Dampoort MTB Trails (Closest City/Town: Parys)
Free State - Northern Free State
Dampoort MTB TrailsCLOSEST TOWN > Parys TRAIL DESTINATION > Dwarsberg, Vredefort DISTANCE > 10km or 20km
GRADING > Intermediate to difficult |
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OVERVIEW All around the towns of Parys and Vredefort lies the Vredefort Dome, centre of the largest visible blast crater on earth. Controversy remains about whether this was caused by an asteroid impact or by a blast from within the Earth’s crust. Whatever the cause, this explosion, some 2.02 billion years ago, gave South Africa its ring of goldfields, and also created the enchanting concentric rings of the Bergland Mountains flanking the Vaal River. In October the Crater Cruise race takes place in the Vredefort area between the Vaal River and the Dome Bergland Mountains. Dampoort Farm is a convenient off-road getaway for harassed Gautengers who don’t wish to travel miles for a quality ride. The homestead is a genuine Boer Way farmhouse, nestled just outside the ring of mountains which form the Dome Conservancy. On your bike Dwarsberg Trail (20km circuit route) : The trail on offer is not ‘soft’ MTB riding. You will get scratched by thorns, have to dodge cow pats in some sections and call upon your MTB skills and fitness. Riding is through indigenous African bush and cultivated lands via cattle tracks, jeep tracks or good secondary roads. Do not bother to come and ride here unless you have puncture proofing and are committed to closing the farm gates you open. For gentler or long rides, ramble along the nearby undulating, interlinking farm roads with panoramic Free State views and wide open spaces. Avoid the ‘Commando Nek’ road – the corrugations ar horrific and you encounter motor vehicle traffic with associated dust. Luiperd Route (10km return route): this route goes up to the top of Dwarsberg, passing by the cave which has been known to be the den of an elusive leopard. Off the bike For a real post-ride treat, arrange catering with Ester and indulge in her fabulous boerekos buffet. Nearby Parys has got loads to do from taking a relaxed stroll through the quaint town to visiting some of the antiques and collectables shops in the main street. If all the walking makes you tired or you just want to relax, drop in at one of the coffee shops/art galleries for something to drink – Plum Tree Coffee and Art Gallery and Die Koffiekan are definitely worth a visit! There are also a number of restaurants in Parys that offer a variety of well-prepared meals. For the more adventurous there are a number of adrenalin sports to undertake. Choose between rafting (Grade 1 and 2 rapids), abseiling, quad-biking, 4x4 trips, horse-riding and mountain-biking. There are also lots of places which offer accommodation as well as teambuilding events for corporate groups next to the river or in the dome Heartland for individuals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The contact details of these places can be obtained from the Info Office and bookings for the adventure sport are also handled by Tourism Info. Safe parking at the Dampoort homestead. Bushfires are a threat and if you are in a kloof they are lethal. If you encounter one, turn back immediately. Lightning is attracted to the Dome area. Seek shelter immediately if a thunderstorm is brewing. CONTACT: Route information: Ester Wiegand, Dampoort Farm Address: PO Box 40, Vredefort 9595 Telephone: (056) 931 0001/4 or 082 926 5405 GPS: 24°56′19.6″S 026°37′06.5″E Weather:
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FAST FACTSGRADING: Intermediate to difficult DURATION: Depends on your choice of route CONFIGURATION : 10km or 20km START POINT: Dampoort Farm TERRAIN: Indigenous African bush, cultivated lands via cattle tracks, jeep tracks or good secondary roads. MAP: Available from Ester Wiegand on arrival at the farm CELL RECEPTION: xxx ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Park 'n ride day trippers are welcome by prior arrangement. A trail fee of R20 is charged per day visitor and R50 to sleep over and ride. A back-up bakkie can be arranged for an additional fee. FACILITIES: Self-catering budget accommodation available. BEWARE OF: Avoid the "Commando Nek" road - bad corrugations and motor vehicle traffic with associated dust. |
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HOW TO GET THERE
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Clear 7 oC
