BBN Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 Going to Rorkes Drift for Easter and was wondering if anyone had any info or advice on mountain biking and accommodation in the area, we will be a big family group of 12 with kids and oldies.Some of the usual spots seem to be booked up already or are stupid tourist prices, so I would be keen to see what hidden gems you guys know about. Obviously keen to ride when we are there, not sure about how much history I can take, and I'm sure there must be some good trails in the area.Would also be keen to find out what else there is to do as I'm sure the kids will only be able to take so much history with grandad!Cheers.
MphatiPyga Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 Speak to the guys at Fugitives Drift, they do the annual Rattrace and a Battlefields by bike tour so twy should have a good knowledge of of the local trails, a lot of district road with a fair bit of climbing. Otherwise there is a very good set of trails in Dundee on Mphati mountain which is quite technical in nature but awesome. They are not marked so you would need to gain some local knowledge. I'm sure Fugitives will be able to advise you on the trails in the immediate area and might even be able to do a tour for you or contact singletrackpromotions who run the local cycling club. There is also a good trail network at Vulintaba near Newcastle
BBN Posted January 7, 2015 Author Posted January 7, 2015 Speak to the guys at Fugitives Drift, they do the annual Rattrace and a Battlefields by bike tour so twy should have a good knowledge of of the local trails, a lot of district road with a fair bit of climbing. Otherwise there is a very good set of trails in Dundee on Mphati mountain which is quite technical in nature but awesome. They are not marked so you would need to gain some local knowledge. I'm sure Fugitives will be able to advise you on the trails in the immediate area and might even be able to do a tour for you or contact singletrackpromotions who run the local cycling club. There is also a good trail network at Vulintaba near NewcastleThanks for the info, had looked at Fugitives but the farm house was booked and only quite steep rooms left in the house & lodge but I will certainly contact them about cycling and the cycle tour.
Ian-Ross Posted January 11, 2015 Posted January 11, 2015 Going to Rorkes Drift for Easter and was wondering if anyone had any info or advice on mountain biking and accommodation in the area, we will be a big family group of 12 with kids and oldies.Some of the usual spots seem to be booked up already or are stupid tourist prices, so I would be keen to see what hidden gems you guys know about.Obviously keen to ride when we are there, not sure about how much history I can take, and I'm sure there must be some good trails in the area.Would also be keen to find out what else there is to do as I'm sure the kids will only be able to take so much history with grandad!Cheers. The Rorke's Drift Hotel overlooks the drift and offers good accommodation that is not overpriced. The owner Charles Aikenhead is very knowledgeable about the area having done a lot of on the ground research that will be usefully to you and extremely interesting to granddad. I would recommend Charles’ bridle trail from Isandlwana to Rorke's Drift as it is steeped in history, as it is one of the routes taken by British fugitives fleeing the slaughter at the battle Isandlwana. (You could cycle to Isandlwana and back for a 25 km ride, but don't take the district road) In Africa there is always a footpath to follow, and this area is a perfect example, so if you have a sense of adventure, you will find the combination of natural beauty and resonating history extremely moving. Having done a fair amount of trail running in this area I have found the locals to be very welcoming (if a little intrigued) of/by my presence. Must explore areas include: Rorke’s drift (walk through the river), Fugitives drift (14 km cycle from Rorkes Drift), Mosondo Gap on the Mzinyathi River (where the Zulus jumped the flooding river on their way to attack Rorke’s Drift), the waterfall, and the staging point of the Zulu attack on Isandlwana. Make sure that you also climb to the top of Isandlwana hill. The Pass (district dirt road) between Rorkes Drift and Helpmekaar will provide a fair challenge and superb views over the district. Find out about the history of the area before you go, it will add so much to you overall enjoyment.
LukePurdon Posted January 11, 2015 Posted January 11, 2015 The Figitives Drift guys will be more than willing to help out I'm sure, as to speak to Charl, he is the guy that organizes the Ratrace trails and I'm sure he would be able to tell you where to ride.
BBN Posted January 12, 2015 Author Posted January 12, 2015 Ok, thanks for the input guys, we have booked Rorke's Drift Hotel and will contact Fugitives about the cycle tour and other riding in the area.
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