The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) offers mountain bikers the chance to explore the beauty of nature on scenic trails, while at the same time supporting their conservation efforts.
The BHRC, a non-profit organisation in the heart of the Cape Winelands, founded in 1992, prides itself on the preservation and expansion of 1 500 hectares of critically endangered Renosterveld fynbos of which less than 5% of it remains in the Western Cape.
The group says funds for ongoing conservation efforts – including alien vegetation clearing, rewilding of farmland as well as creating natural corridors – are derived from the 130km mountain bike trail network.
The BHRC mountain bike trails run across privately-owned working wine farms as well as conservation areas. The trails include jeep tracks and world-class single tracks.
Riders can now get in on the fun, with the MTB mid-year permit, now available online. The permit gives riders unlimited access to the trails until Sunday December 31.
“The next couple of months are ideal to explore the beautiful Renosterveld fynbos that blooms from now until October,” stated the BHRC.
Annual BHRC permit holders also have access to the family friendly Polkadraai Bike Park located on the Polkadraai farm, Stellenbosch.
The bike park offers a children’s track, pump track, flow, skills trail and fun line as well as catering facilities and is ideal for training, birthday parties or just a day out with friends.
Day permits (R70) are available at the various park-and-ride access points including the security kiosk at ASARA, Bellevue Wine Estate tasting room, Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate Pro Shop, Fort Simon tasting room, Babushka deli at Hazendal Estate, Neethlingshof Wine Estate tasting room, the Cellar Door at Jordan, Zevenwacht Wine Estate security and the Polkadraai Bike Park.
Engen Soneike, Shell Kruispad and the security gate at Dwars in die Weg on Devon Valley road are open 24/7, but those interested should check trading hours for the various starting points. Access points operate on a cashless Zapper payment system.
The BHRC currently has 50 members that contribute by following sustainable farming and wine production practices through the adoption of biodiversity guidelines by the South African wine industry.
Strong collaborations with organisations such as WWF Conservation Champions, Cape Nature, The Cape Leopard Trust, Conservation at Work, Cape Winelands District Municipality, and the Department of Agriculture enables the BHRC to expand its conservation and community development initiatives.
The MTB mid-year permit is available online at www.bottelaryconservancy.co.za at R500. Find the latest trail maps on the Trailforks app or online at www.trailforks.com/region/bottelary-hills-conservancy-mtb-trails/ or follow their social media pages.
