Named after the German town Grabow, the small town of Grabouw sits about 1.5 hours drive away from Cape Town, in the vast Elgin Valley. Known for being the largest single exporter or fruits in Southern Africa, it has also hosted numerous mountain biking, trail running and other adventure sporting events over the years. As a results of this, the trail network seems to be never-ending and the backdrop never ceases to amaze.
Matthieu Hamel
Heading up and over Sir Lowry’s pass, towards the greater Elgin Valley.
Daniel Dobinson
Grabouw, with the mountains waiting on the horizon.
The area also features an abundance of pine forests, with much of the trail network going through them.
The younger plantations don’t offer any form of shade and it can get pretty hot in the valley during summer.
Trails scattered with interesting rock formations – a dream playground for mountain bikers and photographers alike.
Pushing back to the top of the section.
Super technical riding with ‘Porcupine ridge’ in the background.
The tight forest and rocky sections make way for the fast, flat and open sections towards the Theewaterskloof Dam.
Wildfires are an unfortunate but natural thing, and holds a certain beauty in itself.
Matthieu going off-piste in search of more steep and technical riding.
Heading further towards the dam, through the last section of pine forest and the last rays of the day.
Customary post-ride beer. Check.
It’s heading towards Autumn now with the temperatures dropping fast as the sun goes down, but with riding and scenery this good, you want to take in every last bit.
Riders: Matthieu Hamel and Daniel Dobinson
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awesome shots, guys - good work!