Not the one in Vietnam though – the one at Muratie, just outside Stellenbosch.
Driving up towards our first Trail Daze destination for 2016, passing vineyards and keeping an eye on Simonsberg in the distance, with new gear packed and ready for action, we were buzzing and excited to experience the smorgasbord that is Muratie. From panoramic views, to a variety of single track ridden plantations, to warp speed inducing, tight bush tunnels that will make you pedal back up for more… it’s all there.
The heat wave we’ve been experiencing here in SA is by far the worst in recent history, and temperatures have soared to the mid 30’s every day in the Stellenbosch area. But the need to ride will always be stronger, so we filled our hydration packs, packed the cooler and headed for the hills.
Two thirds of the motley Trail Daze crew awaiting the French flair.
A short but steep and exposed pedal away from the Muratie tasting room drops you into a lush, fern-lined pine forest with fast single track taking you all the way down into the gully. A welcome escape from the relentless heat.
Harry Millar
Matthieu Hamel
Climbing up and out of the gully via some tight switchbacks on the way towards Gillooly’s interchange, with Simonsberg, Stellenbosch mountains and the Muratie/Delheim vineyards as your backdrop – not bad ‘ey.
This side of the gully is blue-gum central, with that distinctive smell and sometimes unpredictably slippery leaves covering the trail.
Daniel Dobinson | iRideAfrica
The remnants of events that have plagued Western Cape trails during 2015. Lets hope this year brings better luck.
Riding out the last rays of the day, with only one thing left to do…
Happy new year to everybody! May 2016 be full of trails, dust and ice cold beers.
This project is made possible by:
GPS: -33.870591,18.8714526
Permit: R50 for a day of riding – just be out by 7pm
All images by Ewald Sadie
instagram:
Riders : Daniel Dobinson | Matthieu Hamel | Harry Millar
Stay tuned to Bike Hub for more Trail Daze coming soon…
Awesome write up and photos as usual Ewald! Definitely adding in Muratie onto my ride there list for 2016!