Impendle Ride

[JonW]

On Saturday morning 5 of us set off from Hilton at 06h30 to ride some tracks in the Impendle area.

When Highsider asked me if it would be ok if he took his 990 I didn't really know what to tell him. When I first started doing rides in the area 6 years ago I would have been quite comfortable telling him to bring the 525 and leave the 990 at home. But I remembered last time I rode there, about 2 years ago, saying at the end of the ride that the rocks seem to have flattened out somewhat and there was a definite 'line" through that hadn't been there before, so I told him the 990 should be fine, and as it turned out it was.

I was a bit disappointed how easy it was, but then I was on my 520, which tends to make most tracks seem easy, the guys on the 990's might have a different opinion.

Started with the Nature Reserve section, this was very enjoyable, maybe slightly more gnarly than i remember it, but no-one had issues.

 

[JonW]

More at the Nature Reserve then off to the shebeen for a quick cool drink.

On the way to the next section I took the guys on a short detour to show them Clairvaux Church, a stone church built over 100 years ago in the middle of nowhere, abandoned, yet in almost perfect condition.

 

[JonW]

Then a short ride to what I used to call the "technical" section.

It was still very enjoyable, but the challenge has gone. We surmised that someone has used this track in the not so distant past as a mountain bike race route, there was a clear path through the rocks, and every 100 meters or so there is a white spot painted on a rock showing you the correct path.

Now us dirt bikers, especially here in Hilton and the Kzn midlands, take a lot of flack from the mountain bike crowd for riding on their precious mountain bike tracks and allegedly destroying them. Well here is a clear cut case of mountain bikers destroying a once pristine rocky, challenging, dirt bike track with absolutely no regard for the rights of motorcycle riders.

**** You Mountain Bikers.  eepwall:

Damn that feels good to unload on the mountain biking community with their holier than thou attitude  :imaposer: :imaposer:

Us dirt bikers don't get to be in this position often  :biggrin:, so please don't take offence forum mountain bikers, all in jest.

Anyway, didn't take us long to get through, then home via Lotheni Road, Umgeni Vlei and to XWays where the beers were cold as usual, and home in time for the rugby.

   

 

[777]

Nice one gents

 

[mtr89]

Looks like a lekker ride.
Gooi some more pics,please

 

[benreaper]

Then a short ride to what I used to call the "technical" section.

It was still very enjoyable, but the challenge has gone. We surmised that someone has used this track in the not so distant past as a mountain bike race route, there was a clear path through the rocks, and every 100 meters or so there is a white spot painted on a rock showing you the correct path.

Now us dirt bikers, especially here in Hilton and the Kzn midlands, take a lot of flack from the mountain bike crowd for riding on their precious mountain bike tracks and allegedly destroying them. Well here is a clear cut case of mountain bikers destroying a once pristine rocky, challenging, dirt bike track with absolutely no regard for the rights of motorcycle riders.

**** You Mountain Bikers.  eepwall:

Damn that feels good to unload on the mountain biking community with their holier than thou attitude  :imaposer: :imaposer:

Us dirt bikers don't get to be in this position often  [emoji3], so please don't take offence forum mountain bikers, all in jest.

Anyway, didn't take us long to get through, then home via Lotheni Road, Umgeni Vlei and to XWays where the beers were cold as usual, and home in time for the rugby.

 

Cough cough, uhm.........

 

[JonW]

Looks like a lekker ride.
Gooi some more pics,please

Thanks man, it was a lekker ride, enjoyed it so much didn't stop to take many pics

 

[JonW]

Cough cough, uhm.........

 

[benreaper]

Just joking, I would like to do some similar stuff, but most of my old riding buddy's are still stuck on the road riding and those that have moved to adventure bikes just ride dirt highways on their GS's.
Looks liks you guy's are doing my kind of riding and enjoying it propper. [emoji1690]

 

[JonW]

Thanks benreaper, ja this kind of riding is what I really enjoy, but I must say not many others seem to, judging by the number of people who want to join me on these rides, but I guess it's different strokes etc.

Here's a video of the ride by @Highsider

[youtube]IFtrHwIIsdo[/youtube]

 

[the ruffian]

Another great vid.

badass riding for such big bikes... or not  ???

 

[BIGMAC]

Nice one JonW need to go ride that section again and do the Nzinga river crossings as well.

 

[Minxy]

Very cool ride, looks like awesome fun! Do you have any more info on the Clairvaux Church? Love these historical gems in the middle of nowhere :O

 

[JonW]

Very cool ride, looks like awesome fun! Do you have any more info on the Clairvaux Church? Love these historical gems in the middle of nowhere :O

Hi Minxy

Thanks it was lots of fun.

Here is some info on the Clairvaux Church

https://sanationalsociety.co.za/clairvaux-trappist-mission-1896/?fbclid=IwAR16EwF_3DCF5LpccTJZJW2cL4OBltc0j-2qZxS_xT1KKY0pn1TXE6HnkFk

 

[husky]

Very nice ride Jon; looked a beautiful day.

The Trappist churches (and the history behind them - old Trappists I think took a vow of silence) are interesting and beautiful. Another deserted mission near Bulwer (similar name; Citreaux?) overlooking the Umkomaas and of course Reichenau etc (at least 3 or 4 others Underberg, Donnybrook etc) and where there is a more or less established "Trappist Trail" (walking).between them.  Google will help as I've heard one or two people mention it.

 

[ktmfourstroke]

That looks like an awesome route Jonw. You wouldn't happen to have it on GPS would you? I dont live too far from there and would love to give it a go! No hassle if you dont have it though.

Thanks


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[JonW]

Very nice ride Jon; looked a beautiful day.

The Trappist churches (and the history behind them - old Trappists I think took a vow of silence) are interesting and beautiful. Another deserted mission near Bulwer (similar name; Citreaux?) overlooking the Umkomaas and of course Reichenau etc (at least 3 or 4 others Underberg, Donnybrook etc) and where there is a more or less established "Trappist Trail" (walking).between them.  Google will help as I've heard one or two people mention it.

Thanks @husky waiting for the day when you going to join in on one of my rides again  :biggrin:

The Catholic monks have built some fascinating churches and missions all over Kzn and are definitely worth visiting, especially as most are in very scenic out of the way places that are perfect for exploring by bike.

One of the best examples is Centowcow Mission station which is well maintained and thriving, which includes St Apollinaris Hospital, at which. I am reliably informed, the mother of a much respected Wild Dog Forum member gave birth to a son some 55 odd years ago.

 

[JonW]

That looks like an awesome route Jonw. You wouldn't happen to have it on GPS would you? I dont live too far from there and would love to give it a go! No hassle if you dont have it though.

Thanks


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Hi James

No worries, have sent the routes on e-mail

Cheers Jon

 

[ktmfourstroke]

Thanks so much Jon! I am in the Creighton area we should meet up for a ride sometime. I also enjoy the technical stuff coming from a dirt bike background

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[husky]

Thanks Jon; I was gearing up to join you - just had to get a new tyre on Saturday then saw that was the ride day. I'll keep an eye on the Planning.