With very little greenery, and blown-out dusty trails the only options around the Western Cape lately, we headed to the North West province in search of some greener pastures – and boy did we find some gems.
After a year of riding and documenting only trails in the Western Cape during 2015, the Trail Daze crew packed up and headed for the hills where the grass was apparently greener, and rain wasn’t a myth. Forming part of the greater Van Gaalens trail network, Hakahana was our first taste of some truly amazing views, red dirt, thunder storms and most importantly, some proper trails.
Travelling in style on our way to Hayden Brown’s place, thanks to Jeep and Thule.
Luckily our bikes survived the trip and everything was in place. Well almost everything… a small bolt from Daniel’s rear derailleur undid itself somehow and disappeared, but luckily we found a spare derailleur at the friendly local bike shop.
Alarms set for 4:30am. Dawn patrol here we come.
On the road at first light, with some dramatic skies all around to get us frothing for some adventure.
Hartebeespoort dam in the background.
Tricky, steep uphills meant a lot of hike-a-biking.
Daniel Dobinson | iRideAfrica
Seemingly unlimited singletrack through lush green grass fields, puffy clouds and views in every direction. We found it.
Terrain resembling Eselfontein meant Daniel was in his element navigating tricky rock gardens.
Chris Pearton
A and B line options caters for varying skill levels, though I wouldn’t recommend these trails to any novices.
NWP natives keeping an eye on things. Baboons out here are by far more people shy than the ones found in Cape Town, scattering in every direction as they spotted us.
Hayden Brown
This project is made possible by:
GPS: S 25 46 32.36 E 28 00 33.70
Permit: R50 per permit – Saturdays and Sundays only
Website: www.hakahanatrails.co.za
All images by Ewald Sadie
instagram:
Riders : Daniel Dobinson | Hayden Brown | Chris Pearton
Stay tuned to Bike Hub for more Trail Daze coming soon…
Great write up yet again Ewald!
Does Hayden ever have his wheels on the ground?