Brandkop

Yup, we’ve all cruised the N7 bisecting those Knersvlakte plains en route to the Northern Cape, but have you ever turned off at Vanrhynsdorp to explore the high inland escarpment? Do it next time, my friend, but make sure you and your bike stop off at Brandkop Guest Farm …

A fun 20km route on the farm will appeal to most levels of riders. The terrain is gravelly, with sand and rocks here and there, so be warned: it makes for gritty riding – even for the intermediates amoung us. No massive climbs, but the short and sharp ascents up the flat-topped koppies will be sure to test your legs. River crossings and the occasional wash and erosion donga add to the fun, so you had better keep it tidy (or keep a good lookout for a soft spot to land)!

The trailhead starts at Reception, ducking onto the low-lying camps to the east through a couple of gates. You stick to dual-track farm roads for the first few kilometres, then hit a gentle climb past the first windmill and on to a track along the farm’s southern boundary fence. Your morning soundtrack features pale chanting goshawk and korhaan, underscored by the chirps and tweets of prinia and ant-eating chats.

Around 12km into the ride, you begin to transect along a fence line and a sandy riverbed, and then boom into the last couple of jagged hill climbs. Eventually, the circular route booms you back to Brandkop farmhouse over the earthen wall of Stofkraal Dam.