There’s something truly special about riding unknown trails and new terrain. Whether you’ve traveled across the globe to get there, or it’s a local trail that you’ve overlooked or not had the chance to ride yet, it’s that feeling that reminds us why we do this. The uncertainty of how long this climb actually is, or what lies around the next bend, keeps you fully focused in that moment, and removed from the rest of the world.
With daily access to incredible media and stories portraying the world’s best riders in the world’s best locations, we often forget what adventures might be waiting for us just around the corner. It’s all too easy to sit in front of your screen, soaking up someone else’s experience and wishing you lived near better trails, with bigger mountains and better weather. Hopefully this photo series will inspire you to step outside, get on your bike and explore more.
About 60km from Cape Town lies the historic town of Paarl. Part of the winelands region of South Africa, it features a landscape ideal for mountain biking and hosts a long list of trails, suited to all grades of riding. Guarded on the one side by the majestic Paarl Rock granite mountain, and on the other by the Klein-Drakenstein and Du Toitskloof Mountains, Paarl truly is a place of scenic beauty with endless riding options. Despite the blistering summers heat, dry and dusty trails, we made our way out there to see what it has to offer.
“The area around the town of Paarl is fast becoming a playground that iRideAfrica visits regularly on our guided trips. The massive granite domes are encircled by trails that can cater towards every type of rider, not to mention the multitude of great venues for great lunches and beer or wine tasting. The Paarl mountain reserve has beautiful sweeping dirt roads and sweeping vistas of the vineyards towards Table Mountain and now we have these great trails in Rhebokskloof that are easy enough for beginners but still fun for those with more skill. Even as an owner and guide for a company that takes people riding all year, I am still so excited to ride new trails where I can get an opportunity to experience what our guests must feel like when I am showing them our trail network. – Daniel Dobinson – iRideAfrica”
On our way through the historic town of Paarl.
The van showing the signs of many epic trips – as it should.
Rookie mistake #1 – Don’t ride tubes.
Daniel popping a cold brew.
Daniel attacking the flowing singletrack with the last rays chasing him.
Post ride beer as evening sets. Probably the number 1 incentive to make it back.
It’s been real Paarl, see you again soon.
Riders: Matthieu Hamel and Daniel Dobinson.
Experience your own Trail Daze with iRide Africa.
You just had to do that cave again,did"nt you??!!