Montagu Mountain Bike Trails

Ron Brunings,  78 Bath Street Montagu, 6720,    Tel/Fax 023-614 1932     or 023-614 2471

ron@tps-montagu.co.za

Montagu offers the avid mountain biker a huge range of trailing options. I have been riding here for 3 years and am still actively assembling new routes and exploring new paths.
The objective of the Dusty Sprocket initiative is, quite simply, to offer visiting bikers a range of guided leisure trails, comprising a variety of riding surfaces and visual experiences. In this way we enable visitors to make the most of their valuable time in Montagu and to leave the frustrations of dead-end tracks and vicious ostriches up to us. The trails listed below range from mild to moderately difficult and are thus suitable for most riders.

TRAILS ON OFFER

TOWN TRAIL (12km) ("A" Route)

A must for the "first timer" to Montagu. Comprises a circular route of the village, taking in Montagu South, Aasvoelkrans, Montagu West, Lovers Walk and the scenic Kanonkop outlook point.

Surface : 10km tar, 2km gravel Duration : 35min Grade : 2

LITTLE DONGA DASH (12km) ("A" Route)

A nice little opener, perfect for a late afternoon introduction to our off-road trails. Comprises a circular route to the south of the village through a peach orchard, along a scenic single track path with some nice little dongas and tricky rock sections. Finishes with a fast downhill and flat stretch of tar back into town.

Surface : 9.5km dirt track, 2.5km tar Duration : 35min Grade : 4

THE LONGA DONGA (16km) ("A" Route)

A very rideable route, which can be done as an opener in the late afternoon or as a morning ride. Comprises a circular route south of the village, taking in some rough rocky sections, interspersed with sandy tracks. After a steady climb the path ventures very close to the base of the Langeberg Mountain range which is followed by a fast but tricky downhill. Hereafter the track follows the same route as the "little donga".

Surface : 14km dirt track, 2km tar Duration: 1hr Grade : 5

JOLLIE PATROLIE (23km) ("B" Route)

A nice easy morning outing. A circular route to the south east of the village. Comprises a scenic ride in the surrounding area viewing the local Klein Karoo lifestyle and architecture. Most of the route is on good dirt road interspersed with tar. The last section comprises a single-track path to an elevated view of Montagu before descending steeply back directly into town.

Surface : 7km dirt road, 8km tar, 5km dirt track Duration : 1hr20 min Grade : 5

SPORTIE SORTIE (23km) ("B" Route)

A nice morning outing. A wide circular route to the east and south of the village. The "sortie" is essentially a scenic ride on good dirt roads interspersed with single-track dirt path diversions. The ride offers something for everyone, comprising easy stretches with several short tricky sections thrown in for good measure. A variety of riding surfaces and natural landscapes complete the picture.

Surface : 6km tar, 10km dirt road, 7km dirt track. Duration : 1hr30min Grade : 5

TECHNO SURPRISE (16km) ("B" Route)

A fantastic morning outing for those who are more technically inclined.

The trail takes us to the north of the village along a fun single-track path, where after we turn-off to "test the mess". The trail comprises a relatively steep and tricky dirt track that runs along the length of a beautiful isolated valley. After a deserved pit stop at the top we retrace the route, enjoying the tremendous view as we fly along the sand and rock path. A good bike is a strong recommendation for this trail.

Surface : 2km tar, 12 km dirt track. Duration : 1hr30min Grade : 7

KLEIN KAROO CRUISE (28km) ("C" Route)

A "lekker" outing for those who prefer a reasonable leg-stretch in beautiful surroundings. Comprises a technically easy route that takes one north of the village along the tar road for some 12km, with three nice little dirt track diversions to keep it interesting. On coming off the tar we tackle a "Killer Hill" where after its an easy 8km along an excellent dirt road that winds itself through a beautiful valley, before linking back onto the tar and downhill into town.

Surface : 16km tar, 8km dirt road, 1km dirt track Duration : 1hr30min Grade : 4

OUBERG BOP (35km) ("C" Route)

A longer ride, requiring some commitment. The first 17km comprises a good dirt road that winds itself forever upwards. Some great views characterise this section. The next section involves a punishing dirt track climb of 1.3km that takes one to the highest point of this trail. From here its a hair-raising dirt track downhill for some 6km before turning off to explore a challenging sand trail down a wild and isolated valley. The trail intersects the main dirt road 5km from the village from which point one can take advantage of a leisurely downhill cruise into town.

Surface : 2km tar, 23km dirt road, 10km dirt track. Duration : 2hrs30min Grade : 6

PIETIE-PATATS (55km) ("D" Route)

The longest ride on offer. This trail comprises a very scenic circular route out to the settlements of Patatsfontein and Pietersfontein. Other than the distance, the route is a relatively easy one comprising mainly good dirt road riding with several kilometres of tar. An isolated dirt track featuring beautiful wild vegetation and scenery characterises the central section of this trail. A must do for the committed biker.

Surface : 12km tar, 38km dirt road, 5km dirt track Duration : 4hrs Grade : 5

Only "toughies" need apply. The challenge is the best advertised trail in town, but also the most notorious. Popularised by the 4x4 route on which it is based, it comprises an initial 5km tar and dirt track duo, which is followed by a testing dirt track ride of some 6km before climbing insanely up the Waboomsberg . Much of the ascent is better pushed than ridden - at least one can enjoy the views ! On the top of the scenic plateau the rocky riding conditions are replaced by tricky sand sections. The descent is awesome, comprising a testing switchback trail strewn with loose rocks and stones. A solid bike with a good braking system is a must. At the bottom of the main descent one is still some 15km from the village and the tough trail continues to throw surprises at the unsuspecting cyclist so watch out ! The last 12km comprises a good dirt road, with an exciting dirt track diversion some 4km along (for those that are still up to it).

Surface : 6km tar, 15km dirt road, 22km dirt track Duration : 4hrs30min Grade : 9

START

All trails start at "The Cottage Ice-Cream & Coffee Shop" - 78 Bath Street.

Each trail commences with a pre-ride briefing and equipment check. Please ensure that you have tube sealant in your tyres and have taken in sufficient fluid before starting any of the trails. Departure times are by arrangement. Pre-booked rides are preferred.

TARIFFS

"A" Route : R10.00 p/p  "B" Route : R15.00 p/p  "C" Route : R20.00 p/p  "D" Route : R25.00 p/p

Please Note : These trails constitute a "Labour of Love" and is a pro-active tourism initiative for the region. I generate a living through my Ice-Cream & Coffee Shop and private Town Planning practice. All tariffs go towards bike maintenance, marketing/administration, and a stand-in shop assistant whilst I am out guiding.

DISCLAIMER

Owing to the extreme nature of the sport, cyclists undertake the trials entirely at their own risk. Dusty Sprocket take no responsibility whatsoever for any injury or death which could occur on the trails, nor do I take responsibility for any damage which could occur to the bikes.