Rietvlei MTB Trail Review

[mtbonline]

Thanks to Anton for putting this review together.

Rietvlei, in the east of Pretoria, have 2 trails in the angling section of the reserve. One trail is on the dam east bank (Sunset) and the other is located on the west bank (Sunrise). Neither is particularly technical but it does provide some nice safe riding if you live in the east and just have a hour or two daylight to use in the afternoon. Entrance is R10. They started at R20 but luckily listened to some feedback and reduced it. Annual permits is also on the cards.

The east bank route is flat single track with the odd hole and jump. Not technical at all and well suited to the beginner. It follows a loop and is ~5 km in length. Doing 4-5 loops after work at pace provides a decent workout. The ground on most of the trail is bumpy and hardpacked so rain does not drain away easily. The route is marked well and to fit the 5km distance into the space it trurns back on itself meaning you will see a lot of your buddies even if you manage to drop them, or they you.

The west bank route is also mostly single track but against the slopes of the koppie at the dam wall. This route is not very well marked and it is overgrown easily during the rainy season. The length is ~5Km and it contains one steep climb on a jeep track. Because most of the trail is located on the slope of the koppie standing water in the rain is not really a problem but the climb up the jeep track can become a river. This is also the camp where they keep the horses during certain times of the day/week so you might have to lift your bike over the fence at the starting point (there is an entrance for you to pass though).

Using any of the two, or both, trails is worth the R10. Since both trails is located at the angling section of the reserve you will not encounter any wildlife expect maybe the odd tortoise. For variety and technicality it cannot be compared to Groenkloof but for a quick morning or afternoon training ride it is ideal. I'm lucky enough to live 5Km from the dam so I use the ride there as part of my training.