Piket-Bo-Berg open weekend

[Stephan]

Drove out to Piketberg for the open weekend today.

 

First completed the 45km Route A and then did a couple of sections of Route C. Wow, I couldn't believe how amazing these trails are! A trip to Piketberg should be on everyone's bucket list.

 

Big thanks to organisers for exceptionally well organized event. Everything from the registration to route marking was top class.

 

Pleassssseeeee make this an annual event!!

[Vetseun]

Drove out to Piketberg for the open weekend today.

First completed the 45km Route A and then did a couple of sections of Route C. Wow, I couldn't believe how amazing these trails are! A trip to Piketberg should be on everyone's bucket list.

Big thanks to organisers for exceptionally well organized event. Everything from the registration to route marking was top class.

Pleassssseeeee make this an annual event!!

Lekker Man. Naaice to hear.

[Me rida my bicycle]

You are obviously a lot fitter than I am. I did the 45km and yes it was in the top of all trails I have ever been on but at the end there was nothing left in the tank. That 45 and 1200 elevation takes more effort than 70km and 2000m in d'ville hills. You were probably 1 of the guys I saw peddling up the road to the c trails. Lekker bedonderd ????????????

[TCTG]

I was supposed to have gone and stayed over....missed out on these trails...hopefully this can be a once a month event for 2020.

[Stephan]

You are obviously a lot fitter than I am. I did the 45km and yes it was in the top of all trails I have ever been on but at the end there was nothing left in the tank. That 45 and 1200 elevation takes more effort than 70km and 2000m in d'ville hills. You were probably 1 of the guys I saw peddling up the road to the c trails. Lekker bedonderd

 

I've read rider reports from previous Piket-Bo-Berg Cycle Challenge's comparing a day out at the Mounton's Farm to the Attakwas and Tankwa Trek stages, so it's definitely not a walk in the park, BUT it's a heck of a lot of fun and the quality of the trails blew my mind. 

[Dry Biltong]

the 45km was mind blowing, really amazing riding.

the 25km not too shabby either (and this is the only trail actually open to ride throughout the year if you stay at the Retreat guest farm).

the 30km very very cool.

a privilege to ride these trails.

actually think this 'open weekend' is better than the more traditional racing format of the old days.

[Stephan]

actually think this 'open weekend' is better than the more traditional racing format of the old days.

 

Agree. I really hope this becomes an annual event (in addition to the Cycle Challenge weekend and The U race). 

[milky4130]

I raced this route before, but I rode the 45km Route A on Saturday, it was like a totally different experience, stopped at pretty much every view point or rocky feature or creature crossing our path for a photo session.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4265576782

 

Sunday I had this crazy idea of cycling from my accommodation (Route A area) to Route B do the actual trail, then cycling back to Route C and do the trail there then cycling back to accommodation. Round Trip 94kms, with a peak temperature of 37 degrees.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4271890813

 

Truly a special place, before I couldn't understand why they only opened it twice a year but now I actually don't mind it, you will only truly appreciate it when it becomes exclusive for that one or 2 days in the year whichever one you can make it.

[hansolo]

I really love riding there and wouldn't mind being able to so  a bit more. The format of the event was good and it was a proper weekend with friends. We did the 30 km on Saturday and the 45 km on Sunday, as most people have said it is tough but so rewarding.

 

Thanks to the organisers, I'll be back again in whatever format they put on the event.

 

PS. 

Can we please have the option of camping at Mouton Farm?

[milky4130]

 

PS. 

Can we please have the option of camping at Mouton Farm?

the only way I see this happening is by entering the U event

[Grease_Monkey]

Absolutely amazing weekend. Please please make this an annual event. The format (not a race) is amazing. People were relaxed, friendly, let faster riders pass. Everyone stopped to enjoy the views. My experience is that when a race number gets strapped to the handlebars all of that changes. I'm not suggesting not doing the races - but that's not my cup of tea. This weekend was my cup of tea...

 

Besides for the format, the trails are stunning, technically challenging, and really well maintained. I don't think there is any other network of trails that provides this experience. Don't get me wrong, I love my gravity trails in Jonkershoek, but these trails provide the technical climbing aspect too which is just not available anywhere else.

 

I was in Hansolo's group. 30 on Sat and 45 on Sunday. I thought my fitness was okay, but I was humbled. Haven't worked that hard for 75km in a long time! Smiled all the way though....

Edited November 3, 2020 by Grease_Monkey

[Vallende Vaandel]

I rode solo (30 & 25) and never once had to guess where the trail was heading - the markings were impeccably well done. 30km just takes your breath away and every climb has a reward at the top. The 25km was hard work but for what the landscape has to offer, they made the absolute best of it. Perfectly well maintained routes, what an experience. Also loved the format - the vibe on the trails were so relaxed! I will happily pay again next year whatever price they ask. The riding, the company, the views and the fynbos was a therapy session after 2020

[Kranswurm]

I have not had the pleasure of riding these trails and its on my bucket list as well as Tankwa 

In Botswana we road kay after kay of single track and technical rocky stuff.

Anyone who has done the Kalahari Challenge knows what I am talking about.

All this gravel road stuff is not what mountain biking is about.

[milky4130]

I rode solo (30 & 25) and never once had to guess where the trail was heading - the markings were impeccably well done. 30km just takes your breath away and every climb has a reward at the top. The 25km was hard work but for what the landscape has to offer, they made the absolute best of it. Perfectly well maintained routes, what an experience. Also loved the format - the vibe on the trails were so relaxed! I will happily pay again next year whatever price they ask. The riding, the company, the views and the fynbos was a therapy session after 2020

I must admit that the 25km route often back tracked or overlapped on each other and can be a bit confusing at first but if you just stick to the path that you are on and follow that sign then it should all be ok, after the 1st & 2nd hesitation you'll quickly get the idea of what they had to do with the limited space and landscape available.

[Stephan]

 So, it looks like this event may become an annual one. Just received an email from the organisers saying that they are "considering adding the Open Weekend to our annual events calendar in April or May".