Getting to know an area is often best on two wheels, and at Valverde, residents are perfectly placed to experience some of the Cape’s most celebrated cycling terrain. Cycling in these parts is big – and not only in the Helderberg. This means a community of people eager not only to help develop the sport, but also to embrace riders at all skill levels.
The Wine Lands Cycle Cycling Club comprises one of the largest networks of cycling routes in the Cape. Members of the Southern division have year-round access to 180km of trails alone. Its regional ticket expands that access dramatically to over 1 400km of trails.
The latter was conceived in an agreement between Banhoek Conservancy, Bottelary Hills Conservancy, Elgin Valley Trails, Franschhoek Wine Valley Trail, Paarl Trails, Wellington Trails, Stellenbosch Trail Fund, MTO Jonkershoek and Van Loveren Java, Muratie Wine Estate, and the Breedekloof Valley (UniWines and Du Toitskloof) trails to allow access to all these networks for Wine Lands Trails regional permit holders.
The trails can, however, be accessed by purchasing ad-hoc permits too.
Many of the routes under its purview are not just open for athletes on two wheels, but also to hikers and trail runners. For road cycling, the Wine Lands Cycling Club is very active in this regard, too. The club regularly organises road cycling rides and events, making the active outdoor lifestyle associated with Valverde feel effortlessly accessible year-round.
A new world to explore – on and off-road
Banhoek Conservancy – The area located between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek was established by a group of farmers to protect the environment, uplift the community and re-establish a balance between human activities and nature. It comprises permanently marked off-road trails for multisport athletes.
Bottelary Hills Conservancy – This fynbos-rich area, characterised by famous wine farms and areas of magnificent wilderness, lies between Stellenbosch and Kuilsriver. It incorporates some 120km of jeep tracks and single-track trails. The heart of the region is the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy, whose flora is primarily made up of Renosterveld. Game such as caracal, grysbok, grey duiker, porcupine, bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes and otters still occur naturally.
Elgin Valley Trails – Elgin is home to some of South Africa’s most celebrated mountain biking terrain. Its cool climate is as ideal for cycling as it is for making the outstanding wines that emanate from the region. Riders pass through beautiful natural scenery, forests of oaks, vineyards, orchards and cattle pastures, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Groenlandberg mountains. Among the most prominent starting points is Oak Valley, a farm known for its well-maintained single track. For Valverde residents, it’s an easy day out into another remarkable part of the greater Winelands region.
Franschhoek Wine Valley Trail – The spectacular mountains surrounding the Berg River Dam in Franschhoek are a mountain biker’s heaven. There are several elevated lookout points for the best views overlooking the Boland valleys and the landscape towards the ocean. On clear days, you can also see Table Mountain from here.
Paarl Trails – A significant portion of the region’s trails is located in Paarl, whose resident club members have invested substantial passion and energy into the world-class experiences on offer. The extensive network allows for mountain biking, hiking and running for all skill levels. Premium bicycle rentals, including mountain bikes, e-bikes and gravel bikes, are also available here.
Wellington Trails – A neighbour of Paarl, Wellington’s location against the Drakenstein Mountains makes for numerous dramatic cycling experiences. Among them, you can take cycling tours as a group as part of a guided wine tasting tour.
Stellenbosch Trail Fund – The Stellenbosch Trail Fund is a community organisation that maintains several of the town’s natural resources, including the upper reaches of the Eerste River and hiking, biking and running trails in and around Stellenbosch. It’s a useful source of information if you’re new to the region or settling into life at Valverde.
MTO Jonkershoek – Situated in the Hottentots Holland mountain range on the edge of Stellenbosch town, MTO Trails offers all types of outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore the mountains and forests on a dirt track. It has over 48km of single track and 74km of jeep track that weave across fynbos-covered valleys.
Muratie Wine Estate – Single-track and trail-running routes on this renowned Stellenbosch wine farm and around Stellenbosch’s famous Simonsberg Mountain are managed by adventure company Dirtopia, which has an office at the trailhead.
Closer to home
The lion’s share of membership from the Helderberg is Wine Lands South. This permit provides access to trails on the wine farms along the foot of the Helderberg Mountains. For Valverde homeowners, it’s an ideal starting point for newcomers keen to avoid tarred roads and explore the farms, vineyards and wilderness that define the surrounding region.
Further afield
Membership of the Wine Lands Cycle Club includes benefits that extend to the Breedekloof and Breede River Valley, some 90 minutes from the Helderberg region.
The Van Loveren Java begins and ends at the Van Loveren wine farm. There are three mountain bike routes with elevated views of the farm and the valley. The routes range from an easy scenic route for families to routes of intermediate difficulty that will keep fitter riders occupied for a few hours. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the farm.
Furthermore, in the Breedekloof, the region is one of South Africa’s premier winemaking regions and incorporates towns and areas such as Worcester, Rawsonville and the Slanghoek Valley. Trails are spread throughout the region, taking full advantage of a diversity of landscapes. Popular starting points include UniWines and the Du Toitskloof winery – yet another reason Valverde is so well positioned for an outdoor-focused Winelands lifestyle.
