Mpumalanga - Southern Region Mp

CLOSEST TOWN »     Carolina     
DISTANCE »     Three circuit routes of 30km , 40km and 43km and an 80 km endurance ride
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[ OVERVIEW ]

A pair of cycling enthusiasts own Hebron Farm, a working 1,200 ha farm on the escarpment. Marianne and Lourens Greyling enjoy cycling the district’s dirt and tar roads. Trials and freeriders are welcome to test their skills and fitness on the hiking and 4x4 trails on the farm property while the Greylings can direct road cyclists onto a demanding 100 km circuit route from Hebron to Badplaas. But what’s really fascinating are the routes along the dirt roads outside the farm.

The Greylings have mapped three circuit routes which they would like to share with fellow mountain bikers.

Lost Hamlet of Bonnefoi Ride
This ride is some really special. You set off on a 1.2km climb up from Hebron before 5km of plateau riding with sweeping views across the Highveld where you can see plains game and unending horizons. Look out for the Doornkop Road. This is where your ride turns from special to exceptional. Down this 3km hill, a time warp awaits to take you back to 1872. It’s the lost hamlet of Bonnefoi, deserted for sixty years, where abandoned classic vehicles are still parked in their garages, a charge, post office, stables and the empty windows of stately homes and a dignified mansion stare out from behind weeds and tangled trees.

If you are not too stunned by this time capsule to continue riding, continue to the Carolina/Machadodorp road and after 2.5km look out for the Doornkop Game Reserve turnoff. Ride parallel to the Komati River, stopping to admire the famous Grobler Bridge. Proceed through the gate into Doornkop Game Reserve where giraffe and zebra may be encountered. This reserve is right in between the mountains in a valley so expect a rather challenging ride with plenty of ups and downs all the way back up to Hebron.

Kalkoenkrans Waterfall Ride (40km)
This is one of two impressive waterfalls in SAPPI forests that are situated 20km from Hebron. This is a demanding ride with several very steep climbs and descents to get to the waterfall. At 50 m, Kalkoenkrans Waterfall is the highest in the area and one happens across it, cascading down a big kloof, quite suddenly after coming round a corner.

Nooitgedacht Dam Ride (43km)
This is probably the only ‘easy’ ride from Hebron, as it goes 5km north out of Carolina along the plateau to Nooitgedacht dam and the surrounding nature reserve. This ride can be extended to a circuit of 43km overall.

Additional ride
Badplaas Ride (100km)
It is possible to do an outstanding off-road endurance ride to Badplaas resort, 50km away, but it must be by arrangement as the route is not signposted or mapped and a guide is required.

CONTACT
Route information: Marianne Greyling, Hebron Farm
Address: PO Box 208, Carolina, 1185
Telephone: 017 843 2841
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.farmstay.co.za – search for Hebron

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Easy to Difficult

DURATION:

CONFIGURATION : Three circuit routes of 30km , 40km and 43km and an 80km endurance ride

START POINT: Start at Hebron Farm

TERRAIN: Dirt roads, downhills and steep climbs

MAP: Available from Hebron Farm

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: District roads are open to public access. Forests lining the roads are private property. Hebron farm roads and hiking trails are by arrangement. No permit required, although a fee of R10 per rider is charged for day visitors.

FACILITIES: Self-catering accommodation ranging from rondawels to a thatched cottage sleeping 8, a historic house dating back to 1864, and an old hall which can accommodate school groups of 60 people

BEWARE OF: Farm vehicles