Mountain bike trails in and around Montagu
2 min read
Montagu and the surrounding areas are heaven for those who enjoy mountain biking. Montagu Tourism has mapped out a few routes and graded them for difficulty. Here are 5 different routes, each with a different difficulty. All routes start from the tourism office in Montagu.
R62, Rietvlei One, Talana Loop (18 km OR 24 km, graded 1/5)
This easy route heads towards Barrydale on the R62. Two small rises are found just outside of town. After 9 km or 12 km, turn left. Both points have a sign indicating “Rietvlei One” and you can take either, depending on how far you would like to bike. What follows is a peaceful and quiet stretch back to Montagu with good gravel roads and the old Barrydale road.
Ashton Klaasvoogds (37 km, graded 2/5)
The Ashton Klaasvoogds route is suitable for families with young teens and up. Riders need to be moderately fit as there are a few climbs. Follow the R62 through Kogmanskloof and onwards towards Ashton on the R62. After 10.3 km, turn left and do the loop until back to the turn off point. On this route you will find an Anglo Boer Fort, 90-year-old vineyards, honey tasting, a cactus nursery, geranium and lavender cordial tasting, and olive tasting. This is definitely an excellent day trip!
Jeep Track via Joubert’s Pass (42 km, graded 3/5)
The Jeep Track route is a moderately challenging ride for the average rider. There is a long climb from town to the summit, where you can see some amazing views of the Langeberg mountain range. Be sure to close the gate behind you once you are through and caution is required on the descent as there are 10 water runoff humps on the drop down. Once you have passed the nursery, it’s a quick drop down to town.
Ouberg Pass (52 km, graded 4/5)
The Ouberg Pass builds on the Jeep Track route and is the extra 13 kilometres of hill training hard-core riders may seek. The return trip is fast, but caution is required as there are sharp corners and plenty of washboard surface. The distance can change depending on which route you take back to town.
Bobbejaans Bult (41 km, graded 5/5)
This difficult route is for the avid mountain biker and not the average rider. Bobbejaans Bult has a climb of 3 kilometres and has a challenging descent. You join the Jeep Track Pass Route and head back to town after that.
These are only five of the many great mountain biking trails you can try while you are staying at Montagu Springs. Be sure to pick up a map at the Montagu Tourism office beforehand and let a member of staff know of your plans if there is no one else waiting for you back at your accommodation. Happy biking!