Riding in Suikerbosrand - questions

[Minion]

Reading this thread:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=20151

got me thinking of doing some riding in Suikerbosrand over the holidays. I've

never ridden it before, so I've got a couple of questions which perhaps

you can answer for me:

 

1.) The obvious ones: How do I get there? I'm possibly being stupid, but I can't find a map anywhere on the net.

 

3.) Will it be open on the next couple of weekends?

 

2.) Once there, how much is entrance? Presumably there's somewhere safe I can park my car?

 

3.) How safe is it? I'll most likely be riding by myself. What are the chances that I'll be run over, attacked by locals or mauled by wildlife ?

 

4.) Where exactly do I ride? Is there a particular signposted road route to follow, or can someone post a link to a map / GPS route?

 

Thanks, and hopefully I'll see you on the road.

 

[Tumbleweed]

1 don't know where you're coming from, but there is a turnoff on the n3 just before heidelberg.

3 check their website

2 R30 if memory serves

3 very. little. hopefully not

4 it's oneway, so you shouldn't get lost

 

who taught you how to count?

holy roller2007-12-21 02:57:03

[Wonder Woman]

Hey Edman.

1.) Take the R59 to Vereeniging and you take the Heidelburg offramp. At the top turn left. Follow this road until you see a sign - Suikerbosrand, you will be turning right into it. (I often cycle there and don't know the signs well, someone else might be able to elaborate)

 

3.) I'm positive it will be open throughout, maybe just watch out for public holidays though.

 

2.) It costs R30 for car and 1 person. You can park by the picnic spot, which is safe.

 

3.) It is very safe inside. Hardly any cars and lots of cyclists and hikers. It is the one spot I'll ride by myself.

 

4.) Most of the road is one way. from the parking lot you go over the grid and turn left. at the top of that hill turn left again and follow the road. You'll eventually hit a four way intersection, go straight and through another boom, they should just let you through. at the end you get a T-junction where you turn right and you should then recognise where you came in to get to your car.

 

Hope this helps, have fun

[GreyOwl]

Take the 'Randvaal'offramp just of the R59 highway, approx 15min south of Alberton. You'll go left off the offramp and down into Daleside. @ T junction go right, and then left at first 4way stop. Proceed 12km to the Kareekloof entrance where you can leave your car in safety. It will be open and it will cost you approx R20 to ride the route.

 

It is advisable to ride with another, or have a following car...but otherwise it is safe. You can also access the reserve from the Heidelberg/Nigel rd, but I am not too sure of these directions.

 

And do not ride against the direction of the actual route!!! Enjoy your Suikerbos experience, I love it myself!!!

[Tumbleweed]

another note about the wildlife: if you see ewep there, approach with caution (especially if you have pies in your car)

[Wonder Woman]

another note about the wildlife: if you see ewep there' date=' approach with caution (especially if you have pies in your car)[/quote']

 

 HR be nice.

 

[ewep]

 

another note about the wildlife: if you see ewep there' date=' approach with caution (especially if you have pies in your car)[/quote']

 

Oi, at least I love pies, mine don't get stolen, OUT OF MY OWN FRIDGE!!!!

 

Another thing, don't do the reserve on your own if you can. The decents can be quite tricky and if you fall it might be sometime before someone passes there.

 

[Tumbleweed]

the way i fall, i would rather ride alone cos i don't want peeps to see it!

 

[Minion]

Thanks for the info guys. HR, you mentioned a website: would you be able post a link?

 

Not too worried about pies - they mess all over the upholstery and are thus banned from my car (plus attempting to separate me from my food may have dire consequences )

 

And yeah...uhmmm...about those numbers...well...

 

[Man with no name]

another note about the wildlife: if you see ewep there' date=' approach with caution (especially if you have pies in your car)[/quote']

Oi, at least I love pies, mine don't get stolen, OUT OF MY OWN FRIDGE!!!!

Another thing, don't do the reserve on your own if you can. The decents can be quite tricky and if you fall it might be sometime before someone passes there.

 

Experience?

[ewep]

 

another note about the wildlife: if you see ewep there' date=' approach with caution (especially if you have pies in your car)[/quote']

 

Oi, at least I love pies, mine don't get stolen, OUT OF MY OWN FRIDGE!!!!

 

Another thing, don't do the reserve on your own if you can. The decents can be quite tricky and if you fall it might be sometime before someone passes there.

 

Experience?

 

MWNN, serious note, nope, I've nearly lost it there a few times already, and after the last "nearly" I take it easy!

 

[Tumbleweed]

edman!

the page isn't loading on my pc for so reason, but i think this is the link http://www.gdace.gpg.gov.za/html/Suikerbos.htm

 

[Delgado]

Yesterday was a great day at SBR.......managed to see Springbok, Blesbok, Wildebeest, Zebra, Eeland and Baboons and loads at that!!!

[Minion]

Thanks again guys. I went there this morning and I must say it was great.

 

I overslept and arrived as it was starting to get hot, so I didn't see any animals (apart from a lizard I ran over - I felt really guilty, but he did run the wrong way).

 

On my whole circuit I was probably passed by maybe 6 cars, all going slowly (and a seventh, going really slowly who I managed to pass).

 

That first hill from the car park caught me by surprise, and I think I'll probably do a proper warmup before attempting it next time. The views from the top made me wish I had brought my camera. I took the downhills fairly easy since I was riding by myself. The final major hill had me thinking nasty thoughts about the road designers parentage, but I did manage to get to the top (at probably the slowest speed I've gone on a bicycle for a while).

 

In all, a great ride which I intend to repeat on coming weekends (hopefully a bit earlier though).

 

[davidd]

Full Directions needed!!  

 

I will be driving to Suikerbos for the first time tomorrow. really bad with directions. coming from randburg- jan smus avenue. please someone help me directions from here. i dont have gps

 

 

[Minion]

 

This may be a bit late for DavidD, but I'll include it for anyone else who might be looking for detailed directions.

 

From JHB, get onto the N3 S to Durban

 

Take the R550 offramp just before Heidelburg.

 

Turn right onto the R550.

 

Drive for about 6.5km and you will see the signposted entrance to the reserve on your left.

 

Follow the road to the gate and pay entrance.

 

About 1.5km from the gate, park where indicated.

 

When riding, turn left immediately after crossing the cattle grid at the parking exit.

Climb the hill and turn left at the top.

From there on, keep left and follow the one-way route in a clockwise direction.

 

Edman2008-03-23 04:40:18