The Spruit - Start Point And Distances

[PietSw]

I've been hearing a lot about The Spruit and after seeing that "Where we ride" video, it's now a definite "must do" ride very soon.

 

1st Up, where to start from, in other words where can I safely park the car? At the Trailhead shop (as in the video) ? If I start there how far to go? What is key distance indicators etc for (let's say a 20 - 30km ride)? Best time of day to ride ?

 

Any other pointers... I'm fairly experienced but my mates is just starting out So I will go with them

[Paul Ruinaard]

There are a whole host of options. The longest is really to park at Paulshof and do the all the way up and down which can be between 35 to 50 kms depending on what you do at the top.

 

I suppose it depends where you live and which one of the onramps is the best for you...

 

Lots of guys park at Fratellis in Blairgowrie as a start point which is at the top end and ride from there.

 

Alos the trail head which is very popular as a stop.

 

THere are various different shopping centres that are close by to the route which serve as assembly points for the guys who ride and drop in to the sections they like. Pick n Pay in Hurlingham is favourte for the guys who like jumps etc. Riversands is another. Fratellis in Craighall and Blairgowrie. The Delta. Trailhead etc.

 

Have a look on google earth and you can see for yourself.

 

The track is pretty self explanatory and there are some facebook groups (Jozi Spruit Friends) etc which also have information.

 

THe best time of the day is normally morning - the earlier the better to avoid the traffic as it gets busy and there are dog walkers and walkers on many sections as well. So dont expect to gte a Strava KOM at 9 am if you want that sort of ride. There are plenty of little twists and turns off line which you can take as diversions but they take time to find and I would recommend you just ride it from top to bottom as a start and then start to explore when you get familiar with all the little obstacle farms there are.

 

Its safe on average although there are always risks and I would suggest unless you know what you are doing dont ride it alone initially.

[Runbikeswim]

We a bunch who ride... Join our group its free, its fun !

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/136878833135732/

[ByronH]

Check out this route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/routes/2417813 — 2 hour ride on the Spruit

[nonky]

Trailhead is great to park and for snacks afters.

 

I would propose that you go South (upstream): do a loop of delta park, then up to emmarentia dam and a loop of the park; then over beyers naude to the top of albert's farm (northcliff).

 

You can then freewheel back to the Trailhead.

 

If you're still up for it, you can then go North (downstream) - all the way to the N1 Highway.

 

If you're still strong at the highway, you can do a further loop through Kyalami (would need a guide tho).

 

Then back to where you started.

 

Lekker.

[PietSw]

Thanx.. It's great that you have this many options... So a lot of guys park at shopping centres and get onto the loop from there?

[jcza]

Don't ride on your own north of William Nicol. 

[Paul Ruinaard]

Don't ride on your own north of William Nicol. 

I do it pretty often - but yes this section is probably a little more risky in places.

 

Melville had issues recently as well.

 

Its a nice section though below William Nicol - lots of the best riding is there.

[RockCoach]

I'm working on a map which we will display at the shop.

 

But for now just pop in and ask us.

[watsonr]

I start Kyalami, head through Sunninghill and onto Spruit at Witkoppen. Go all the way through to Emmarentia/Botanical Gardens, then up Northcliff Hill and back to Kyalami. Gives me about 85km in about 5hrs30min.

[WrightJnr]

I start either Emmerentia Dam or Pick'nPay William Nicol (if I want brekkie after) and do a loop. I'm not a fan of starting in the middle as I hate going back past my starting point. But that's just me. Looping around Delta (5km) and Emmerentia (5km) do two laps if you like. Stay away from Delta on a Saturday between 8am and 9am as there are hundreds or Parkrunners.

[Nplus1]

I start Kyalami, head through Sunninghill and onto Spruit at Witkoppen. Go all the way through to Emmarentia/Botanical Gardens, then up Northcliff Hill and back to Kyalami. Gives me about 85km in about 5hrs30min.

 

Please share some details on the route from Emmarentia Dam further to Northcliff Hill. A Strava link or a map image would help too.

 

Do you then head back to Kyalami via Emmarentia and the Spruit again, or via another route?

 

Tx

[hayleyearth]

Thanx.. It's great that you have this many options... So a lot of guys park at shopping centres and get onto the loop from there?

 

Quite a few of us are lucky enough to stay close enough to ride from home   

[slickandtyred]

Don't ride on your own north of William Nicol.

It's been fine from Paulshof through to Alberts Farm in my experience. I started riding the spruit again this year

[slickandtyred]

OP send me a PM with your email address and I'll send you a gpx file of the spruit

[justanotherbiker]

I normally do this route which is a 25km loop of sorts with 450m elevation up and 483m elevation down.

 

I always park outside The Trailhead and try make it back for coffee.

 

 

 

There are some awesome sections William Nicol way but I am wary of that side...

Edited April 5, 2016 by justanotherbiker