Eastern Cape - Western Region EC

CLOSEST TOWN »     Port Alfred    
DISTANCE »     8km loop, plus up to 30km beach ride return
0 - 5 RATING »
(Riding Enjoyment)    
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GRADING »    
EASY  MODERATE   DIFFICULT   EXTREME

[ OVERVIEW ]

This 8km circuit makes up part of the resort hiking trail, and part of it (less than a km) is not rideable; although a technically proficient rider will be able to crank at least 95% of the route. There is a lot of sand, and the trail is more doable in an anti-clockwise direction because of this, e.g. you can downhill the sand singletrack instead of walking your bike up it. if you follow the trail down to the beach at low tide, you can add a good 20 - 30km to your distance by cruising along the low-tide section where the sand is compact and easy to negotiate.

On your bike

Start off from Vacation Club Units pass Brass's Braai, following the hiking trail towards the Bat Cave. This is well signposted and winds through impressive coastal sand forest, and you are guaranteed to see bushbuck, duiker, vervet monkeys and other small game species. You will reach the beach after 2.2km; note that there will be short sections where you will need to push the bike, and take care not to upset hikers along the trail. Once you reach the beach, you turn left and follow the low tide mark (note that this is not rideable at high tide)! After 1.3km, you could turn left at the river mouth and follow the trail back to the Main Hotel past Camp Davis. Stick to the right hand route, following the resort fence line and the golf course tracks for an 8km loop back to the start. If you feel like a longer ride (I damn well think you should!), continue along the low-water mark past the point, but keep the tide in mind.

Off your bike

Surfing, fishing, beach hikes, horseback trails, snorkeling, kids activities and a great golf course.

CONTACT
Telephone : 040 676 1101
Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rated by : Jacques Marais - December 2008



[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Moderate

DURATION: Depends on how far you ride

CONFIGURATION : Circular or out and back

START POINT: Vacation Club units

TERRAIN: Sand, forest and beach

MAP: Available from Resort Reception

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Access to guests at the resort

FACILITIES: Full and self-catering accommodation, a restaurant and shop.

BEWARE OF: Duck if someone shouts 'Fore'! Golfers don't like mountain bikers, I think, and sometimes might aim in your general direction.