On your bike

Start at the wine farm buildings along a track meandering gently uphill before it descends onto the first stretch of singletrack down the ‘Mineshaft’ and across a small plateau.

Then climb the zigzag ‘Stairway to Heaven’, while having great fun attempt­ing to stay on the concrete slabs. The climb is short and not too brutal; after cresting, continue along the flat for a fur­ther 150m, then follow the Blue arrows to your left and ride up Dorstberg. This is an average climb, but on some of the sharp turns can be a bit of a Meneer.

At the top, the arrow for the single­track descent will be right in front of you, and you can expect some serious fun. The trail is beautifully carved, with berms and small jumps down the side of Dorstberg. Halfway down you have three route choices around a big rock drop-off. Take the route that you feel is equal to your level of skill, then continue on the singletrack until you find yourself back at the top of ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

Follow the Red arrows this time, keeping straight at the bottom of Dorst­berg. The singletrack is flat and even, requiring constant pedalling to keep momentum – perfect for training. Follow the signs and trail around the vineyards for another 3km, until you come to a fast downhill jeep track. Beware the ruts at the bottom of this hill, and there is a deep donga as well just before you enter the last singletrack of the Gum Tree Loop.
Exit the Gum Tree Loop and turn left into a series of bends through fields and vineyards. Cross a small wooden bridge, and ride around the scenic farm dam, over another wooden bridge and eventu­ally back into the parking area.