Closest Town: Mossel Bay
Grading: Intermediate
Duration: 2–3 hours
Location (Area/Province): Garden Route
Configuration: Circular – 47km
Start Point: Eight Bells Mountain Inn
Access: Public access
Beware of: Premier country hotel, with everything your family could desire
Facilities: Premier country hotel, with everything your family could desire
Cell Reception: Relatively good – 80% coverage
OVERVIEW
Discover a brand new bunch of rides in the vicinity of Mossel Bay, on public roads, but with an adventurous twist and more game than you’d expect.
On your bike
Head along the tarmac shoulder from Eight Bells Mountain Inn, turning left after 2.5km towards Botlierskop. Various routes will get you there, but keep left via ‘Big Dipper’ and then through Moordkuil’s hectic river route to this private nature reserve (23km). Crank back via Donalds Heights, Leeukloof Loop and the Rooster Trails for a ride sure to dial a smile on your face. (Hotel staff can assist in arranging permits for Ruitersbos Plantation.)
Any route configuration can work on the Rooster Trails; an option is to blast down into the valley along the Blue route. Turn left onto yellow at the dam before climbing along the less steep Red route (still near vertical). Follow the Red anti-clockwise around lookout Peak to the rugby field; then go into DH mode along any number of chutes back into the valley.
Off the bike
Family fun, with anything from hikes along the Rooster trail and elephant feeding to donkey-cart rides for the kids. You won’t be able to drive past next time you’re in the area!
CONTACT:
Website: www.eightbells.co.za
Tel: +27 44 631 0000
GPS: 33°56’09.6” South / 22°02’14.9” East
