wildmountain

OK, I think we're there! Thanks for all your help guys! Some of the suggestions we've used now, and I'm sure others (but not all ) will be useful later on See below for a taster. Website is still being loaded, but if anyone would like a full itinerary they can email sarah@active-escapes.co.za. Discover the Rhodes less travelled, on a fully supported 3 day mountain bike tour in the Eastern Cape highlands, from the 19th ? 23rd March<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Expect breathtaking passes, scenic farm tracks and thrilling descents amid sandstone batholiths, crystal clean rivers and wild mountain territory. This is as close as one gets to ?Drakensberg Cycling?, with the luxury of daily vehicle support, comfy lodgings, experienced guides and sumptuous meals to look forward to. A paddle down the Kraai on our final day, provides a fitting end to this unique mountain bike tour. With daily ride distances close on 50km and 1000m ascent the first two days, followed by a shorter third day, this tour is aimed at persons with previous MTB experience and a reasonable level of fitness, looking for a social experience in an exciting new environment Special Introductory Price: R 2,950 /per rider/sharing Fully Inclusive - Based on minimum of 4 persons, maximum group of 10-12 riders. Tour Price Includes: - 3 Days Guided Mountain Bike Tour (land access & route negotiation) - Rafting Experience (incl. all rafting equipment & guide) - 4 Nights Farm House Accommodation - All Meals: From Dinner on Arrival Day to Breakfast on Departure (4 Breakfast?s, 4 Dinners, 3 x Trail Lunches) - Professional Guide Services ? 1 guide on trail, 1-2 on back-up logistics - Daily Vehicle Back-up Support - Emergency Evacuation Support Tour Spaces limited to 10 Persons so Book Now & Avoid Disappointment For more Information or a detailed Tour Itinerary, Contact: Sarah Drew Active Escapes CC Tel: 033 2344367 / 084 2407277 Email: sarah@active-escapes.co.za Website: www.active-escapes.co.za

OK, the new trail is being launched today! It just needs a name.... 'Off-Rhodes'?? See thread at https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=73688&PID=1058399#1058399

and if i don't fall? Holy smoke!!

Geez no! We are in the same area (Wartrail), but the Garmin is a serious adventure race - hiking, mtb and canoeing. Ours is simply a lekker holiday that you can enjoy with friends - not a competition. Chilled and relaxed with some great riding in pristine mountain terrain (see previous forum thread re hub special weekend). Great food, cosy B&Bs and awesome off road trails. Similar to our High 5 multi-sports adventure trail, but without the hiking & horse riding. Hope that clarifies things!!

We are launching a 3 day MTB tour in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg and need suggestions for a catchy new name. Here's a brief overview: The trail is aimed at experienced and fit MTB enthusiasts as most of it is off road and we are riding at altitude (so ideal for LSR training). There is a paddling option on the last day to give those legs a rest! We are near to Rhodes so one suggestion so far is 'Off-Rhodes' MTB Trail. Ideas on a postcard please my friends!!

But what better time to escape the city madness! We've declared Wartrail and New England a vuvuzela-free zone this winter and our whole marketing campaign is based upon escaping the crime, people, hooligans and other madness. Why not get a group together and drive down? We are only 3.5 hours from Bloem, so it's not a majot schlep by SA standards. And then you can easily bring your bikes, fishing rods, gliders, whatever!

Looks that way! Obviously no rafting then, but if you're all keen and enjoy yourselves then we can always do another in November. There's a public holiday 16th June, so how about driving to us on Sat 12th, riding (or fishing or gliding or whatever!) 13th, 14th, 15th and then travelling back on the 16th? Does that work for everyone? Also, let me know how you want the itinerary to work. I'm thinking 2-4 hours hard riding each day is enough? And then spend the afternoons doing 'something different' with a different optional activity each day? Choices being hiking, horse riding, paintball, fly-fishing, playing in the white stuff (obviously conditions permitting), 4x4 trails. Oh, and I forgot the glider trip. And you never did explain what the final 'f' is!!

I can think of more than a couple of road-accessible spots you can launch from. Here's a pic - does this look OK? Saw 40 Cape Vultures catching thermals today - so if works for them then I hope it's good enough for you guys!! And a fishy pic to entice you.... What's the other 'f' (or shouldn't I ask?!)

Go to https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=73359 and cast your vote!!

Love ya for that one!!

Damn. I've created a poll, but it's popped up as a new entry. Schoolgirl error. Here's the link https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=73359&PID=1054773#1054773

'By popular demand' here is your chance to vote when you would like us to host a Hub Special weekend in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. See www.wildmountainadventures.co.za for more information about the venue. I've excluded August and September as options as they are typically quite windy months, so not the best for MTB trails. If you want rafting then select March or November/December. If you would prefer to see snow then choose June or July. For just awesome riding in a comfortable climate April, May and Oct are good choices. It's up to you guys!!

I'm more than happy to set up a 'hub special weekend' and thus answer both your points at once!! When shall I aim it for do you think? A warning though - a weekend won't be long enough!!!

OK, I'm new to TheHub. What should I be doing in terms of specials?

Wild trout all year - record catch on 'our' river is 9.1lbs - not bad for a river fish! Yellowfish come upstream in summer - Nov-Jan and some of them are monsters!

Hi, We operate the MTB, hiking and horse riding elements all year. The rafting is summer only as paddling on melted snow is a bit chilly!! So in winter we swap boats for skis and head on up to Tiffindell or add extra cycling days as people want.

Well spotted - it is indeed that road a.k.a Carlisleshoek pass. There is actually a good story behind this photo. One of the riders (Ellane Van Wyk) got her cleats stuck into her pedals, so she had to ride straight up - no stopping. For those of you who know the road, you will realise what stamina was required!

We have launched a multi-sports adventure holiday in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg which includes plenty of MTB riding, but also including paddling, hiking and horse riding (all other activities optional). The concept is based on slackpacking, so all your luggage is transported between guest farms, whilst you ride, hike and paddle your way around from place to place each day. It's unique, bloody good fun and is proving a real hit with MTB enthusiasts. See http://www.wildmountainadventures.co.za for more info and dates.

Mountain Biking in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg. See http://www.wildmountainadventures.co.za/page8.htm for more about trails that include single track, twin track, technical riding and the high altitude challenge of the 8 Mountain Passes in the area. Ideal race training.