Jonkershoek / Assegaaibosch Reserve MTB Trail (Closest City/Town: Stellenbosch)
Western Cape - Cape Peninsula & Winelands
Jonkershoek / AssegaaiboschCLOSEST TOWN >Stellenbosch TRAIL DESTINATION > Jonkershoek Plantation DISTANCE > Options from 10–45km 0 - 5 RATING (Riding Enjoyment) 4 GRADING > Intermediate to technical |
 |
|
OVERVIEW Crank into cloud country on a ride traversing the slopes of the incredible Jonkershoek mountain. There are two trail options of 15 km or 30 km to choose from and both start at the entrance gate. On your bike To understand Jonkershoek you really have to appreciate that it is a commercial forest, and that it is regularly harvested. This means trails are always changing, disappearing, being rebuilt, morphing into different routes and generally keeping you on your toes. Rest assured: almost any trail you ride in Jonkershoek today will be completely unrecognisable in two years’ time. What we cover below should still be there in the long term, but it never hurts to hook up with one of the locals to discover Jonkershoek’s secrets. Beware who you ask, because on any given day you will be sharing these trails with world champs and pros who train here. Jonkers is based around a 10km gravel road loop that runs in an anticlockwise direction; stick to this because of the dangerous combo of speed and blind corners on some sections. From the gate, ride 400m until you see a building on your left-hand side. Turn left toward this and almost immediately you will see the Lower Canary trail on the right. This is the start of your climb, but it is a fun ascent starting on smooth singletrack and turning into a rock garden type of terrain. Pedal higher and higher, crossing two jeep tracks on the way; the third jeep track signals the top. Turn right here and continue on the gravel road, fork right at 7.5km and continue around. Hang a left at 8.3km and ride till you can go no further, and turn around. After 400m, take the fork to the right and keep straight. Keep right at the junction you will find at 11km and continue the gentle ascent along the contour path. At 17.5km, turn left onto the main jeep track and continue until almost exactly 20km, where you’ll find yourself back at the top of the Canary trails. You don’t need us to tell you what to do from here, let alone what to expect. So, deep breaths, eyes open, attack! See you back at the start. Update: Neverending Story single track has been re-opened with the help of the Ace of Spades, the community and Amarider. This single trail begins on the end of the 3rd contour and is about 2km long. The canary single trail was also extended to a 4th level. See some fotos of the build: Jonkershoek Build Day 23 June 2012. Off the bike Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest town and, with its charming character, historic architecture and oak-lined avenues, it is a dream weekend destination. Wonderful wine farms, mountain hikes, exceptional trout fishing, stunning country stalls, delectable berry farms and quirky restaurants will keep you busy for days. CONTACT: Local MTB info: Mason’s Cycles, tel: +27 21 883 2202Route information: MTO Forestry at the entrance gate to the Reserve Telephone: +27 21 866 1560 Website : www.capenature.org.za GPS: 33°58’6.00”S 18°56’4.75”E Weather: {weather Stellenbosch, South Africa} |
FAST FACTSGRADING: Intermediate to technical DURATION: 1.5–2.5 hours CONFIGURATION : Options from 10–45km START POINT: Start at entrance gates to Jonkershoek Reserve TERRAIN: Single- and jeep track VIDEOS: Click here... MAP: Maps available from MTO Forestry office at entrance to reserve ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Day permit for MTB trail from gate FACILITIES: Self-catering cottage, tea garden, ablutions, cell phone reception good BEWARE OF: Pine tree roots, heat and snakes in summer; poor signposting |
|
HOW TO GET THERE
There is no best time to ride Jonkershoek. Summer can get very hot, so plan to ride early in the day. Winter can be wet and you may be riding just below the snow line, so wear warm gear. |
