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Discover the Thrills of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Bike Trail in the Garden Route National Park
Looking for a way to escape the scorching summer temperatures? Look no further than the exhilarating experience of mountain biking through the enchanting indigenous forests along the stunning coastal section of the Garden Route National Park, located near the picturesque Storms River Village. With a range of riding options available, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced enthusiast.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Tsitsikamma region, which derives its name from the ancient Khoi phrase meaning ‘place of abundant waters’. This name perfectly captures the essence of this lush destination, with its verdant forests and tranquil blackwater pools, where majestic Podocarpus yellowwood trees stand tall.
I’m going to tell you about a really cool route that starts in Storms River Village. It’s a bit challenging at times, but totally worth it! The route takes you downhill for five kilometers until you reach a bridge over Storms River. It’s a perfect spot to take a swim and cool off before the tough climb back up.
Once you’ve had your swim, you can choose to follow signs through the pine plantations or take a detour through a beautiful natural area. This part of the ride is nice and flat, so you can catch your breath and enjoy the scenery.
But here’s the best part: when you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of Storms River Mouth and the surrounding national park. It’s absolutely breathtaking! After you’ve taken in the view, you can head back the way you came, either through the plantation roads or along a trail that goes through a gorge and a forest. Just watch out for pig poop!
So, here’s the deal. Once you’ve made it back to the original route, get ready for a challenging five-kilometre climb back up to the village. If you’re up for spending more time on your bike, you should definitely check out the Misty Mountains Reserve. They’ve got an additional 60 kilometres of trails for you to explore (check them out at www.mistymountainreserve.co.za).
How to get there and when to go
Start and finish your ride at the Tsitsikamma State Forest Storms River Office in Storms River Village (not to be confused with Storms River Mouth). To get there from the N2, just take the turnoff to Storms River Village (it’s about 75 kilometres away from Plettenberg Bay). Follow that road into the village, make a left at the stop sign, and keep going until you pass the Tsitsikamma Village Inn. The office will be on your right.
Imagine this: a place with perfect weather all year round, where you can explore thrilling trails whenever you want. But here’s the catch – it rains a lot, so be prepared to get wet and muddy. If you’re up for the challenge, the Storms River Traverse MTB Stage Race is held every year at the end of August (www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za).
When you’re not on your bike
Storms River Village is a quaint little town that has a lot to offer. You can go on tree-top canopy tours, take day hikes, or even try black-water tubing. And if you’re up for more adventure, just take a short drive to the Garden Route National Park, Storms River Mouth, or the starting point of the famous Otter Trail. Oh, and did I mention that you can also experience the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge? Talk about an adrenaline rush!
Get ready for action
Have you ever thought about recording your ride while you’re in the middle of it? It sounds pretty cool, right? Well, guess what? GoPro has this amazing camera that is waterproof and can shoot high-definition photos and videos even in the most challenging environments. The GoPro Helmet Hero is perfect for mountain bikers like us. It comes with all kinds of extras like mounts for your head or handlebars, and it even has a waterproof casing. With this hands-free camera, you can capture awesome photos with a resolution of five megapixels or record 1,280-pixel videos for over two hours. It’s pretty amazing, don’t you think? You can learn more about it at www.goprosouthafrica.co.za.
If you’re looking for an even higher-quality image, but still want a camera that can withstand almost anything, then you should check out the Nikon CoolPix AW 100. This camera can capture images with a resolution of up to 16 megapixels, which is pretty impressive. But that’s not all! You can drop it from a height of 1.5 meters, submerge it in water up to 10 meters deep, and even expose it to freezing temperatures as low as -10°C, and it will still keep working perfectly fine. It’s like it’s invincible! Want to know more about it? Just go to www.nikon.co.za.
Let’s Talk About the Tsitsikamma MTB Trail: Some Fast Facts for You
I have a challenging task for you today. Are you ready? Great!
Let’s talk about an amazing adventure – mountain biking in Tsitsikamma. This is no ordinary bike ride, my friend. It’s an intermediate trail with a few steep climbs that will test your skills and push your limits. The whole journey takes about two to three hours, so make sure you’re ready for the challenge.
The trail starts and ends at Tsitsikamma Village Inn. You’ll be riding on a mix of gravel road and jeep-track, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. The terrain may be rough at times, but that’s all part of the fun.
Before you embark on this adventure, there are a couple of things you need to know. First, you’ll need to get a free self-issue permit from the gate for the first section of the trail. It’s a simple process, but an important one to ensure everyone’s safety. If you plan to ride the SAPPI section, you’ll need to get a permit from either Tsitsikamma Eezi Bikes or Tsitsikamma Village Inn.
Now, let’s talk about practical matters. Cell reception along the trail is good, so you’ll be able to stay connected if needed. And if you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact Tsitsikamma Village Inn at 042-281-1711 or visit their website www.tsitsikammahotel.co.za. Alternatively, you can reach out to Tsitsikamma Eezi Bikes at 081-320-3977 or email them at [email protected] Their website is www.eezibikes.com.
Are you excited about this mountain biking adventure? I know I am! Remember, it’s a challenging trail, but the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end is priceless. So, gear up, take a deep breath, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Tsitsikamma. See you on the trail!
