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

Note that there are no mountain bike trails within Royal Natal National Park, rather outside of it: it's at All Out Adventures: www.alloutadventures.co.za

Regarding the jeep tracks at Highmoor that kliktrak reported earlier, I passed this onto KZN Wildlife who appreciated the info and are investigating the origin of these tracks. Their initial response is that they should not be there. The tracks should therefore NOT be used for mountain biking either, so everyone reading this please respect that, and keep bikes out of the Drakensberg Park (except at Didima and a short trail at Lotheni). There are plenty of suitable trails outside of the protected areas that can be used.

Didn't think for a minute you were trying to disrupt anything, JacquesBuys, and thanks for checking before going. I found this to be a useful thread since it brought to light those tracks at Highmoor, and it definitely is a useful reference for others wanting to mountain bike in the Berg. I don't have a problem with the Berg catering for different sports and hobbies - it should be for everyone's benefit and enjoyment. Just that the protected areas within the park cannot cater for mountain biking currently other than at Didima and Lotheni - but for that there are plenty of places outside of the Park, yet still in the Berg. For more biking inside the Park, proper trails would have to be built and maintained, and that isn't a small undertaking. It is irresponsible to mountain bike on the foot paths, besides the fact that you simply are not allowed to - and I hope this message gets out to those that are.

My take on it is that it would involve riding on ground which is within the UDP-WHS and is therefore not allowed, since biking should only be on designated trails. The issue with this is firstly that it is difficult to control and enforce, and secondly that it also involves ground which is in Lesotho, where there is even less control and protection. I do believe there are others areas within the Maloti-Drakensberg region which are better suited and where this should be nurtured. I know I am stepping on toes, but I do urge mountain-bikers to stay off the escarpment, never mind the legal aspect. This is not the only idea/intention of this nature out there. I have no doubt that those that are engaging in this are mostly very conscientious about environmental concerns and ethics. It is not these individuals that concern me. Its the precedent it sets that concerns me, since it encourages more to do the same. The Maloti-Drakensberg region is facing considerable pressure from development plans and from various interest groups, and while I firmly believe that these mountains should and can cater for these, it must be done with much care and consideration.