Baakens Valley/ Guinea Fowl Trail - Reviewed in TREAD Issue 2

Baakens Valley/ Guinea Fowl Trail
By Albert Retief

REGION:  Eastern Cape
CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Port Elizabeth
TRAIL DESCRIPTION: There are many options on this trail, and riding conditions can vary from very loose rocky gravel to smooth flowing single track. The trail runs right down the centre of Port Elizabeth. Basically, it is the rather irritating valley that you have to constantly drive around to get anywhere in the Friendly City. It stretches from as far up as the Kragga Kama road, all the way down to the ocean. The trail is maintained by the Nelson Mandela Metropolis and there are cool bridges and parts of the trail are regularly cut back.
DISTANCE: The distance will depend on where you start. If you are adventurous enough to find the very top of the trail, it will be approximately 17km down to the sea.
NOVICE: 2/10
INTERMEDIATE: 4/10
ADVANCED: 9/10
TYRES: Get something with good sidewall protection. Any of the Maxxis LUST tubeless tyres are good. Mud is not really an issue even after rain; the rocks and thorns are more of a concern.
BEST THING:  You will find some very exhilarating and testing technical sections. They will challenge even the most skilled riders. If you live in PE, the trail is always close by. So a quick technical ride after work is always an option.
WORST THING:  You need to make sure that you ride with a friend. Or even better, two friends. There have been some robbery incidents in the valley.  Having said that; I have ridden the trail alone on many occasions without any problems.
You will walk with your bike. But this is good hike-a-bike practice.
BEST SEASON: Any time of the year is good. The trail is not affected by wet weather as much as other trails. Try to go on the one day when the wind is not blowing, The prevailing wind will be at your back on the way down the valley, and it will be a headwind on the way back up, which can be painful!
GET THERE: The best place to start if you are new to the trail is from Cyclo Pro bike shop on William Moffet Drive. There is a quick path into the best part of the trail from there, and if you are really nice to Rob Rudman at the shop, he will be able to point you in the right direction.
COST: FREE
SECURE PARKING: Yes
BE CAREFUL OF... Bad people jumping out from behind a bush...
BE SURE TO... Contact Fat Tracks and ask when they are doing their next social ride down the valley. Riding with a local will unlock the potential in this trail. There are some awesome hidden XC tracks from years gone by...
CONTACT: Rob Rudman at Cyclo Pro. www.cyclopro.co.za or Fat Tracks www.fattracks.co.za