Northern Farms - is it safe? Also is it for beginners?

[Red Robin]

Seems like it would be a great place to go as it appears to have beginner routes and is family friendly.

Unfortunately, I have to ask is it safe to ride there?(saw map)

Also am I correct in thinking that it both beginner and family friendly?

Thank you

[Bonus]

NF is good for beginners and families. Pick a route that avoids the hills to start with if necessary.

 

It was safe last time I was there, but that was a little while ago.

Edited November 3, 2016 by Bonus

[Red Robin]

NF is good for beginners and families. Pick a route that avoids the hills to start with if necessary.

 

It was safe last time I was there, but that was a little while ago.

Thank you. There was a 22km route that I was keen on purely cos of the distance being suitable and one I am comfortable with. Never thought of hills ????

[Bonus]

It's not possible to avoid all the hills because the car park is at the top, but certainly going down to the middle path and then riding it's whole length (on one-way single-track wherever possible) and then back on the actual middle road itself is a "mostly flat" option.

Edited November 3, 2016 by Bonus

[khayale]

Green route is beginner friendly. Mostly keep track and quite scenic with the few ponds you pass. Blue route doable with some climbing and single track. No real obstacles.

 

Overall NF is a great and family friendly venue. I never felt unsafe driving there.

[Uni]

I took two absolute beginners there earlier this year and we went on the green route -about 10km - they loved it up until the climbs at the end which they walked, so depending on fitness either green or blue, though blue has the climbs in the beginning too.

Nice part of northern farms is its well marked, and you can add bits of other trails if you want to along the way.

[Pulse]

I've probably ridden around the outside of NF more than I've ridden at the actual venue, and have always felt safe. Traveling to the venue is no issue.

 

There are loads of small kids/families there... Probably one of the best areas to go ride for kids/families/beginners

[mtbDobby]

I consider Northern Farms my "home ground" - I probably ride there atleast twice a month - it is safe and family friendly and you can ride anywhere from 10km to 60km without repeating routes.

 

As far as I am concerned it is as safe as anywhere else and then some

[Red Robin]

Thank you to all for the confirmation and info.

We will most certainly be giving Northern Farms a visit soon.

[BDF]

NF is a great venue and caters for beginners and more. They also have guys patrolling but I have never felt unsafe there (except where my skills run out...)

[Milosh]

Go for it , NF is very family friendly and only as hard as you make it.

 

lots of ways to turn back an shoten distance on the long route 

[NelAndre]

Just do it. Great place to ride.

[Surprize]

Sorry for the hijack people!!

 

Are there any other venues you can suggest for a beginner(in terms of technical abilities) that is 20km to 30km in distance other than the blue route at Northern Farms?

 

I'm looking for something similar to the blue route at Northern Farms, just a bit longer...

 

Rosemary Hill? Yellow route at Modderfontein?

[BDF]

Sorry for the hijack people!!

 

Are there any other venues you can suggest for a beginner(in terms of technical abilities) that is 20km to 30km in distance other than the blue route at Northern Farms?

 

I'm looking for something similar to the blue route at Northern Farms, just a bit longer...

 

Rosemary Hill? Yellow route at Modderfontein?

Green route at Thaba Trails

[Disher]

Rosemary hill is your answer... very pleasant, not hectic climbing, there are one or two little areas but mostly flowing, good fun.

 

we ride NF a lot and as previous have said, its a great training place, you can mix and match routes as you wish, do half the blue and the red section down near the river gives you about 25 kms lots of fun..

 

As for security NF have a few posted guards on bikes scattered around. Our group to date hasn't had an issue (touch wood).. go ride it.. take pics, enjoy.

[NelAndre]

Green route at Thaba Trails

 

Sorry for the hijack people!!

 

Are there any other venues you can suggest for a beginner(in terms of technical abilities) that is 20km to 30km in distance other than the blue route at Northern Farms?

 

I'm looking for something similar to the blue route at Northern Farms, just a bit longer...

 

Rosemary Hill? Yellow route at Modderfontein?

You can also do the Hazeldean Valley Trails at the Cow House Market in Pta East. 20-30km loop and no technical.