Free State - Central Free State

CLOSEST TOWN »     Ficksburg    
DISTANCE »     7,5 km circuit
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[ OVERVIEW ]

On your bike
A gentle grassed slope leads down to the dam. However, away from the dam, that same slope steepens considerably as it becomes the mountain backdrop to a brilliant, custom-built 7.5km singletrack loop through the hills. This was the course for the MTB Nationals in 1999 and 2000, so expect an exhilarating ride mix. Bang up and over rocks and tackle drop-offs with some switchbacks thrown in for good measure. This track is excellent practice for anyone wanting to improve on their cross country skills. There is also a dual course where you can get some big air and rail those berms.

Trail signage: The route is marked with a foot-print sprayed on tin plates mounted on posts or sprayed on rocks.

Off your bike
Take a break from the bike and take the White Mischief cigar bar and single malt whisky boat cruise on the dam. Excellent catering comlements the sundowners. There’s fishing, canoeing and 4x4ing at Meulspruit Dam or Thabo Venter Lodge, 082 552 8398.

For pursuits a little more laid-back, take the Sandstone Way historical tour of all the sandstone buildings in nearby Ficksburg or visit the Pellissier Art gallery with its Perneef art collection. For an unforgettable experience, take a light aircraft flight over the Katse Dam in neighbouring Lesotho, one of the largest engineering construction projects in the world. Diarise the annual Cherry Festival in November as well as the Cherry MTB Classic the same month.

CONTACT
Route information: Gavin Boy
Address: PO Box 133, Ficksburg, 9730
Telephone: (051) 933 6586 or 082 920 5551
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Intermediate to Difficult

DURATION:

CONFIGURATION : 7.5km circular

START POINT: At Meulspruit Dam

TERRAIN: Single-track, rocks, drop-offs, switchbacks

MAP: Not available

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Day visitors welcome. Gate fee payable - R15 per adult, and R7 per child

FACILITIES: Ablutions. Basic camping and caravanning facilities. Thatched boma

BEWARE OF: