Franschhoek – Matoppie MTB Trail

The first public route created by Franschhoek Cycling Club.

On your bike

The ride starts off with a gradual climb, mainly gravel and a bit of rock. It gets rockier as you approach the first left (hairpin) turn. The climb becomes steep and very rocky at this point, but soon enough levels out and becomes a smooth single track – which continues clockwise around Matoppie. As you ride round to the western side, you will be treated to spectacular views of the Berg River dam below you.

Soon after, the single track becomes even rockier and starts undulating a bit. There is a right split on the trail, and you will continue on single track over some washed away sections which need to be ridden with caution. Continuing along this contour, you will traverse a few rocky washaways, with smoother sand sections in between. The trail then opens up a bit as you approach a jeep track road crossing the trail. At this point, you go straight across and continue on good jeep track round the northern end of Matoppie. Here, the going gets a bit rocky again for a while, and as you make your way onto the eastern side of Matoppie, you will ride straight onto a forest road with the tree line to your left.

Keep left past some cork trees and continue on the eastern side until you approach a sharp left hairpin This is the start of an exhilarating jeep track downhill with 4 more hairpins thrown in for good measure. At the bottom of this downhill, the road flattens out and becomes sandy. You will cross a narrow cement bridge, just before turning right onto Robertsvlei road (this road is a wide gravel road, look out for the odd car). This road is flat and easy – giving you the chance to have a cool down before you finish!

Off the bike

Best cuisine and wine in the country, so come hungry.

GPS: 33°56’09.4”/ 19°04’34.8” East