Deonwes

Wanted to add. Imported bicycles like the Trek Slash are cheaper than the Tig. Cannondale had a great sale end of last year. Titan offers fantastic value. I hope for Pyga’s sake they are exporting and selling in the USA.

I was in the market for a new bicycle end of last year and considered the Tig. Took one for a demo ride at my local trail. The handling and suspension was really impressive on the downhill single track and any technical areas. Unfortunately due to setup being on the heavy side it was really slow on the hills. My biggest concern was the price. To get to a competitive weight setup is extremely expensive. I didn’t buy into the whole Pyga brand that they want you to be a part of. Similar to people riding Harley’s. I managed to find a one year old full carbon top of the range component bicycle for half the price of the Pyga. It’s a lot lighter, faster and more fun. Not sure who buys these bikes but definitely not for the wise South African local who earns Rands.

Hey mr Menace. Your ideal tyre is definitely the Maxxis Ikon front and rear. If you want the longest lasting tyre on any surface(including tar), best grip on any surface, fastest rolling resistance, lightweight and best value for money tyre then I can highly recommend them. Have tried the rest but keep coming back to the Ikon. 2.35 is perfect front and rear.

Did a ride yesterday afternoon. Looks like the Harrier hawk is back at it in the river section. Got a proper scare when I was dive bombed by this stealthy bird. Beware!

Did yellow route yesterday afternoon. Surprisingly much dryer than expected and better since riding there on Sunday. Grip in certain sections are amazing, still very overgrown on certain sections and reeds need trimming.Some new sections have been cut on the 2nd half of the route to probably bypass some sections needing maintenance. Grass has been cut in some sections but long grass cuttings have been left on the trail which is frustrating but at least there's progress. Hopefully the rain will stay away for a few days to let the trails dry even more. Only consequence of riding there the last 3 months is that the bike is in for maintenance to replace casette,chain and bottom bracket.

On my ride yesterday afternoon I managed to see some black-backed jackal pups playing in the middle of the trail. They were just as surprised to see me as I was seeing them. They rushed back into their burrow right next to the trail but there is always one that curiously watched as I passed by. No time for photos I continued so as not to disturb them. Definitely the best sighting I've experienced in the reserve.

See on Taroko facebook page the trails are closed from 7-10 Sept for game management.

Saw a notice that AECI has received the go ahead to relocate all the game from Modderfontein reserve. They will be starting on Sunday 23 August until further notice. The trails and park will therefore be closed from Sunday. Nothing on the Taroko Facebook page.

Have to agree with madmarc and dexter. Park is very busy over the weekends. Also did a fast ride yesterday afternoon to try and avoid the crowds. Unfortunately still busy. Very hazardous! Trail walkers and slow riders are asleep. I have a normal bicycle bell, electric bell and my voice to alert them of a fast approach. I’m now considering getting an airhorn. Worst is when they freeze and stay in the middle of the track. ???? Massive accident waiting to happen. Management please take note. It’s much safer during the week and in future will avoid riding there over a weekend.

To Taroko trails Thank you for the big improvement made on the overall condition of the trails. I'm already doing some PR's on most sections. -When can we expect to buy the yearly passes? -Will you in future clean up and open the "ruins of Mordor" section? Thanks

Great news. Hooray!

Hi Shaun Great to get some feedback. That's really all we needed. Now that I understand the challenges you have and how you are dealing with them you can be assured of my support. Wishing you all the very best especially during the current difficult times.

Forgot to add. Only thing that’s new is glow in the dark neon signs that mark the trails.

Hey Dex. Just like you I was very excited to get to Modders again so I went there late this afternoon. Lady at the gate said they’re open but only on the 10km and 20km routes. So I did the 20km. Still exactly the same direction up the tar road and further up the gravel road. Unfortunately my excitement only lasted to the first single track. The maintenance man had great fun on a grader up the hill leading to the top. It’s now wide enough for the weekend warrior and 4 mates to ride side by side. ???? Single track better than before but still very overgrown in certain sections. The reeds are again a hazard. Trail is dry but standing water in the usual areas are now smelly and looks terrible. Further along the yellow singletrack from the Parkrun entrance a tree had fallen across the trail and there is no detour. Caution: make sure you wear long sleeves and long socks, proper eye protection(and a panga) to hack through some of the trail. It is clear whoever is now running the place has not ridden the trails. If this is the best product they have to offer then I will vote with my cash and ride elsewhere or go through the Marlboro entrance where there is no access control. Sorry, I was very disappointed. Let us know what you thought after your ride.

Hey Marelise, went their last night. Have to thank Judas at the gate for always being friendly and the park being open on a Wednesday night. Still very overgrown because of the rain. Thank goodness the reeds have been cut. Only concern is yellow singletrack from the Parkrun entrance gate. Badly rutted and traction poor due to recent rain. Had to be really careful. With possible rain forecast for Saturday the Land Rover event is going to be interesting. Remember. Let's be careful out there.

Eish! Went there again this weekend after avoiding it for much of January. The maintenance man is trying but really struggling. Where the grass has been cut, it hasn't been picked up. Left on the trail there is no grip around tight corners. The fast reed section is so overgrown it poses a real hazard. Other sections are so overgrown the trail is no longer visible. Only navigate it because I more or less know where it goes. Very worried that the trails will be ready for the event on the 22nd. Disappointed, not good enough. Understand why most of my riding friends give it a miss. So sad as I know how nice the trails could be.

I have also been critical of the condition of Modderfontein trails the last few years purely because I know what potential it has. What a lovely surprise to ride yesterday and find the ruins of Mordor in probably the best condition ever. This is definitely my new favorite section. I even posted a KOM and I wasn't trying to. It's a hidden gem that more people need to ride. Signage could improve but once you know the route it's easy.

Am I the only one still waiting for the results of the OTM #2 held in April in Modderfontein to be released on the ttce website. Does anyone know if it's available somewhere else? As a regular at Modderfontein I'm rather concerned that these jokers are slacking.