It is downhill to the end of 2024, so here's an update from the Dirtopia HQ.

As always, it involves singletrack for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers…

Here are 5 ways to have fun on the trails as Spring is in full swing!

 

If you haven't been on this network for a while, there are some new singletrack sections and new signage to distinguish between the ABC green trail and blue intermediate sections (a few rocky black sections for the advanced mountain bikers to have fun on). You can choose which trails to ride and can build your ride/run from 6.4km to 30km or more. And yes - all singletrack. 

The hiking trail has its own circular route with many steps to the look-out and back down in the forest. (Scroll down for info hike events like the Full Moon Hike next Wednesday and Wine Walk on the last Saturday of October.)

The access to the NeverSayNeverEndingAgain trail is a new piece of trail and riders/runners return back to Muratie forest the same way.  Come see the new map at the Trail Centre - the shop will open earlier on hotter days.  Visit this weekend from 07h30, as perfectly mild Spring weather is predicted.

To confirm: YES, this stunning trail is OPEN and the Absa Cape Epic 2025 Queen stage will be using it with a spectator/waterpoint at Muratie.

Neighbouring farm, Uitkyk has a fence around the property, and we have adapted the trail system accordingly. Meurant's vision has many new opportunities in mind to extend the singletrack… Want to hear the secrets? 

Ride with him on 27 October - get tickets for the Buffalo Ride.  Only R100 (still!) and it includes a day permit of R60, a boerewors AND a Jack Black Beer afterwards.

 

Read below about the school kids events with Cycle2Ride and more news will follow for 2025…

Wednesday 16 October is the season opener from Dirtopia Trail Centre on Muratie. Arrival between 5pm & 6pm with sunset by 7pm.  The Full Moon will rise around the same time and four wines available per glass or per bottle at the top.

Coffee station at the start/finish with a lucky draw and some free goodies.

More info on what to bring etc on www.dirtopia.co.za and remember that booking is essential for these popular hikes: www.dirtpass.co.za

 

How about a glass of lady Alice MCC on arrival and we start hiking at 9am for a proper wine tasting of two white wines and two red wines, while Muratie's expert tells you more about the wine making process while you enjoy the views from the top of the mountain. Book tickets for you and friends here: www.dirtpass.co.za  

Dress-up in whatever costume or just add some props and facepainting. Walking allowed on the short route and the kids love the trick or treating throughout the night.

The 10km and 5km starts after sunset (19h15), so you need a light!  And be warned that there might be some creatures in the forest…the party with lots of decor is at the Muratie cellar with the live rocking band Akkedis to add to the vibe. Lucky draws and prizes for winners and best dressed plus medals, photography, refreshment stations and optioinal live timing. Want to be part of this really fun evening, then enter online HERE or HERE.

For all info on the mountain bike short track league events coming up in the Western Cape, go to the Cycle2Ride Facebook page for all information.

Enter them on DIRTPASS.CO.ZA

Sportsmans Warehouse Trail Run series continues:

11km & 6km

… more on these in the next Trail Run newsletter:

10km & 5km

Go to enjoy this season's top 5 picks, and we'll share many more with you in the coming months. As always, we are grateful for your support and love seeing you enjoy the outdoors, but especially discovering the soul of singletrack. 

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With trail love-