A day in the forest is a good day

Trail riding in Tokai forest

Finding new lines around forest debris

Streams flowing across trails after heavy winter rains

BFe does Tokai & Silvermine

A perfect day it was for riding a bike on a mountain...which is just what I did. Almost 4 hours of happy mountaineering covering 30kms of jeep track, singletrack, steep hills, slippery downhills, puddles and many mini rivers!

Many pretty waterfalls in Tokai after all the rain

Lots of puddles and mini rivers on the trails

On the way to Silvermine

Happy to be out on a day like this!

The view over Houtbay from Silvermine never gets boring

Riding sweet singletrack in Elgin

We spent the past weekend riding the Lebanon and Oak Valley trails in the beautiful Grabouw countryside, staying over at The Oaklane Cottages - fully equipped, self catering and most of all bird friendly accommodation!

Bird - check! Bikes - check! Lets go!

Lebanon trails:

"Situated in the heart of the Elgin Valley, these 4 well marked trails meanders through an array of stunning terrain. The trails offers a unique riding experience that combines rolling orchard, forested pine slopes, mountainous fynbos with breathtaking views."

Oak Valley trails:

"The trails consist of a large percentage of well maintained singletrack, with bridges over farm fences and streams, making for a highly enjoyable ride.
 
The biking trail takes the rider through beautiful natural scenery, including forests of ancient oak trees, through vineyards, through apple and pear orchards and across sub-clover/grass pastures, set against the stunning backdrop of the protected fynbos on the slopes of the Groenlandberg Mountain."

 

In summary - a weekend filled with juicy apples, berms, bridges, cows on trails, strange clouds, fantastic scenary,  sweet singletrack, a super moon, red wine and cosy fires...

Pump track challenge #1

On the public holiday last week, the place to be was Fishhoek! A fun pump track challenge was hosted at the local spot. Some legends came out to play making for tough competition..

With more than 30 riders and some spectators, the small site became a hub of activity.

 Darren Stow went fastest. Rika displaying great style.

Although doing each run on a different bike, I delivered a very consistent time ;)

 

Reto was having lots of fun on the new trick jump him and Duran had built a few days earlier

The day was also not short on tricks!

Looking forward to challenge #2!

Tokai - Up to the mast!

I have never been to the mast...until yesterday! I set out to Tokai in explore mode and found myself at the sign pointing in the direction of the mast. Well, challenge accepted!

Thank goodness for pro pedal!!

Fantastic views kept me cranking...

Rapid elevation gain..a bit easier on tar

The mast looming in the distance

And then without any ceremony - there it was. Just a tower behind barbed wire. I hiked my bike up a rocky footpath, but soon decided to leave it in the fynbos while I did some rock hopping, chasing after more grand views.

Looking down on Chapmans Peak Drive and Long Beach 

Bombing down was EPIC and the most fun I've had in Tokai recently.

Meanwhile, Reto was helping Duran build at the Fishhoek jumps in preparation for the "pump track challenge" - getting ready for the crowds to descend onto Sun Valley...which they certainly did on the Valley of the Sun - Val Di Sole - for the 2nd UCI World Cup DH race which saw another double Atherton victory!