Hotel News / 31 July 2015
Blazing Saddles
Piekenierskloof back in the saddle
Mountain biking in the Western Cape has just got into even higher gear with the recent launch of an exciting new trail in the Cederberg.
The new Blazing Saddles trail network at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort was launched with the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club’s assistance to fine-tune the current trail network as well as to develop future trails.
Mountain bikers can enjoy three trails in the areas, including:
The Red Route
For our more experienced mountain bikers, this is a fantastic trail blending rustic, scenic single track, forest riding and wonderful dirt road riding through the fragrant citrus orchards. Spanning some 26km and with a fair amount of climbing, cyclists will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Cederberg mountains and farm valleys.
The trail begins with a climb from the resort up to the top of Kardoesie and back down to the N7. A whole new mountain biking world opens up once cyclists cross under the N7 Highway, with a wonderful single-track climb up to the top of Paleisheuwel. This is a real leg-busting climb and only for the fit, but the views across the valley to the Piketberg Mountains are well worth every crank you’ll suffer up the mountain.
Once you reach the top, stop, gather breath and take in the spectacular world around you. From the top, it’s a wonderful single-track descent down into the citrus orchards of the surrounding farms and then back to the N7. Then it’s back to the finish at the resort through a eucalyptus forest.
The Red Route is a very rewarding ride that will appeal to those who love the remoteness of traditional-style trail riding.
The Blue Route
The Blue Route follows the trail of the Red Route, but cuts out the upper and steeper section of the climb to Paleisheuwel. This means it’s accessible and fun for the less fit and less technically proficient rider, however there are still one or two short, sharp and steep climbs and plenty of single track riding.
Its total length is 16km and it includes all the wonderful characteristics of the Red Route, without the leg-busting climb.
The Green Route
This is a 3km piece of single track cut below the resort. Don’t let the "green" stamp fool you. This fun little trail is anything but easy and offers several little technical challenges that will force you to bring out the best in even the more experienced riders. It’s a fun way to finish your Red/Blue Route ride, or to just hammer-in a few laps to get your BPM racing.
