Hellwarp

The new Blue Loop is open for riding with a distance of around 7 km of which 5 km is singletrack. To get to the Blue Loop: From HAZENDAL entrance - ride up “Kaapzicht Killer”, turn left into red at the split, stay on red until you reach the row of olive trees after the vineyard "meander", from there follow the blue arrows. From STELLENBOSCH side - ride up “Wolwedans Vastrap” climb, turn right just before the top where purple used to be, keep on going straight and enter the exit of the "old" blue route (Protea Alley). In other words Protea Alley’s direction has been reversed. TAKE NOTE: the direction of Protea Alley has been changed and cannot be ridden as a stand alone section shortcut anymore. The entrance to "old" blue has also been closed down. Feel free to provide feedback re signage etc. to enable us to make improvements where required.

Annual permit prices have been adjusted for the second half of the year visit http://www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za/

TRAIL NOTICE: the extra singletrack on Ribbok which was closed after the fire is now open. We took the opportunity to give this section a makeover with the focus on improving the flow. It needs some tread on it to settle so have a go when you see the "extra singletrack" sign. On Ribbok itself we've added a right hand bend on the downward leg. This was also done to improve flow, remove two awkward climbing bends and the climb at the end of the jeeptrack. The link to purple still carries on straight beyond this bend.

We are doing a group ride on Saturday to put some tread on the newly built "Blue Loop" singletrack. The route is not officially signposted or open yet for general riding so this is an opportunity to be one of the first to ride it. We depart at 8.30 am from the Hazendal parking lot. You can wait at the gate if you cycle from home or join at 8.50 am at the top of Kaapzicht Killer. ( where the red route splits from green at the "afdakkie"). Riders from Stellenbosch side can join at around 9.45 am at the entrance to Lizard singletrack, top of Wolwedans climb. You need to be reasonably fit, there are some steep climbs. If you can ride all the way to the top of the green route via Kaapzicht Killer or the top of Wolwedans without stopping, you will be okay. You obviously need to have an annual or day permit displayed on your bike.

TRAIL NOTICE: We've cleared the trails but it is very wet and muddy at this stage. The trail takes a beating, along with your drivetrain if you ride in these conditions. Rather wait for some sunny weather to dry things off a bit before heading out for a ride.

TRAIL NOTICE: It's going to take a few days for us to clear the trails of storm debris. Ground conditions are sketchy at best and with more rain predicted for saturday the weekend will be a no go. So this weekend its time to catch up on home DIY or pay a visit to Mom in law.

Trail notice: Hazendal will be closed for major renovations during which no Bottelary Hills MTB permits will be sold at Hazendal. You can still park and start your ride from there. Permits must be bought at the Engen garage at Soneike Shopping Centre next to Bottelary road. An alternative option is to buy your permit at Zevenwacht and start your ride from there.

Yes over 60's only.

Meanwhile, while the fires have been burning the 2017 annual permits have been released, visit http://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/annual-permits/ Please note, if you have a gmail email address the confirmation email for your purchase may go to your gmail spam/junkmail.

TRAIL NOTICE: "The good, the bad and the ugly" The good news is the Ribbokkop bush fire has been put out once again (touch wood). The bad news is we have no choice but to detour the Ribbok singletrack to get around the burnt area. The ugly news is that we not sure how long it will be before we can get in to do a repair. The fire happened at the worst possible time of year, the ground is dry preventing trail repair. Obviously we also have safety concerns with trees falling over periodically and unstable ground conditions. Not much can be done right now other than hope we get some decent rain in the coming weeks. The image shows the detour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijA5vu8JHzA

TRAIL NOTICE: while the bushfrie on Ribbokkop has once again been contained we advise riders to stay clear of the Ribbok Singletrack. When deemed safe to do so we will clear and repair the trail. We will notify once open.

TRAIL NOTICE: Fire on Ribbokkop has flared up again, stay away from "Ribbok" singletrack. The green and yellow loops are unaffected.

Permits should be available soon (maybe sooner) will stick a post up when they're ready.

We have the annual STBB mountain biking event this saturday. If you planning to visit the trails this weekend then rather do so on Sunday.

Last week of November.

TRAIL NOTICE: We have opened up a new 1km piece of trail which forms part of Ribbok single track (see white line on the map below). Opening was delayed due to the track being dry and loose in places, hoping it will compact nicely after this week's rain. We'll monitor the wear on the tread, should it get too powdery we will close it again and wait for more rain. We aim to have signage up by the weekend.

Aaah ok. The route marker is meant to be on the left of the road opposite the right hander, will have it checked out. Thanks.

Hi Billygoat We have no singletrack named "stukkie". Last time I heard the word stukkie was a highskool classmate referring to his new girlfriend, way back in the 80's. If you could point out the spot on a googlemap it would help identify what you referring to.

We have opened a new "MEDIUM" green trail on the green route that will give riders the option of riding most of the Ribbok downhill single track without riding over the top via “Skaapsteker”. This option also gives riders from Hazendal/Zevenwacht an easier link to the blue route (Protea Alley single track) as well as the yellow route (Fish Eagle single track) To link with the blue route, just go straight through the switchback that is almost at the bottom of Ribbok. It also gives riders from Stellenbosch side an alternative return option via single track. Route markers will only be up early next week, but the route is open for riding.

The one on the website is what we have at the moment (not entirely up to date) will update once we're done with building for the year. http://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/trail-map/

TRAIL NOTICE: We've opened a new section of singletrack on the red/long green route. It's part of more additions in the making. Being new it may be loose and spongy in places so take it easy down there. With the spring flowers blooming and fresh mornings this has to be the best time of year to be out on the trails. Enjoy!