Cape Town is surrounded by spectacular mountains and it’s those people in spandex tights who know how to make the most out of it. The city is home to the largest mountain biking club in South Africa, the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club.
Capetonians have a wide range of trails in and around the city to choose from and here’s a list of recommendations for those who want to venture out for a weekend ride.
1. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Grading: Easy to intermediate
Duration: 30 minutes to 3 hours
Cost: R40 (can be bought at the reserve)
The granite outcrops of the reserve make for a stunning backdrop.
The Paarl Mountain Nature reserve with scattered granite boulders dating back 500 million years offers a backdrop for the ride. The trail is a leisurely cruise with gentle slopes so it is suitable for beginners and families. Various circular loops offer views of the Boland mountains and the trail takes you up to the Afrikaans Taal Monument, Victoria Dam and Paarl Rock.
2. Lebanon Trail Grabouw
Grading: Easy to difficult
Duration: 1.5-3 hours
Cost: Price on request (available at Oak Lane Cottages)
The Lebanon trail takes you through diverse terrains such as forests, vineyards and fynbos.
The Lebanon forest has something for all mountain bikers. There’s an easier 7km yellow trail and 10 km green trail through the valley farms suitable for the whole family. There are more challenging trails such as the 17km blue trail or the 26 km red trail that take you down to the pine slopes. This trail offers to ride through a combination of orchards, pine forests and mountain fynbos with spectacular views of the Elgin Valley.
3. Banhoek Nature Conservency, Stellenbosch
Grading: Easy to Intermediate
Duration: 1-4 hours
Cost: day permits are R50 or R1000 for an annual pass (purchased online here.)
Banhoek Conservancy has 70km of trails that will keep you coming back for more.
The Banhoek Conservancy has three pillars that are 1) building the community, 2) nurturing the environment and 3) creating opportunities for all. The idea is to create a healthy lifestyle and fitness outlook through building trails, clearing alien vegetation and re-establishment wetland areas through cycling permits and memberships. the conservancy includes 70 km of trails.
4. Wild Boar Trails, Wellington
Grading: Intermediate to Difficult
Duration 1-5 hours
Cost: Day permits R100 and R80 for children under 18 (purchased online here)
Situated at Val du Charron Wine Estate, Wild Boar trails boasts some of the most amazing routes in the cape with configurations of 3-45 km. There are six routes advertised that start from Val du Charron nestled on the slopes of the Groenberg mountain. The routes take you through orchards, vineyards, fynbos and past waterfalls taking you high into the mountain before descending back down to the Krom River.
5. Majik Forest, Durbanville
Grading: Easy to Intermediate
Duration:1-1.5 hours
Cost: Free
Situated on the edge of Suburbia, Majik Forest is a breath of fresh air.
Nestled between vineyards and the sprawling suburbia of the Northern Suburbs is a greenbelt that offers an escape within the confines of Cape Town. The trails were established by the largest mountain bike club in South Africa, The Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club. Its members have access to a continued trail via the Bloemendal singletrack and corridor to Nitida Wine farm but day passes can be purchased at the Bloemdendal trail centre.
6. Ou Wapad, Noordhoek
Grading: Moderate
Duration: 1-4 hours
Cost: Free
The Ou Wapad was the main road over the mountain before the Ou Kaapse Weg was built. Heading up from Noordhoek, you take Ou Wapad and the route ends at the entrance of the Silvermine West entrance, If you have the energy, you can take the 9km circular route in the Silvermine Reserve (permits can be purchased at the gate). You can also take the route back, taking you down a rough gravel road with views of the peninsula, where you can enjoy a refreshing beer at Noordhoek for all your hard work.
Also Read:
Pictures: Flickr Commons
