The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig, in Cape Town, has grown organically since 2015 and today, it boasts 2.8 kilometres of pump tracks, dirt jumps, drop-offs and rock gardens, with a bike shop, bike workshop and coffee on the go.
Chris Nixon, the founder of the Bike Park and renown DH, MTB, BMX – racer, rider, coach and official, shares his passion with his family. His daughters Ila and Jessi, and his son in-law Darryn, are integrally involved in the business.
“It’s been a remarkable 7 years,” Nixon stated. “The Bike Park has grown from a dream into reality, becoming a complete part of my family’s lives and also a part of the Cape Town riding community. We have inspired so many kids, from those on their first balance bikes to those participating in national cycling races. But more importantly, we’ve shared our passion for cycling with thousands of people.”
The Bike Park is unique in the Western Cape, as it was designed as an MTB skills park, aimed at up-skilling riders of all ages and skill levels. The graded track and obstacles offer the best ways to learn safely and to master a challenging skill; riding drop-offs, clearing gaps or mastering rocky terrain. The Bike Park allows you to get into a rhythm, ride short laps and repeat challenging features, to build confidence and skill. Daily or annual permits are available.
The Shop
The bike shop offers bikes, parts, protective gear and clothing. It supports top South African brands, such as:
- Leatt: a major MTB clothing and protection brand
- CSixx: a Cape Town-based company designing and manufacturing carbon MTB components
- PYGA mountain bikes: handcrafted frames manufactured locally in Pietermaritzburg
Welcoming Giant and Liv
“Giant and Liv are new additions to the store,” Ila Stow pointed out. “They’re a fantastic world-class brand across all cycling disciplines and offer riders exceptional value for their money. We will be hosting the next Giant and Liv E-bike test days, in early June. Final dates will be announced on The Bike Park’s social media handles closer to the time. Interested riders are encouraged to book a test ride by dropping us a mail to bikeparkuitsig@gmail.com.”
The Workshop
The Bike Park workshop has three highly experienced mechanics, overseen by Nixon. “We aim to ensure that every customer receives a personalised service. Whether gears need a quick tuning or if it’s time for a major service for all types of bikes. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction,” Nixon said.
Kids’ Parties
A popular favourite is the kids’ parties – loved by young riders and their parents. “The parties are often the way people discover The Bike Park,” Stow added. “They’re great fun. The kids have an absolute blast.”
Bookings for the parties can be done via email at bikeparkuitsig@gmail.com. The 2-hour party slots are booked in advance at R350 for the venue hire and R100 per rider. We also offer bikes to hire.
Skills Coaching
Darryn Stow and Jessi Nixon both offer skills coaching. Both are highly skilled riders in their own rights but it is the patience and ability to explain what they do intuitively on the bike which sets them apart as coaches.
The park is the perfect place to up-skill your riding, regardless of your current skill level. Everyone from beginners, taking on singletrack for the first time to experienced riders looking to master a particular skill will find features in The Bike Park which will expand their competencies.
All ages are also welcome, from the youngest balance bikers to the senior members of Cape Town’s riding community. Riders can use the venue as a base to start their rides, or have a skills session and then venture out onto the trails, once they have mastered features in the park.
The Bike Park is conveniently located for longer rides into the Constantia Greenbelt or Tokai.
Meeting point, coffee, secure parking and restaurants
Adding to The Bike Park’s allure (as a location to meet friends before a ride) is the park’s coffee shop, secure parking and proximity to the Constantia Uitsig farm’s other restaurants. “You can start your day with a pre-ride coffee at The Bike Park, head out into Tokai and then return to Constantia Uitsig for lunch at one of the many restaurants or enjoy an ice cream at the ice cream shop,” Stow smiled.
More info
For more information on The Bike Park visit www.bikeparkatuitsig.co.za or drop in at Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town.
Opening hours:
Weekdays: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Follow our social media handles:
Instagram: bikepark_uitsig
Facebook: The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig
Most lekker place in Cape Town