HARKERVILLE CYCLE ROUTE May 16th, 2013

Situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Harkerville forest is the ideal location for recreational mountain-biking. The relatively easy gradients and diversity of the rides offer some of the finest cycling in the Southern Cape.

Route Description

Four distinct routes have been laid out through indigenous forest, plantation and coastal fynbos and have been colour-coded Yellow, Blue, Green and Red giving a choice of ride distances. All four start and finish at the Garden of Eden, on the N2, where permits must be obtained. Alternative access roads are available, starting from the Kranshoek Road Gate, or the Kranshoek Picnic Site. Permits may also be obtained at the Kranshoek Road Gate during season only. Out of season permits are only obtainable at the Garden of Eden.

The Yellow Route: 14 Kilometers in length and takes about 1-1/4 hours to ride. The route follows graveled service roads and will be the only route open when other routes are closed due to wet soil conditions.

The Blue Route: Covers a distance of 12kilometers and takes about 1 ½ hours to complete. A section of 2 ½ kilometers along the Beukespad, a forest slip-path, leads the rider through some typical medium-moist high forest. The return part of the loop passes by a small glade of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) which we replanted in 1927.

The Green Route: 15 kilometers in length and takes about 2 ¼ hours to ride. This circuit follows the Grooteilanpad for several kilometers before turning eastwards into Water pad. On Water pad is a shady swimming hole which provides a pleasant stop-over. An alternative southward loop gives the cyclist an opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking view of the rugged Hakerville coast.

The homeward leg of the route takes the rider northwards along Kleineilandpad, then turns westward into Perdekoppad, a delightful section of off-road track which passes through some tall, coastal forest with a number of fine examples of Hard Pear (Oliniaventosa)

The Red Route: 24 kilometers in length and can take between 3 and 5 hours to ride. This route is much tougher than the other routes and can be difficult for the not so-fit rider. Probably the most scenically diverse mountain-bike route in the country, its two outstanding features are the long stretches of off-road track, which follow old slip-paths through the forest and section of track through the coastal fynbos near the cliff-line. Together these total over ten kilometers.

THE FOREST ENVIRONMENT

Remember, the forest is a workplace. Respect warning signs and keep clear of any operations and machinery. Although forest roads are quiet you should remain alert at all times for other vehicles and timber Lorries using the roads.Control your bicycle at all times. Do not ride too fast and do not lock up your back wheel when braking. It causes erosion.Strive to ride with minimal impact. Forests are used for a wide range of recreational activities. Cyclists must give way to hikers and horse riders.

Certain short sections of the Hakerville Cycle Routes share track with the Hakerville Coast Trail. Your attention will be drawn to the sections where overlap exists. Please ride slowly through these sections as you will be moving in the same direction as hikers. Make your presence known well in advance when approaching hikers. There are two short sections on the red route which traverse steep downhill slopes. Be careful here! Keep to the marked route. Never cut corners or leave the trail.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Always underestimate your ability and ensure that you are fully equipped to enjoy your cycling in safety. Changes in weather conditions and damage to the route by other users may result in increased difficulties. Be prepared to carry your bike over sections which are beyond your cycling ability.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Please carry your permit with you at all times. These must be obtained at the Garden of Eden or at the Kranshoek Road Gate

Overnight accommodation in the Harkerville Hut can be reserved at the Forestry Regional Office in Knysna. The tariff is R30.00 per person per night.

Office Hours 07:30- 17:00 Mondays to Sundays

Garden of Eden Tel: 044 532 7793 07:30 – 16:00 Mondays to Fridays

Regional Office Knysna Tel: 044 302 5606

Diepwalle Forest Station Tel: 044 382 9762

Harkerville Forest Station Tel: 044 532 7770

Note: Some cycle routes may be closed on short notice due to wet soil conditions.Please telephone the above numbers for information.

Running water is drinkable(The brown color of the water is due to tannins and humic acids leached from leaf litter on the forest floor)