Zuurberg Pass MTB Route (closest city/ town: Paterson)

Eastern Cape - Western Region EC

Zuurberg Pass MTB Route

CLOSEST TOWN > Paterson

TRAIL DESTINATION > Zuurberg Pass

DISTANCE > 20–55km

GRADING > Moderate

OVERVIEW

No matter where you stay in the Sundays River valley, you’ll find a road to ride on. For the fit and adventurous riders, there is the challenge of Zuurberg Pass (the R335 used to be the old Coach Route from PE to Johannesburg).

On your bike

This ride starts on the floor of the Sundays River valley and goes all the way up past the Zuurberg Mountain Inn.
Two sections are relatively tough: the first is around 4km before you get to the pass itself, and the other is just after the pass and about 5km from the hotel. These are long, straight climbs that never seem to end. Carry on to Woody Fields Pass and Boontjies River Pass, then turn back at the crossroads.

Descents can be a bit hairy, so make sure your brakes are working. Remember, this is a public road and people don’t expect to encounter mad mountain bikers ...

Off the bike

Horseback riding or elephant-back safaris in Addo; the amazing Alexandria Hiking Trail.

CONTACT:

More information: Try www.campfigtree.com, www.ecmtb.co.za (review and maps)

also www.zuurberg-inn.co.za, or contact Trevor Hayter, tel: +27 83 616 0138

Website: www.addoadventure.com/biking_addo.html

GPS: 33°26’884”S 25°41’290”E

Weather:

Partly Cloudy 16 ^oC
Humidity: 20%
Wind: NW at 12 mph

Fri	6 ⇒ 18 ^oC	» Chance of Rain «
Sat	5 ⇒ 14 ^oC	» Clear «
Sun	7 ⇒ 16 ^oC	» Mostly Sunny «

FAST FACTS

GRADING:

Moderate

DURATION:

2–3 hours

CONFIGURATION :

Return ride, 20–55km

START POINT:

Zuurberg turn-off

TERRAIN:

Good gravel road

MAP: None available

CELL RECEPTION: Good

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

None; public roads

FACILITIES:

Ice-cold Cokes at Zuurberg Mountain Inn

BEWARE OF:

Vehicles – it’s a public road

zuurberg-pass-map

HOW TO GET THERE

Look for the Zuurberg Pass turn-off to your left on the PE-Patterson tar road.

BEST TIME OF YEAR

Winter is the best time for riding in the Sundays River valley, as the average temperature is around 22°C, plus it is citrus season. Summer temperatures can get up to 42–47°C.