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MOUNTAIN
BIKING
Dome
Bergland & Vaal Valley - a paradise for trail riders! |
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Biking tips
How to find us
Guided & self-paced
trails
Fees
Welcome to the pages that outline a great variety of
mountain biking trails in the Dome Bergland and Vaal River
Valley. The list of trails is not exhaustive.
Certain routes are closed to the public but we can get
access, in some cases only for guided trails.
We also pioneer new trails
regularly. Check our
Ottspot blog for exciting events and news of
explorations.
Please
call ahead
to gain entry. We do admit
day
visitors but it is really is best to
stay over
because there are so many trails and once you are here
you'll want to explore several. Check the
biking tips for the right equipment
and clothing.
The area is a paradise for
mountain bikers. The annual
Crater Cruise
(October) around the Vredefort Dome was voted the best
mountain biking race in the country in 2005. There is something to suit every level
of fitness and interest, including:
-
Gung-ho competitive
mountain bikers and those in training for the Cape Epic and
other events
-
Families, couples,
and those who want to see the scenery rather than exhaust
themselves
-
Recreational
trail riders
looking for new routes with varied challenges
-
Adventure racing teams can follow
the self-paced routes set up for this purpose.
ACCESS AND RULES
OF THE TRAIL
The
Vredefort Dome
is both a National and a World Heritage Site, so strict
environmental rules apply. We also emphasise care and
courtesy - such as closing all farm gates, being polite at
all times, and leaving absolutely no trace of your presence.
Please do not try to avoid payment or take in more cyclists
than permitted: this only has the effect of closing down the
trails for others.
Most of the trails are unmarked! Either you
need a good map, with or without GPS co-ordinates (which we
supply) or you need a guide. We are happy to introduce you
to the area with its many options, and will either point you
in the right direction or lead you. Without trail knowledge
you are likely to lose your way and certainly will miss out
on some of the top viewsites, challenges, and points of
interest.
COME HERE FIRST
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Otters' Haunt is your point
of entry to the trails. Come here to stay over or park as a
day visitor.
We have
detailed trade leaflets.
We will show you the maps,
answer your questions, and advise you on suitable routes to
suit your time and fitness. We have the
GPS co-ordinates
for several routes and are busy with more.
You undertake all trips entirely at own risk. See the
fees structure.
To make your visit enjoyable, please observe
these basics:
1.
CALL AHEAD:
we must know you are coming. It is best to call a day or two
beforehand although you can call on the day. We limit trail numbers, make special
arrangements for access to
certain
routes, and offer
guided trails
should you want to be shown around or where access is only
allowed under our guide.
2.
DAY
VISITORS: Office hours
are 6.30am to 6pm. Come to Otters' Haunt reception.
There is secure parking at our place or you can drive and
park at trails further afield. We have a hot shower and
toilet but not for groups over 6. When available and not in
use, the Bush Camp can be hired for large groups. There are
picnic and braai facilities for small groups of day
visitors.
Overnight
accommodation at Otters’ Haunt is self-catering, with
discounts for groups and free general info.
3.
BIKING TIPS: Supply
and maintain your own off-road
bike. Many of the routes are corrugated, stony and thorny,
so bring a full puncture outfit and tools for tightening up.
It is advisable to insert tyre liner (rubberised
anti-puncture strip) and to use double-strength inner tubes.
It is essential to carry plenty of water and energy snacks.
You must ride with a helmet. Night lights may be necessary.
Carry a windcheater and do leave a change of clothes and
towel at the car. Cash will be needed for access on certain
routes. A lock and chain, though seldom used, may be a good
idea.
4.
ACCESS
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GUIDED TRAILS:
Organised guided trails
are arranged and quoted on request. We do not have a schedule of
such trails because much depends on the level of the group. Very
popular in our line-up are the Tweezer Rocks breakfast route;
the Hakuna Matata circuit and the Matopos Ascent. See trail
descriptions.
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SELF-PACED TRAILS: Most cyclists are
happy to go off on their own. For open public trails this is no
problem: we indicate the routes (eg Big Circle, Airport Ride). For
certain trails you need our Access Coupon which must be presented if
you are stopped and asked (eg Lion's Head Quarry). Other trails are
closed except where led by our guide (eg Wild Olive Outlook).
-
See
trails list for details.
FEES STRUCTURE
Email us or
call us to inquire or
book. Then come here.
| DAY PARKING |
R50 per vehicle |
Limit: four vehicles. Arrange parking for
large groups in advance. |
| TRAIL BRIEFING |
R35 per group of 4 |
Call ahead. 15 minute detailed map presentation
and worthwhile routes to try.
Unless doing guided trail - no charge. |
| SPECIFIC ROUTE MAP if available |
R35 |
Road and track directions, with GPS where
available. Area ecology, history and info on sites of interest. |
| ENTRY FEES TO SPECIFIC ROUTES |
Depends on landowner. We will let
you know when arranging access. |
Generally around R20-R30 per head, sometimes
up to R65. Our coupon system admits you on payment at our end. |
| DAY VISITORS AND PICNICS FOR
CYCLISTS AT OTTERS |
R35 per head max 6. Kids 3-13,
R25. |
Otters' Haunt is NOT a resort but we do have
exclusive small picnic sites for visitors. No braai fires except
at Bush Camp. |
| TOILET & SHOWER AT OTTERS |
Included in parking/visitors |
Only for paying day visitors. |
| GUIDING FEE |
R
200 per group of 4
R100 per hour extra |
Min fee covers group of 4 or less. Thereafter, add
R35 per head to max 12. |
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WE DO NOT HAVE A SHOP |
BLOGSITE "OTTSPOT"
See
www.ottspot.iblog.co.za for
exciting explorations (biking, hiking, whitewater, adventure) and other news.
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