The new trails opened to mountain bikers today link the existing Table Mountain trails around Rhodes Memorial to Constantia Nek. This has come about after years of negotiation between SANParks and interested parties.
To follow the trail, riders need to exit the Table Mountain trails at Rhodes Memorial and follow the M3 bike path towards Newlands Forest. As always, please be aware of pedestrians and dogs as this is a very popular walking and running route. After the entrance to the parking for Newlands Forest, riders need to follow signage and take a right turn up the next road. You will then come to a locked gate: the code for the combination lock is on the back of the signage, it is important to note this.
Remember that the password for the lock on the gate is on the route signage
From here the trail climbs steadily, and there are some interesting technical sections to keep your climbing (or descending) skills sharp. Before entering Kirstenbosch at the top of the climb, there is a steep downhill which for most will be a portage section.
There are some interesting rocky climbs in the lower Newlands Forest section
Keep a sharp look out for dogs and pedestrians
The entrance to the portage section before crossing into Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch have put in some serious work to the trails traversing the gardens, there are bridges, the trails are bedded with woodchips, and have a good flow. Be warned however, that there are some very steep sections.
Luckily some of the steeper climbs are paved
After following the upper jeep track path through Kirstenbosch, you will enter Cecilia Forest on a purpose built trail lined with woodchips. Your legs may be protesting a bit by now, but most of the climbing is done, and the views are absolutely incredible.
Don't forget to enjoy the view as you enter Cecilia Forest
The final stretch to Constantia Nek is on jeep tracks, commonly used by hikers and dog walkers, so please be aware and considerate, and resist the temptation to bomb too fast around blind corners.
You have the option of continuing to the Constantia Nek Circle for a coffee a La Parada, or taking a left turn at the fork to head down to the cork tree trails alongside Rhodes Drive, where you can follow the trail all the way to the Cecilia Forest car park or pop over Rhodes Drive at the Southern Cross Drive intersection to connect to the greenbelt network that links to Tokai.
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Comments
Meezo, Dec 01 2016 03:53
nice!
rock, Dec 01 2016 03:57
Never thought I'd see the day. Well done to all who made this happen. Please let these trails be safe from criminals.
PET3RS, Dec 01 2016 04:19
:-)
Headshot, Dec 01 2016 04:23
Nice! And a good pictorial guide of how to get to the start points!!
leaboy, Dec 01 2016 04:30
so rad!
liebenw, Dec 01 2016 04:34
can't wait to try it out? What is the rule on night rides on this trail?
Myles Mayhew, Dec 01 2016 04:35
None whatsoever. Allowed, that is.
Blackheart, Dec 01 2016 05:04
Fantastic! Big thank you to all involved in making this happen.
Please, please everyone now do their own part to make this a long term success.
Blackheart, Dec 01 2016 05:08
I assume the trails are rideable in both directions?
JeremyCPT, Dec 01 2016 05:22
Your assumption is correct
Mntboy, Dec 01 2016 06:39
So stoked that this has become a reality! Can't wait to ride this route!Sent from my SM-J200H using Tapatalk
nich the d, Dec 01 2016 09:27
Great guide! Thanks to all those who made this possible...dirtypot, Dec 01 2016 09:57
None whatsoever is allowed or regarding the night riding rules, there are none whatsoever?
Your post is a bit ambiguous.
Myles Mayhew, Dec 01 2016 10:11
sorry - codeine coming home to roost.
No night riding allowed on TMNP land. Doesn't stop people doing it, though.
DJR, Dec 01 2016 10:23
Definitely doing it this weekend......oh wait........not until they open Tokai will I buy an activity card! So, SANParks, open TOKAI! Please! If you can get this done, you can get Tokai going!
rider#35, Dec 01 2016 10:27
awesome stuff, will be incorporating this into a commute - great to see Meurant checking his strava times already!
that's not fully correct is it?
- deer park et al can have night riding?
- tokai forest will have to old nightriding rules?
nickelass, Dec 02 2016 05:07
nice pictures!makes me want to ride this right this now!Man with no name, Dec 02 2016 06:42
Great result. Thanks PPA and TMNP and all other parties involved. Cant wait to ride these shortly!Sent from my SM-T561 using Tapatalk
Simon123, Dec 02 2016 10:20
Itching to get back into SA and hit this. Been doing Greenbelt loop twice a week, will be nice to cross the road at the old jumps at the top of Southern Cross Drive and ride all the way to Rhodes Mem for a cup of tea and then back home to Tokai.
Which parts need an Activity Card? Same boat as others, will not renew until the c*nts holding back the opening of Tokai, well, open Tokai.
Myles Mayhew, Dec 02 2016 11:58
Bugger.
I'm going home.
cerveloi9, Dec 02 2016 03:06
Brilliant work everyone! Well done
'Dale, Dec 02 2016 03:11
Don't piss off the manicured doggies 🐶 and their owners now 😇DJR, Dec 02 2016 05:59
I was walking my dog there recently and a woman with four dogs (too many for her to control) threatened me with a tazer because my one wanted to sniff her ones. People!
lechatnoir, Dec 02 2016 07:21
Ima gone git me one of them there EMM TEE BEES and ride it all over them there hills!!
'Dale, Dec 02 2016 08:43
That's how furballs greet
Wtf 😲