De Hoop / Engen
Mountain bike

Bredasdorp

The path leads to a jeep track, which follows the main Escom power line. Turn south and follow the power line for about 5 km. The vegetation becomes thicker and the road sandier, with steep and very rough sections. The view, however, is beautiful. A marker will indicate the direction of the Palmiet River. You are now half way. Stop, cross it at the weir or at the rocks to the sand dune on the other side. Climb the dune to find a cottage. Here an oasis of shady trees will welcome the weary traveller. Have a swim and enjoy a good midday rest in the shade.

After the welcome rest, the route starts with a steep climb. Find the marker on your right. The route will lead you through a single track of fynbos to enter the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.

A fire late in 1999 caused severe damage to the fynbos in the area. Fynbos only recovers after 2 years.

Take care when you near a rocky downhill section takes you to a bridge to cross the river. Follow the jeep track that runs adjacent to the river on your left for 18 km. A welcome sight will be the Nature Conservation offices. Look out for the markers to take you down to the river mouth about 4 km away. The tar road will lead you to Kleinmond (on your left). A parking area next to the Kleinmond road will be a good rendezvous spot to leave a vehicle or wait for a lift. Bookings: Maverick Cycles
Tel: +27 (0)21 851-4192

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1)  Dassie Trail (9km)This trail is suitable for novices or a family fun ride.  From Reception (GPS 1) one starts on the first section of the Bulberg Trail.  One crosses the Gatskraal riverbed and the Brandhoekleegte riverbed before reaching the junction with the Dassie Trail (GPS 3).  Turn right along the Dassie Trail to its end (GPS 4).  Then retrace your tracks back to GPS 3 and continue straight along with several more river bed crossings to GPS 62.  There one turns left to go back to Reception.  The trail is mostly good dirt road with several river bed crossings.  This route can be shortened by turning left immediately on reaching GPS 3.

2)  Oxwagon–Springbokvlakte Trail Combo (13km)This is a moderately difficult trail suitable for most MTB riders.  From Reception, head southeast along the dirt road to GPS 50 and turn left.  Follow the well marked path past GPS 51 to GPS 12 where the trail intersects with the Bulberg Trail and turn right.  Follow the path past GPS 13 to GPS 14.  The first section of the trail is mostly downhill with some technically challenging sections.  The trail takes one past some fantastic geology and also the ruins of the original Gatskraal homestead – look out here for leopard spoor.  There is a short climb up to GPS 14.  Turn left at GPS 14 and follow the road to GPS 40, where one turns right and follows the trail to GPS 47 and back to Reception.  This second section of the trial crosses the large plain and is relatively easy going.  There is a good chance of seeing springbok, black wildebeest and other small mammals in this area of the reserve.

3)  Bulberg Trail (22km)This is a tough trail & will only really be enjoyed if you are fit & have considerable technical skill.  From Reception head north to GPS 3 & turn right along the dirt road to GPS 4.  From here you will have to tackle several severe climbs that are best pushed than ridden.  Each climb is followed by a short steep downhill.  Care must be taken to stay on the trail.  At the northern most point of the reserve, just below Bulberg, look out for the watering hole on the left.  If you move quietly enough you could spot several mammals in this area.  After the water hole one tackles a moderately steep climb before turning south for some welcome downhill.  Look out for the Knife-edge.  This section of the trail comprises a section of severe downhill along the top of a ridge before descending impossibly steep down into the valley.  It is strongly suggested that this portion of the hill is walked down as an error here will see you flying over the cliff!  Once in the valley below you are in the lowest section of the reserve.  After some relatively easy riding you will pass the reserve's main fossil field on the left hand side.  This is followed by some fun sand track & several crossings of the Gatskraal river bed.  If you have time, take a break at the Klipspringer picnic site which is located near a big rock pool under a steep cliff face.   From this point the trail is relatively easy with several short drop-offs & steep climbs.  At GPS 12 the Oxwagon Trail intersects the Bulberg trail from the right hand side.  From here the trail leaves the Gatskraal river bed with a gradual climb to GPS 14.  At this point turn right & head back to Reception for a well earned rest and refreshment.

4)  Oxwagon–Kleinberg Trail Combo (30km)This is a relatively difficult trail & appropriate for more accomplished riders.  From Reception head southeast along the dirt road to GPS 50 & turn left.  Follow the well marked path past GPS 51 to GPS 12 where the trail intersects with the Bulberg Trail & turn right.  Continue past GPS 13 to GPS 14.  The first section of the trail is mostly downhill with some technical challenges.  The trail takes one past some fantastic geology & also the ruins of the original Gatskraal homestead – look out here for leopard spoor.  There is a short climb up to GPS 14.  At GPS 14 turn left & follow the road, which is mainly downhill & rocky in places, to GPS 31 (Addersfontein picnic site).  Stop here for a break before heading along a fun sand track past the Kleinberg camp site on the right.  The trail starts to climb gradually from this point with a marked change in vegetation.  You will be faced with a long tough climb some 4-5km from the picnic site where after you tackle The Downhill.  This is a beast & is better walked than ridden in most parts.  This part of the ride offers stunning views & awesome geology.  At the bottom of the hill the trail becomes quite technical as it takes one into a narrow gorge with several deep gullies & tight bends.  After several short tough climbs & drops one is deposited back at the picnic site at GPS 31.  From here one follows the track back past GPS 14 & GPS 50 to Reception.  This is a great ride but is best ridden in a group in case of injury.  Also ensure that you take the necessary tools for trail side repairs.  A two-way radio is recommended if you tackle the trail alone (radios can be rented at Reception).
Contact : PO Box 456, Montagu, Western Cape, 6720 South Africa
Phone: 0800-NATURE (i.e. 0800-628873)

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