Christel@BHC

If you’re still looking for a last minute gift, why not opt for a 2022 BHRC MTB permit – a gift that will keep giving. Available online https://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/shop/. As an exclusive introductory offer, Bottelary Hills annual permit holders get free access Polkadraai Bike Park for 2022. This family-orientated bike park caters for riders of all abilities with its kiddies track, pump track, flow, skills trails and fun line. Day permits for the bike park are available from Zetler Strawberry Farm. NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENTS To ensure that our routes continue to offer exciting new mountain bike experiences for riders, the BHRC has invested R150 000 in 30km new trail developments, which includes 12km single tracks built by Trail Blazers and Conrad Stoltz respectively. The extensive trail network now totals 127km of farm roads, jeep tracks and numerous single tracks. While never too technical, there are challenging climbs and a variety of distances on offer for riders of all fitness levels. We’re also excited to announce the launch of the 7km BHRC Polkadraai loop across Karibib, Reyneke, De Toren and Sterling Wine Estates. Park and purchase day permits are available from Somm & Co. Karibib or the bike park for convenient access to the broader BHRC MTB trail network. NEW STARTING POINTS AND PERMIT SALES Super excited that Bellevue Wine Estate on Bottelary Road, Fort Simon Wine Estate on the Fischer Road, 18Coffee on Neethlingshof Wine Estate, Somm & Co Karibib and soon the Polkadraai Bike Park on the Polkadraai road have been added as new park and ride access points to the BHRC mountain bike trail network. Each of these venues offer food and wine experiences. Be sure to download the Trailforks App for route profiles and difficulty levels. If you’re new to mountain biking, the BHRC Orange route starting from either Bellevue of Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate is ideal. Gradual climbs on mostly jeep tracts and dam walls offer a relaxing nature experience and beautiful views. Day permits (R70) are available from park and ride points including: Asara Wine Estate, Bellevue Wine Estate tasting room on Bottelary Road, The Farmer’s Pantry on Brenaissance, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Fort Simon Wine Estate, Hazendal’s Babushka Deli, The Cellar Door at Jordan on the Stellenbosch Kloof road, 18Coffee at Neethlingshof, Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Overgaauw (no permit sales), Somm & Co. Karibib and the Polkadraai Bike Park. In addition to the park and ride points, day permits are also available from Engen Soneike, Shell Kruispad, Hellsend Bike Compound in Dorp Street Stellenbosch and the Dwars in die Weg security gate. Please note that permits are payable with Zapper. #RIDE4RENOSTERVELD Did you know that the Bottelary Hills falls within the Cape Floral Region (CFR) - listed by UNESCO as one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots? Around 9 000 plant species of which around 70% are endemic - meaning that they are found nowhere else on earth – can be found in the CFR. Less than 5% of the original extent of Renosterveld vegetation remains as it grows in rich fertile soils, which is often replaced with commercial crops. The purpose of the BHRC is to retain and expand the patches of Renosterveld in its area, including the critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld. Since the launch of the mountain bike trails in 2011 as a source of income, funds have been allocated to the clearing of invasive plant species and the conservancy now has more than 700 hectares of unspoilt Renosterveld. There has also been a notable difference in water streams flowing again and the natural re-establishment of Renosterveld plant species. HIKING TRAILS AND TRAILRUNNING No hiking is permitted on the BHRC single tracks, but circular hiking trails on Mooiplaas and Koopmanskloof cross over the MTB routes. In addition, Zevenwacht and Fort Simon offer vineyard walking trails. Permits are available directly from the respective tasting rooms except for Koopmanskloof, which is on appointment via christel@bottelaryconservancy.co.za. Zevenwacht also offers an annual walking/running permit – visit www.zevenwacht.co.za for more details. We will be launching a Bottelary Trailrun Series as well as longer guided hikes in 2022. Announcements to be made on our website and social media platforms - @BottelaryHillsConservancyMTB on facebook and @bottelary_hills_conservancy on Instagram.

The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) is celebrating 10 years of mountain with the addition of new single tracks and starting points and now offers a 120km trail network. To ensure that the routes continue to offer exciting new mountain bike experiences to riders, R160 000 was invested in new trail developments this past year. Trail-Blazers planned, designed and built the original trails and have played an integral part in trail maintenance and route developments over the past decade. In addition, they make a significant investment in community development through the employment of local youths. Not only have they generated 200 man days in the past six weeks, but also transferred valuable skills to the team. The Jordan route has been extended and now features a lovely new 1.2km single track designed and built by Conrad Stoltz, former triathlon world champion. Riders can look forward to a flowy single track in natural terrain with unique granite dome rides that is suitable for all levels of riders. On completion of his first project in collaboration with the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy, Stoltz stated that views of the ocean, mountains and vineyards will take your breath away, (if the climb doesn’t). Additional single track sections were also completed by Trail-Blazers and the owners of Jordan. “Nature lovers will appreciate the Renosterveld with its abundant wildlife. An eagle soaring on the breeze, sharing the trail with duiker and, if you're lucky, you may spot the caracal and its cub stepping into the brush. The location and its people are fantastic and made this one of my favourite builds. Hopefully it brings pleasure to riders for many years to come,” concluded Stoltz. The new single track section on Wolwedans Vineyards offers spectacular views, while the new single track from Fort Simon is ideal for those looking for a challenge and Bellevue will ease new riders into the trails. Another super exciting addition, is the Polkadraai loop that starts and finishes at Somm & Co at Karibib. A bonus offering for 2022 BHRC annual permit holders, is free access to the Polkadraai Bike Park set to open in the New Year. Day permits (R70 payable with Zapper) are available from Asara Wine Estate, Bellevue Wine Estate, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Fort Simon Wine Estate, Hazendal Wine Estate, Jordan Wine Estate, Neethlingshof Wine Estate, Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Somms & Co. Karibib, Engen Soneike, Shell Kruispad, Hellsend Bike Compound Stellenbosch, Dwars in die Weg security in Devon Valley, Devonbosch coffee kiosk and soon the Polkadraai Bike Park. Annual permits available online www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za – also download Trailforks for an updated trail map and route profiles. The Bottelary Hills MTB Trails were opened by the Bottelary Hills Conservancy in April 2011 and allow controlled access to the conservancy via dedicated routes. The rolling hillsides feature vineyards, farmland, conservation areas and trails comprise of farm roads, jeep tracks and numerous single tracks. While never too technical, there are challenging climbs and a variety of distances on offer for riders of all fitness levels. The BHRC was founded to maintain, expand and sustain the large tracts of remaining Renosterveld in its area - less than 4% of the original Renosterveld in the Western Cape remains. Funds generated through annual and day permits as well as events are used mainly to subsidize alien vegetation eradication. In addition, dedicated community programmes and projects address the socio-economic challenges of the people living and working on the farms within the BHRC.

RIDE, HIKE AND RUN FOR RENOSTERVELD Join us in celebrating 10 years of MTB trails and explore some new additions to the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy MTB trail network this Saturday 2 October 2021. MOUNTAIN BIKE MAGIC Mountain bikers have the amazing opportunity to select their dream ride from seven self-guided trail routes from different starting points varying in distance and difficulty levels. The specially marked routes will be open on Saturday 2 October and range from 18km to 36km across rolling hillsides, vineyard trails and single tracks through the indigenous Renosterveld. One of the brand new single tracks has been developed by multiple world triathlon champion Conrad Stoltz. Even if you have done tracks in the Bottelary area before, there are plenty new additions to enjoy. Entries will be limited to between 50 and 100 riders per venue in adherence to current COVID protocols. Entry fees are from R230 - R250 and include a bottle of wine. Limited entries from Bellevue, Devonvale, Fort Simon, Jordan, Karibib, Neethlingshof and Zevenwacht. Enter at www.entryninja.com. Take note that the MTB trails are only open to weekend riders on Saturday 2 October and will run on the normal annual and day permit system from Sunday 3 October. TRAIL RUN Runners will have special access to the new 6.2km Polkadraai MTB loop, normally restricted to cyclists only, by entering the Smokkel Run from Karabib on Friday evening. Entries are limited to 100 runners at R220. This is a self-timed race and all finishers receive a bottle of either Smokkelman Red or White of their choosing. The race starts at 18:30 at the Somm & Co Karibib Tasting Room with food and wine available for supporters and after the race. Headlamps are mandatory. Enter at www.entryninja.com. GUIDED HIKES Hikers can explore the 5.6km and 6.3km hiking trails on Mooiplaas and Koopmanskloof wine estates on Sunday 3 October. Both trails offer spectacular 360-degree views of Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Table Bay and False Bay. The hikes will cost R220 per person and includes a wine tasting and bottle of wine. Entries are limited to 20 from Koopmanskloof and 35 from Mooiplaas. Book your spot on https://www.entryninja.com/events/77082-bhrc-guided-hikes 4X4 WINE ADVENTURE Get a taste of the laid-back local lifestyle by exploring the area in the comfort of an open vintage 4x4 truck fitted with picnic tables during a 4-hour wine adventure on Saturday 2 October. Tickets are R300 per person and limited to 24 guests in total. The wine adventure will take you along vineyard trails and farm roads between three family-owned estates on the northern slopes of the Bottelary Hills. Soak in the beautiful surroundings and taste award-winning wines at Goedehoop, Groenland and Kaapzicht wine estates. Trucks will depart from Groenland and Kaapzicht at 10:30 for the first of three wine tastings before rotating to your second stop and finally meeting up at Goedehoop Wine Estate. Here you can purchase something to eat and experience the rustic farm atmosphere before your last wine tasting. Trucks will return to the respective starting points at 14:30.

GET READY FOR A WEEKEND OF FUN IN THE WINELANDS Discover the beauty of the Bottelary region near Stellenbosch from 1 – 3 October, when the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) is hosting their first MTB & Eco-weekend. Bike, hike, sip and taste your way through this off-the-beaten track destination in the heart of the Cape Winelands. MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES Mountain bikers can pick from eight self-guided rides at different starting points varying in distance and difficulty levels. The specially marked routes will be open on Saturday 2 October and range from 18km to 45km across rolling hillsides, vineyard trails and single tracks through the indigenous Renosterveld. One of the brand new single tracks has been developed by multiple world triathlon champion Conrad Stoltz. Park and ride starting points as well as exciting trail extensions and a newly developed bike park are part of the line-up. Guided rides led by the regular marshals will also be available. This event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Bottelary Hills MTB Trails and the continued conservation work done by the conservancy. Entries will be limited to between 50 and 100 riders per venue in adherence to current COVID protocols. Entry fees are from R230 - R250 and include a bottle of wine and a commemorative keyring. Fun lucky draw prizes are up for grabs. Limited entries are available, so book early to avoid disappointment. Enter at www.entryninja.com. Take note that the MTB trails are only open to event entrants on Saturday 2 October and will run on the normal annual and day permit system from Sunday 3 October. WINE AND DINE For those just wanting to relax and enjoy the rural magic of the Bottelary Hills, each starting venue has planned specific activities, including live entertainment, fun outdoor experiences and fantastic food and wine offerings. Check the website to see what Bellevue, Devonvale, Fort Simon, Hazendal, Jordan, Karibib, Neethlingshof and Zevenwacht are planning on the day. From breakfast to lunch, there will be something for every taste and budget. Pizzas, platters, picnics are all part of the menu. Pop-up food trucks, mobile coffee bars, a traditional braai and exotic Russian tea ceremonies also form part of the programme. Pre-bookings are advised. Follow our social media platforms @bottelary_hills_conservancy on Instagram and @BottelaryHillsConservancyMTN for updates on the local hospitality offered by each venue. Bookings and more information https://www.entryninja.com/events/77030-bhrc-mtb-eco-w and https://mailchi.mp/9ca61ae1a211/bhc-mtb-eco-weekend as well as www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za

Mountain bike enthusiasts can now enjoy the 92km Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) trail network at the special midyear permit rate of R400. Make the most of the great outdoors for the remainder of 2021 and enjoy the wide open spaces of the BHRC that stretches across the rolling hillsides, conservation areas, vineyards and private farmland in the Bottelary Hills. The ever-evolving network of MTB trails cater for various skill and fitness levels. Only 2021 BHRC annual or day permit holders are allowed access to the trails and bike boards must be displayed on handle bars at all times. Annual permits are available online at www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za and day permits (R70) and are sold at various park and ride spots including Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Hellsend Bike Compound in Stellenbosch as well as Engen Soneike and the security gate at Dwars in die Weg on Devon Valley road. Due to lockdown restrictions Asara, Neethlingshof, Jordan and Cycle2Ride are closed for permit sales. Take note that most of the access points operate on a cashless system with Zapper as the only payment option. Less than 4% of the original Renosterveld in the Western Cape remains and only grows in very rich fertile soils, which is often replaced with commercial crops. The BHRC is fortunate to have large tracts of pristine Renosterveld in its area and has been declared as a World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO. Funds generated through permit sales are used mainly to subsidize alien vegetation eradication. While alien plant clearing has been an ongoing initiative of the BHRC, the project has intensified since 2012 following the opening of the Bottelary Hills MTB Trails in April 2011. During the past two years alien clearing follow up was done across 735.2 hectares generating a total of 4486 person days worked. Game still roams naturally in the Hills such as Caracal, Grysbok, Grey duiker, Porcupine, Bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes and otters. There are also endangered reptile species such as the Diamondback tortoise only found in Renosterveld areas. More than 109 bird species have been identified and listed on the BHRC website. When you support our trails you support conservation. Find the latest trail map on the Trailforks APP (https://www.trailforks.com/region/bottelary-hills-conservancy-mtb-trails/?activitytype=1&trailstyle=random&z=12.0&lat=-33.91566&lon=18.77475&m=hybrid). For more information please visit www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za or follow us on social media.

Could not have said it better and will edit the website accordingly. Not only do we expect riders to respect nature, but also the landowners. A light in a distance could be anybody or anything, which is why riders are asked nicely to please ride while it is still light. Enjoy the trails.

No trail running or hiking allowed on the MTB trails at all - especially the single tracks. Will be putting up additional signage at ST entrances soon in this regard. The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) is getting more and more requests from trail runners and hikers and are liaising with selected landowners to provide this option. Please drop me a pin via whatsapp (0834480810) when you encounter runners or hikers as we'd like to identify areas that require more marshaling. Enjoy the trails.

JOIN BOTTELARY HILLS MTB TRAILS AND RIDE FOR CONSERVATION The 65km Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails that run through the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHC) and across working wine farms, offer spectacular views and multiple route options that caters for various skill and fitness levels. Get your 2020 BHC MTB permit online (www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za) and enjoy the fabulous trails, while making a contribution to conservation - R680 for main members, R580 for spouses and pensioners and R480 for students and under 18’s. Day permits (R60) are available from the Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Asara Wine Estate, Jordan Wine Estate, Zevenwacht Country Lodge, Hazendal Bike Park and Soneike Engen in Kuilsriver. The BHC is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that forms part of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve. Funds generated through permit sales are used to care for, expand and sustain the remaining 1500-hectare Renosterveld in its area that covers approximately 10 000 hectares. Less than 4% of the original Renosterveld in the Western Cape remains and only grows in very rich fertile soils, which is often replaced with commercial crops. Game such as Caracal, Grysbok, Grey duiker, Porcupine, Bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes and otters still roams naturally in the Hills. There are also endangered reptile species such as the Diamondback tortoise only found in Renosterveld areas, while more than 109 bird species have been identified and listed on the BHC website. Convenient park and ride access points to the trails include: Devonvale Golf Estate and Hazendal (Bottelary Road / M23); Brenaissance Wine & Studd Farm (Devon Valley Road); Asara Wine Estate (Polkadraai Road / R310), Jordan and Overgaauw Wine Estates (Stellenbosch Kloof Road) and Zevenwacht Wine Estate (Langverwacht Road). The trails are situated on working wine farms and riders need to be on the lookout for tractors and vehicles at all times as they have right of way. Riding is only allowed from sunrise to sunset. Riding alone is not advisable (in case of an incapacitating accident). Carrying a mobile phone is recommended. Annual BHC MTB permit holders will also enjoy free access to the popular Hazendal Family Bike Park on the Bottelary Road. Although the bike park is primarily focused on children, it provides fun riding for adults as well.

If you want to see what the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHC) MTB Route is all about, don’t miss this special offer. For only R100 you can purchase a 2019 permit board online at www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za that will give you unlimited access to the trails for the remainder of the year. Enjoy the fabulous trails, while making a contribution to conservation. The 65km BHC MTB Trails offer spectacular views and multiple route options that cater for various skill and fitness levels. Access points to the trails include Devonvale on the Bottelary side, Devon Valley, Asara and Overgaauw on the Stellenbosch side and Zevenwacht and Hazendal on the Kuilsriver side of the Bottelary Hills. Day permits (R60) are available from the Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Asara Wine Estate, Jordan Wine Estate, Zevenwacht Country Lodge, Hazendal Bike Park, Soneike Engen and Shell Kruispad. Funds generated through permit sales are used mainly to subsidize alien vegetation eradication. Since the opening our MTB Trails in April 2011 in excess of 500 hectares of Renosterveld have been cleared. The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHC) is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that forms part of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve approved and listed by UNESCO on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Our core focus is to care for, expand and sustain the large tracts of remaining Renosterveld in the area. In addition, the BHC runs a Community Development Programme that aims to develop and empower our youth to become self-reliant individuals within their families, in the workplace and in the broader community. A strong focus is placed on Early Childhood Development (ECD) within the agricultural community. The 2020 annual permits will be available from 1 December 2019 and will be valid until 31 December 2020. Prices and details will be communicated during November.