Oak Valley Wine Estate - Reviewed in TREAD launch issue | Autumn 2009

Oak Valley Wine Estate
By Gary Perkin

REGION: Western Cape
CLOSEST TOWN/CITY: Cape Town
DESCRIPTION: As a keen mountain biker himself, the wine maker at Oak Valley Estate Pieter Visser has, in a short space of time, crafted a gem of a trail network. You’ll find it on the estate at the  foot of the Groenlandberg and in the heart of the Green Mountain Eco Route. The then brand new trails hosted a stage of the 2008 Absa Cape Epic and this year hosted the event for two nights as one of the three stopover points for the new-look stage race.
The trails start and finish in the oak-lined avenues that give the estate its name, then lead you gradually upwards through orchards and vineyards towards stunning vistas of the Grabouw and Elgin valleys. The clincher is that these trails are made up of a large percentage of well-maintained singletrack.  And when I say ‘well maintained’, I literally mean groomed every Friday before the arrival of the weekend warriors. The riverine singletrack  down from the top is quite possibly one of the most flowing, fun tracks I have ridden in a long time. Just that section  alone makes this is a must-visit trail – never mind all the rest! The last section of the Black Route has a sting in the tail towards the end, so be sure to save a little something for that last singletrack section.
DISTANCE: There are three marked routes: a 12-kilometre green route for the family; a 21-kilometre red route for stronger riders; and the 25-kilometre black route for the more advanced rider with technical skills.
NOVICE: 8/10
INTERMEDIATE: 9/10
ADVANCED: 9/10
TYRES: There is such a mix of terrain here - from oak forests to vineyards to classic singletrack - that a good all round tyre is recommended.
BEST THING: Singletrack... loads of it and thrilling to ride – especially the one from the top of the climb.
WORST THING: It comes to an end...
BEST SEASON: Having only ridden these trails in summer I can’t say what it would be like in the winter. In the heat of summer, be sure to pack sunscreen and plenty of water.
GET THERE: Take the N2 from Cape Town turn left at the Peregrine Farm Stall just after first Grabouw turn off, then turn right onto the R321 to Villiersdorp and turn right again onto the tar road leading past the Elgin Station and on to the main entrance gate of the farm. It’s approximately an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
COST: R20 per rider
SECURE PARKING: Yes and showers.
BE CAREFUL OF… Having too much fun on the Black Route.
BE SURE TO… sample some of the wine the estate produces after your ride.
CONTACT: 021 859 4110; www.oakvalleywines.com