Discover the Rhodes less travelled, on a fully supported 3 day mountain bike tour in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg.

Expect breathtaking passes, scenic farm tracks and thrilling descents amid sandstone formations, crystal clean rivers and wild mountain terrain. This is as close as one gets to 'Drakensberg Cycling', with the luxury of daily vehicle support, comfy lodgings, experienced guides and sumptuous meals to look forward to. A paddle down the Kraai on our final day, provides a fitting end to this unique mountain bike tour.

With daily ride distances close on 50km and 1000m ascent the first two days, followed by a shorter third day, this tour is aimed at persons with previous MTB experience and a reasonable level of fitness, looking for a social experience in an exciting new environment.

Arrival Day:

Arrive at Rosstrevor Guest Farm (20kms from Barkly East), meet up with your fellow travellers and relax after your journey into the Eastern Cape Highlands. If you would like to then we can take you to a wonderful sundowner spot. Let Phil & Kate spoil you with a delicious dinner after which they will brief you on the route. Accommodation will be provided in a charming Victorian farmhouse.

Ride Day 1: The Kraai Knuckler

Distance:  51 km   Ascent:  1000m   Duration: 4-5 hours

Description: Activate those calf muscles with a 7km warm-up on scenic district road, taking us to the highest point of today's route. This is followed by a gently undulating twin-track (13km) affording splendid views of the mountain peaks and a chance for your heart rate to recover before an adrenalizing, knuckle-busting descent down to the Kraai River. After a cool river crossing, we'll climb back up to the district road, on which we will stay for the next 14km, with one more testing hill in store. Turning back onto twin-track there is a fun rocky-road descent, easing into fast-rolling track back down to the Kraai (7km). After another river portage, there is a steep climb (3km) on jeep track out of the valley. Once on top, we'll follow scenic farm tracks (3km) before a fast finish back to Rosstrevor (4km). Enjoy a hearty meal and a few drinks by the log fire before a good night's rest.

Ride Day 2: Balloch Bounty

Distance:  48    Ascent:  900m   Duration: 5 hours

Description: Starting at Rosstrevor we follow undulating country road for 13km. The next 16km takes one into the spectacular Balloch valley, cycling a combination of farm and jeep track. Balloch is a natural heritage site where stunning rock formations and San Rock Art that can be viewed. An aerobic climb takes us to the highest point on the route overlooking Balloch valley. This is followed by an exciting descent before connecting with another road that runs along the valley bottom. Once back on district road there is a steep but short-lived climb out of the valley, before turning back onto farm roads & descending into the Joggom  valley (7.5km). It is a short ride (2.5km) up a spectacular gorge and then 8 km of good road to Reedsdell farm, where cold beers will be waiting (along with your transferred bags). Enjoy a delicious farmhouse dinner at Reedsdell.

Ride Day 3: Sky to Kraai: Pedal & Paddle

Distance:  +/-36 km    Ascent:  300m    Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Description: After a hearty farmhouse breakfast we'll enjoy a fast start on quiet country road for the first 8km. We then follow farm and jeep track for 10 km, passing the beautiful and appropriately-named Castlekop, before descending a shock-loving path into the Joggom valley. After 2km's we'll reach the Kraai River confluence - launching point for the paddling phase of the trail and an opportunity to rest those legs! After brief instruction, you will be paired up for a +/-3 hour paddle/float down the Kraai. This is a gentle, but particularly scenic stretch of river, lined with willow trees and interesting sandstone caves & formations. We will provide a picnic lunch before transporting you by vehicle up the steepest section, after which you will be reunited with your bikes. An easy 16km cruise back to Rosstrevor via jeep track and district road completes your Wild Mountain Adventure.

The last night is an informal braai with opportunity to reflect on the past three days of excitement. After a well deserved sleep, enjoy a final breakfast with the crew, before heading back home both fitter & rested.

QUOTATION & DATES

We pride ourselves on providing a flexible service and all MTB trails can be tailored to your requirements. Additional activities that can be incorporated include hiking, horse riding, fly-fishing and for those with their own vehicles 4x4 and quad trails.