I have been amazed at just how much the sport of mountain biking has grown in recent years, and have seen friends whose main recreation for years had been turning steak on a barbeque, suddenly acquire bikes and religiously head off for the great outdoors every weekend, cycling for hours.
!Khwa ttu offers Two Mountain Biking Trails: A 10km, circular green route that you may have wonderful encounters with game and if you are daring – the highlight is a 20 metre drop down a granite rock face to a water hole – but there is a optional safer route to avoid this part. Fitter cyclists can continue on the circular red route for 20km of more challenging climbs on neighbouring farms.
While I haven’t quite got there myself yet, I am beginning to see the appeal. Fun for the whole family, it’s an excellent way to explore our beautiful part of the world and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
With its diverse terrain and spectacular vistas, !Khwa ttu has the perfect landscape for excellent mountain biking, and on 15 November they launched their scenic trail offering two well-marked routes suitable for all levels of experience.
Opened on 15 November 2014 by MEC Alan Winde, the launch was attended by visitors and enthusiasts from the surrounding community who completed the inaugural 30km ride alongside Winde.
Their 2nd event was held on Saturday 13 December as part of the annual Yzerfontein Festival and enthusiasts of all ages gathered in the early morning sunshine to participate in the fun ride. Some were taking on the less taxing 10km green route to meander past game and over gentler inclines, while others were ready to tackle the more challenging red route which includes neighbouring farms and steeper inclines. Most had not ridden the trail before and were very keen to explore the new addition.
I waited for the first riders to return and, hot, sweaty and very happy indeed, the one aspect they all enthused over was the spectacular views. From many vantage points they had looked out over Yzerfontein and all the way across the ocean to Dassen Island – and they could even see Table Mountain in the distance.
Chatting to Jacky from !Khwa ttu afterwards, I learnt that there are several mountain bikes for hire and I think I may just have to test my flagging fitness level very soon and see for myself what all the excitement is about. They are also planning on introducing a guided cycle tour of !Khwa ttu and its fascinating attractions, and I can’t think of a better way to explore and learn about the rich history of the area and its people.
Make a trip out of it. !Kwa ttu is located on the West Coast Way Culture Route.
Facilities available at !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre:
• Accommodation • Child-Friendly • Pet-Friendly • Bar • Restaurant (Breakfast / Lunch) • Fireplace • Wheelchair Accessibility (Restaurant) • Trip Advisor • Conference Facilities • Wedding and Function Venue • Shop • Tractor Rides • San Guided Experiences • Mountain Biking Trails
Find !Khwa ttu San on the West Coast Way Culture Route
Open 7 days a week| Free entry
Distance from Cape Town: 74km
Where: Grootwater Farm, R27
Coordinates: 33°21’44.55” S 18°16’14.12” E
Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 |[email protected] | www.khwattu.org