Closest Town: Aurora/Piketberg
Grading: Moderate to Tough. The 90km is taxing. The half options are moderate and the 14km climb to the top is tough.
Duration: 90km = 7 hrs split options = 3 – 5 hours and 60 minutes for the climb
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: Gravel road and Jeep tracks with a section of very quiet tarred road
Start Point: See GPS Coordinates
Access: None – might just need to contact the Farmer/Owner if you intend on riding through their land.
Beware of: Nothing to be aware of. Just enjoy!
Facilities: Just A Cafe.
Cell Reception: Not every where.
Multiple route choices around here, but there are specific rides which are exceptionally beautiful.
On your bike
The first is a ride from Aurora all the way around the Mountain which will give you about 90km of circular scenic mountain biking. Alternatively, split this in half – if you stay on one of the farms on the opposite side of the mountain and ride to Aurora. Then, a tough ascent to the top of the mountain – around 14 km of climbing but really worthwhile once at the top. The downhill back is fast and furious!
Undulating gravel road, except the Northern side of the mountain – which is mainly solid jeep-track with a few sandy patches. You’ll be riding through Farm areas along this section, so ensure you leave the gates in the same position you got them. Keep a look out for Jackal Buzzards and Bat eared Foxes. Leopards have been spotted again recently but are completely harmless to man. The main gravel roads are used by the odd farm vehicle, but otherwise you can be sure of pretty isolated, pristine riding along most of the other sections.
The ascent to the top of the mountain is tough but if you stop regularly and enjoy the awesome views, you’ll be there in no time. The vistas from here are simply stunning!
Off the bike
Plenty of amazing hiking. Explore the other small villages in the area. Great photography and a number of 4×4 trails. The legendary flowers of the area start blooming from July. It’s a wonderful spectacle!
CONTACT:
Velddrif Tourism Bureau
Telephone: +27 22 783 1821
Website: www.velddriftourism.co.za
GPS: 32º 42′ 05″ South / 18º 28′ 52″ East
