OFFICIAL MODDERFONTEIN MTB TRAIL ANNOUNCEMENT

[An3]

Will the trails be open tomorrow? (Monday 30 April) - I know a lot of guys who are taking leave and who would like to ride.

[Zook]

I think not - there are some messages earlier in the thread about being open for Friday and Tuesday this holiday, so assume not Monday unless you hear something official.

[divernick]

I'm gonna hit these trails tomorrow morning with some mates. It's always nice to ride new routes!

[Dexter-morgan]

What is the possibility they would open it on Friday afternoons we get off early and it would be very convenient to go and ride on Friday afternoons.

[LukeV-2]

Enjoyed the trails too.. What would be really sweet (presuming that guard is at the gate all the time) is if you can buy tickets in advance and then just get it checked at that gate any time, even during the week or whatever... I dunno, probably won't work, but anyway...

[Galrilion]

Will give it a go tomorrow morning. Thank you so much for this, there's been so much talk over the last few years about the potential in the area for a proper MTB park, glad to see it's finally evolved from an idea into reality.

[Thug]

Going to bring my Orange beast tomorrow and ride the trails.

[Thug]

I had a great ride this morning and clocked exactly 33km's but just a couple of observations.

 

- There are white painted dots on the road leading to the start of the trails but if you're not aware of them, you could easily get lost. Perhaps some signboards wouldn't go amiss ?

- There is no directional indication on any of the trails whether it's a one way or dual way track. We came around a bend and had to smartly get out of the way of half a dozen guys riding at speed. We didn't know whether we were going the right way or not.

- To eliminate confusion on the tracks, perhaps number the routes so that you can follow a logical sequence. There seems to be a number of intersections where you could have picked any which way to ride.

- Lastly, perhaps have a board at the start giving a brief overiew of what the tracks look like with approximate distances.

 

 

Overall, a great place to ride, not technical but certainly a good work out. Well done to the trail builders !!

Edited May 1, 2012 by Thug

[Galrilion]

I had a really good time out there. My phone, running Endomondo, died just on 13kms, which was around 60% into my ride, so I'm guessing I did around ~22 thoroughly enjoyable kms.

 

Route markers were a little difficult to see in the wooded sections, in fact, Grant (I believe his name is) mentioned that they're going to change the blue to yellow - that would make it a lot better.

 

I also mentioned that some boards with the various route options be placed at strategic places, but one at the start would be ample I think - just something to give you a general perspective of the area. Grant did mention that there are section markers around on top of the posts, and I understand the intention, but I still think a general overview may be a good addition.

 

Bi-directional indicators, and maybe even wider singletrack where there is a bi-directional situation, is almost a must. I had the same heart in the mouth moment coming around a corner thinking I was on a one way, only to be charged down by 3 juggernauts coming in the opposite direction.

 

Overall ... massively pleased with the trails, nice and close to home, and given the petrol I'd have to use to get to Rietvlei or Groenkloof, the price is about right.

 

Thanks Guys, much appreciated.

[Blackadder]

I also enjoyed the blue route today. My iPhone running Cyclemeter died at 27km, but I guess 33km is about right.

On the whole, a lovely trail that will only improve with usage. A few thoughts/suggestions:

 

1) Trail designation.

The blue route is perfectly OK for beginners, certainly not "blue" in the sense that trails are usually graded according to difficulty. There were two places where I had to think twice before trying. In the first blue loop over the dry-river bed crossings; and at around 26km when you ride over the huge rock. (This was a highlight for me.) But otherwise, certainly less technical than the green route at Rietvlei.

 

2) Bi-directional parts

As has been commented on above, the lack of any indicators to indicate where the trail is bi-directional is actually very dangerous and in my view, is clearly negligent on behalf of the trail organisers. At one point there is a very twisty piece of single track with bamboo and grass obscuring your visability. How long before two riders crash into each other at full speed? And it wont be the riders fault.

 

3) Distance from parking to trail

Its not a biggie, but I cant believe it would be too costly to simply employ a car guard and let people park at the gate to the nature reserve. The ticket office could then be moved to the gate.

 

Again, a lovely trail and I had a great ride. My comments should be read in that light.

[steve61]

_{So what are the official opening hours?}

Edited May 1, 2012 by steve61

[divernick]

http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView/2?id=492346

 

my gps track of the blue route from today - great ride, well marked and nice variety of terrain!

[Neg]

So guys.... we now have a really cool place to ride right on our door step... but i must ask this.. and im going to shout!!!

 

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING WHEN YOU GET TO A NEW PLACE AND RIDE WITH NO HELMET! ??

 

if you took the time to read the rules, NO HELMET NO RIDE... so now you think you are clever and better than the rules and decide to do your own thing?? this is a sure fire way to get the park shut, if your Stupid as* comes off your bike and you are left even MORE brain damaged!!!! FFS!! what are you trying to do, "F" it up before it starts???

 

yes, you know who you are!!! you blady chop!

 

 

Can i PLEASE ask the organizers/grant.gate staff to stop anyone from riding with no helmet! all its going to do is poke it for the rest of us!

[Thug]

I did see some tjop in red and green with a type of buff on his head.

 

Obviously already brain damaged.

[Neg]

Yeah, wearing a Blue buff.... in his 40's-50's.... blady idiot!

[Galrilion]

_{So what are the official opening hours?}

The trails will be open from Saturday 21 April 2011 at 06h30 please be sure to be out of the Reserve by 17h30. The Park will be open on weekends only for the time being, but in the summer months it will be open for pre-work and early morning rides.

 

Although, speaking to the guys at the start, they said they've been packing up around 2-3pm, because people stop arriving to ride from around 11-12. So yeah, arrive before 2 and you'll be able to get your entry ticket, and just make sure you're out by 17h30. I'm sure this will change as it becomes more popular and the whole arrangement settles down (with multi-passes, month-ticket, etc), just as the "Weekend only" arrangement will change over time.