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Mountain Bike
Rentals |
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Bike
Shops
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Hike n Bike
Saldanha
T: 022 714 2932
Frankia Fietse
Vredenburg
(022) 713 5184 |
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Closest Town |
Piketberg |
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Technical Rating |
Intermediate
to advanced, loose rocky surface can make climbing and
descending tricky |
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Fitness Rating |
High, the
climb is very steep in places |
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Distances |
35km from
Aurora |
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GPS coordinates |
32° 42' 15"
S, 18° 29' 05" E |
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Route Composition |
85 % jeep
track, 15 % gravel/sand road, Ascent 900m |
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Route Type |
There and
back |
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Trail Head |
Aurora town |
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How to get there |
From Cape
Town City Center, Take N1 (Paarl) On ramp, Take N7
off-ramp to Malmsbury, take Veldrif/De Hoek turn off
left (just before Piketberg), approximately 25km on turn
off right to Aurora, 15km further on the town is on your
right. |
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Parking and access |
Park in the
own at Café, Restaurant or Church |
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Entry Fees |
None its a
public access road, but respect land owners land on the
mountain |
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Accommodation |
Accommodation Piketberg
Accommodation West Coast
Mountainmist Self Catering Accommodation |
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Facilities |
None, Cafe
is usually open normal business hours
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Be careful of |
Heat in
summer, snakes –
especially Sept – Mar, cars at the hairpin bends |
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Contact Details |
Mountainmist for weather and conditions
LIVE2RIDE for trail map
and guide |
Description
Aurora meaning "dawning of a new day" sits on the
western edge of the Piketberg. Surrounded by Sandveld
the contrast of the mountain is striking and provides a
perfect environment for fynbos and Proteas. The trail is
challenging, climbing about 800m in less than 15km, but
the amazing vistas and views all the way up the mountain
make this a unique cycling experience. From the top
there is only one way and that is down the long flowing
downhill back into the town.
Climb forever and
descend forever
The total distance is
just under 40km with half going up and the other half
coming down. Head out of town towards Redelinghuis and
then take the Sun Mountain Farm turn off to the right
and start the real climb. A gradual uphill out of town
is ideal for warming up the legs before the main climb.
With just 2km into the main climb you will be wondering
if you will make the rest of the 15km. This steep loose
rocky section requires balance and power. Midway it
levels out and reaches the alpine like shady oasis of
Sun Mountain Guest Farm, perfect for a rest stop.
The second half of the
climb is more gradual continuing along the narrow dirt
road winding its way up the western edge of the
mountain. With the summit in sight the final section is
a mountain top retreat with breathtaking views, this is
private property so best check with the owners for
access. The cool crisp mountain air is refreshing
compared to the pressing heat down below. The descent is
long and winding with some fast and tricky sections. The
final section tests brakes and strength as concentration
is required to stay in control.
Stay over at the
comfortable self catering accommodation on top of the
mountain, Sun Mountain Guest Farm and explore the
mountain and the network of dirt roads below. For
availability contact us. |
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