Closest Town: Marquard
Grading: Easy to Intermediate
Duration: 30 minutes to a whole day
Location (Area/Province): Central Free State and Free State
Configuration: Various circular and return options
Start Point: Marquard Hotel
Access: Public access
Beware of: Don't bring your bike anywhere near Marquard if you don't have slime in your tyres... you won't get very far!
Facilities: Accommodation, bar, restaurant plus shops in town.
Cell Reception: Good cell phone reception in town, none en route.
Heads up – this vibrant and energetic little town in the southeastern Free State is the ideal spot for a family MTB weekend. Tarred roads are few and far between in Marquard, so all the more reason to cleat up and enjoy! Start off by exploring the town, cranking through quiet streets to admire all the old houses and the beautiful sandstone church.
On your bike
There are very few tarred roads in Marquard and there is no traffic either… One of the most pleasant activities is simply riding around the quiet streets, admiring en route the old houses and the beautiful sandstone church. Much thought has been put into the convenience and accessibility of the MTB trails to riders staying in Marquard which will lead them out onto numerous riding trails and distances.
Most rides are along dirt farm roads and jeep tracks. A word of caution: the overgrown ones yield superb crops of the infamous devil thorns of the area, resulting in what has become known as the “Marquard Ritual” of fixing punctures. Don’t bring your bike anywhere near Marquard if you don’t have slime in your tyres… you won’t get very far!
There are fine views of the surrounding area, and most of the climbs in this trail network are gentle, suited to all levels of riders.
Off the bike
The beautiful little town is a peaceful getaway and is well known for its 4 x 4, hiking and horse-riding trails. This is country living at its best, close to gorgeous Ficksburg and the mountains of Lesotho.
GPS: 28°39’54.2 South / 27°25’44.3″ East
