With the promise of some spectacular cloud formations and an epic sunset thanks to the daily thunderstorms rolling through this part of the country, we headed for the hills in search of some elevation. Contrasting the smooth and ultra fast trails down by the river, Pofadder provides you the opportunity to ride some rocks - big ones, small ones, jagged ones and then everything else in-between. And a quick diversion off the relatively overgrown and rocky path, revealed some off-piste magic in the form of a dried-up, riverbed, cascading down into the valley below.
Daily thunderstorms decorating boring skies with epic cloud formations, and keeping warm summer's days mild and bearable.
Not having local knowledge on our side, we probably would not have found this, the Pofadder trail head. A random clearing next to a random dirt road seems to be it, apparently.
Hard packed single track through tall grass fields gets things going, but trail conditions quickly turn rocky and technical as you ascend the Puff Adder.
Loads of skinny gaps along some properly tight and technical sections of trail, keeps you on your toes.
Preparing to get soaked as the bursts of rain moved ever closer to our position.
Off-piste exploration courtesy of Hayden Brown, sending us down a seemingly ancient and overgrown, dried up ravine.
Trails this unique and fun deserves a few reruns... One more push up to the top as the light fades behind ominous storm clouds, and we prepare to take cover from the approaching squall.
Wild & untamed trails. This setting reminds me of a scene from Jurassic Park - all that lacks are a few Ptero and Brachiosaurus in the background.
Luckily, the rain moved on past us and we were spared getting wet. And as quickly as it had formed, the storm disappeared again, allowing the sun to peak through once more for a spectacular sunset.
Thanks NWP. You've treated us well during our visit. Nothing to do now but head back home and have a braai. Until we meet again next time...
This project is made possible by:
GPS: 25°48'09.4"S 27°47'53.6"E
Permit: R50 (part of greater Van Gaalens trail network)
All images by Ewald Sadie
instagram: @ewaldsadie
Riders : Daniel Dobinson | Hayden Brown | Chris Pearton
Stay tuned to Bike Hub for more Trail Daze coming soon...
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King_Crispy, Jun 27 2016 07:20
Looks like a blast. I must go and check out fungaalens again. Haven't been there in agesSquier, Jun 27 2016 07:38
Wow, really awesome photos!A piece of trail that deserves respect. Great review!
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L.T.G, Jun 27 2016 08:19
yet another reason why VG has the best riding "in Gauteng"
so much of everything for every type of rider.
Paulst12, Jun 27 2016 01:37
Looks like fun until they send you there during a Trailseeker race... then you bleed!!!
Beer4Recovery, Jun 27 2016 08:45
Blêksêm! Ewald Sadie, your photography makes me want to ride and take photos. So much inspiration and so much talent! Well done once again sir!! Keep up the great work!popcorn_skollie, Jun 28 2016 12:46
I use to think that the 3 guys with the best jobs in the world were named May, Hammond and Clarkson.
But I've changed my mind to 3 guys named Dobinson, Brown and Pearton.
Peach., Jun 28 2016 11:10
Awesome shots Ewald, they really capture the beauty of the ride.
The pictures don't show how steep some of those sections are.
I'm keen to head back there to hit that rock valley again.
iRide, Jun 29 2016 05:39
haha! Classic comment
L.T.G, Jun 30 2016 07:20
it's the perfect time to ride it, before the rainy season starts.. that descent especially gets reallly tricky once lubricated
typhoon, Jul 14 2016 09:13
Can vouch for the views from the top of Pofadder, totally awesome but ja... it does get quite tricky getting down from the top, would probably be more fun on something with more than 100mm travel
rouxtjie, Jul 14 2016 09:22
haka is where it is at....praaap
typhoon, Jul 14 2016 09:29
Must definitely head back there sometime.
Only ever been there for TrailSeeker in 2012 and DualX 2015
VicanZA, Jul 14 2016 09:33
way past my pay grade.