Joberg2C Day 6 – Clifton – Nottingham Rd to Glencairn Farm – Sani Pass Road
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Distance: 98km
Ascent: 2o22m
Descent: 1997m
Day 6 is brand new – It is an easier day overall than the previous day 6 but there are one or two steep surprises, which are seriously steep but more importantly there are some sections of single track happiness to seriously put a smile on the dial.
Our aim is was to add variation which is always the spice of a mountain bikers life.
There will be a controlled start through the village of Nottingham Rd as we get onto the Fort Nottingham road we head for the mountains. You will appreciate some free k’s on tar that turns into district road before turning off into serious back country tracks and trails never before been ridden.
The first climb of the day is the steepest climb on joBerg2c. It is only 2km long but has sections where the handle bar will touch your nose. It is called Gumtree climb: not only are you surrounded by gumtrees but after this climb you will want to sell your bike so Gumtree is a fitting name.
After the climb you will plateau onto some truly special farm lands. You will feel the remoteness and peacefulness of Ivanhoe Farm, one of the biggest farming operations in the land. You will also find water point 1 conveniently placed after your mammoth climb.
As you pass through William Bryant’s farm on the edge-of-the-world it will be time to experience Harrison’s pass – a piece of trail created by the Harrison brothers literally on the edge of the mountain that will make you very happy to be alive.
Whizzing down through the tribal land you will come into Chief Zuma territory. It will be Heritage day so expect lots of people around. Please don’t offer the kids sweets this causes problems. Through the tribal village we cross the Nzinga River as we climb to our next section of special riding Rock and Roll: a 6km section of free wheeling trail with more than one rock to contend with. You will rock and roll down to the Umkomaas. Not the last time you will cross this mighty river.
From the Umkomaas it is a bit of a toil to the Sappi Forest section where Water Point 2 will fuel you up for the last part of the day.
You will enter Slow Poison a proper gradual climb in the forest that goes on and on and on but the reward at the end of the tunnel of trees is a super fast descent on the brand new So Sappi trail carved by Glenn Harrison. This 3km trail will be one of the highlights of your journey. It was even a blast unfinished on the dry run. When it settles you will be in single track heaven.
You will go through the picturesque Vendoon farm and Jack Lund’s as you work your way to one of the most restful stops at Glencairn farm. You will relaxing on green pastures with full view of the Drakensberg (if there is no mist). You will have made day 6 – three days to go.
Day 6 is tough but it is different all the way and should keep you interested from start to finish. Your hosts from Underberg school will feed you up for the sani2c route which awaits.