Mountain Biking Paarl
Mountain Biking Paarl
Summertime is the perfect time of the year to hit the beautiful mountain biking trails Paarl has to offer.
Whether you just want an outing for the day or make a weekend of it, there is a network of cycling routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Some routes even offer overnight facilities. Those going for a day trip can stop off at a scenic picnic area with panoramic views of Paarl.
The Jan Phillips mountain road offers 35km of adrenaline filled excitement, driving past he three enormous 500 million year old granite rocks, Paarl, Bretagne and Gordon, the second largest granite outcrop in the world. Starting off in Northern Paarl, driving past the Christmas camp and ending off in Southern Paarl, this route takes approximately 2 ½ hours. You might even be lucky and get to see the indigenous Cape Sugarbird or Protea Seedeater. You can also make a pit stop at the Millwater Wild Flower Garden where 15 species of Protea can be viewed.
Families can also take shorter routes that range from 4 – 20km, starting at the entrance to Paarl Nature reserve. These are easy routes with no serious climbs.
Those just visiting Paarl for the weekend, can also hire a mountain bike for the day.
Paarl also hosts a few mountain biking events. The Paarl Rotary’s Bouckaert-Soenen race starts at Brug Street and offers a 45km race round Paarl Mountain. There is also a shorter 19km route and a road cycling race. All proceeds from this cycling event are used for the benefit of projects supported by Paarl Rotary.
The Buffet Olives MTB Classic takes you through beautiful olive groves and spectators are welcome to picnic under the trees and watch the fun.
This race has short to long routes and even a 5km route for the little ones. Spectators are welcome to picnic under the trees and watch the fun.
Paarl offers routes for mountain biking enthusiasts of all fitness levels. The skidding, pedalling and sweating your way up and down the various routes will definitely make you return, not only to ride, but also to enjoy the array of food, wine, fauna & flora and sites that you can only experience in the breath taking Paarl Valley
Click below for some exciting routes for you to explore.
Click here to visit Cycle Lab – Cycle Lab stores offer a comprehensive range of cycling related products for everyone with excellent back-up and support through their workshops, bike set-ups and knowledgeable and trained staff catering for the whole family and all levels of cyclist, from recreational to professional.
Thanks to Trevor Clift for permission to use the Route information
Photos by Jerard van der Walt