Bottelary Hills MTB Trails

[mountain_lion]

At PPA, we are starting discussions around implementing a One Permit system.

<snip>

 

Thanks for this initiative.

I have been suggesting some system like this administrated by PPA and/or Amarider to trail owners for many years.

I realise that getting it up and running and finding a system which is considered fair by all is not an easy task. Well done for taking it on! :clap:

 

I do hope that Bottelary Hills decide to join.

[markmad]

R300 for 9 months is more than fair imo.

[dirtman]

The battle against rogue riders is an ongoing one. The situation has improved dramatically since we started with permit control over weekends and deployed marshals on the route to check for permits ( we were 3 roving marshals on the route today). Our current figures show that rogue riders make up around 5% to 7% of all riders on a specific day, compared with 40% and even higher about a year ago. It is unfortunately impossible to do permit control at all the entry points, but the roving marshals are a big deterrent.

 

Also, if you see a rider without a permit, please stop the rider and ask him/her to turn back and leave the route.

 

Lastly, I am aware of the rogue riders from the Zevenwacht side - they will be sorted out soon!

Edited April 21, 2014 by dirtman

[kandui]

Thanks for this initiative.

I have been suggesting some system like this administrated by PPA and/or Amarider to trail owners for many years.

I realise that getting it up and running and finding a system which is considered fair by all is not an easy task. Well done for taking it on! :clap:

 

I do hope that Bottelary Hills decide to join.

Let's get it done.

I serve on the PPA Executive and look after the MTB portfolio.

Johan Kriegler and I have met and spoken about the basic principle.

The next step is to send out a short questionnaire to trail managers and gauge their interest, concerns, etc.

T`he information gathered will serve as a starting point when we first meet.

I am keen to push this project and get a pilot scheme set up as soon as possible.

[slabs]

Let's get it done.

I serve on the PPA Executive and look after the MTB portfolio.

Johan Kriegler and I have met and spoken about the basic principle.

The next step is to send out a short questionnaire to trail managers and gauge their interest, concerns, etc.

T`he information gathered will serve as a starting point when we first meet.

I am keen to push this project and get a pilot scheme set up as soon as possible.

 

This is a great initiative and this ties in with the idea of reciprocity as well. I do, however, see the bigger clubs going against this and also people pointing fingers at the PPA "and their large bank account"...

 

But this is the way to go and the quicker people start talking the better!

[mulmi]

I did the green route yesterday for the first time. Yes I have a year permit>

 

When I got to a point there was a board saying short green and long green. On die website I see only 1 green route.

 

What is the difference in length as well as climbing?

 

I really enjoyed it being out there yesterday.

 

# is that picnic bench on the hill for us to use as well? I don't want to tick off any farmer

[dirtman]

I did the green route yesterday for the first time. Yes I have a year permit>

 

When I got to a point there was a board saying short green and long green. On die website I see only 1 green route.

 

What is the difference in length as well as climbing?

 

I really enjoyed it being out there yesterday.

 

# is that picnic bench on the hill for us to use as well? I don't want to tick off any farmer

 

 

Long green takes you over the hill to join up with red at Wolfkloof - 1,5 kms and 100 metres of climbing to red. From there green and red run together and will take you through the forest single track. You can also follow red "back" to Wolfkloof and ride the switchback descents and climbs out of Wolfkloof and then follow green/red back to where short and long green split.

 

You can use the picnic benches - we have very friendly farmers (as long as you have a permit!)

[dirtman]

I did the green route yesterday for the first time. Yes I have a year permit>

 

When I got to a point there was a board saying short green and long green. On die website I see only 1 green route.

 

What is the difference in length as well as climbing?

 

I really enjoyed it being out there yesterday.

 

# is that picnic bench on the hill for us to use as well? I don't want to tick off any farmer

 

 

Long green takes you over the hill to join up with red at Wolfkloof - 1,5 kms and 100 metres of climbing to red. From there green and red run together and will take you through the forest single track. You can also follow red "back" to Wolfkloof and ride the switchback descents and climbs out of Wolfkloof and then follow green/red back to where short and long green split. Long green (without Wolfkloof) will add about 5 km to your ride.

 

You can use the picnic benches - we have very friendly farmers (as long as you have a permit!)

Edited April 22, 2014 by dirtman

[Hearts*]

I still need to try the long green, I've always checked out at the short route end...

[vaalkol]

I still need to try the long green, I've always checked out at the short route end...

Some hectic climbs and a sweet bit of ST ...

[mulmi]

I still need to try the long green, I've always checked out at the short route end...

 

Me to. Was hoping to do so this weekend but now I going away.

[SwissRider]

Hello

 

I just moved to Stellenbosch and i got a year permit for the Bottelary Hills. I already have been riding the red, yellow and orange trail - i just love it, good job guys.

 

I am originally not from South Africa. When i speak with local people, always the safety is an issue. How is it on the Bottelary Hills. Do you guys recommend to ride in a group or is it ok to go on a solo ride?

 

Cheers Dax

[vaalkol]

Hello

 

I just moved to Stellenbosch and i got a year permit for the Bottelary Hills. I already have been riding the red, yellow and orange trail - i just love it, good job guys.

 

I am originally not from South Africa. When i speak with local people, always the safety is an issue. How is it on the Bottelary Hills. Do you guys recommend to ride in a group or is it ok to go on a solo ride?

 

Cheers Dax

Bottelary Hills trail system itself is absolutely fine to ride alone as far as I am concerned. Getting there from Stellenbosch I would advise going west along Adam Tas in the direction of Polkadraai and joining the trails at Middelvlei or Overgaauw (or from the Devonvale road). Do not go north along Adam Tas and past Kayamandi - mugging hotspot!

[mountain_lion]

I am not aware of any incidents on the Bottelary Hills trails and often ride there alone. However you can never be sure in SA. I always carry pepper spray for what it is worth.

 

As Vaalkol says, you have to be very careful cycling out north of Stellenbosch on the R304 past Kayamandi & the R44 past Cloetesville. I would not advise riding there alone.

 

You can access Yellow from Middelvlei (turn off Adam Tas at the Distell traffic lights into Libertas Road) or Red/Purple from Overgaauw, (turn off Adam Tas / Polkadraai just past Neethlingshof into Stellenboschkloof Road).

[dirtman]

According to my wife I spend half of my life up in Bottelary Hills - most of the time alone. Never had any problems up to now.

 

I do however agree that if you want to ride to the trails from Stellenbosch, go via Middelvlei, Asara Hotel or Overgaauw. The Asara and Overgaauw links will get you directly to the main red loop and also close to long green.

Edited April 25, 2014 by dirtman

[Matt Lochner]

Rode a mix of red, green and purple and have to say the bermed part of the green was amaZing. The blown outness added to the fun. Again my compliments on some very awesome trails (Also though the bit of singletrach in the plantation was really cool.

Will hopefully be back