Trail Low-Down
You can expect some one hundred per cent proof adventure riding here, whether you sign up for the event, or just saddle up for a solo adventure of note. Varied trails crisscross a breathtaking natural wilderness, with everything from grassland ridges, indigenous riverine forest, stands of sweet thorn trees and dinosaur cycads dating back millions of years, to superlative sunsets and remote and rugged gravel roads.
The good news is that you can plug straight into single-track heaven among the Zuurberg foothills here. Hayterdale boasts hand-built, manicured tracks that cater for all levels of mountain bikers, with more than 60km of trail riding – mostly along loamy single-track – just at the trail-park itself. Top quality builds, with bridges, berms and bush tunnels galore, is sure to have you smiling all the way as you snake through the dense indigenous montane forest.
Once out of the bush (and quite possibly out of breath), you’ll be marvelling at extraordinary views from the Zuurberg ridges out and over the coastal plains towards Port Elizabeth. The well-marked and colour-coded routes makes it nearly impossible to lose your way: choose between 15km, 25km and 45km options, each with endless kilometres of flowing track.
Test your technical skills on a world-class cross-country (XCO) and downhill (DHI) track. The 4.2km XCO course has approximately 130m of elevation gain and loss with a technical switchback climb and the “Rabbit Hole” over-and-under crossing, while the 1.77km DHI course features a hair-raising vertical drop of 240m. WARNING – do not try to ride beyond your capabilities here!
If you’re a newby rider (or have the family with you), you have a number of gravel road options to explore. There’s a steep crank along the scenic Zuurberg Pass, reminiscent of Hogsback as you ascend amidst primary indigenous forest, or a drop into the Karoo landscape if you head out past Ann’s Villa … and yup, all of this is rideable on a gravel bike, too.
The Addo Trails itself are not all open to the public, but generally it is easy enough to gain access to these routes from the Zuurberg Mountain Village Inn, one of the local institutions here. Superb Sunday lunches, great country hospitality and a laid-back vibe make it one of those country hotels you will find extremely difficult to leave once you reach the end of your stay … mark my words.