A Mountain Biking Gem in Muldersdrift
If you’re on the hunt for a great place to ride near Johannesburg, the Avianto Trails at the Avianto Clubhouse in Muldersdrift should definitely be on your radar. It’s a beautiful spot with trails for all skill levels, plus some awesome extras that make it a perfect day out. Let’s break it down so you can plan your visit.
Where to Find It
The Avianto Trails are based at the Avianto Clubhouse in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, at Plot 69, Driefontein Road. It’s an easy 30-minute drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, so you can get there without much hassle. The trails run along the Crocodile River, surrounded by the Zwartkoppies hills, giving you that peaceful countryside vibe with rolling hills all around. You’ll enter via Villa Road, and there’s plenty of parking available. Just pop the address into Waze or Google Maps, and you’ll be set.
Types of Trails
One of the best things about Avianto Trails is how they cater to everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a challenge, there’s a trail for you:
- Red Kiddies Loop (2.5 km): This one’s great for little kids, even those on balance bikes. It doesn’t cross any roads, so it’s a safe option for young riders.
- White Loop (6 km): If you’re new to mountain biking or want something easy, this loop sticks to wider jeep tracks and dirt roads—nothing too tricky.
- Green Loops (12 km each – East and West): These are perfect for intermediate riders. They follow the same path as the blue route but take easier detours to skip the tougher sections.
- Blue Intermediate Loop (19 km): This is the main trail and a favorite for many. It’s about 80% single-track, with well-maintained paths, some solid climbs, and fast descents. You’ll also come across cool features like an old train track and tunnel, which add a bit of history to your ride.
- Black Sections (off the Blue Loop): For advanced riders, these sections are more technical and built for those who want a real challenge.
The trails aren’t just for biking—they’re open to trail runners and hikers too. Plus, they’re pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along (just make sure to have a leash and a poop scoop handy).
Trail Fees
You’ll need to pay a small fee at the Avianto Clubhouse, which sits right by the river and has a great view:
- Day Ride Fee: It’s R30 per person, based on the last known price from 2014. That might have gone up a bit, so it’s worth checking ahead.
- Membership Option: Avianto offers a Biogen Sports Park Membership, which gives you unlimited trail access, plus use of the Clubhouse, tennis courts, outdoor gym, and pool. If you spend R125 a month at the Clubhouse or Café Cielo, you can ride for free—a pretty good deal if you plan to visit often.
To get the latest pricing, give them a call at +27 11 668 3000 before you head out.
Amenities at the Clubhouse
The Avianto Clubhouse is a great hub for your visit, with plenty of amenities to make your day even better:
- Showers and Changing Rooms: They’ve got these available for freshening up after your ride, though it’s a good idea to confirm they’re open when you arrive.
- Swimming Pool: There’s a pool to cool off in, which is awesome after a sweaty ride.
- Kiddies’ Play Area: They have a trampoline and other activities for kids, making it a family-friendly spot.
- Tennis Courts and Outdoor Gym: If you want to mix things up, you can use these facilities too.
- Bar and Braai Area: There’s a fully licensed bar, and you can braai if you’re in the mood for a meal.
- Picnic Spots: You can order picnic baskets from reception to enjoy by the river, but note that you can’t bring your own picnic or drinks (except water if you’re walking).
- Parking: There’s lots of parking, and it’s easy to find—just follow the signs off Villa Road.
The Clubhouse is open from 6 AM to 2 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, so it’s a great spot for a weekend adventure.
Where to Find Trail Maps
Finding a trail map can help you plan your ride, and while there’s no direct link to one, here are a few places to look:
- Trailforks: They have a page for Avianto MTB Trails where you can find details on the routes, like the Avianto 14 trail and some connectors. You might be able to download a GPX file there.
- Fedgroup Trails Website: The Fedgroup MTB trails run through Avianto, and their site has info on trail conditions and permits.
- Avianto’s Website: Check out their Sportspark page at www.avianto.co.za for more details on the trails and facilities.
Apps like Trailforks or Strava might also have user-uploaded maps if you’re looking for more options.
What the Trails Are Like
The Avianto Trails are a real treat to ride, with a mix of natural beauty and fun terrain. When you arrive, a guard will direct you to the parking area on the left. Look for a yellow road sign with an arrow pointing down—that’s where you start. You’ll head down a steep hill through the lower parking lot, cross a bridge over the Crocodile River, and then climb up to the Clubhouse to pay your fee and get going.
The Blue Route (19 km) is the star of the show. It’s mostly single-track, with well-maintained paths that are surprisingly grippy—no loose gravel to worry about here. You’ll tackle some good climbs, enjoy fast descents, and ride through varied terrain with rolling hills. One of the coolest parts is the old train track and tunnel you’ll pass through—it adds a bit of history to the experience. For more advanced riders, the black sections off the blue loop offer a technical challenge.
If you’re new to biking, the White Loop (6 km) is a great starting point, sticking to jeep tracks and dirt roads. The Green Loops (12 km each) are a nice step up, following the blue route but with easier paths around the harder sections. For families, the Red Kiddies Loop (2.5 km) is a safe, short option for young kids.
You’re never more than 2 km from the Clubhouse, so if you run into trouble—like a flat tire or a crash—help isn’t far away. The trails are also great for running or walking, and they’re pet-friendly, so you might see some dogs out there enjoying the day too.
How People Rate It (1 to 5)
Here’s what others have said about the Avianto Trails, based on reviews from places like Tripadvisor:
- The Trails: Most riders give the trails a 4.5/5. They love the single-track, the variety, and unique features like the train track and tunnel. It’s often called a hidden gem for mountain biking.
- Amenities and Vibe: The Clubhouse and facilities are generally well-liked, but some people mention inconsistent service—like cold food at Café Cielo or maintenance issues in the hotel part of Avianto. That brings it down to about a 4/5.
- Value for Money: At R30 a ride, it’s a great deal, earning a 4.5/5 for affordability.
- Overall: When you average it out, the experience gets a 4.3/5. The trails are the highlight, but the service at the broader Avianto estate can be hit or miss.
Coffee Shops Nearby
After your ride, you’ll probably want to grab a coffee, and there are a few options:
- Café Cielo at Avianto: This is right at the Avianto Hotel, open every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It’s tucked under some oak trees, so it’s a peaceful spot to sip a coffee or grab a bite. They serve South African dishes, but some folks have mentioned the service can be spotty—like food coming out cold or the staff being slow. Still, it’s super convenient.
- Other Nearby Spots: Muldersdrift has a small-town feel with farms and eateries, but specific coffee shops aren’t widely listed. You could try the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, about 4 miles away, which might have a café, or head towards Krugersdorp or Roodepoort for more options. A quick search for “coffee shops in Muldersdrift” should give you some ideas.
Wrapping Up
The Avianto Trails are a fantastic spot for mountain biking, trail running, or a scenic walk in Muldersdrift’s countryside. With trails for all skill levels, affordable fees, and a Clubhouse packed with amenities, it’s a great place to spend a day—whether you’re riding, hanging out with family, or bringing your dog along. The scenery is stunning, and the historical touches like the train track and tunnel make it extra special. Just keep in mind that the service at Avianto can be a bit inconsistent, especially if you’re eating at Café Cielo. Stop by for a coffee, soak in the views, and enjoy a great outdoor adventure.
What do you think of the Avianto Trails? Drop a comment below if you’ve been—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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