We pride ourselves on our world-class MTB routes!
Special attention is given to the following:
- Single track quality enhancement
- Jeep track quality
- Flow of cyclists (reducing congestion and safer cycling track)
- Emphasis on quality of MTB routes
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTES
80 km MTB Race:
Total ascent: 2,096 m | Maximum elevation: 493 m
Route overview:
- Start in Waterfront Drive and head up to the top of the Simola Hill on tar – a great warm up!
- From there the gravel road takes you down to the Gouna pump station – be prepared for very cold temps in winter
- From the Gouna River it’s a continuous 10 km climb from 87 to 493 above sea level past the San Ambrosia Church and onto Kom Se Pad to what is locally known as The Pimple
- The worst of the climbing is over and from here the undulating Kom se Pad road takes you through to the Uniondale Road
- Then onto the iconic SANParks single-track Petrus Se Brand through to Harkerville
- The route then winds back west over the Uniondale Road on the south side of the Concordia Ridge Road, past the Akkerkloof Dam to meet the 50 km and 30 km routes at Blaricum Heights
- The 30, 50 and 80 km rides follow the same route from the top of Simola back to Knysna
- The route takes you through Simola Estate into the Eastford Estate and down to the Oakhill School single track, down Welbedacht Road, through the Montessori School single track and into the Salt River valley
- Portage under the N2 and then ride back to Knysna Waterfront Drive and finish on the High School sport field where all competitors will receive refreshments and a medal
80 km profile & route:
50 km MTB Race:
Total ascent: 1,423 m | Maximum elevation: 282 m
Route overview:
- Start in Waterfront Drive and head up to the top of the Simola Hill on tar – a great warm up!
- Turn right onto the Concordia Ridge Road then turn left onto the contours with their iconic “Why, why not” single tracks.
- Ride eastward along the contours then climb back to the Ridge Road past the Akkerkloof Dam to meet the 50 km and 30 km routes at Blaricum Heights.
- The 30, 50 and 80 km rides follow the same route from the top of Simola back to Knysna
- The route takes you through Simola Estate into the Eastford Estate and down to the Oakhill School single track, down Welbedacht Road through the Montessori School single track into the Salt River valley
- Portage under the N2 and then ride back to Knysna Waterfront Drive and finish on the High School sport field where all competitors will receive refreshments and a medal.
50 km profile & route:
30 km MTB Race:
Total ascent: 922 m | Maximum elevation: 80 m
Route overview:
- Start in Waterfront Drive and head up to the top of the Simola Hill on tar – a great warm up!
- Turn right onto the Concordia Ridge Road then turn left onto the contours with their iconic “Why, why not” single tracks.
- Ride back up onto the Ride Road and past the Akkerkloof Dam to meet the 50 km and 30 km routes at Blaricum Heights.
- The 30, 50 and 80 km rides follow the same route from the top of Simola back to Knysna
- The route takes you through Simola Estate into the Eastford Estate and down to the Oakhill School single track, down Welbedacht Road through the Montessori School single track into the Salt River valley
- Portage under the N2 and then ride back to Knysna Waterfront Drive and finish on the High School sport field where all competitors will receive refreshments and a medal.
30 km profile & route:
15 km MTB Race:
Total ascent: 278 m | Maximum elevation: 80 m
Route overview:
- Start in Waterfront drive and cycle along the N2 towards George. Turn right onto the Welbedacht Road and cycle up to the Oakhill School cycle track.
- Cycle down Welbedacht Road through the Montessori School single track into the Salt River valley
- Portage under the N2 and then ride back to Knysna Waterfront Drive and finish on the High School sport field where all competitors will receive refreshments and a medal.
15 km profile & route:
GENERAL RACE NOTES:
- ALL cyclists must follow their demarcated route
- 15 km MTB route is suitable for beginners
YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING MTB ROUTE MARKING SYSTEM
- Orange day-glow spots on trees / red and white danger tape / black arrow and danger signs on white signboards
- Follow the orange day-glow route markers
- Arrows are mainly at intersections
- All intersections are clearly marked
- A cross on a tree denotes a wrong route
- If you do not see a marker for 300m you are lost
- Backtrack until you find a Marshal or the previous route marker
- Marshals will be placed mainly at intersections along the main Concordia Road and at water points
- It is up to you to follow the route and OBEY ALL TRAFFIC RULES
- Slower cyclists must move over for faster competitors
- Faster riders to indicate by calling “passing left / right”
- Riders retiring from the race must give the Back Marker or any Marshal their number
- Keep left, especially along all main roads. It is possible that vehicles could be on the course
- It is compulsory to wear a helmet!
- Take care on the downhills, there may be some hidden obstacles
- No fires or smoking is allowed in the forest!
- All Marshals must be obeyed
- Riders to make way for emergency vehicles
- Unsafe or dangerous riding on “caution sections” will not be allowed
- All bicycles to be in good working order ie. both brakes working, water bottles with holders, pump, puncture kit, good drive chains etc.
