Sprockets Posted September 30 Posted September 30 Hello! I've just gotten news that I'm moving from PE to White River, Mpumalanga, to work as a community service dietitian (commonly known as a 'Zuma year') at Themba Hospital. Problem is: I've never actually been to White River, nor do I know anyone in the area. All I know is that the riding there is pretty good 😂 BikeHubbers, besides the regular property24 hunt, is there anyone that is up that side of the country that knows of any accommodation available for Jan 2025 - end December 2025? Looking for a garden cottage type vibe, in a safe suburb as I'll be taking both my MTB and road bike with me (would be nice to be able to ride alone, especially as a woman). Are group rides a thing? Is the community quite cliquey? Any helpful tips for a first-time-VERY-far-away-from-home-er? 😂 Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you! Akon and Kylie 2
Dexter-morgan Posted October 1 Posted October 1 I wish I could do the same, love the area. Sprockets, dave303e and Underachiever 3
Danger Dassie Posted October 1 Posted October 1 You’ll love it, such a different vibe and amazing places to explore, plus there’s big five territories nearby. It’s generally a close community that’s warms and welcoming. Mpumalanga/Limpopo is really underrated and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Especially if you love the outdoors. Will put out feelers with friends to see what’s available. ChrisF, Underachiever and Sprockets 3
madmarc Posted October 1 Posted October 1 Don't forget to pack in your climbing legs 🦵 Sprockets, Underachiever and Dexter-morgan 3
BuffsVintageBikes Posted October 1 Posted October 1 and your Afrikaans 😉 Sprockets and Dexter-morgan 1 1
Underachiever Posted October 1 Posted October 1 15 hours ago, Sprockets said: Hello! I've just gotten news that I'm moving from PE to White River, Mpumalanga, to work as a community service dietitian (commonly known as a 'Zuma year') at Themba Hospital. Problem is: I've never actually been to White River, nor do I know anyone in the area. All I know is that the riding there is pretty good 😂 BikeHubbers, besides the regular property24 hunt, is there anyone that is up that side of the country that knows of any accommodation available for Jan 2025 - end December 2025? Looking for a garden cottage type vibe, in a safe suburb as I'll be taking both my MTB and road bike with me (would be nice to be able to ride alone, especially as a woman). Are group rides a thing? Is the community quite cliquey? Any helpful tips for a first-time-VERY-far-away-from-home-er? 😂 Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you! Themba Hospital, Eish. Good luck... For cycling - this is heaven. Great routes out towards Sabie, Sudwala and Hazyview, just need to watch the trucks. Lots and lots and lots of climbs, but very little wind. Heat will be a big factor in summer time. Road towards Nelspruit is BUSY!! Lots of MTBing in the area too, with regular MTB races, mostly towards Nelspruit. Grouprides...I think there are regular grouprides from Halls just outside Nelspruit, but there are lots of cyclists in the area for both disciplines, so you'll get into the community with ease. On the property front, perhaps you can consider staying in Nelspruit? Morning and afternoon traffic has increased dramatically over the years, but it might still be do-able. Dietitian is only a dayjob and no after hrs duties? Nelspruit is definitely better than White River. Enjoy, the Slowveld is super special!! Sprockets 1
Sprockets Posted October 1 Author Posted October 1 1 hour ago, Underachiever said: Themba Hospital, Eish. Good luck... For cycling - this is heaven. Great routes out towards Sabie, Sudwala and Hazyview, just need to watch the trucks. Lots and lots and lots of climbs, but very little wind. Heat will be a big factor in summer time. Road towards Nelspruit is BUSY!! Lots of MTBing in the area too, with regular MTB races, mostly towards Nelspruit. Grouprides...I think there are regular grouprides from Halls just outside Nelspruit, but there are lots of cyclists in the area for both disciplines, so you'll get into the community with ease. On the property front, perhaps you can consider staying in Nelspruit? Morning and afternoon traffic has increased dramatically over the years, but it might still be do-able. Dietitian is only a dayjob and no after hrs duties? Nelspruit is definitely better than White River. Enjoy, the Slowveld is super special!! Haha! The reviews of the hospital are not ideal (putting it lightly) buuuut it is what it is. Actually applied to Sabie Hospital as first choice, but they've placed me here. On the bright side, it's giving me a great opportunity to develop some climbing legs! 😂 I would ideally like to stay in between Nelspruit and White River, especially the south side of White River. The commute to Themba from Nelspruit is 35-40km one way and the fuel price would make staying in more-expensive accommodation White River side the cheaper option, but obviously forking out the extra every month isn't ideal. Just frustrating process as we've heard nothing regarding our salaries, which makes budgeting a nightmare. Plus - only being a day job and no night duties puts us pretty low on the pay spectrum, even for gov position. Hard not knowing the area at all, and not having anyone I know that side doesn't make it any easier. Simple things like knowing which areas to avoid, what's ideal vs not etc. is quite the mission. Looking forward to the adventure, that's for sure! 😁 Underachiever 1
agilwolf Posted October 1 Posted October 1 I've shared this post with a friend of mine living in White River... Maybe he can assist with guidance etc. ChrisF and Sprockets 1 1
Wikus Loots Posted October 1 Posted October 1 You welcome to get in touch. I'm staying in White River. ChrisF, Sprockets and Underachiever 2 1
Anthem24 Posted October 1 Posted October 1 (edited) Try putting the word out to estate agents dealing with rentals in the area? This one is the wrong side of White River and a little on the high side as far as granny cottages go, but nice and safe. https://www.privateproperty.co.za/to-rent/mpumalanga/lowveld-and-kruger-park/white-river/white-river-country-estate/6-lake-dornoch-close/RR4145239 https://www.facebook.com/groups/196538777392746/ Edited October 1 by Anthem24 added link Sprockets 1
Sprockets Posted October 1 Author Posted October 1 Thank you! I've found a really nice place on one of the golf estates for R9k furnished which will probably the go-to at the moment, but would be nice to find that sweet spot region of around R7-8k. Been a strange look around - either the places are more expensive, or REALLY groggy (no shower and general not-great condition). Rental agencies seem to have super high commission rates, and based on prior experience, I'm keen to go private. Have had a couple people reach out in terms of contacts and just having somewhat of a network, and I REALLY appreciate all of your input! 🤗 So nice to be part of a community that really pulls through even just on advice. One of those "it's who you know..." type situations I'm looking to find - and it's always great to make some riding friends along the way. Underachiever and ChrisF 2
Dyl Nortje Posted October 1 Posted October 1 I’ve lived there my whole life send me a message on Instagram and I can help you with groups ect as it is very cliquey @Dylannortje97 on Inst On 9/30/2024 at 6:49 PM, Sprockets said: Hello! I've just gotten news that I'm moving from PE to White River, Mpumalanga, to work as a community service dietitian (commonly known as a 'Zuma year') at Themba Hospital. Problem is: I've never actually been to White River, nor do I know anyone in the area. All I know is that the riding there is pretty good 😂 BikeHubbers, besides the regular property24 hunt, is there anyone that is up that side of the country that knows of any accommodation available for Jan 2025 - end December 2025? Looking for a garden cottage type vibe, in a safe suburb as I'll be taking both my MTB and road bike with me (would be nice to be able to ride alone, especially as a woman). Are group rides a thing? Is the community quite cliquey? Any helpful tips for a first-time-VERY-far-away-from-home-er? 😂 Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you! Sprockets 1
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