Have you considered Mountain Biking in the Karoo?
Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. With the increase of motor vehicle accidents on our roads many cyclists have turned to mountain biking as an alternative, but as a city dweller this poses a problem. Where to ride? Around Cape Town the scenery is beautiful but genuine mountain bike trails are scarce. Many routes still include a reasonable percentage of tar road before you hit the dirt. Are there alternatives? Yes there are! The Karoo is ideal for the dedicated Mountain Biker as well as for the weekend novice.
Here’s an excerpt from Touwsberg’s newsletter reflecting a typical Karoo mountain bike trail with a game view option included, Touwsberg Private Wild and Nature Reserve is off the R62 near Ladismith.
At Touwsberg Wolverfontein, we are blessed with numerous mountain bike trails, ranging from moderate to strenuous. The most popular and “easiest” route is situated on the east side of the reserve, and starts at the Touwsberg gate. Heading up the “main road” towards Rietfontein, the ride up towards the east gate entrance, takes approximately 30– 45 minutes, depending on your fitness levels. Once you have reached the “summit” of “Oupas se bult” just past Rietfontein, the road takes a brief fast downhill for about 600 meters when you will see the turning on the right-hand side marked “Wild”. The track follows the 4×4 route through the kloof and gives a spectacular fast and easy, but technical ride. The degree of technical difficulty usually depends on how recently it has rained. With the last “floods” we experienced in January this year, the track makes for some interesting riding. The track that follows the normally dry riverbed has been altered by the raging torrents, and caution should be taken when ascending at speed. On this section of the track encountering game is the norm. Giraffe, gemsbok, eland, kudu and springbok frequent this part of the route and enhance the enjoyment of the ride.
For more info on Touwsberg visit their website HERE.
Mountin Biking in the Karoo has become serious business and many events take place annually. Visit our EVENTS page to see numerous Mountain Biking Events in the Karoo.
