Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve - Gauteng

[Joe Low]

You guys do good work. Is there an official friends of suikerbosrand group?

 

Yes there is, on the general conservation / for-the-good-of-the-park, side of things. They're not wild about cyclists though.

[Rich Stan]

Hi guys,

 

Might be a dumb question but is this a road or mtb trail?

 

I am making the trek up from the Cape at the end of November to work in the city of gold and am frantically trying to find places to cycle up there, both road for ironman training and mtb for fun, and by fun I mean tough technical routes.

 

Any advice on where I should ride?

[kosmonooit]

Hi guys,

 

Might be a dumb question but is this a road or mtb trail?

 

I am making the trek up from the Cape at the end of November to work in the city of gold and am frantically trying to find places to cycle up there, both road for ironman training and mtb for fun, and by fun I mean tough technical routes.

 

Any advice on where I should ride?

 

Road - but a great ride, good climbing training,

 

Tough & technical mtb? Head out to Van Gaalens

[Speedster Scott]

Hey Rich

 

Suikerbosrand is the best ride in Gauteng- One loop is 58 Km, with over 1200M of climbing, its a ature reserve with some animals and lovely roads and speedy decents, jus been able to ride with out worrying about cars is tops.

 

Not sure if there is a seperate MTB route at suikerbosrand.

 

The cradle is also a nice route from road cycling, and kyalami race track is also cool, but can get boring.

[Rich Stan]

Thanks for the info, will definitely check it out.

 

Other question, is it safe to ride alone there? and at the Cradle? will most likely be doing fairly long rides and probably won't have anyone to ride with.

[kosmonooit]

Yes, SBR is very safe solo in terms of the usual GP security concerns, but you must go equipped for flats, adequate hydration etc and generally be self sufficient, and also in terms in injury, being by yourself has its obvious dangers but I've always been out there by myself, that' actually most of the pleasure of that ride for me.

 

Sometimes the game can get a bit jumpy so watch out that for as well.

 

Cradle: usual car/traffic dangers and some serious nut-case residents who throw tacks onto the road.

Edited November 11, 2013 by kosmonooit

[ricochet_rabbit]

Will anyone be riding at Suikerbosrand on the 20th -> 24th?

I will be staying near the vaal marina and am looking for some rides.