intermediate riders that begins at the Waterval Campsite on the Waterval Farm, a proclaimed private nature reserve at the foot of the Olifantsrivier Mountains.
“This trail is open to the public (bookings required), and guests at Waterval do not need to pay to use the mountain bike trail,” says Ndlangisa.
In addition to camping sites and chalets, Waterval offers a hiking trail that takes you on a route past 22 waterfalls surrounded by indigenous fynbos and 47 indigenous trees. Wildlife like the Klipspringer, Cape Leopard and Reebok can sometimes be spotted, and there are many opportunities for bird watching on the way. Freshwater bass fishing is also offered at the farm dams.
“While in the Porterville area, mountain bikers should also do the Dasklip Pass Gravel Bike Route,” says Ndlangisa. “This 70-kilometre route is good for intermediate riders and winds its way up the Dasklip passes into the beautiful Groot Winterhoek wilderness area. Whilst up there, you can visit the secluded Ginsmith artisanal distillery for a gin-tasting experience—just let them know ahead of time that you are coming. This mountain bike route is on public roads and is free to access.”
Accommodation-wise, Beaverlac offers camping and cabins, as does the Waterval campsite.
In addition to these, visitors can book to stay at Pampoenfontein, Berghoff or Cedarpeak—all wonderful accommodation options in the Groot Winterhoek mountains. In the town of Porterville itself, great accommodations are offered at the Rendezvous guesthouse, the Flyers Lodge or Villa Cho-Co-Latt.
“A short drive from Porterville is the Piketberg area, where mountain bikers will find the Retreat Mountain Bike Route, situated on the Retreat Guest Farm. This 24km trail is good for intermediate riders and makes its way over beautiful, fynbos-covered slopes. The Retreat route starts at the self-catering cottages on the farm and offers various circular segments, including Firebreak, Beacon Aisle, Blackburn, Gums & Bees, and Perdekop. It is available to guests only,” Ndlangisa explains.
Ndlangisa says another private mountain bike trail that is a must-do is the Highlands Estate Leopard Mountain Bike Route, situated on the Highlands Estate, a premium eco-estate on top of the Piketberg mountain. This 10km route, suited for intermediate and advanced riders, makes its way past an array of indigenous flora and fauna, panoramic mountain views, and a multitude of sunset vantage points. On a clear day, you can see Table Mountain in the distance. This trail is also only available to guests.
“In addition to these routes,” says Ndlangisa, “Piketberg offers the Piketberg Gravel Bike Circuit—a challenging four-day route that traverses approximately 316 km of the stunning landscape from Aurora to Goedverwacht, on to Piket-Bo-Berg, then Eendekuil, Redelinghuys, and back to Aurora—all on public roads and free for all users.”
For the first night, various types of accommodations are available near the quaint village of Goedverwacht—or stay in Piket-Bo-Berg. Choose from Kruistementvlei, Noupoort Mountain Estate, Pomona or the Retreat Guest Farm as your venue.
For night two, there are a variety of accommodation options in and around Redelinghuys, after which you will return to Aurora to complete this extensive route. Chateau La Terrance is an excellent place to stay in Aurora.
Other options for accommodation in the surrounding areas include the Cornerstone Guesthouse, Home with a View, or Vue de Montagne—all in the town of Piketberg; Dezehoek Cottage or Kapteinskloof Guesthouse—both on nearby working farms; Die Ark Backpackers in the neighbouring town of Koringberg; Kleine Paradys next to the Berg River; the Piekenierskloof Mountain Lodge; or the Sandveld Dorpshuys in Redelinghuys.
There are also many other activities to do while visiting any of the Bergrivier areas. Options include birdwatching, river cruising, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, shopping, enjoying delicious food and great wine, gin-tasting, beer-tasting, cheese-tasting, or just relaxing and re-energizing in nature.
“There is so much to do in the Bergrivier area that visitors are truly spoilt for choice, which is great news for mountain bike enthusiasts and their families who are looking for a city escape and the next great mountain bike memories,” concludes Ndlangisa.
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Picture: Supplied
