Only a 1-hour drive from Cape Town is the start of our mountain bike trail from Stellenbosch to Boschendal. It is nestled in the Banhoek valley snugly against the mountain slopes and forming part of the Hottentots Holland Mountain. Purpose-built single tracks will have you ducking and diving. Over wooden bridges, underneath luscious tree ferns and through swooping vineyards. The sneaky tree roots and steep rocky descents will sort the men from the boys.

Firstly, Stellenbosch has always been at the forefront of the SA fat-track culture. A bunch of trail builders created MTB magic in the shadow of the Simonsberg and Banhoek mountains. Those peaks! They rise up in all their rugged glory and don’t seem to quit for miles and miles. Up to quite recently, most of these trails have been off-limits to regular riders.

One thing you can bank on is a proper climb. You may have a quiet chat with your calves before you set off. The route departs Stellenbosch and takes us onto the slopes of the imposing Botmaskop Mountain. Winding upwards gradually as you take in spectacular views towards Cape Town with plenty of switchbacks all the way to the saddle. Follow by the sky, traverse 500m above sea level, offering awesome views down the Banhoek valley. The reward is just amazing and what better way to start that descent than along a curvaceous excess of whipped dirt zigzag. You may want to get one of your fellow riders to check your pulse. In the valley itself, rocky trails await before crossing over the Dwarsrivier. Stunning valley view’s towards the Banhoek peaks keep your mind off the ascent as you approach the Nick Nack single-track into fynbos heaven.

Expect a few rock obstacles as you power up the zigzags onto a contour traverse. Then through the game fence gate, before dropping down the valley. With ess-bends and sweeping curves, you better pin your ears back. Follow’s by the Game trail, you are likely to ride alongside Eland and Oryx. Lastly, a few fast-and-flat kilometers of single and jeep track finally arriving at Boschendal Deli. A well-deserved midday break. An excellent balance between earthy, organic food and contemporary cuisine, accompanied by world-class wines. Their burgers are a top choice.

Our return journey takes us on a shorter ride along the game trail flat section before hitting the Helshoogte Pass over and down to Stellenbosch.

To summarize an amazing day on the saddle!  Certainly, a loop that never fails to deliver and always leave you with the biggest smile on your face.

With a good 1200m of ascent and 55km, this MTB excursion is, without a doubt, a good workout for the day.

Click on the card.