Helderberg Trails… now here’s an MTB destination to suit any and all levels of riders, no matter your age, skills set, type of bike, level of fitness or sexual persuasion. One thing you’ve got to know is that there will be muchos climbing involved! Fortunately, those ascents come with huge rewards, with the trails specifically scaped by Jan van Schalkwyk (the name behind the original Steilte and Hermanus MTB Trails) and Andrew Neethling (a professional mountain biker who honed his skills on this very mountain) to deliver top views, unmatched enduro lines, a few seriously ballsy obstacles and a cool flow-trail to boot. However, if you’re a gravity addict or just a rider that wants to rest his legs and only enjoy the whooping downhills, then head to Helderberg Trails on a Shuttle Day! You’ll get a lift to the top and won’t look back.
On your bike
Set on a private farm within the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains (half-way between Somerset West and Stellenbosch), Helderberg Trails boast stunning single-track along sweeping berms and hugging forest trails. The stunning views of the Winelands unfolding towards the distant Table Mountain and Peninsula are sure to take your breath away while you bliss out on one the available four trails. The individual loops include a beginner friendly 2km Green Loop, an intermediate 3km Blue Loop, the 10km Red Loop for more experienced riders and finally the 12km Black Loop for the diehard MTB crowd.
The Red and Black Trails will present big gap jumps and rock gardens and your climb to the view tops at 600m elevation gain on switchback single-track, but the 1.4km downhill descent is addictive, so you’ll be back (maybe using that shuttle service this time round…). There are a range of possible combos of the BLACK/RED Loops, and the fun part is to go seek out a configuration best suited to yourself – one thing is for sure, you will never get bored. Helderberg Trails also offer some epic Enduro lines, as well as a world-class Downhill Track. Their overall aim is to help riders improve and reach riding goals through constantly scaping new lines and features, including additional options such as an accessible pump track and 500m flow-trail.
Off the bike
Plenty of parking, braai facilities, a petting zoo for kids, a kiosk serving coffees, breakfast, cakes, cold drinks, fresh produce and other mouth-watering eats … next to the parking area is a bike wash facility. There is great hiking in the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve or go wine tasting on the many estates in the vicinity.
GPS: 34°01’57.69″S / 18°50’03.73″E
Helderberg Trails on Trailforks.com
