Greyton and Genadendal MTB

OVERVIEW

There’s nothing grey about Greyton. Instead, you can expect a stylish village with equal parts funk, adventure and history, and with some of the greatest MTB trails to ride in SA. And yes, the rumour about Greyton having more MTB Trails than roads is spot-on! Your options range from the very beginner friendly green Forest Loop (4km) to the red Bakenskop Trail (20km) that is already difficult without including the optional Black section! Gravel roaders will also find 3 district road loops with very little elevation to enjoy.

On your bike

As a rule of thumb, the Green Routes (Forest Loop of 4km and Green Routes of 13km) makes for easy riding right for rookies, with limited ascent, all along manageable route sections, and perfect if the kids want to tag along. 

The Green route starts off along the Forest Loop, but after crossing the Gobos River, take a right at the junction following the Green arrows. After climbing a bike stile, you’ll enter the Sandpit – a perfect place for beginners to gain some experience. Another bike stile at the 5km mark will lead you onto the second leg of the Green Route, back along the Forest Loop, along the base of Knietjieshoogte and the Gobos River and home to the trailhead.

Go next level on the Blue Routes: The light Blue 1st and 2nd Bench (10km & 6km) are still for intermediate riders, while the darker Blue Wreck Route (20km) heads into the experienced rider’s domain. 

1st Bench head off towards Riviersonderend. Following the light blue arrows, you’ll soon reach he foothills and the Old Potter’s Trail. The Real & Simple Climb will get you to your viewpoint before the Bone Doctor spits you back out at the village. Now you can attack the 2nd Bench: Head off, still following the light Blue arrows towards the Post House (1st 1.5km along the Green Route). Head left onto a smooth dirt road to climb through the fynbos to your viewpoint which will help you forget about the climb. Now you’re in for the R.I.P. Descent – it’s fast and furious and will eventually get you to the village graveyard… and back to the trailhead.

The 20km Wreck Route lulls you with some easy riding along the R406 and the Middelplaas Road before you turn into Jurassic Park for a great flowing single track along the old Sergeants River. The route then joins up with the Bakenskop Loop along the base of the mountain before heading back into town.

Head onto the Red Routes at your own peril if you’re not on good terms with your granny gear – Luislang (11km, 278m elevation) probably a bit less so than Bakenskop (20km, 383m elevation). 

Luislang starts off along the same section as the Wreck Route, before you turn right at the red arrow onto the GG Link, a fast-flowing single track linking Greyton to the back of Genadendal and the beginning of the Sewefontein Dam Climb. Catch your breath riding the back of the foothills before tackling the Rocky Horror Climb. From the top of the Rocky Horror climb, a long sweeping drop called Luislang takes you down the back of Heuwelkroon to Greyton.

Bakenskop is a pearler of a ride, with a teeth-gritter of a climb and some white-knuckle descending along sweeping and well-groomed single-track. In my opinion, probably some of the best mountain biking you will find in SA right now. Follow the red arrows out of town and through the Forest onto Krige Road. Take a right on Krige and another right into the Kloof before you tackle the climb and its pinchy switchbacks! The view from the top is worth the effort. Whoop down the incredible descent and then follow the winding route along the base of the mountain back to The Hub & Spoke. 

Off the bike

Local wines. Genadendal donkeys. Kick-ass coffee shops. Burgers on the stoep at the Oak & Vigne. A main street brimming with historic architecture. Quirky curiosity shops. Mouth-watering delis and bakeries. Check out www.hellogreyton.co.za for the full waka-waka

Best Time of Year:

The town is set on the border between the Cape Winelands and the Overberg regions, so expect mainly winter rains. Summers are just this side of mild, but mid-winter months can pack a serious punch, with muddy trails and icy temperatures as a result.

How to Get There: 

Easy weekend destination … that is the only three words you need to remember. Plug Greyton into your GPS and set off from Cape Town until you pick up the first signs to the village on your left, just before Caledon. From here, it is another 40min or so along the R406, and all well signposted. Once in town, look out for DS Botha Street on your right after about 600m. Turn right here, The Hub & Spoke is on your left at 18 DS Botha Street.

CONTACT:

Website: www.ggmtb.com / Tel +27(0)82 650 2217 / +27 (0)82 399 0395

GPS: South 34°03’03.45” / East 19°36’27.85”

Greyton MTB Trails on Trailforks.com