Make what you want with the name. If you’re a local, you’ll know exactly where to find the G-Spot, Stellenbosch’s beloved play area for mountain bikers with skill. Look, even with low skill levels, you can have fun there, but you’re unlikely to find the repetitions required all that appealing.
G-Spot is not a place you go to ride to improve your endurance – unless you’re riding to the trail from Cape Town…
It is essentially a two kilometre long gradually descending singletrack trail with jumps and berms; and more jumps and berms. It was built by a local guy called Mark Gordon, so you know who to buy a beer for if you ever meet him.
If you’re skilled, you’ll appreciate the flow and the placement and pitch of the jumps and have some great fun with adrenaline surges, fear-filled moments of panic and satisfied smiles that almost wrap around your head. If you’re not skilled, you’ll be kept busy working out how to stay on the singletrack, which takes some unexpected turns (hip jumps for the skilled) and wishing you could “shred like those guys”…
It’s a trail where you can spend a few hours without becoming bored as there are various lines to give you different options on certain sections. The average gradient is around -5 degrees and the ride back up isn’t too long or steep, giving you time to gab about your last run with your mates, or think about how you’re going to tackle your next run.
Finding the G-Spot isn’t too difficult (ha ha – see directions below), but not everyone finds the G-Spot exciting, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it’s not a big trail and crowding can be a bit frustrating. Each to his/her own. If you like speed and air and g-forces, you’ll love it.
CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Stellenbosch
DISTANCE: Not that relevant, but approximately 2km
SUITABILITY:
NOVICE: 1/10
INTERMEDIATE: 6/10
ADVANCED: 10/10
TYRES: Whichever tyres you feel give you the most traction and control on hardpack.
BEST THING: It’s open all the time.
WORST THING: You really shouldn’t ride there alone. The temptation: risk ratio is high, which means that if you do crash and you’re on your own, nobody will hear you scream… Take a friend. Or make a friend there!
BEST SEASON: It’s best in the dry seasons (summer and spring). It can get a little loose when it’s really dry, so traction is a little compromised. Not recommended to ride when it’s wet/muddy for obvious reasons.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Google maps address is 1 Nooitgedacht Street, Stellenbosch. But most park at the Engen Garage on the R44 and ride to the trail start.
GPS COORDNATES: 33°57’54.98″S 18°51’13.19″E
COST: No charge. Mark G builds and maintains this trail out of love for mountain biking. However, show your appreciation by making a donation to the Stellenbosch Trail Fund, which channels cash towards trail-building and maintenance in the area. Details here: http://www.stellenboschtrailfund.co.za/support-us.html
SECURE PARKING: Not at the G-Spot. Park somewhere nearby and ride there.
ABLUTION FACILITES: No.
REFRESHMENTS: No.
BE SURE TO: Park and ride with vigilance. While the area is fairly remote, it’s not secure and you should be wary at all times.
CONTACT: Like G-Spot Trail on Facebook for up-to-date information.
TREAD Magazine is sold throughout South Africa and can be found in: Spar, CNA, Exclusive Books, Discerning bike shops and on Zinio
*Originally published in TREAD Issue 36, 2015 – All rights reserved
