Wednesday 31 December 2014

Review Northern Farms

Northern Farms is one of my favourite cycling places.  It is hard to believe that it is right next to Diepsloot.   This is in my opinion the best place for a beginner to cycle as the green route and blue route have no technical bits.






The venue:



Children: 10

Facilities: 8

Accessibility: 7

Cost: 7




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 8

Traffic Safety: 9

Fun: 10

Technicality:10

Scenery: 9

Obstructions: 8

Maintenance:  9

Hill climbing: 8

Variation: 10


The Venue:


Children: 10

There is a kiddies play area at the entrance and the pink route is for children.


Facilities: 9

There is a little takeaway with cooldrinks. It is not always open, I am not sure about the hours. There is also a bicycle wash and you can buy basic spares. The toilets have showers.


Accessibility: 7

The sign on the main road has gone missing with road construction. Turn off the road as you see Diepsloot. As it is a working farm it is only open on public holidays and weekends. The lost bit of road is under construction so it is not a pleasant drive to Northern Farms currently.


Cost: 7

It is R40 per person, R10 more than most trails. Bare in mind that the funds go to a very good cause. Northern Farms has a development program for young moutain bikers from Diepsloot.


The trail itself:


Security on trail: 8

I always feel safe at Northern's but bare in mind that it is right next to a very poor community. Don't cycle alone.


Traffic Safety: 9

There are some farm vehicles.


Fun: 10

For a fun challenge the red route is great. You go on a circuit route that keeps veering off to single track trails. The black route is probably a lot of fun to the more experienced MTB cyclist.


Technicality:10

There is a variation of technical challenges. Steep slopes, bridges, winding through a forest. The red route is supposed to be technical without being bone breaking. There is one of the single tracks which starts with a very steep slope downhill which I would not advise the beginner to take. I am too scared to do it. There is also a big rock on the one track that I walked over.


Scenery: 9

Northern farms is very beautiful but there are spots that are not as pretty due to power lines.


Obstructions: 8

Because of the size of Northern Farms you are not obstructed much by other cyclists but you often have to stop for a herd of cattle.


Maintenance: 9

Maintenance is really good at Northern Farms. On the red route some markers have how ever gone missing. We followed the route that had the wheel tracks on them. At one section there is a silly little ditch not much of an obstacle. Big warnings are up and you are advised to go left for red route and straight for black route. Around the corner there is a massive rock. This rock should really only be for black route.


Hill climbing: 8

There are two hills that are long and difficult but they did not defeat me.


Variation: 10

This trails go over bridges, past beautiful dams, through farm lands. There is a lot of variety in scenery and trail choices.
















Review Mount Grace

Mount Grace is the new kid on the block.  They opened their trail to the public for the first time December 2014.  To attract visitors they made the trail free for December 2014.  They only opened one trail for beginners but there are more to come.  Gavin Pelser, the man who is developing the trails, is going to give skills training courses in 2015.

Although it is a beginners course I would not have been able to do this course when I first started mountain biking.   If you do not know yet how to distribute your weight on steep downhills first learn how to do that before attempting this course.



Overall rating:  8.8

The venue: 

Children: 5

Facilities: 10

Accessibility: 7

Cost: 9




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 10

Traffic Safety: 8

Fun: 8

Technicality: 8

Scenery: 10

Obstructions: 9

Maintenance: 10

Hill climbing: 10

Variation: 7


The venue: 

Children: 5
At this stage there is no easy track for the young ones.  The trail is for beginners but will be a bit too challenging for young children.  Mount Grace is hosting numerous MTB children's races so I cannot say that they are not catering for children at all.

Facilities: 10
The club house is lovely.  I am a cheap skate and I love that even though it is at one of the fanciest hotels the food at


the club house is very cheap.  There are showers at the club house.

Accessibility: 7
Mount Grace is easy to find but it is very far out so I give it a lower score on accessibility.

Cost: 9
Mount Grace was free for December 2014 but they are going to charge soon.  I do not know what the rate is going to be.




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 10
This trail is really in the middle of no where, so I felt completely safe.  I would not worry about doing this trail on my own.  Perhaps there are dangers that I am unaware of so  rather  cycle with a friend.

Traffic Safety: 8
There are a few farm vehicles that use the main road be on the lookout.  

Fun: 8
Mount Grace's trail saves the fun for the end.  Close to the end you hit two steep dips that cross bridges.  Although steep, they are not dangerous, as they are wide and straight.  

Technicality: 7
The trail that is open to the public is a beginners trail.  The technical difficulty is timing the steep switch backs on the hills.   They were beyond my capability.  I will have to go back many times to try and master them.  I am hoping to go to the skills training in the new year.

Scenery: 10
Michael voted this trail the most beautiful.  The reason being that you do not see any tar roads or civilization.  You feel as if you are completely in the wild.  

Obstructions: 9
At the beginning and end of the trail you are warned that the trail runs both ways.   Also be on the look out for vehicles on the ground road part of the trail.

Maintenance: 10
This is the widest single track trail I have been on.  As it is new maintenance is excellent.  

Hill climbing: 10
These were the absolute worst/ best hills I ever tried to climb.  Going up the one section, I felt that I was definitely going to die.  The hill has killer steep switch backs.   I pushed my bicycle mostly.

Variation: 7
There is not that much variation yet.  They decided to start with the beginners course.  The hills with the switch backs are a challenge.  The lovely steep dips at the end are a lot of fun.  The scenery is majestic.





Review Hero Adventure Park - Heia Muldersdrift



Make sure you stock up on water before attempting the Red Route.



Above video clips are of us attempting to cross the floating bridge.

Overall rating: 9.3

The venue: 

Children: 9

Facilities: 10

Accessibility: 9

Cost: 8




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 10

Traffic Safety: 9

Fun: 10

Technicality:10

Scenery: 10

Obstructions: 8

Maintenance: 8

Hill climbing: 10

Variation: 10


The venue: 

Children: 9

Hero Adventure Park caters very well for children.  The MTB cycle track for children is an easier part of the main track.  There is a play park and a swimming pool.

Facilities: 10

There are plenty of toilets.  There is a restaurant which does a buffet breakfast and a buffet lunch on a Sunday.

Accessibility: 9

Hero is easy to find as it is well marked.  It is a bit out of Muldersdrift.

Cost: 9

Hero charges the average price R 30.  You pay R50 and when you give your tag bag after the cycle you get R20 back.  The reason I give it a 9, is because for the price there is so much to offer.


The trail itself:


Security on trail: 10

I feel very secure at Hero, bare in mind it is in the Muldersdrift area which has been plagued by crime, always be alert and avoid cycling alone.

Traffic Safety: 9

There is a ground road crossing.  Be on the lookout for vehicles.  There are also people driving around the resort be aware.

Fun: 10

Hero has a bit of everything.  You have to try the floating bridge!  We took a cheap bicycle with as we did not want to risk damaging our good bicycles.

The berms on the blue route are a extremely fun.  The wooden bridge ramp on the blue route is probably fun but I am not brave enough to try it yet.   Michael says beware coming down it as there are loose rocks at the bottom of it.   The one on the red route is for crazy people.  

Technicality:10

There is a variation of difficult technical parts.  Bridges, ramps, floating bridge, berms, steep drops, steep climbs.    The blue route has a few difficult parts.  I just get off and push.   The red route has extremely difficult climbs and very scary steep drops.  I pushed quite a bit.  The red route also goes through a few house ruins.  

Scenery: 9

Heia is gorgeous.  The first part of the Blue route is not that pretty but it becomes very scenic once  you are down at the floating bridge and enter the forest.  The entire area of the red route is very scenic.  I have not been on the yellow route.  When we were there (December 2014), the giraffes and zebra's had offspring, very cute.   

Obstructions: 8

Beware of the wildlife and  of vehicles travelling on parts of the route.


Maintenance: 8

Hero is well maintained.  There were a few issues.  The floating bridge had a few crates missing making it harder than usual.   I am sure that Hero does maintain it all the time but these crates can slip out easily.  There was a bridge on the red route that needed repair.  Trail marking is excellent.

Hill climbing: 10

If you are into hill climbing torture go on the red route.  Feels like more ups hills than down hills.

Variation: 10

There is a bit of everything at Hero.  

Review: The Cradle of Mankind





My friends all enjoy cycling at the Cradle.  My personal ratings are low.  I really did not enjoy it. There is 18km of single track MTB trail.  Then it seems to stop.  The only way back, we were told is by road.  I am not a road cyclist and I find road cycling very boring.   I took up MTB because I enjoy being on trails.  Perhaps the information I have is wrong and there is a bit more MTB trail.  I would appreciate feedback.  In my opinion the Cradle is great for road cyclists but not great for MTB.


Overall rating: 5.7


The venue: 

Children:  0

Facilities: 4

Accessibility: 6

Cost: 10




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 6

Traffic Safety: 8

Fun: 4

Technicality:3

Scenery: 7

Obstructions: 7

Maintenance: 8

Hill climbing: 10

Variation: 2



The venue: 

Children:  0
Cycling on the MTB track at the Cradle does not at all cater for children.

Facilities: 4
There are some restaurants where people park.  The one we started from Something Country, does not seem to be open much.  There are no toilets for the public.

Accessibility: 6
The Cradle is out Muldersdrift way so quite a drive.  

Cost: 10
This is a free track.




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 6
This is out in the country and in an area where there have been many security issues, be alert at all times.  Rather do not cycle this alone.

Traffic Safety: 8
There are times when the track crosses the road, be alert when crossing.  These are quiet roads so the road crossings are not frustrating.

Fun: 4
There was little variation on the MTB track.  There were few challenges.  Only one steep climb close to the top of the mountain which I struggled with slightly.

Technicality:3
There are no difficult parts except one steep climb.

Scenery: 7
The Cradle is beautiful but most of the track is close to the tar road which detracts from the scenery.

Obstructions: 7
You have to cross the road a couple of times and look out for vehicles.  This is a single track one way so there may be mountain bikers coming back on it as there no track for return.  (Perhaps I was wrongly informed)

Maintenance: 8
The track is surprisingly, as it is in the middle of nowhere and free, well maintained.

Hill climbing: 10
The hills are nasty and if you want to challenge yourself to endless hills climbing this track is for you.

Variation: 2
There is little variation.  There are a few dips and winds for a small little section but it is rather a boring trail.   

Review PWC cycle park

PWC gets a good overall rating mainly because it has the best children's track and security,  but please look what I have to say about their general maintenance and cost.

Overall rating: 7.8

The venue: 

Children: 10

Facilities: 7

Accessibility: 10

Cost: 5




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 10

Traffic Safety: 10

Fun: 7

Technicality:9

Scenery: 8

Obstructions: 8

Maintenance: 6

Hill climbing: 4

Variation: 8





The venue: 

Children: 10
I would rate PWC the best track to take children to.  The children's cycle track is the best I have seen. Also children can do the easy circuit on the main track without going onto single tracks.

Facilities: 7
The facilities are decent but the coffee shop serves no food at all.

Accessibility: 10
In the heart of Bryanston going to PWC is convenient and easy to find.

Cost: 4
This is the most expensive cycle trail to cycle currently (December 2014) they charge R60.  Most places charge R30.




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 10
Because it is a closed in cycle track I feel very secure here.  Still always be alert.  If anybody has had security issues at PWC please let me know.

Traffic Safety: 10
There is no traffic to worry about as this is a closed in track.

Fun: 7
PWC has quite a few fun challenges, sharply sloped dips and bridges etc.  I give it a lower score for fun though because it is so quick and you have gone through all the possible single tracks.  Remember this is from a beginner perspective.  There is a lot more available to you if you dare to do the black route.

Technicality:9
I have seen some of the black route and I think there is a bit of everything to challenge you technically.

Scenery: 8
PWC is very pretty.  I especially like the part over the bridge to the other side of the highway and the wetlands.  However you can see the highway at times which takes away from the general scenery.

Obstructions: 8
The cycle park can get very busy so the only thing that really obstructs your cycle is other cyclists.

Maintenance: 6
I last went to PWC in October 2014.  I went over a very dodgy, very high bridge that was coming apart.  I was shocked that this bridge in the Wetlands was even open to the public.  Many of the other bridges in the Wetlands were in ill repair.  PWC did at the time let the public know that much of the track was under repair.  My friend went to cycle there in November and was very angry because she was told that all trails were open, however many were still under repair.  I feel that PWC could at least reduce their charges while doing their maintenance.


Hill climbing: 4
The cycle park is small and there is not much hill climbing.  One steep slope and one hill.

Variation: 8
PWC does have a good variation.  Slopes, bridges, cliffs (for the daring black route cyclists).

Saturday 27 December 2014

Review Groenkloof Pretoria

Groenkloof is one of the trails I enjoy the most. Unfortunately it is probably the least safe trail to ride as bicycle jackings are a common occurrence.  Get a map at the gate.  It is easy to get very lost.

Overall rating:8.1

The venue: 

Children: 9

Facilities: 8

Accessibility: 9

Cost: 8




The trail itself:


Security on trail: 3

Traffic Safety: 8

Fun: 10

Technicality:9

Scenery: 9

Obstructions:  8
Maintenance: 8

Hill climbing: 7

Variation: 10



The venue:

Children: 9
Lovely little bmx type track and plenty of easy trails for children to enjoy.  Children can also take part in horse riding.

Facilities: 8
I am unsure what is available to day visitors as I stayed in the overnight hut.

Accessibility: 9
Very easy to find.

Cost: 8
Very reasonable R35 per adult.  Extremely cheap to stay over in the hut.





The trail itself:


Security on trail: 3
Even though quads patrol this trail, there is a big danger of having your bicycle jacked. Never cycle this trail alone.

Traffic Safety: 8
While there are no busy roads to cross be aware of the fact that the main routes are also for 4x4 vehicles.  

Fun: 10
There is a main track around and many small tracks that veer off from the main track.   Every track has something different.  Some tracks are extremely difficult some are very easy. The steps down on tracks 7 and 8 ( I think)  have fun stairs and you feel as if you are going down a rollercoaster.

Technicality:9
All of your technical skills can be tested at Groenkloof with a variation of step climbing, bridges, steep slopes, logs and hills with loose rocks.  I have not encountered any berms but then I have not been on all the trails.  

Scenery: 9
Groenkloof is stunning and it is hard to believe that you are in the heart of Pretoria.  There is a variation of wild life at Groenkloof.   People who do any activity are reminded that this is the animal's environment and to stay 50 m away from them.  This is a bit hard when you come around a sharp corner and almost cycle straight into a wildebeest.  You only remember where you are when you get close to the fence and see the busy road next to it.

Obstructions:  8
Beware of the wild animals and the 4 x 4 vehicles but I never found either to be an extreme problem.

Maintenance: 8
In general the track and bridges are in good condition and well maintained there was a spot or two which I am unsure whether they were left to be difficult on purpose or if there was a maintenance issue.

Hill climbing: 7
I did not encounter any killer hill climbing besides for the occasional hills that were hard to climb due to loose rocks.

Variation: 10
There is a bit of everything on the different trails at Groenkloof.  The inexperienced can keep to the main track which does a circuit.  Every little trail that veers off the main track has a different surprise in store for the mountain biker.

Review of Avianto MTB trail Muldersdrift


Kindly note the following opinions are my own.  I am only reflecting what I personally like or dislike in a course.

I was last at Avianto in July 2014, so things may have changed.  When I go to it again I will update my ratings.

10 is good 1 is bad


Overall rating 6.6

The venue: 


Children: 6

Facilities: 8

Accessibility: 7

Cost: 8



The trail itself:

Security on trail: 7

Traffic Safety: 10

Fun: 3

Technicality: 6

Scenery:3

Obstructions 10

Maintenance: 9

Hill climbing: 6

Variation: 3



The venue: 

Children:  6
There is a children's play area and short route for children to cycle.  The reason I give it a 6 though is the children's route at the time of going there was very boring.  It was simply a shorter version of the Green and Blue routes.

Facilities: 8
Very clean and lovely showers.  There is a tap to wash bicycles.  I am unsure about whether food can be ordered or not.  

Accessibility: 7
Close to Johannesburg no rough roads all paved.  Slightly difficult to find the first time going as Avianto club is off a different road to the actual resort.

Cost: 8
Only R30 per person to cycle here.

The trail itself:
Security on trail:  7
I felt safe and did not feel threatened at any time.  I do however know that Muldersdrift has had serious problems so it is still better not to take this route alone.  

Traffic Safety: 10
At no time do you have to cross a busy road.  There are one or two roads which might have the occasional farm vehicle but you can spot them well in advance.  

Fun: 3  
I am sorry to say but I had the least fun at Avianto.  The start of the trail is incredibly boring.  You start out with a winding trail, going up and down, up and down, up and down, up and down.   Finally you go into farm lands and it is more interesting.  When you are very tired the trail becomes more interesting but too technical for a beginner.  I had to push most of the time because most of the end of the trail is filled with large loose rocks.  

Technicality: 6
I am sure that experienced mountain bikers will enjoy the trail much more than I did.   The blue route was too difficult for me in the last few kilo meters because the hills had a large amount of loose rocks and I pushed most of the time. This is probably be fun for the experienced mountain biker.  I have not tried the green route.  The reason I give technicality a 6 is because the technical difficulty in my opinion was all the same loose rocks.  There was little variation in the challenge.  

Scenery:3
This was the ugliest trail I have ever been on.  To be fair I have only been in mid winter.  The up and down winding at the beginning of the course is on a field with only grass.  You break off to the farm lands eventually which is more scenic but in no ways breath taking.  Finally you get to the rocky tough hills.  These are probably beautiful in summer but all I could see was rocks and more rocks.  The end bit is rather pretty and you go through a house ruin.  

Obstructions: 8
I did not encounter any obstructions.  The trail was very quiet when we cycled and I did not come across any other cyclists, pedestrians or vehicles.  There is the odd farm vehicle but we were not obstructed by any.

Maintenance: 9
The trail seems well maintained. 

Hill climbing:6
There is a lot of  difficult hill climbing at the end.  The hills would be easily manageable if it is was not for the loose rocks.  I give it a 6 as the hill climbing is all the same on the blue route.

Variation:  3
This is the most boring route that I have encountered.  Perhaps if I was an experienced mountain biker I would love the black route but this is an amateur opinion.  The winding up and down on the same hill at the beginning is boring to the extreme.  I don't remember any berms, bridges too cross or any other interesting obstacle besides the house foundation.

Trail Rating - an amateur's perspective

I am going to rate trails mainly around Gauteng because I live in Johannesburg.  I am an amateur so I am going to do this rating from my perspective at times giving my intermediate husband, Michael's feedback as well.

Ratings will be from 1-10.  1 being low and 10 being excellent.

The following will be criteria:

The venue:
Children:  I have a 8 year old niece, she cycles with us regularly so I will be also rating on what is available for children.
Facilities:  Toilets, showers, place to eat.
Accessibility:  How easy or difficult is it to get to the trail.
Cost:  Is your pocket being emptied going to this trail?

The trail itself:
Safety:  How secure do I feel on this trail?
Traffic Safety:  Are there any dangerous roads to cross?
Fun:
Technicality:
Scenery:
Obstacles:  Such as pedestrians, dogs and cattle.
Maintenance:
Hill climbing:
Variation:

Have I left anything out?  I would appreciate feedback.