We ended up going to Hoogekraal on Saturday morning, despite the fear of snakes (we saw none but heard at least 27 in the bushes) and slight apprehension I had due to the "black" trail rating: 1. Made a friend who asked to join us but quickly realized we were to slow up Spyker Hill and joined an e-bike group (If this was you, sorry for the disappointment but even a blazing fast blue Pyga can't make a fat man speed up a hill) 2. Friend learned it's important to check that your little brother may have changed your SPD's for flats while you were away, and ended up doing the trails on a hardtail and cleated shoes with flats. He only almost-died 4 times 3. Learned that even climbing can almost be fun if designed cleverly 4. Stood at the top of Cobra wondering if we should try when a father and his 3-foot high son explained what we should look out for before bombing off into the distance 5. Went down the Cobra which was amazing - it's just about half a level above where my skill is at, so perfect for me to learn. And almost all the parts that could be a little scary have options for avoiding it (either flat bits around the jumps, or clear warning before the slightly rocky bits) 6. Did Welvergenoegd (which turned out to be the friends answer when we got to Fair Cape) 7. Whooped in joy at the amazing downhills 8. Got a nice cycling sunburn 9. Going back as soon as I possibly can! Thanks Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club, I can't think of a better way to spend my money (except maybe upgrading my travel... hmmmm some nice bikes in the classifieds..)
