IDEAL GIFT FOR OUTDOOR MOUNTAIN BIKE ENTHUSIASTS

[Christel@BHC]

If you’re still looking for a last minute gift, why not opt for a 2022 BHRC MTB permit – a gift that will keep giving.  Available online https://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/shop/. As an exclusive introductory offer, Bottelary Hills annual permit holders get free access Polkadraai Bike Park for 2022.  This family-orientated bike park caters for riders of all abilities with its kiddies track, pump track, flow, skills trails and fun line.  Day permits for the bike park are available from Zetler Strawberry Farm.

NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENTS

To ensure that our routes continue to offer exciting new mountain bike experiences for riders, the BHRC has invested R150 000 in 30km new trail developments, which includes 12km single tracks built by Trail Blazers and Conrad Stoltz respectively.  The extensive trail network now totals 127km of farm roads, jeep tracks and numerous single tracks. While never too technical, there are challenging climbs and a variety of distances on offer for riders of all fitness levels.  We’re also excited to announce the launch of the 7km BHRC Polkadraai loop across Karibib, Reyneke, De Toren and Sterling Wine Estates. Park and purchase day permits are available from Somm & Co. Karibib or the bike park for convenient access to the broader BHRC MTB trail network.

NEW STARTING POINTS AND PERMIT SALES

Super excited that Bellevue Wine Estate on Bottelary Road, Fort Simon Wine Estate on the Fischer Road, 18Coffee on Neethlingshof Wine Estate, Somm & Co Karibib and soon the Polkadraai Bike Park on the Polkadraai road have been added as new park and ride access points to the BHRC mountain bike trail network.  Each of these venues offer food and wine experiences.  Be sure to download the Trailforks App for route profiles and difficulty levels. If you’re new to mountain biking, the BHRC Orange route starting from either Bellevue of Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate is ideal.  Gradual climbs on mostly jeep tracts and dam walls offer a relaxing nature experience and beautiful views.

Day permits (R70) are available from park and ride points including: Asara Wine Estate, Bellevue Wine Estate tasting room on Bottelary Road, The Farmer’s Pantry on Brenaissance, Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Fort Simon Wine Estate, Hazendal’s Babushka Deli, The Cellar Door at Jordan on the Stellenbosch Kloof road, 18Coffee at Neethlingshof, Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Overgaauw (no permit sales), Somm & Co. Karibib and the Polkadraai Bike Park.  In addition to the park and ride points, day permits are also available from Engen Soneike, Shell Kruispad, Hellsend Bike Compound in Dorp Street Stellenbosch and the Dwars in die Weg security gate.  Please note that permits are payable with Zapper. 

#RIDE4RENOSTERVELD 

Did you know that the Bottelary Hills falls within the Cape Floral Region (CFR) - listed by UNESCO as one of 34 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots?  Around 9 000 plant species of which around 70% are endemic - meaning that they are found nowhere else on earth – can be found in the CFR.  Less than 5% of the original extent of Renosterveld vegetation remains as it grows in rich fertile soils, which is often replaced with commercial crops.  The purpose of the BHRC is to retain and expand the patches of Renosterveld in its area, including the critically endangered Swartland Granite Renosterveld.

Since the launch of the mountain bike trails in 2011 as a source of income, funds have been allocated to the clearing of invasive plant species and the conservancy now has more than 700 hectares of unspoilt Renosterveld.  There has also been a notable difference in water streams flowing again and the natural re-establishment of Renosterveld plant species.

HIKING TRAILS AND TRAILRUNNING

No hiking is permitted on the BHRC single tracks, but circular hiking trails on Mooiplaas and Koopmanskloof cross over the MTB routes.  In addition, Zevenwacht and Fort Simon offer vineyard walking trails.  Permits are available directly from the respective tasting rooms except for Koopmanskloof, which is on appointment via christel@bottelaryconservancy.co.za.  Zevenwacht also offers an annual walking/running permit – visit www.zevenwacht.co.za for more details.

We will be launching a Bottelary Trailrun Series as well as longer guided hikes in 2022.  Announcements to be made on our website and social media platforms - @BottelaryHillsConservancyMTB on facebook and @bottelary_hills_conservancy on Instagram.