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200 mountain bike enthusiasts take on the Hopewell hills

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Around 200 riders of all ages gathered at Hopewell Conservation Estate early on Monday morning, December 17, to take part in a fun Open Ride celebrating the launch of three brand new mountain bike trails.

Together with organisers of the Port Elizabeth’s Masters and Ladies Cycling Club, the estate has set up three trails of varying intensities including a 12 km social ride, 20 km intermediate ride and 30 km advanced and technical ride.

These tracks will be expanded to 90 kilometres of hiking and riding trails, according to Hopewell Conservation Estate developer, Brian Corrigan.

The trails take riders through a range of biomes, ranging from different types of grassy fynbos through to valley bushveld in the kloofs and northern section of the property. Former stables on the

The enclosed reserve offers riders the opportunity to encounter wild game including eland, kudu, red  hartebeest, Cape mountain zebra and springbok. There are also over 130 resident bird species in the area.

In conjunction with Hopewell Conservation Estate, the club plans a number of cycling events through the reserve next year, according to Denis Ehlers, Chairman of Masters & Ladies Cycling Club.

“There is a need to cater for mountain biking enthusiasts and we plan to do just that. Hopewell is the most accessible fenced and secure wilderness area for riders based in Port Elizabeth and provides a safe and eco-friendly environment for the cyclist to get back in touch with nature”, he says.

Hopewell Conservation Estate is one of South Africa’s only nature reserves with a residential component.

Situated on the urban edge of the city, two kilometres off the Old Cape Road, and about a 15 minute drive from Newton Park, the reserve is easily accessible for a ride before or after work and at weekends.

Hopewell Ride
Riders setting off at the launch of the new Hopewell mountain bike trails on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.