Northern Farm - Needs some upkeep?

[Pieterlab1]

Hi Hubbers

I normally ride at bike parks in and around Pretoria and have never ridden at NF. I would love some info on the routes and some general stuff please. Is is safe to ride there alone? Is the Black Route a good option if I normally do the Buffel route at Buffelsdrift? Is it on the same technical level as the Buffel or more like Wolwespruit(  )? Is there a nice coffee shop for a breakfast afterwards?

Your advice would be appreciated!

Have a good riding weekend!

Very safe, I ride there every weekend on my own.

You will be fine on the Black route and you will be able to have a nice breakfast and coffee afterwards.

Enjoy!

[SteveS]

Hi Hubbers

I normally ride at bike parks in and around Pretoria and have never ridden at NF. I would love some info on the routes and some general stuff please. Is is safe to ride there alone? Is the Black Route a good option if I normally do the Buffel route at Buffelsdrift? Is it on the same technical level as the Buffel or more like Wolwespruit(  )? Is there a nice coffee shop for a breakfast afterwards?

Your advice would be appreciated!

Have a good riding weekend!

 

The route is safe and great fun. They have recently spent alot of time improving the route, and are again adding new stuff to the route. The black route might not be as technical but is a proper workout. The complete black is about 63kms and with all the twisty singletrack takes a good rider about 3.5-4 hours to complete.

[sled]

Still one of the best rides in the Gauteng area. Safe, fun and loads of options. Just a pity they don't open for Sports Parade on Wednesday afternoons! And while Ian is lurking - night rides would be awesome. I will keep nagging.......

[Pieterlab1]

Still one of the best rides in the Gauteng area. Safe, fun and loads of options. Just a pity they don't open for Sports Parade on Wednesday afternoons! And while Ian is lurking - night rides would be awesome. I will keep nagging.......

...and what about Friday afternoons?

[FlandersZA]

I'm a bit sad about all the trees I see being cut down at NF. I'm sure there's probably a good reason for it but damn, summer is going to hurt there if they keep it up.

[Bonus]

I'm a bit sad about all the trees I see being cut down at NF. I'm sure there's probably a good reason for it but damn, summer is going to hurt there if they keep it up.

We used to plan to be finished by 10am in the heat of summer.

 

Too hot after that.

[King_Crispy]

Did they change the name of some of the spots?

They can't use "Enchanted Forest" anymore as there isn't a single tree left there

[RossW]

Did they change the name of some of the spots?

They can't use "Enchanted Forest" anymore as there isn't a single tree left there

That's rough.

It was awesome getting through the twisty stuff there and really made it feel less "big smoke" and more KZN-ish.

[Reden]

I'm a bit sad about all the trees I see being cut down at NF. I'm sure there's probably a good reason for it but damn, summer is going to hurt there if they keep it up.

As far I have seen it is only "Invader trees" that are cut down. The area is part of Rand Water though.

For MBikng the whole area is getting dummed down. even small rock gardens are made simpler. I am however reluctant to go ride there anymore as it provides me with little to now satisfaction anymore. BRB becomes a more viable option.

[pedal menace]

Hi..I am keen to do NF for the first time tomorrow. Have done Buffelsdrift, Rosemary Hill, Red Barn all plenty times. How does NF compare? Very technical? I have looked at the NF website and it seems the longest route is 48km? I normally do Red Barn 2 x laps to get at least 75-80km done. I guess I need to the 48km and then another 25km lap. Feedback will be appreciated. 

[Odinson]

Hi..I am keen to do NF for the first time tomorrow. Have done Buffelsdrift, Rosemary Hill, Red Barn all plenty times. How does NF compare? Very technical? I have looked at the NF website and it seems the longest route is 48km? I normally do Red Barn 2 x laps to get at least 75-80km done. I guess I need to the 48km and then another 25km lap. Feedback will be appreciated. 

 

There is nothing technical at NF that you need to concern yourself about. There are some rocky sections here and there, but otherwise it is a mellow pedal. 

[Letum911]

Nothing mean at NF. Fun place to ride, I found that the 34km? (the red one I believe) as advertised is closer to 36km, so if you are aiming at a 70km ride then maybe do that twice?

 

On my last ride there, probably 2/3 weeks ago, I saw some new trails being carved. Going to be awesome additions!!! 

[ShanRam]

Hi..I am keen to do NF for the first time tomorrow. Have done Buffelsdrift, Rosemary Hill, Red Barn all plenty times. How does NF compare? Very technical? I have looked at the NF website and it seems the longest route is 48km? I normally do Red Barn 2 x laps to get at least 75-80km done. I guess I need to the 48km and then another 25km lap. Feedback will be appreciated. 

There are many, many routes at NF. 99% of it is not technical. There are a few fun/hectic drops but they are all well marked and have chicken runs. The one route that i do there is about 60km and thats without repeating any sections. I'm sure you can easily get the distance you are looking for.  

[pedal menace]

Thx all for the feedback! Seems me an NF will meet tomorrow :-)

[pedal menace]

Another question: Do you pay whilst there or must you buy online?

[PieterJvR]

Another question: Do you pay whilst there or must you buy online?

You can pay at the gate, before you go through the boom there is a "ticket office" on the left.  You can also buy a multi-card pass