Anthem24

Trek Powerfly e-bike going for R39 900 now.

Trek Fuel Ex is for more aggressive downhill riding -- the Trek Top Fuel would be better and is a very burly bike since the 2022 models, although both have maximum weights of 136 kg (the same as the Specialized). It's unlikely that you'll be wanting to do serious climbing or technical stuff until you get fitter and lighter, so full suspension isn't necessary and an e-bike would certainly make the starting out more pleasant.

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-infrastructure/news/minister-simmers-visits-van-schoorsdrift-interchange-roads-project-site

Riedakkie is at the start of the pink on the loop here

No personal experience there, but Trailforks shows a few routes although the 'last ridden' filter shows some haven't been ridden for a few months. Also zooming in on the Tracks4Africa map gives a lot more info on roads -- the ones marked gravel are public afaik: https://map.tracks4africa.co.za/map

Go to Spook in Somerset West -- far more experienced than some others I've been to. https://www.daisyway.co.za/fit-your-bike/

Try putting the word out to estate agents dealing with rentals in the area? This one is the wrong side of White River and a little on the high side as far as granny cottages go, but nice and safe. https://www.privateproperty.co.za/to-rent/mpumalanga/lowveld-and-kruger-park/white-river/white-river-country-estate/6-lake-dornoch-close/RR4145239 https://www.facebook.com/groups/196538777392746/

No they can't -- the FAQ on their website says: The route closes at 06:30AM – we encourage all vehicles to rather use the route via George.

Postnet uses Aramex, so it might be worth popping in to your local branch to see what they say? It might be cheapest for the parcel to be delivered to the Aramex depot in the UK, and you collect from your local Postnet. https://www.postnet.co.za/international-postnet-global-express

Yup, this is off their Instagram Not only are we offering FREE entry to Tygerberg MTB and Durbanville cycling clubs, but we have expanded our accommodation options significantly to suit every budget – ranging from camping, mid-tier accommodation to elegant B&B’s - there’s something for everyone. Some outlets are also offering discount to participants in Vines & Views. Please contact us: info@vinesandviews.co.za or WhatsApp 0833059105

You could head to Vredendal or Riebeek Valley instead for the weekend -- as a Tygerberg member, V&V is free, is it not? https://vinesandviews.co.za/ and the Riebeek Valley one will be a fast gravel grind.

Correct -- Anthem now targeted at racing snakes or recreational riders willing to pay a lot for a light bike. I recall at the time of the 2022 release that they said carbon only. Mentioned here: "Whereas the Anthem has dabbled in all three wheelsizes in the past, the new model is strictly a 29er. It’s also only available in carbon fibre only too — there will be no alloy bikes or pumped-up SX models coming down the pipeline. You’ll have to look toward the new Trance 29 for rowdier short travel trail riding. Indeed Giant has narrowed the Anthem’s focus as a purebred race bike — one that lives for intervals, hunting down podiums and picking off KOMs & QOMs." https://flowmountainbike.com/tests/giant-anthem-review-2022/

Best call or email them, since they posted this on their Facebook page on 23 July 023 615 1505 tastings@vanloveren.co.za https://www.facebook.com/vanloverenwines Our farm is home to a beautiful, bio-diverse hiking trail, rich with fauna and flora, as well as several exciting mountain bike routes. Unfortunately, the recent torrential rains have caused the Breede River to flood, reaching levels unseen since 1981. Last year, we faced similar unforeseen flooding twice, and now we are dealing with it once again In the photos, you can see Hennie Retief, one of our farm owners, marking the flood levels on the wall along the hiking route. For the safety of our visitors, we must announce the temporary closure of both the hiking and cycling routes until the necessary repair work has been completed.

Old Hermon Gravel Ride [FACEBOOK PAGE] · Time is running out—entries for the Old Hermon Gravel Ride close on Monday, 19 August. But don’t worry if you miss the deadline! Late entries will be available from 20 August. Secure your spot now and gear up for an incredible day on the gravel! 22km: R320 (Late entry fee: R370) 45km: R450 (Late entry fee: R550) 82km: R550 (Late entry fee: R650) Visit www.oldhermon.co.za

Agreed -- odd that it's not on EntryNinja https://oldhermon.co.za/

I see Trailforks shows it as 'Open as of 18 hours ' https://www.trailforks.com/region/banhoek-conservancy-trails-26521/

Probably not, but they had a 1.4 Billion Euro action plan to clean it up over the past few years. The dreaded CSOs -- combined sewer overflows -- got the better of them after heavy rain.

You don't say when you're planning on doing this, but you should contact the folk at Jai Yen Yen about the Doring river crossing before you go. Plenty of stuff online showing the effects of recent floods. Your distance from there to the national park, with either option being over 100 km, seems quite ambitious given the road surface of the Uitspankraal Pass. This video from the Mountain Passes of SA channel is from a while back, but it's not likely that the road has improved: If you're not set on going to Tankwa, the original Cederberg circuit from Algeria>Eselbank> Wuppertal>Heuningvlei>Clanwilliam>Algeria is an option, but has lost a lot of gravel section with the tarring of the Uitkyk Pass and Pakhuis Pass.

It doesn't sound like it then! If you book accommodation in the park, you can check with SANParks whether you can cycle to your accommodation along the access road, and how far "in the vicinity" is. Did you see this map, dated February 2024? https://www.sanparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tankwa-visitor-map.pdf

Trek TopFuel is a burly downcountry bike. The carbon Gen 3 models will be lighter if you can find secondhand, the new (2024) Gen 4 models have lighter frames but the Top Fuel 8 will be more than your budget. Don't forget Giant's ladies brand Liv -- the Intrigue or Pique might be good options. https://www.liv-bicycles.co.za/collections/full-suspension?product_category=Mountain_Bikes&product_suspension=Full_Suspension

It partly depends how much storage you want. In the last year, I've moved to a Camelback Classic Light 2L which is a bit limited space-wise, but ok now that I have internal frame storage. Very comfortable, and cool in summer. Cheaper brands might have more storage, but may need to be restitched every so often -- I had my ancient but otherwise perfect Rav bag fixed twice at Barksole for R50. You could even try Sportsman's Warehouse's own Concept brand https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/products/?keyword=hydration pack

I've emailed and phoned Koeberg to check when permits can be collected, and they've confirmed that permits can only be applied for AND collected from 2-4 pm Monday to Thursday. While somebody can drop off the application, you have to collect it in person. They sent me the revised notice, and Stella says they won't be there on Fridays. This is effectively denying access to anyone who works full-time in an office. Can we do another petition? Reopening of the Koeberg Nature Reserve - 14 July 2024 rev.1.pdf

Not 2.3, but Sportsmans Warehouse has 26 x 2.25 in both Maxxis and Chaoyang if you need to resort to that. https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/maxxis-crossmark-ii-26-x-2-25-mtb-tyre/ https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/chaoyang-cougar-26-x-2-25-tyre/

?? Don't often go that way, but 18-24 months ago (after a spate of muggings I think) the Tokai Mtb Association vehicle was often stationed above the hotspot area on weekends with someone sitting there with binocs. Very generous with their time, I thought. With the recent attack this has probably been resumed. I saw the SANParks vehicle heading up that way on Saturday morning. Evidently they were doing a stint too, judging by other comments on SANParks - Table Mountain National Park Facebook page.