We kick off the weekend with an optional social fun ride – the “The Sunset Scramble” – on Friday, 27th September at 17h30. This will allow our guests already there to loosen the legs and shake off the cobwebs ahead of the 8am start on the 28th. The Scramble takes you in a southerly direction towards the Melkkamer on the edge of the Vlei along the cliff to De Mond, before looping back to our starting point. We’re encouraging all riders to get up to De Hoop early on the Friday afternoon so that everyone can get to know each other a little better and start the weekend off with a bang. There’s no better way to do this than enjoying the sunset (and chilled glass of wine or beer) after a short ride through the picture-perfect De Hoop Reserve. A short shower afterwards; dinner is served; stories are shared, and new friends are made!
The newly constituted Stage 1 and Stage 2 showcases the best of De Hoop Vlei on the northern and eastern side of the reserve.
Stage 1: Flat out on the Rock
We’ve spent the last few months with Johan Kriegler (W2W founder) and the Cape Trails team establishing a brand-spanking new track to the north of the Vlei, going all the way up to Buchu Camp, cutting out any need to ride on the main tar road. Once you reach the top of “FlatRock” single track, the burn in the legs quickly fades away as you take in the best views of the De Hoop Collection: To the South, a full view of the entire Vlei and towering sand dunes that roll towards the deep blue sea; to the East, unparalleled and unspoilt sunrises over the Potberg area; and to the West, across the historical Melkkamer and open flood plains that stretch as far as the eye can see towards Arniston and Struisbaai. Throw some of the plentiful local wildlife in there – including Eland, Bontebok, ostriches, zebras and too many bird species to mention – and you have the best recipe for resuscitating any tired legs on Stage 1!
Stage 2: Trails to Whales
The whales are calling! Head out via the rolling hills of the limestone hard dunes before descending into the surrounding farmlands which have been opened specifically for the event. A brief meander along the banks of the Potberg River and through some purpose-built singletrack and you arrive at an area seldom visited by anyone; other than the hikers of the popular Whale Trail. Take your time as whale sightings are virtually guaranteed whenever you can see the ocean, and you’ll be enthralled by the imposing sand dunes to the left and the unspoilt coastal fynbos to the right. Stage 2 provides another scenic spoil for riders to consolidate their full De Hoop Vlei MTB Experience.