| Posted: 02.03.2009 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oak Valley, a leading Elgin winery, situated alongside the N2, has recently launched the Oak Valley Mountain Biking Experience, a series of three mountain biking routes on this beautiful 1 786-hectare mountain-side farm. The experience is the brainchild of Oak Valley's winemaker, Pieter Visser, an avid mountain biker himself, who has ensured that the routes are suitable for young and old, and the experienced biker.
The route rose to prominence earlier this year when the gruelling ABSA Cape Epic mountain bike race from Knysna to Somerset West camped at Oak Valley farm on the race's penultimate day. The final part of the route that day saw the competitors wind their way up and down steep vineyard- and fynbos-covered slopes of the Groenlandberg, on their way to their overnight stop at the lower-lying oak-strewn section of Oak Valley farm.
The Oak Valley biking experience takes the rider through spectacular scenery, including an oak forest; mountain vineyards; apple and pear orchards; and pastures where simmentaler beef cattle roam. All of these are set against the backdrop of the rugged upper slopes of the Groenlandberg.
The three circular trails all start at the farm's entrance gate and two of the routes include a couple of hills that are definitely fodder for the mountain goats. More than half the distance is single-track biking, with wooden bridges (over farm fences) and streams, making these highly enjoyable rides, especially the downhill single track. The rest of the route is over farm roads. The well known mountain biking website http://www.mtbroutes.co.za/ recently rated the oak valley biking experience's three trails. The routes comprise a 14-kilometre green route for the whole family; a 21-kilometre red route for stronger riders; and the 25-kilometre black route for the advanced rider with technical skills.
Cost and opening times
The entrance fee is R30.00 per rider and is open throughout the year, weather permitting of course. No booking is required.
