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Copyright © 2009 Treadmag.co.za. All Rights Reserved.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve - Reviewed in TREAD launch issue | Autumn 2009
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
By Barry McCallum
REGION: Gauteng
CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Pretoria
TRAIL DESCRIPTION: A mixture of graded dirt road, jeep track and schweet singletrack.
A well-considered layout allows riders to tailor the route to suit their fitness and skill levels. The presence of wildlife - zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala, ostrich, giraffe – is always a good excuse to stop and take a breather.
DISTANCE: The perimeter route works out at about 13 kilometres, but you can opt for loops as short as 4 kays or as long as your legs will allow.
NOVICE: 10/10
INTERMEDIATE: 10/10
ADVANCED: 7/10
TYRES: An all-round tyre, like a Conti Explorer or Kenda Nevegal. ‘Buzz-cut’-type tyres won’t cut it when it gets wet as they slip on the rockier sections of singletrack, and have little purchase in the mud…and it gets verrrrrry muddy in summer.
BEST THING: When you arrive and the parking lot’s full, you think the trails will be congested. Never are though. The off-camber corners on the switchback section on the Christina de Wit Road side will test a rider’s mettle. See if you can ride it without using the brakes…
WORST THING: Occasionally being confronted by the idiots who ride the singletrack in the wrong direction. It’s one-way, people! If it doesn’t have a bicycle sign at the trailhead, don’t enter. And Onion Hill is called that for a reason…the tears.
BEST SEASON: ‘Groenies’ is ideal a day or two after the first rains of summer, when the singletrack is nicely packed. It’s fun all year round, but be warned: it’s bone-chillingly cold on winter mornings, especially in the parking lot.
GET THERE: Get to the R21 and head for the Fountains Circle. Hang a left at the Fountains/Centurion turn-off. Drive past the entrance to the Fountains Resort and the gate to Groenies is about 800 metres down the road on your left. GPS Co-ords: S25 47.381 E28 11.774
COST: Adults pay R18-50; pensioners (60 and older) and scholars R12,50, while pre-schoolers get in for R5.
SECURE PARKING: Yes
BE CAREFUL OF… fresh animal droppings and belligerent branches. You may get your helmet under the low-hanging limbs, but they’ll reach out and grab your hydration pack.
BE SURE TO… take a cooler box and munchies along as there is no kiosk, and charcoal and meat if you want to braai. There are great ablutions facilities, so pack a towel and fresh clothes if you value your car’s upholstery.
CONTACT: 012 440 8316 or 012 341 5204; e-mail:
davidb@tshwane.gov.za; www.tshwane.gov.za/groenkloof.cfm
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