Howick Fast MTB Trail

OVERVIEW

A challenging yet manageable trail for riders who have some experience of single track. It blends great scenery with some tough climbs, forestry roads and flowing single track. The route will satisfy riders of all skill levels. [div2 class=”highlight1″]

On your bike

The trail begins at the Howick Medical Centre and heads North along the R103 towards the N3. Just past the Greendale Shopping Centre (on your left), take a right turn into Link Road.

Soon after taking this turn Link Road becomes dirt and bends sharply to the left. Continue along this road for a few hundred metres until you reach a single track called “Mr. Nicemans”. This trail will lead you through a wattle plantation and up into the hills. After about 1.5km, Mr. Niceman’s brings you to a forestry road which continues to contour and climb upwards.

Once you pass the shale quarry, look out for a 90 degree right hand turn which will take you to the top of the climb. If you miss this turn (or for those wishing to ride more fantastic single-track!), you will descend into a small dip. Keep a look out on your right hand side for a trail leading into the pine forest. If you take this trail it will bring you out at the same location as the dirt road climb.

Once at the top of the hill, you will reach a loading zone aside the Curry’s Post tar road. Head straight across the road and take an immediate left onto a “jeep” track. You then ride parallel and adjacent to the tar road for a few hundred metres before you reach “Wattles Bridge” which leads onto “Wattles single track”. Contour along Wattles for a few kms and do not take any single track turns to the right. You will eventually reach another fence bridge marked “Meril’s Peril” and enter “Red Face Hill” single track which leads into a blue gum forest. About 100 m along this trail you will take a left turn onto “Mind the Gap” and head towards “Dhulha Ingulubhe”. You emerge from the gum forest and head diagonally across the forest road/ jeep track and into the Ingulubhe section of the route. This takes you up a steep climb and over a few streams, where you may hear the pigs squealing (although you may think that this sound is your lungs battling to cope!).

The route twists it’s way up the hill and brings you out through a gum forest and into the open hillside. Head straight upward along the road ahead and a few hundred metres along you will come to the beginning of your first single track decent – “Gums”. It is advisable to take the time to enjoy some of the spectacular views from this vantage point before turning right onto Gums and enjoying an awesome decent! Gums brings you out onto a forestry road where you need to bear right and head along the road for a few kms. You will then reach a confluence of forestry roads where you need to look out for a trail marked “Rooty Fruity” on your left.

Take this trail and enjoy another fast flowing descent through the gum plantations! Head across the forestry road and into “Fast Track Extension”, bearing right and this section of trail will lead you to “Harry’s” which winds it’s way back up the hill and brings you to a single track t-junction. Turn left and you will soon reach “Home Jerome” which will have you “whooping” all the way back to the bottom of the Curry’s Post road.

Once you meet the road turn left and you will emerge at the Howick Medical Centre.

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Off the bike

Karkloof is a steep flat topped kloof, stretching for over 50 kilometres, between Rietvlei and Curry’s Post, in the scenic countryside of the Natal Midlands.  The Karkloof Falls, with its 88 metre drop is an impressive sight which can be enjoyed while picnicking or braaing under the shady trees surrounding it.

CONTACT:

Route Information: Gavin Ryan 083 441 1448

Email: info@quickpix.co.za

Website: www.howickmountainbiking.co.za

GPS: 29°28′37.4″S 030°12′32.1″E or -29.47705879250528, 30.2089086086105

Weather: {weather Howick, South Africa}