Mountain Biking in the... well... mountain

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if there are parts in the berg where MTB's are allowed? For example: is it allowed to ride your bike along the contour paths?

Thx

J

I don't know whether or not you are allowed to cycle in the berg (although it would be awesome if your can), but the erosion barriers would make it very difficult to cylcle.

Hi Jacques, not sure if mountain biking is officially allowed there or not, but I have often seen mountain bikers and bike tracks in the Bushman's Nek area, both on the Sehlabathebe and Thomathu paths. Of course this is one of the easiest areas in the Berg to reach the summit, also by mountain bike.

2 weeks back hiking in Highmoor, going towards giants castle - noticed clear 4x4 tracks that seemed to come from Kamberg side and going all the way up to the contour path it seemed.

surely good enough for MTBing

Thanx for all the replies guys.

Will definitely check into this before I plan any mtb routes. Just wanted to hear from my fello berg - freaks before I ask anyone else like the jeep tracks at cathedral area etc.

Giant's Castle has got a MTB race. Does anyone know where this track goes?

There are areas in the Berg that can be cycled. But the wilderness areas still appear to be a problem as EKZN does not appear to have worked out a mandate or set of regulations to govern this.

In the Cathedral area you may cycle Mike's pass and a portion of the jeep track around the old weather station (?) at the top.
The area above the Golf Course in the newly rehabilitated area is marked for cycling, and the trail is awesome. Not sure if this is limited to hotel guests only, but call at the hotel before riding...

In the Royal Natal area there are dedicated cycle paths from the adventure centre. Go there first, enquire, and pay your fee. Also awesome trail, cut specifically for MTB by an MTBer.

In the Kamberg valley and surrounds there are KILOMETERS (75 on one specific day !) of trail, track and paths. These traverse PRIVATE LAND. Please stop at Glengarry Caravan Park to obtain permission, get a permit (bike board) for the day, and pay any fee that attaches.
Revel Sivrite is The Man.

Remember to always respect the land and rights of those who's land you are on, and try to ask permission first.
ALWAYS close gates that you have had to open first; do not close those you find already open.
Animals have right of way.
Tread softly (easy on the brakes) and DO NOT LITTER.
ALWAYS ensure that someone local knows where you are, where you are going, and what time you intend being back. Carry a phone.
Especially if you ride alone.

Thanx stax for all those helpful details!

Royal Natal is fairly closeby (150km) & will probably be some of my first riding.

Thanx also for the reminders at the end-though most of those "goes without saying".

In Bethlehem we have a trail going through a nature reserve & I respect animals all the time as this is their habitat. & of course the owners of the land too. I reside on a plot & don't appreciate people using my ground to pass, so know how it feels if someone 'tresspasses"

Don't know kamberg at all, but will check it out for sure! Just need to get the fitness up a bit for the 75km (in the berg!)

Also haven't checked out the trail at harrismith. Think it's platberg. Apparently quite nice with some tech parts (+-45km in total trail), but I'm not really the racing type-more of a have fun while riding kind of guy.