Western Cape - Breede River Valley

[ ROUTE NAME - Dusty Sprocket]

CLOSEST TOWN »     Montagu    
DISTANCE »     15 km to 55 km
0 - 5 RATING »
(Riding Enjoyment)    
To rate this route, please login or register to the site.
GRADING »    
EASY  MODERATE   DIFFICULT   EXTREME

[ OVERVIEW ]

Montagu, surrounded by stunning mountains and valleys dense with renosterveld, is an area famed for its wine and fruit.

The objective of the Dusty Sprocket initiative is, quite simply, to offer visiting bikers a range of guided leisure trails, comprising a variety of riding surfaces and visual experiences. In this way we enable visitors to make the most of their valuable time in Montagu and to leave the frustrations of dead-end tracks and vicious ostriches up to us. The trails listed below range from mild to moderately difficult and are thus suitable for most riders.

On your bike

Town Trail (12 km) ("A" Route)
A must for the "first timer" to Montagu. Comprises a circular route of the village, taking in Montagu South, Aasvoelkrans, Montagu West, Lovers Walk and the scenic Kanonkop outlook point.

Surface : 10 km tar, 2 km gravel Duration : 35 min Grade : 2

Little Donga Dash (12 km) ("A" Route)
A nice little opener, perfect for a late afternoon introduction to our off-road trails. Comprises a circular route to the south of the village through a peach orchard, along a scenic single track path with some nice little dongas and tricky rock sections. Finishes with a fast downhill and flat stretch of tar back into town.

Surface : 9.5 km dirt track, 2.5 km tar Duration : 35 min Grade : 4

The Longa Donga (16 km) ("A" Route)
A very rideable route, which can be done as an opener in the late afternoon or as a morning ride. Comprises a circular route south of the village, taking in some rough rocky sections, interspersed with sandy tracks. After a steady climb the path ventures very close to the base of the Langeberg Mountain range which is followed by a fast but tricky downhill. Hereafter the track follows the same route as the "little donga".

Surface : 14 km dirt track, 2 km tar Duration: 1 hr Grade : 5

Jollie Patrolie (23 km) ("B" Route)
A nice easy morning outing. A circular route to the south east of the village. Comprises a scenic ride in the surrounding area viewing the local Klein Karoo lifestyle and architecture. Most of the route is on good dirt road interspersed with tar. The last section comprises a single-track path to an elevated view of Montagu before descending steeply back directly into town.
Surface : 7 km dirt road, 8 km tar, 5 km dirt track Duration : 1 hr 20 min Grade : 5

Sportie Sortie (23 km) ("B" Route)
A nice morning outing. A wide circular route to the east and south of the village. The "sortie" is essentially a scenic ride on good dirt roads interspersed with single-track dirt path diversions. The ride offers something for everyone, comprising easy stretches with several short tricky sections thrown in for good measure. A variety of riding surfaces and natural landscapes complete the picture.

Surface : 6 km tar, 10 km dirt road, 7 km dirt track. Duration : 1 hr 30 min Grade : 5

Techno Surprise (16 km) ("B" Route)
A fantastic morning outing for those who are more technically inclined.

The trail takes us to the north of the village along a fun single-track path, where after we turn-off to "test the mess". The trail comprises a relatively steep and tricky dirt track that runs along the length of a beautiful isolated valley. After a deserved pit stop at the top we retrace the route, enjoying the tremendous view as we fly along the sand and rock path. A good bike is a strong recommendation for this trail.

Surface : 2 km tar, 12 km dirt track. Duration : 1 hr 30 min Grade : 7

Klein Karoo Cruise (28 km) ("C" Route)
A "lekker" outing for those who prefer a reasonable leg-stretch in beautiful surroundings. Comprises a technically easy route that takes one north of the village along the tar road for some 12 km, with three nice little dirt track diversions to keep it interesting. On coming off the tar we tackle a "Killer Hill" where after its an easy 8 km along an excellent dirt road that winds itself through a beautiful valley, before linking back onto the tar and downhill into town.

Surface : 16 km tar, 8 km dirt road, 1 km dirt track Duration : 1 hr 30 min Grade : 4

Ouberg Bop (35 km) ("C" Route)

A longer ride, requiring some commitment. The first 17 km comprises a good dirt road that winds itself forever upwards. Some great views characterise this section. The next section involves a punishing dirt track climb of 1.3 km that takes one to the highest point of this trail. From here its a hair-raising dirt track downhill for some 6 km before turning off to explore a challenging sand trail down a wild and isolated valley. The trail intersects the main dirt road 5 km from the village from which point one can take advantage of a leisurely downhill cruise into town.

Surface : 2 km tar, 23 km dirt road, 10 km dirt track. Duration : 2 hrs 30 min Grade : 6

Pietie-Patats (55 km) ("D" Route)

The longest ride on offer. This trail comprises a very scenic circular route out to the settlements of Patatsfontein and Pietersfontein. Other than the distance, the route is a relatively easy one comprising mainly good dirt road riding with several kilometres of tar. An isolated dirt track featuring beautiful wild vegetation and scenery characterises the central section of this trail. A must do for the committed biker.

Surface : 12 km tar, 38 km dirt road, 5 km dirt track Duration : 4 hrs Grade : 5

Waboomberg Challenge (43 km) ("D" Route)
Only "toughies" need apply. The challenge is the best advertised trail in town, but also the most notorious. Popularised by the 4x4 route on which it is based, it comprises an initial 5 km tar and dirt track duo, which is followed by a testing dirt track ride of some 6 km before climbing insanely up the Waboomsberg . Much of the ascent is better pushed than ridden - at least one can enjoy the views ! On the top of the scenic plateau the rocky riding conditions are replaced by tricky sand sections. The descent is awesome, comprising a testing switchback trail strewn with loose rocks and stones. A solid bike with a good braking system is a must. At the bottom of the main descent one is still some 15 km from the village and the tough trail continues to throw surprises at the unsuspecting cyclist so watch out ! The last 12 km comprises a good dirt road, with an exciting dirt track diversion some 4 km along (for those that are still up to it).

Surface : 6 km tar, 15 km dirt road, 22 km dirt track Duration : 4 hrs 30 min Grade : 9

Off your bike

Montagu is an historic gem of a village, with country streets graced with beautiful Victorian architecture. Craft shops, art galleries and cafés abound and the nearby mineral baths at Avalon Springs are a great way to resuscitate weary legs. Superb dried fruits and wines are available at affordable prices and many an antique bargain may be snapped up at furniture shops. This lekker little dorp is also one of South Africa’s hottest rock-climbing and hiking destinations, so make sure you don’t miss the annual Mountain Mania Adventure Festival held in April each year.

CONTACT
Route information: Dusty Sprocket MTB Trails
Address: 78 Bath Street, Montagu, 6720
Telephone: 023 614 1932 or 072 359 1874
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website : www.montagu.org.za/mtbtrails.htm

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Easy to extreme

DURATION: Depends on distance

CONFIGURATION : Various

START POINT: All trails start at "The Cottage Ice-Cream & Coffee Shop" - 78 Bath Street

TERRAIN: Choices from easy rides suitable for social riders to strenuous 40 km option.

MAP:

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Free public access

FACILITIES: On-site accommodation available. Ablutions along some routes. Cell phone reception intermittent.

BEWARE OF: