HOWZIT, SUMMER! IT’S SURF SKI TIME!
We made it. Yup, we’re half-way through the summer Festive Season, and somehow, we’ve survived those ice-cold beers, the extra-chunky slice of Christmas cake, and
Winter’s not coming, people … it’s pretty much here! But we know you’re not going to let a little cold snap spoil a good ride, right? Here’s the deal: get geared for some muddy fun and join us on a ‘Cold Squad’ session with your bike, all while exploring some of South Africa’s top winter trails. This issue of #TakeYouThere is all about the best of biking, with trail suggestions, riding tips, gear information, and places to stay … So let’s get cranking!
Real riders don’t need a motor, and certainly do not mind getting muddy. Yup, mountain biking is all about the adventure, but there are a few add-ons off-the-bike that is sure to bump your experience up to Level Epic. Think quality coffee, a glass of red wine, and a fire to warm up next to after your ride, and you immediately get a double thumbs-up from us! These are two trails not to miss …
This unequalled conservation destination in the Overstrand Region rates as one of the Cape’s premier hiking and biking trail venues. Just imagine a pristine wilderness, where headspace reigns supreme … Windswept dunes, rolling fynbos meadows, cliff-top hiking trails, spreading trees rooted deep within the southern tip of Africa and, of course, a mesmerizingly blue swathe of shimmering sea.
The main Vlei MTB Route (12km/19km) starts from De Hoop Opstal to navigate a rugged jeep-track tripping via a rocky limestone outcrop, with scenic views of the Vlei far below. Your approach to the historic De Mond House crosses grassy pans, where herds of bontebok, zebra, eland and ostrich graze undisturbed.
You can either follow a circular route back (12km) or extend your ride to include Melk Kamer House, which will bump up the distance to 19km in total. This route is often used during the popular De Hoop Vlei ‘Sunset Scramble’, with breathtaking sundowner scenery, bird life and game viewing.
There are half a dozen route options to choose from, including the purpose-built trails of the 55km De Hoop Vlei Experience Route. Cold front rolling off the Atlantic often strafe the Overstrand, so dress warm in winter. There is good news, though: De Hoop Collection’s restaurant boasts one of the best wine cellars in the southern Cape, with a roaring fire to balance out those icy rides.
www.dehoopcollection.com or www.overbergmtbevents.co.za
Welcome to one of the Northern Cape’s flagship active outdoor destinations! This expansive national park rates as one of our favourite trail spaces, and is a perfect place to go in search of space. Lunar rockscapes rear up against a cobalt sky, the gneiss-scattered plains are as old as the continent itself, and the riding absolutely rocks.
Crank from Main Camp along an undulating dirt road, negotiating gentle climbs past Moon Rock. Keep pedalling via thorn tree copses past giraffe, kudu and eland until you reach Ararat View Point, where a slip-n-slide dirt chute bangs you onto the precipitous canyon edge.
Revel in end-of-the-world views across the dramatic gorge, then take on the return climb to dog-leg right towards Oranjekom along a swashbuckling descent. The cherry on top is the hard-rock splendour of Fonteintjie and Echo Corner, where you turn around to complete an unforgettable 43km return ride.
Winter mornings are well below zero, so full-finger gloves and thermal layering are key (as will be that pre-ride Bialetti filled with steaming coffee)! The park boasts chalets and a great camping area, with evenings perfect for relaxing next to a kameeldoring fire to help ward of the chill. Invest in some red wine from Orange River Cellars; take it from me when I say their wines are damn fine.
Gravel-bike riding is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in cycling, and this chain-gang gathering on the Overberg gravel roads spider-webbing from the town of Swellendam takes place every year at the end of July. Distances include everything from a quickie 25-Miler to a hard core 200-Miler monster – you have been warned!
Nothing beats a towbar-mounted bicycle carrier! This fast, no-nonsense and convenient HOLDFAST bike transport rack reduces wind resistance while traveling, and you never have to worry about height clearance issues. Engineered from high-grade alloy, the bomb-proof construction has been tried and tested over more than two decades along our rugged African roads.
Intuitive design – with easy-to-turn tighteners, adjustable wheel clamps and sturdy wheel channels – means you can rest assured we’ll get your bike there safely. An easy mounting height means this is perfect for e-Bikes, Gravel Bikes, MTBs and Road Cycles, with a lockable, telescopic arm that keeps your bicycle secure wherever you may stop. Plus, the foot-operated tilt function allows you access to your vehicle boot once the bikes are mounted (there are 2-bike and 4-bike options) – now that’s what we call a win-win!
Click HERE for specifications.
We made it. Yup, we’re half-way through the summer Festive Season, and somehow, we’ve survived those ice-cold beers, the extra-chunky slice of Christmas cake, and
A heady combo of untamed surf breaks and rollicking singletrack lurks in the area where the Eastern Cape’s ‘Frontier Country’ hinterland collides onto the Sunshine Coast. Our
South Africa boasts more than 3000km of breathtaking coastline, complemented by a top selection of inland waters, including some of the most exhilarating rivers on
Ah man, there’s no better place to plug into your outdoor buzz than on the West Coast! This month in #TakeYouThere, we’re going for a
Winter’s not coming, people … it’s pretty much here! But we know you’re not going to let a little cold snap spoil a good ride,
8 Wetton Park, Dolphin Way
Wetton, Cape Town
South Africa, 7780
Tel: 021 797 6559
Email: info@holdfast.co.za
