Trail Riding Jonkershoek - Part 2

Feb 9, 2012 at 6:19
by Ewald Sadie  
Part 2 of this series takes us to a trail called 'Firetrail' (aka 'Nationals' and '123') on the opposite side of the valley.

www.esphotography.co.za

www.esphotography.co.za

Once used as a national's course, this trail features very technical and tight single track and at some points during the climb, it seems easier to put your bike on your back and take a shortcut to avoid slowly snaking up the winding trail. This might not always be the best idea during summer though, as this is Cape Cobra country (among other snakes) and you can be sure you don't want to encounter one. From the bottom, the trail combines various terrain including smooth sections, rock gardens and loose, slippery pebbles and about half the climb is in the shade - always welcome during summer. At one specific point there is a very sharp hairpin bend, with a very high, (almost) sheer drop that could cause some serious damage if you get it wrong. This bend is really only dangerous when coming back down with a bit more speed though.

www.esphotography.co.za

www.esphotography.co.za

www.esphotography.co.za

At the top, as with most tough climbs, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view up into the valley as you exit the forest. From here on the trail evens out and opens up nicely and you are able to get out of your granny gear and up the pace a bit. It is also a good vantage point to check out different paths leading further into the valley, pretty much all of which are accessible from this point. Carrying on with 'Firetrail' takes you to a green wooden cabin, built by the forestry department, which is by most people seen as the start of the trail - obviously depending on which side you start the trail from.

www.esphotography.co.za

www.esphotography.co.za

www.esphotography.co.za

Thanks to the riders for joining me and special thanks to Hanco for his knowledge on the trails.

Check out part 1 here.

Author Info:
esphotography avatar

Member since Dec 20, 2011
61 articles

11 Comments
  • 3 1
 nice! wicked write up! and epic photos!
here is a link to a video of my descending on the trail, filmed on go pro , im the rider in front!

www.pinkbike.com/video/236452
  • 1 0
 Awesome trailriding there. I want to go back now haha. Will post a video of me and Hanco going down the trails when i'm back home Smile
  • 1 0
 Sweet! Was so much fun! Even the girls enjoyed it!
  • 2 0
 Yeah she really likes it so much, she told me she want's to join me to Germany and ride those trails also Smile
  • 1 0
 Hahaha Hanco's face on the 3rd last pic. lol|
Nice one Ewald, lemme know when you doing the next, ill be keen to join.
  • 1 0
 Very cool photos man!! You are great at this!! How much did you pay the models?? Razz
  • 1 0
 Nice Ewald! Trails are looking goooood! Such Sweet pics!
  • 1 0
 Wicked photo's!! Looks like an nice place to ride! Razz
  • 1 0
 Cool to see some trail shredding!
  • 1 0
 niceļ¼







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