Lake Eland

[Kletterer]

I happened to be visiting at the Oribi George last Friday when we got an invitation to join a test run of the new 25 and 45 km courses at Lake Eland (Private Nature Reserve). With the MTB race scheduled for the 10th of October the new track has just been finished and we were asked to ride it and give feed back along with a group of local riders.

 

Wow! Everyone should come and ride this piece of marvellous terrain in spectecular settings. So much work went into the trails, crossings and traverses along the George. It's beautiful, fast and exhilirating. The route first winds up and down the hills near the camp side, making most of the contours. Here you won't lose the other riders out of sight as there are loops and switchbacks galore. Then it goes up and over towards the George where the trail follows the steep drop off into the canyon. Little rock sections, steps and bridges make it even more interesting. Great down hill sections and a ride through a cattle dip (!) follow with forest section, soft ground and rock sections. On the 45 km loop there is maybe 10% in distance that isn't single trail.

 

Thanks to Trevor, Wim, Eric, Stuart, and everyone else involved (I didnt get all the names right). It was probably one of my best MTB rides ever. Thanks also for the fantastic lunch afterwards.

 

I already envy everyone riding on the 10th while we are back in Pretoria. Enjoy it!

 

Cheers

Marc

[AndreZA]

I drove through the reserve 2 years ago and thought to myself this would make a great venue for a race. Huge amount of animals scattered all around.

[Kletterer]

I drove through the reserve 2 years ago and thought to myself this would make a great venue for a race. Huge amount of animals scattered all around.

 

I believe that have an annual event for some years now. Apparently about 300 participants or so. This year it should be different as the route is entirely new. Hope they get the great support they deserve. It's certainly worthwhile coming to, even if from a bit farther away.

[kosmonooit]

Thanks that looks fantastic!

[vinylguy]

ja my lady and i rode their last holiday! its great! can ride quite far as well and some nice 4x4 routes u can bomb down or "slowly" climb and lots and lots of animals....