A new mountain biking flow trail stretching 1.3 kilometres was recently opened on the Plaisir de Merle wine estate. The flow trail is a downhill project with small jumps and berms, which aims to improve riders’ skills and grow the local riding community.
The mid-section of the Plaisir de Merle flow trail, which aims to improve the skills of beginner and advanced mountain bikers. PHOTO: James Cameron Heron
This was according to Frankie du Toit, manager of Hellsend Bike Compound, a Stellenbosch mountain biking company that contributed to the construction of the trail. While the construction of the trail finished on 10 May, there are plans to extend and improve on the trail in the near future, said Rose Jordaan, owner of Plaisir de Merle wine estate.
“We’re really excited to utilize [the flow trail] to grow the sport a bit more, and to push it into the right direction,” said Du Toit.
The trail is a smooth, fast-paced ride that caters to the needs of both beginner and advanced riders, according to Du Toit.
“It’s built in a way that makes it very rideable for everyone, not just for gravity riders. It’s not super steep, there are no big jumps – everything is rideable,” said Du Toit.
One of the small jumps on the trail, which can be used by riders with different skill levels. The trail is set to become one of the longest in South Africa. PHOTO: James Cameron Heron
The trail is the newest addition to the existing 16 kilometres of mountain biking trails that run through the Plaisir vineyards, according to Jordaan. It was once inaccessible private land, but is now open to the local mountain biking community, she said.
“We are mountain bikers, and we wanted to share our land and allow people to come onto it,” said Jordaan.
The new trail is currently 1.3 kilometres long, but there are plans to extend it to 4 kilometres in length, according to Jordaan. Extending the trail down towards the trail centre near the bottom of the Plaisir de Merle wine estate will make it the longest flow trail in the country, she added.
“This flow trail is going to be the longest and the best in South Africa – no doubt,” said Jordaan.
Drone footage showing the entire flow trail on the Plaisir de Merle wine estate. The potential extension of the track will reach the estate’s trail centre. VIDEO: Supplied/TheTrailsCrew
The new singletrack, set within the Stellenbosch scenery, was well received by Matt Lombardi, the South African Enduro Mountain Biking Champion. He recently tested the trail.
“To have another lengthy single track both up and down, with great scenery, is always welcomed. I liked the diversity of the trail, weaving between vineyards, tight ravines, and even some forest sections,” said Lombardi.
The trail is still new to the Stellenbosch mountain biking community, and news of its potential extension is an exciting prospect for local riders, according to Lombardi.
“It’s already impressive, so to have it go down to the trail centre would be unreal. It would attract the kids, and even skills coaches,” said Lombardi. “I can see it becoming a popular venue on the weekends for sure,” he added.
Plaisir de Merle flow trail being ridden by local Stellenbosch mountain bikers. VIDEO: Supplied/plaisirwineestate