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 Mountain
biking on the west coast is an ever changing
experience, the vast range of road conditions, weather
patterns and fauna and flora always make it
interesting.
Terrain
Ground and
surface types on the west coast vary greatly for
mountain biking. There is everything from sand and
loose gravel, to hard packed calcrete and corrugated
roads, to rocky climbs and marshy vleis, to
coastal and mountainous single track. The cool
moist winter months mean that many of the sandy tracks
become rideable for 3-4 months of the year, allowing
for a variety of fynbos single track routes.
Weather
The west coast is suitable for mountain biking all
year round. The
temperate and relatively windless spring and autumn
months make for extremely pleasant cycling, and this
is probably the best time of year. The summer
months are cooled by the prevailing southerly winds
that guarantee a big blue sky and rainless summer
season. On windless days temperatures inland can be
scorching so early morning rides are the way to
go.
 Typically a winter rain fall region the west
coast receives most of its low rainfall in the space
of 3-4 months. One of the best kept secrets around is
that the West coast is the ultimate winter riding
destination. Its not too cold or too wet and is just
right for long pleasant days of mountain biking. No real
thermal wear is necessary, a normal cycling shirt
with a wind breaker/rain shield is adequate for the
odd chilly morning and also suitable for a windy
summers day.
Flora
& Fauna
The flora
undergoes a dramatic change from the brown grass in
summer to the lush green vegetation in winter. This
growth spurt in winter results in amazing displays of
wild flowers in the spring months. These flowers are
everywhere and any ride in the west coast region is almost
guaranteed a to pass through a colourful flower field. Along with
the flowers come weeds and thorns. By the beginning of
summer the devil thorns have hardened and some serious
puncture protection is required.
Fauna
The west coast is home to many types of smaller buck, mammals,
birds and reptiles. Being a relatively unspoiled and
wild area means that animal encounters are always
guaranteed. In terms
of the animals encountered, the biggest threats are
Ostriches with chicks which is during spring to early
summer.
The parents are very protective and are not scared to
ward off any threats to protect the chicks. In summer
all of the resident snakes become active, with the non
poisonous mole snake being the most prevalent.
Venomous snakes to watch out for are the Cape Cobra and
Puff Adder.
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There are
many mountain biking options in the greater West Coast
region. Some well known mountain bike destinations
include Malmsbury, Piketberg, Beaverlac and the
Cederberg. However there are also many other secret
and undiscovered mountain bike trails and routes on
the west coast. Many places are off the beaten track
and not all that well known. Mountain bike trails are
very seldom marked or graded and so it is difficult to
know what to expect. Unless you are experienced and
adventurous it can seem a bit daunting heading out on
an unknown trail.