Griffin

We have been clearing Puffadder Pass in preparation for re-opening. Without the trees it looks totally different ! Some real hard work getting through the timber debris and under growth.

Gearing up for 2018

Hey Dean Harvesting/Hauling is still taking place at Sheeps Pass (North side of Firetower) as well as below Fireower (South side) so at the moment no. All the down runs from Firetower (Crank Alley/Kathryns/Pines/Gums) are affected as they either go into harvesting areas or cross over hauling routes. The Face/Face extension doesn't even exist anymore Its been totally harvested and the timber debris have covered up the trail to the extent that you cant even see it. As mentioned in the previous post we are getting into several of the closed sections as the harvesting nears completion. This is so that as soon as the harvesting is finished we can re-open the trail. We also making use of the opportunity to revitalize some older trails as both bikes and riding techniques have changed. The good news.. we will have several areas back in time for the Howick Enduro and Classic in March so expect some pleasent surprises

Our first Trail Day Work Party went off really well on Saturday. We have started clearing and re-opening Puffadder Pass after the harvesting/salvage operations. A few lines will be changed but be assured it will be as challenging as before... with amazing views over Albert Falls dam. Please note that trail is being cleared for when the area re-opens and at this stage the area remains closed as timber hauling is still taking place. If you are keen to join us for the next clearing day please contact us.. all are welcome!

Hey Brian Unfortunately there are no bike rentals in the immediate area. I do think there is great potential for this but with the cash outlay for a stable of bikes and the interminably rental market it just hasn't happened yet.

Some good news this morning.. The Sappi Howick Enduro has been awarded Provincial Series status for 2018. It will be the 1st event in 2018 KZN MTB Provincial Enduro Series, taking place on 3 March 2018. The event will be hosted from http://www.11karkloof.co.za/. Accommodation is available at the venue so no reason not to stay over and give the 20km or 40km Classic event a try the following day (4 March 2018) Details will follow as they are concluded and confirmed.

Hey Josh Thanks for the kudo's... there is a LOT of work that goes into hosting an event like this and plenty other people who give up their own time to help out. I will deffo pass on the thanks. Slip n Slide was the name of the game lol!! Sam Bull is one of the coolest guys around.. and one of the most skilled riders I know. Stoked to hear that you guys enjoyed the time with him. Again, you guys are welcome back at any time. We will be re-opening the trails on the other side of the road later this year so you can look forward to 3 or 4 more stages to add to the ones you rode already Next Enduro is 3 March 2018 so book the dates so long (Enduro followed by a 20km/40km event the following day) PS : I will def keep that 051 board for you next time !

Hey Bud Shot for the feedback and compliment! Yeah the weather was definitley a curveball. I really though there would be less rain and was surprised at just how slippery the conditions got! Clay + water = slip n slide lol! Would you believe that 24h before (Friday), when we were marking the routes, it was so dry that there was "poof" of dust with every step !! Anyway, least you know now how to ride slippery conditions You cant choose your weather on race day so the experience should come in handy sometime You more than welcome to come back at anytime. The trail marking will be cleared but the race routes will all be open for riding 365 days a year so pull in and hit those lines in the dry!

Huge shout out and thanks to all that attended the Howick Enduro Skills Clinic and Howick Enduro! We had some challenges with the weather but in many ways that just added to the fun Congrads to all the participants and we hope that you will be back again for our next event. Results are available at http://www.elitetiming.co.za/results/ Some images at https://www.facebook.com/alanrphotos/photos/?tab=album&album_id=672810379583861

FDI : 25/09/2017 update FDI has been reduced to YELLOW All trails open but please exercise caution

FDI : 25/09/2017 FDI today is RED All trails closed due to high winds and increased fire danger. Please remain off all trails

For those who are are attending the skills clinic on Saturday 23 Sept we thought you might like to know who is going to be giving you some tips and showing you a few techniques.. Bianca Haw

Online entries for this weekends Howick Enduro Skills Clinic and event have closed. Don't worry though.. you can still do a late entry on the day ! Weather is looking good and trails will be fully marked by Saturday morning. Please remember that if you would like to practice the Stages and are not part of the skills clinic then you will need to buy a day licence. Stages 1,2,3 and 4 will be used for the skills clinic so it is recommended that if you are only practicing then you access the Stages after 13h30. All Stages are open until 15h30.

Please RSVP on the below link if you are attending the Pyga evening https://www.facebook.com/events/251382428718589/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2229%22%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3A%22plan_user_joined%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&notif_t=plan_user_joined&notif_id=1505913886214399

For those who are are attending the skills clinic on Saturday 23 Sept we thought you might like to know who is going to be giving you some tips and showing you a few techniques.. Howick local Hilton Frost

Stoked to welcome Bianca Haw on board as a coach for the Howick Enduro skills clinic on 23 Sept. Bianca will be specifically assisting any woman who would like to improve their skills or simply learn from her years of experience racing locally, nationally and internationally.

TRAIL UPDATE : Please note that the Curries Post Loading Zone is active. This is the area at the top of Yellow Brick Rd. Access is strictly prohibited as there are timber trucks loading. No riding, no parking, no entry at all. You may ride up Yellow Brick Rd but need to turn off BEFORE reaching the loading zone. Details available at https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-mtb-trails

TRAIL UPDATE : Please note that the Curries Post Loading Zone is active. This is the area at the top of Yellow Brick Rd. Access is strictly prohibited as there are timber trucks loading. No riding, no parking, no entry at all. You may ride up Yellow Brick Rd but need to turn off BEFORE reaching the loading zone. Details available at https://www.trailforks.com/region/howick-mtb-trails

For those who are are attending the skills clinic on Saturday 23 Sept we thought you might like to know who is going to be giving you some tips and showing you a few techniques.. Sam Bull

Trails 'n Ales at PYGA Howick Showroom & Retail on 23 Sept 2017 after the Howick Enduro Skills Clinic. 430pm onwards . Borrie rolls and 2 kegs of Lions River Craft Brewery nutrition on tap. All welcome, bring your mates and a few extra brews if you extra thirsty. Cost : 0, ziltch, mahala, gratis, FREE!

You know when Pyga puts a name on a bike there has to be something special about the area. Join us after the Howick Enduro skills clinic on 23 Sept at the Pyga showroom in Howick (Yard 41) for a up close and personal look at the Pyga Slakline. Even better, enter the Howick Enduro at http://roag.co.za/eventinfo.aspx?EventID=2086 and see Patrick putting the Slakline through its paces PYGA Howick Showroom & Retail PYGA Industries

FDI RED : Please note all Howick trails and Karkloof trails are closed today

FDI RED : Please note all Howick trails and Karkloof trails are closed today

Just a heads up.. please remain off the trails that are still being prepared for the Enduro. Some tjop has been riding the log drops which have not yet been secured and is causing damage which we now have to go back and repair. If the trail has chevron tape/bunting across the entrance it means it closed for everyone.. it doesn't mean that closed for everyone except you.