Closest Town: George
Grading: Easy to intermediate
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Location (Area/Province): Garden Route
Configuration: Circular
Start Point: Saasveld Campus
Access: Self-issue permits
Beware of: Hikers; students on the loose
Facilities: Ablution facilities at start, 24hr security at Saasveld Campus
Cell Reception: Good
This steep route meanders along gravel forestry roads through pine plantations blanketing the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains.
On your bike
Expect to climb a lot during this hilly ride. You will become well acquainted with your granny gear on your way past the Garden Route Dam. Get your payback along two short singletrack sections near Pepsi Pools. Give a tip of your helmet to the Hillbillies, the local MTB club who developed and maintain these trails.
Then kick back and relax at Pepsi Pools, a spectacular waterfall cascading over huge boulders with great pools for a refreshing swim. You’ll pass through small patches of indigenous forest and fynbos along the way, but don’t get too carried away by the scenery as some sections are quite technical.
Off the bike
George serves as a great base from which to explore the garden Route’s diverse scenery and many natural wonders. Options abound, with safe swimming and angling at Herold’s Bay, legendary surfing breaks at Victoria and Buffalo Bays and many a famous hiking trail in the Outeniqua Mountains. Explore the spectacular mountain passes or board the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam train for glorious coastal views.
GPS: 33°57’40.1” South / 22°32’02.0” East
