Wildcoast Ride - Mboyti to Port Edward

[Reeb]

I am planning a group ride from Mbotyi to Port Edward over 4 days in August. The plan is to stay in the Drifters tented camps and lodges.

 

I am hoping that someone who has done this ride before, can help me with route maps for this area of the wild coast, I have the Slingsby maps, but am looking for garmin (gpx) files.

 

Would also appreciate any ideas and tips from those of you that have done it before.

 

Looking forward to your feedback.

 

 

[Marinz]

Please keep me posted of your tour. Interested!

 

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

[bergy]

contact Ian Wilson at Single Track Minded ,based at Holla Trails,he does a lot of group ride in the Wild coast area

[Jack and Gill]

Hi

 

We got back yesterday from doing the ride from Port Edward to Grosvenor and back via Mtentu but have previously been all the way to Mbotji and back.  I have the .fit files of the route and am happy to share them with you (sure they can be converted on Garmin Connect).

 

The total distance is only 75km from Port Edward to Mbotji but it is not an "easy" ride.  It's an adventure ride, you will be off your bike as much as you are on it.  

 

Some points to note:

 

1.  Tide is critical.  You need low tide for beach riding and river crossings, so you cannot ride a long time every day (full moon is the ideal time to get mid-morning low tide).

 

2.  Anyone can ride it but it does require a fair degree of all round fitness/strength/skill.  You need to be able to comfortably pick up your bike and carry it, with some rock hopping, climbing and swimming thrown in.

 

3.  Don't expect to get a ferry at any of the rivers.  Nothing is guaranteed and be prepared to swim a big river at high tide.

 

4.  Your bike and all your kit must be in the best condition possible as it is tough on your equipment.  

 

5.  From Mbotji we go to Drifters Lambazi Bay (Grosvenor) and then to Mtentu, all approximately 25km from each other (a decent days ride on the route - don't expect it to take 2 hours, it can take all day).

 

6.  We have only ever ridden this section unsupported, just our bike and a small backpack with a change of clothes (Drifters and Mtentu provide all linen and food).  

 

It's a fantastic ride in a truly amazing and beautiful place, I highly recommend that everyone do it.  

 

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions.  We are happy to answer what we can.

[Greg Sorour]

Hi

 

We got back yesterday from doing the ride from Port Edward to Grosvenor and back via Mtentu but have previously been all the way to Mbotji and back.  I have the .fit files of the route and am happy to share them with you (sure they can be converted on Garmin Connect).

 

The total distance is only 75km from Port Edward to Mbotji but it is not an "easy" ride.  It's an adventure ride, you will be off your bike as much as you are on it.  

 

Some points to note:

 

1.  Tide is critical.  You need low tide for beach riding and river crossings, so you cannot ride a long time every day (full moon is the ideal time to get mid-morning low tide).

 

2.  Anyone can ride it but it does require a fair degree of all round fitness/strength/skill.  You need to be able to comfortably pick up your bike and carry it, with some rock hopping, climbing and swimming thrown in.

 

3.  Don't expect to get a ferry at any of the rivers.  Nothing is guaranteed and be prepared to swim a big river at high tide.

 

4.  Your bike and all your kit must be in the best condition possible as it is tough on your equipment.  

 

5.  From Mbotji we go to Drifters Lambazi Bay (Grosvenor) and then to Mtentu, all approximately 25km from each other (a decent days ride on the route - don't expect it to take 2 hours, it can take all day).

 

6.  We have only ever ridden this section unsupported, just our bike and a small backpack with a change of clothes (Drifters and Mtentu provide all linen and food).  

 

It's a fantastic ride in a truly amazing and beautiful place, I highly recommend that everyone do it.  

 

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions.  We are happy to answer what we can.

[Greg Sorour]

Hi Jack and Gill

 

We intend riding this route in mid June would it be possible to get a copy of the .fit files please 

 

thanks

Greg

[mazambaan]

contact Ian Wilson at Single Track Minded ,based at Holla Trails,he does a lot of group ride in the Wild coast 

 

I second this unreservedly. Done the ride with Ian and he was brilliant. Quite easy but intense days but be ready to be riding off manicured tracks.  Fantastic scenery.