HOMTINI CYCLE ROUTE

This cycle route has been planned for mountain-bikes and includes a number of single-track sections. Most of the route follows relatively easy contours, but for a short, steep section between kilometers five and nine. This Climb is though and should be taken slowly. The cycle route is named Homtini, a Khoi word meaning “the passage” or “difficult passage”, which probably refers to the narrow gorges of the Homtini River which lie to the immediate west of Portland Heights.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The starting and finishing point of the 19kilometre circular route is at the Krisjan-se-nek picnic site, approximately two kilometers from the Goudveld State Forest entrance boom. This site offers excellent, shady parking and has a water point.

From the start one proceeds northward along the Millwood Road for about 400 meters before turning right onto Pomp-se-pad, a forest track. This leads the cyclist through some scenic high-forest for three kilometers before breaking away onto Deurpad, an old slip-path. Deurpad is single-track and provides some exhilarating, and fairly rapid descents to the forest margin.

Once out of the forest you entre plantation areas, and traverse these for one kilometer.

Just short of the five kilometer mark, the route turns sharp left and descents to the Lawn wood river. A shallow swimming-hole can be found on the down –stream side of the small bridge. On a hot day it is advisable to take plunge (and a long drink) as this stream is at the foot of a very though climb up on the main ridges of Portland Heights. For the fit, this climb, of 310 meters (1017feet) is merely a challenge-for mortals however, it is a little more taxing and takes about forty minutes to crest.

At the top, the rider is rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the southern Cape. A panorama over the Knysna river gorge and Lilyvlei forest with the Knysna Heads as a distant backdrop.

From here onwards, the ride is easy and follows the contours as it traverses the northern slopes of Portland heights. Expansive views to the north down on the hills and valleys of the Millwood goldfields which fell quite over a century ago.

At fourteen kilometer mark the cycle route enters the forest once more and leads the rider down an exciting section of single-track to Boer-se-pad.

Boer-se-pad is an old forest track which traverses the southern slopes of Portland heights and is a delight to ride. It runs through sections of wet forest and at one point crosses a white-water stream, one of the few in southern Cape. The water is perfectly safe to drink as it seeps out of the forest.

Boer-se-pad is an old forest track which traverses the southern slopes of Portland heights and is a delight to ride. It runs through sections of wet forest and at one point crosses a white-water stream, one of the few in Southern Cape. The water is perfectly safe to drink as it seeps out the forest.

At the 18kilometer mark the route re-joins the Millwood road and heads southward toward Krisjan-se-nek and heads southward toward Krisjan-se-nek and the end of the ride.

The entire circuit takes a rider of average fitness about two hours- but to enjoy the scenery and easy sections to the full aim for three.

THE FOREST ENVIRONMENT

Follow clear trails only- this will prevent losing your way. Shortcuts cause erosion.

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.

Forests are used for a wide range of recreational activities. Cyclists give way to walkers and horse riders.

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.

FOREST CODE

Guard against all risk of fire

Protect trees, plants and wildlife

Leave things as you find them, take nothing away

Avoid damaging route-markers and signs

Leave no litter

Observe signs and for you own safety keep clear of forestry operations. Finally, respects the peace and quiet of the forestlands avoid disturbing others.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Please carry your permit with you at all times. These are available for a normal fee at the boom. During off-season periods (when the boom is unmanned) entry is gratis BUT please sign in.

Do not leave the marked cycle route.

The route is open between dawn and dusk. Do not, however, start your ride after 14:00 in the winter and 15:00 in summer.

OFFICE HOURS

Farleigh Tel: 044 356 9019 Fax: 044 356 9028 07:30-13:00/ 13:30-16:00

PLEASE CARRY YOUR PERMIT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.

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)