Closest Town: Port Elizabeth
Grading: Intermediate to Difficult | Duration: From 2 hours to a couple of days
Location (Area/Province): Eastern Cape and Western Region
Configuration: Various return or circular options
Start Point: Forestry Station
Access: Permit available from Cyclo Pro
Beware of:
Facilities: Toilets at forest station
Cell Reception: Good
OVERVIEW
Longmore Forest (part of the old SAFCOL set-up, but now managed by ‘Mountains to Oceans’) will provide you with hours of deep-forest riding.
On your bike
A seemingly endless network of gravel roads (840km according to the resident plantation manager) will put miles into your legs, with more than enough jeep-track links to keep it adventurous.
Park at the Longmore offices, then head uphill along the gravel road and follow the Kings View signs for an enjoyable 90min (or up to 5-hour) circuit. The routes are not marked, so stick to the main roads to avoid getting lost if you’re heading out without locals to guide you.
There are access rules: permanent Fat Tracks numbers must be visible on the front of your bike at all times. A permit, obtainable from Cyclo Pro or at the Longmore forest station, is required. If you’re not a Fat Tracks member, you have to purchase a permit from the forest station on the day you are riding (they open at 07:00).
Off the bike
Possibilities abound in and around Port Elizabeth.
CONTACT:
Telephone: +27 82 889 4076
Websites: www.fattracks.co.za and www.cyclopro.co.za
Telephone: +27 41 368 7244
GPS: 33º 52′ 10.1″ South / 25º 07′ 09.4″ East
