Riding around Cederberg - Sanddrif

[NicoBoshoff]

Planning a getaway to this area and camping at Sanddrif. Saw the blurb on iRide and seems there is some riding there but that was a year ago. Have the trails improved? Worth going there in search of some proper trail riding?

[MintSauce]

Well worth it. Camped at Sanddrif in April with Dan from iRideAfrica. I hope you have a good sleeping bag though? It's freezing at night in winter.

 

There aren't a huge amount of trails, but what they have is awesome. Don't expect perfectly groomed and manicured trails though. It's old school, rough and technical, not for gravel road riders(although there are lots of boring gravel roads if that's your thing)

 

If you ride out of the campsite towards the start of the Wolfberg Cracks hike (I think it's well signposted, cannot remember, wasn't paying much attention as we were riding with knowledgeable folk) the second trail to your left, I would guess 20-30mins into the ride, is without question one of the best descents anywhere. Steep, rocky and VERY technical. Very, very few riders will manage the whole descent without putting a foot down. Honestly, it's so challenging and hence rewarding, that I will go back again and happily ride that single stretch 2 or 3 times a day every day and not want for anything else.

 

Dan shot a bunch of GoPro footage but I don't think it's been uploaded. Pity.

 

 

PS. Don't skip the Wolfberg Cracks hike, that alone is also worth the trip there.

Edited August 13, 2013 by MintSauce

[Flowta]

Found this on Irideafrica.co.za under trail maps

 

http://media.withtank.com/6e57c79888/cedarberg_mtb_trails.pdf

[NicoBoshoff]

Thanks guys. I saw the Wolfberg loop of about 35km and it sounds right up my alley. I don't love perfectly groomed. I want to struggle over rocks and ride the mountain as it always was so this sounds perfect!

 

Will make the trek then!

[Kranswurm]

Def a winter place as the sun cooks in summer

Sandrif is one of my favourite haunts in the Cederberg.We use the chalets which are very reasonable and great in Winter.Toasty fire with a big pot of stew and a bottle of the local red

Wolfberg Cracks and Arch is a great hike.If you are overweight you will not get through the one crack

Another option in the area is Krom Rivier down the road.Also great riding and hiking from there.

There is a track that leads down from Stadsaal Caves to Krom Rivier that is not for the faint hearted but you will need permission for that

The hike from Algeria campsite to Chrystal Pool Hut is also great in winter for well kitted out hikers

[Cassie]

Go to sanddrif office - they will have a map for you...trail rides are included in your accomodation price.

 

Happy cycling....truely awesome trails

[JeremyCPT]

I love the Cedarberg.

very cold in winter so be prepared. saw that they have had lots of rain recently so that could make things even more technical.

The maltese cross side is still closed because of the January fire. check with cape nature. Download the Iride map and that will show most of the riding.

Enjoy the Cedarberg wines, also some of my favourites.

[Dan Dob]

Great trails out there! Just wish there were more like that throughout the Cederberg.

 

I put up a blog post about the trails a year or so ago, which is still valid and made a map of the trails, which you can download here.

 

As MintSauce mentioned I did have a camera but my home-made chest cam was pointing too far down the whole time and t

 

Have fun out there!

Edited August 14, 2013 by iRide

[NicoBoshoff]

Thanks guys!

[Kranswurm]

Sanddrif and the Cracks

 

Some years ago but still valid

Edited August 14, 2013 by Kranswurm

[JGR]

Thanks guys!

Why not come ride the trans cederberg in Sept?

[MintSauce]

As MintSauce mentioned I did have a camera but my home-made chest cam was pointing too far down the whole time and t

 

 

Ah, what a video. I still remember flying down the hill behind you, sort of knowing what's coming and thinking to myself "Why the hell is he not slowing down...?!"

[MintSauce]

And to put in another recommendation for the Wolfberg Cracks, here's a pic I took of the missus

[NicoBoshoff]

Great trails out there! Just wish there were more like that throughout the Cederberg.

 

I put up a blog post about the trails a year or so ago, which is still valid and made a map of the trails, which you can download here.

 

As MintSauce mentioned I did have a camera but my home-made chest cam was pointing too far down the whole time and t

 

Have fun out there!

 

Yes I read your post and that's what got me on to the idea

 

Cool video. The look on the guys face at 00:13 is priceless. Ooooof*k...

[Mr Legs]

Great pics, Mint Sauce and Kranswurm. Allways difficult to take good pictures there.

 

Cederberg and the Cracks are special places to visit.