Johannesburg mountain bikers will be able to add another trails venue to their riding options with the relaunch of Thaba Trails on Saturday 16 July.
Located just south of the City of Johannesburg, Thaba Trails is being relaunched with a wider range of trails that will appeal to all levels of rider, from beginner to experienced, male and female.
First opened four years ago, Thaba Trails became known for it’s tough riding routes. But they proved a little too tough for many. Towards the end of 2015, Wendell Bole, founder of the trail park, decided to begin making the trails easier, with longer distances for those training for marathons and stage races, the most popular disciplines among mountain bikers.
“We have been working hard over the past few months to add distance to the Green Trail and have made some of the difficult sections on the Blue Trail less formidable. Our objective is to make Thaba Trails a top-of-mind riding venue for those mountain bikers looking for a stimulating ride or training session,” said Bole.
“We still have some very tricky sections for those advanced riders that crave something highly challenging, but the majority of our trails are now ideal for most mountain bikers regardless of their skill level,” added Bole.
The Green Route, formerly 17km long, is now 23km with just over 300 metres of vertical ascent. None of the climbs are excessively long, or steep, making it a rewarding loop for those looking for a ride that offers a reasonable challenge with sufficient reward.
Thaba Trails is located on a security-fenced and patrolled private game farm and riders generally get to see wildebeest, zebra, blesbok and springbok on most rides. The rolling hills and bushveld vegetation belie the close proximity to Africa’s biggest city, which, as the crow flies, is just eight kilometres away.
“Thaba Trails is the most well-rounded mountain bike trail park in Gauteng. It’s got a great mixture of terrain and gradient; it’s safe enough to ride alone; it’s proximity makes it less than a 30 minute drive from home for most people in the Johannesburg area and the wildlife and birdlife make you feel a million miles away,” said Sean Badenhorst editor of TREAD magazine.
“Thaba Trails captures the essence of mountain biking. There’s lots of great singletrack with regular gradient changes and beautiful bush. The trails are well marked and maintained and the coffee is world class! All of this is the reason we have made Thaba Trails an official joBerg2c playground,” said Craig Wapnick, avid mountain biker and Race Director of the Old Mutual joBerg2c annual stage race.
The official relaunch takes place on Saturday 16 July with free entry to all mountain bikers on the day. There will be a festival style atmosphere with many bike industry brands offering demo rides on various models or sampling of products. The location is 101 Kliprivier Drive, Mulbarton, Johannesburg.
The relaunch is also a precursor to the Dave Esterhuyse Memorial 6-Hour event, which will take place at Thaba Trails on 6 August 2016. Entries can be made at www.info@bikeabout.co.za
For more information on Thaba Trails, like the Facebook page for regular updates or call Wendell Bole on 082 9000749.
Source: Inside Line
