OVERVIEW
Head to the Karkloof Country Club where you need to sign your indemnity form and pay for your permit before you crank off on what I promise will be one of the best rides of your life. All routes begin and end at the Karkloof Country Club and are graded according to the International Mountain Biking Association trail-grading standards. Routes are well marked and all information is available on the Karkloof Country Club website.
On your bike
In addition to the marked trails, there are many kilometers of forest roads and single track. Once you have familiarised yourself with the trails, you can combine routes to make your ride as long and as fun as you want. The outback trails are, as the name suggests, not very well maintained and unmarked, but for thrill seekers, they are what makes Karkloof so exhilirating.
Marked trails are:
3km Beginner – designed and built with kids in mind this is the perfect route for them to get used to riding trails with nothing to steep or technical.
15km – A fast, flowing single track packed with fun decent and short punchy climbs suitable for skilled and not soskilled riders. There is a 2km non-stop single track descent and wonderful scenery on your way back along the Karkloof River.
20km – This route follows forestry roads and jeep track and is perfect for those who are not so keen on single track. There are wonderful views of the Albert Falls and the gorge below the Karkloof Falls.|
23km – The ideal route for novice bikers who want to ride some manageable single track without having to worry about being on the road for the whole day. With fun descents and some fairly technical climbs this route will get your legs burning before a good long downhill stretch home.
37km – This route has everything. Carefully planned so that riders can have a single track experience second to none with flowing grassland singletrack, steep switchback climbs, breathtaking descents topped off with a gentle ride along the Karkloof River.
Off the bike
The Midlands Meander is one of South Africa’s true countryside treasures. This constantly evolving travel experience allow you to wind your merry away through the green heart of KZN, taking in the art galleries, artisanal craft shops, mom-and-pops farm stalls, country eateries, coffee roasters, indigenous forest, canopy tours, bush pubs, exclusive getaways, rustic farm cottages and other hidden tourism gems here in the so-called ‘Last Outpost’.
CONTACT:
Email: trails@karkloofclub.co.za (Devlin/Nick)
Website: www.karkloofclub.co.za
GPS: 29°22’59.4” S / 30°13’48.8” East
