Top MTB Trails. Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, by Jacques Marais.

Top MTB Trails. Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, by Jacques Marais. ISBN 9781770262775 / ISBN 978-1-77026-277-5

Top MTB Trails focuses on the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, updating information from the two previous books of Jacques Marais, Mountain Biking Trails of South Africa and Best Mountain Bike Rides.

Jacques Marais  

How to use 'Top MTB Trails. Western, Eastern and Northern Cape'

Right. So I've done this 'compiling a mountain-bike guide' thing a couple of times now, but on previous occasions I had to do so within parameters and budgets which fell well short of the realities forthis kind of guide. This does not make for an easy ride, if you'll excuse the analogy, and the red tape, longtime-lines and general bureaucracy resulted in a few spectacular wipe-outs. This time it's different, as I am tackling Top MTB Trails in conjunction with an established publisher (where the production manager is, fortunately, also a mountain biker). So this time around we can make sure you end up with an affordable publication, filled with up-to-date route info, great photos and, most importantly, a selection of excellent maps, making it easy for you to find and ride the trails we've featured. A project like this isn't easy, especially when you try to coverthe full gamut of trails in a country featuring as many diverse riding options as South Africa. Of course readers will miss out on some rocking rides due to space, time and financial constraints, and of course some readers will end up dissatisfied. So if by chance we've missed your favourite trail, do everyone a favour and drop us a line at jmmedia@jacquesmarais.co.za and we'll do our absolute best to make sure it is in the next edition of the book. And there will be a next one, that's a promise. In fact, we hope to do two more editions, focusing on those parts of the country we missed out on here. We've tried to feature a selection of routes achievable by anyone from rookie riders to hardebaard heroes, and not all the rides are necessarily hardcore trails. The ones rated by AMA definitely are, and we've noted in the route write-ups who rated the trail. Non-rated trails are just as enjoyable though, and will allow you to explore some of the most beautiful parts of our country while riding your bike. Every regional section focuses on flagship trails set within that specific province (in alphabetical order per region), with key information contained within the ride description. Expect a crank-by-crank description of the route, from start to finish, including distances, hazards and directional info based upon our riding experiences, flavoured with a healthy dollop of personal input. In addition, you will find out when the best time is to go, how to get there and what to expect when you arrive. Detailed maps accompany most of the flagship rides, and have been mapped using the latest GPS technology. Finally, a grading diagram will serve as an essential tool when you decide on where to ride, and AMA has guided us regarding the colour-coding and iconography to be used. Overall trail rating varies but trails are rated according to the IMBA specs on page 6. Factors we took into account while determining the ratings include distance, time in the saddle, altitude gain, terrain and obstacles you will encounter along the way. Obviously there are a number of external factors to look at too (such as climate, traffic, lack of emergency assistance, etc.), thus giving you a pretty good idea as to what to expect on your ride. We hope you have fun out there!

This is an excerpt from the guide: Top MTB Trails. Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, by Jacques Marais.

Book title: Top MTB Trails. Western, Eastern and Northern Cape
Author: Jacques Marais
Type: Activity Guide
Publisher: MapStudio
Cape Town, South Africa 2012
ISBN 9781770262775 / ISBN 978-1-77026-277-5
Softcover, 17x24 cm, 209 pages, throughout maps and photos, English