PETRUS SE BRAND CYCLE ROUTE

This route has been planned for mountain bike riders of average fitness and covers a distance of just over 24 kilometers.

You may begin your ride at the Diepwalle Forest Station office of from the Garden-of-Eden. The recommended direction is, however, from north to south (i.e. Diepwalle to Garden-of-Eden); it is slightly easier, due to the fall in elevation.

Those riding from Diepwalle can check-in at the Diepwalle Forest Station Office, whilst riders choosing the northbound option must obtain their permits at a nominal fee from the kiosk at the Garden-of-Eden (08:00 to 17:00) or at the Forestry Regional Office, at Demar Centre, in the Main Street of Knysna.

If you are cycle fit, the southbound route can be ridden in one hour and twenty minutes (cycling time). The so-called average rider should complete the distance in two hours.

Those who wish to ride at a more leisurely pace (i.e. family group) should allow for about three hours of riding. Add time for breaks (e.g. for viewing scenery, lunch breaks or swims.) Pace yourself: (Southbound)

Those riding northward from the Garden-of-Eden to Diepwalle will take a little longer.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

From north to south

Please note that all the route-markers are designed for those riding south. Markers are, however, visible for those riding in the opposite direction.

The ride starts at the Diepwalle Forest Station office, which is just off the Uniondale road (R339) 22 kilometers from Knysna. This is the highest point on the route at 533 meters above sea-level.

After a short decent from the Forest Station office and a few kilometers down the Uniondale Road, the route breaks away to the left, at a point 2.8 kilometers from the start. Keep a sharp lookout for the route-marker on the left.

The track now follows the contoured bed of the old narrow-gauge forest-railway line which used to run from Ysterhoutrug to Knysna. For a little over one kilometer one rides on this contour before reaching the Tee-junction with the Petrusbrandpad.

At this point turn left to begin a long descent to the Petrusbrand River (a downhill run of about two and a half kilometers)

Once over the river, which is actually a very small stream, the winding ascent towards Petrusbrand eiland starts. The climb is well contoured and most of the rises can be taken quite comfortably (the less fit can simply drop down a few more gears!)

On this section of the route one rides through some beautiful medium-moist to dry type forest. Many of the old yellowwoods (Podocarpus Latifolius) are crowned with “Old man’s beard” (Usneaspp.)

The contrast is amazing; after riding beneath the forest canopy for about ten kilometers, one is suddenly out in the open. On a bright winter’s day the difference is marked- the cool depths of the forest give way to the warm, bright sunshine.

Kleinand makes a good resting point and on a clear day the view over the Tsitsikama Mountains and a distant Plettenberg Bay is spectacular.

After a break, one re-enters the forest and begins the winding descent into the Kleineiland river valley. The road surface is fairly cobbled over this stretch and some care must be exercised.

At the bottom one crosses a small low-water bridge. Upstream of the bridge are a number of shallow “swimming holes” which are a pleasure in the summer, but rather cool in the depths of winter. The water is unusually clear; fro the stream rises in the forest, and not in the fynbos which tends to give the Cape streams their characteristic, black color.

This point is the lowest on the route at 180 meters above sea-level, and signals the start of a fairly severe climb. Over the following four kilometers one gains 190 meters (623 feet) in altitude. If taken easily, however, in the lowest gear ratios, the bellows cope quite happily.

At +- 17.6 kilometer, one tees into the main Kafferkop- Fisanthoekroad, which is a public road. Turn right and ride for 1.2 kilometers where you will notice the route turns left into the forest and follows an old timber slip-path for 3.4 kilometers. This is probably the most exciting section of the cycle route as it winds through the forest offering some fast single-track sections. An alternative route follows the Fisanthoek road to the N2.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Please carry your permit with you at all times.

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.

Please do not leave the marked cycle route.

Protect fauna and Flora

Guard against all risk of fire

Prevent pollution (e.g. noise, litter)

No pets or firearms

Take only memories and photographs, leave only footprints

Obey all route markers and signs

PERSONAL SAFETY

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

Always underestimate your ability and ensure that you are fully equipped to enjoy your ride in safety

Remember the forest is a workplace- respect warning signs and keep clear of any forestry operations

OFFICE HOURS

Diepwalle

Tel: 044 382 9762 Fax: 044 382 9764 07:00-13:00 / 13:30-16:00

PLEASE CARRY YOUR PERMIT WITH YO 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