Closest Town: Pietermaritzburg
Grading: Moderate
Duration: Self-determined
Location (Area/Province): KZN - Natal and Midlands
Configuration: Various
Start Point: Various
Access: Public roads except for Midmar and Hilton College Estate
Beware of: There have been attacks on cyclists, particularly in Cedara Forest so ride in a large group or with a guide.
Facilities: Availible at the Midmar Resort.
Cell Reception: Yes
OVERVIEW
Pietermaritzburg is 12 km from the southernmost tip of the Midlands Meander which covers Hilton, Merrivale, Howick, Curry’s Post, Karkloof Mount West and some of Rosetta. The riding on many of the multitude of scenic (though public) gravel roads in the area is especially suitable to recreational riders and family groups.
South Africa’s World Champion Downhiller, Greg Minnaar, was raised and rode around here before taking on the world. So, Pietermaritzburg is clearly an excellent place to mountain bike although there are no real official trails.
On your bike
Most trails are known to the locals and are ridden on plantation roads and singletracks through the trees. These tracks are forever changing as the trees are harvested. So, there are no signs pointing to the trail head and no signs along the route. The riding through Hilton College to the Look Out isn’t an official MTB Route either. Hilton College knows locals ride there and that’s about as official as it gets. What follows are descriptions of some of the more popular MTB rides on kilometers of singletrack or dirt tracks.
Cedara Forest: This is just one plantation ride as there are many to choose from. Cedara is the venue for the oldest ‘Classic’ in the country – the Hilton Classic, which was established in 1989. This commercial forest, on the fringes of Hilton suburbia, is riddled with singletrack. These singletracks are remnants of organized off-road events which have been subsequently well-used by local riders. There are several access points from Hilton, but the most popular meeting point is from Crossways or The Quarry Centre. None of the riding is marked but if you participate in the events or group rides here, you’ll get to know your way around.
Ferncliff Nature Reserve: Accessed from DV Harris Waterworks on Town Bush Road, for the experienced rider, this is a brilliant course, popularized by the provincials and nationals. So, expect some vert terrain.
World’s View: There are several access points from the Chase Valley area. Try World’s View Road, off the R103, Lynwood Drive or Thornycroft Road. Have some fun in the dark by riding through the old railway tunnel. Otherwise, enjoy the spectacular riding and gorgeous scenery. Since this is the current venue for the popular Schools MTB Series, expect lots of nice twisty technical stuff through this commercial Mondi forest.
By Road: Some of the tar roads leading out into the Midlands from Pietermaritzburg are very scenic and fairly quiet; try the Hilton College Estate’s dirt roads, or Midmar Nature Reserve, which is accessed via Thurlow Gate on the road to Underberg. The reserve has some nice gravel roads suitable for family cruising. An undulating 15 km ‘lollipop’ loop through grassland, the route offers the possibility of seeing black wildebeest, oribi, zebra, reedbuck, blesbok and red hartebeest as well as birds galore.
Off the bike
Crossways or The Quarry Centre have plenty of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants to choose from. The same goes for the nearby Midlands Meander. As with the very informative Midlands Meander leaflet, the Pietermaritzburg equivalent is called “Pietermaritzburg: City of Choice”. When visiting the city, be sure to stop in at the tourist office housed in a Victorian building near the city hall where you will find a wealth of information on things to do and see. They will also post information to you on request. PMB is South Africa’s most Victorian city and a walk through the lanes is a must.
Pietermaritzburg on Trailforks.com
