EATMYKTM.
Race Dog
As my first adventure biking destination in RSA back in 2007, Transkei is absolute heaven to me. It will always hold a very special place in my heart. I need to go back and trace your route!
Welcome to the Wildcoast - Port St.Johns to Hole-in-the-Wall.
- Thread starter wildside
- Start date
wildside
Pack Dog
The next stretch of road is a 5 km fairly good gravel road and the only point of interest here is a little bridge that marks the sight of The Big Jump Falls. Unfortunately you can’t see these falls from the road but perhaps if you took the time to walk a little way through the bush you would be able to view this 18 m fall. What makes for interesting viewing though is the railing that’s been taken out by some reckless driver. There’s no wreck in the river so hopefully it wasn’t too serious.
The very next turning to your left leads you through some magnificent natural bush that takes you in the direction of the MPANDE turn off. The roads are still not so bad but become windier with a few steep sections.
It was in this section that I experienced the first of my two unfortunate incidents on this trip. Some local youngster decided that it would be great fun to hide in the bush and throw stones at us. The first stone brushed the top of my leg and hit my tank. Fortunately being plastic it didn’t leave a dent. Feeling a bit rattled I just continued riding and thought it would be a once-off mishap.
Riding through the villages was really pleasant. Most of the kiddies would appear out of their huts and wave happily to us. We just needed to be careful about little bodies running enthusiastically into the road to greet us so it was therefore necessary to slow down when passing a village – and I suppose also out of respect for the locals. The dogs weren’t too much of a problem as they were more nervous of the noisy bikes and most would slink back into the bush. We often came across cattle blocking the roads but with a bit of encouragement from our hooters they would eventually let us pass.
The very next turn off to your left takes you down towards the coast again and you are rewarded with some amazing views.
The very next turning to your left leads you through some magnificent natural bush that takes you in the direction of the MPANDE turn off. The roads are still not so bad but become windier with a few steep sections.
It was in this section that I experienced the first of my two unfortunate incidents on this trip. Some local youngster decided that it would be great fun to hide in the bush and throw stones at us. The first stone brushed the top of my leg and hit my tank. Fortunately being plastic it didn’t leave a dent. Feeling a bit rattled I just continued riding and thought it would be a once-off mishap.
Riding through the villages was really pleasant. Most of the kiddies would appear out of their huts and wave happily to us. We just needed to be careful about little bodies running enthusiastically into the road to greet us so it was therefore necessary to slow down when passing a village – and I suppose also out of respect for the locals. The dogs weren’t too much of a problem as they were more nervous of the noisy bikes and most would slink back into the bush. We often came across cattle blocking the roads but with a bit of encouragement from our hooters they would eventually let us pass.
The very next turn off to your left takes you down towards the coast again and you are rewarded with some amazing views.
wildside
Pack Dog
The above picture is an indication of where a friend of ours built his cottage several years ago. However, with all this controversy with the Heath Commission and not being allowed to build within 1 km of the high water mark, his house eventually got burnt down. Very sad but I suppose understandable.
These pictures of burnt remains marks the place that we refer to as ‘Goldies Spot’.
This sign below speaks for itself.
Continuing along this route for about a km or so takes you to what was once the Mpande Forestry Camp. The little dwelling that was once on this small grassy patch is also no longer there. However, we did notice another little cottage up on the rise hidden in the bush with some holiday makers getting ready to go fishing. I can’t imagine why this one is still standing.
Our next stop further south was MTHONGA. There is a short stretch of road near the view sight that is in bad shape with deep ruts down the steep sections and made for careful riding. This seems to be a popular spot for fishing during the holiday season, but on this trip there wasn’t another soul around. The spectacular view of the beach was a bit obscured by the numerous milkwood trees. The pictures below will give you some indication of how pretty it is.
These pictures of burnt remains marks the place that we refer to as ‘Goldies Spot’.
This sign below speaks for itself.
Continuing along this route for about a km or so takes you to what was once the Mpande Forestry Camp. The little dwelling that was once on this small grassy patch is also no longer there. However, we did notice another little cottage up on the rise hidden in the bush with some holiday makers getting ready to go fishing. I can’t imagine why this one is still standing.
Our next stop further south was MTHONGA. There is a short stretch of road near the view sight that is in bad shape with deep ruts down the steep sections and made for careful riding. This seems to be a popular spot for fishing during the holiday season, but on this trip there wasn’t another soul around. The spectacular view of the beach was a bit obscured by the numerous milkwood trees. The pictures below will give you some indication of how pretty it is.
wildside
Pack Dog
The next section is a fairly long ride with some challenging road conditions with many twists and turns and steep ups and downs. As you descend down a steep road into the valley you will encounter the first bridge that has been washed away. A motorbike is still able to cross it but there is a route through the river for vehicles. Take note of the steep uphill on the other side which was also badly rutted and takes you past many villages and through lovely bush for about another 7km.
The following turnoff is a drop down to the left, with a small triangular island (my landmark), and once again you descend into yet another valley. This road was rather hectic with major ruts , about a foot deep, and extremely steep. On our return trip I kept reminding myself to ‘keep momentum’ as I usually prefer to just chug up slowly. This bridge that once crossed the Mnenu River was washed away in 2006 and a small river crossing is inevitable. It’s not too deep but there are a lot of loose rocks and small boulders to contend with. Not having the confidence to stand up I managed to collect a fair amount water in my boots – but nothing that a quick squeeze and a drain couldn’t sort
Another steep climb out of an extremely hot valley and some awesome views to keep our spirits up brought us to a T-junction and we headed left on a very good road for the Ntabencuka Store for something cold to drink before heading off to Hluleka. We were slowly running out of time as all these little turn offs and stops were time consuming.
The following turnoff is a drop down to the left, with a small triangular island (my landmark), and once again you descend into yet another valley. This road was rather hectic with major ruts , about a foot deep, and extremely steep. On our return trip I kept reminding myself to ‘keep momentum’ as I usually prefer to just chug up slowly. This bridge that once crossed the Mnenu River was washed away in 2006 and a small river crossing is inevitable. It’s not too deep but there are a lot of loose rocks and small boulders to contend with. Not having the confidence to stand up I managed to collect a fair amount water in my boots – but nothing that a quick squeeze and a drain couldn’t sort
Another steep climb out of an extremely hot valley and some awesome views to keep our spirits up brought us to a T-junction and we headed left on a very good road for the Ntabencuka Store for something cold to drink before heading off to Hluleka. We were slowly running out of time as all these little turn offs and stops were time consuming.
wildside
Pack Dog
The turnoff to HLULEKA is clearly marked and an interesting landmark is the Lucingweni Wind Farm up on the north facing slopes which forms part of the government rural upliftment program. We didn’t know much about this place, however, I did Google it and it made for interesting reading but just too much information to put onto this RR.
On our previous ride we discovered that motor bikes were not allowed access to the Hluleka Wildlife Reserve so this time we didn’t bother going all the way down to the entrance but stopped at the store to take photos of the lovely murals on the wall.
Mtakatye River was our next river crossing with a good bridge and we enjoyed a few moments with some of the local youngsters.
PRESLEY BAY was to be our last stop for the day as we were running low on sunshine and we still needed to get to the Hole-in-the-Wall. The cold beers and hot showers were calling!!
Perhaps if you are a cottage owner here you would appreciate the place but we found it too cramped with the cottages one on top of the other. We promptly rode down the long drive connecting all the cottages, turned around and left.
On our previous ride we discovered that motor bikes were not allowed access to the Hluleka Wildlife Reserve so this time we didn’t bother going all the way down to the entrance but stopped at the store to take photos of the lovely murals on the wall.
Mtakatye River was our next river crossing with a good bridge and we enjoyed a few moments with some of the local youngsters.
PRESLEY BAY was to be our last stop for the day as we were running low on sunshine and we still needed to get to the Hole-in-the-Wall. The cold beers and hot showers were calling!!
Perhaps if you are a cottage owner here you would appreciate the place but we found it too cramped with the cottages one on top of the other. We promptly rode down the long drive connecting all the cottages, turned around and left.
wildside
Pack Dog
Just south of Presley Bay is LWANDILE MOUTH ( sign posted) and a narrow driveway takes you past the back of a few cottages, down a tunnel-like path and pops you out onto a lovely flat beach. Here we had a short rest before Kingsley was required to assist me by getting my bike off the soft, sandy beach.
We finally arrived at our cottage at Hole-in-the-Wall at 6.45 pm, exhausted but exhilarated to have achieved so much in one day. We decided to complete the rest of the ride the following day and I will pick up the RR again at Mdumbi.
We finally arrived at our cottage at Hole-in-the-Wall at 6.45 pm, exhausted but exhilarated to have achieved so much in one day. We decided to complete the rest of the ride the following day and I will pick up the RR again at Mdumbi.
GlenInk (R.I.P)
Race Dog
Thank you for the great photos ! :3some: :thumleft: 8)
spoedvark
Grey Hound
Excellent RR and the pics??? Outstanding!!!!!! :ricky:
Losper
Race Dog
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Wildside, lyk na 'n awesome roete, het jy die gps roete?
wildside
Pack Dog
Hi Losper,
The route will be recorded on our GPS. If I can figure out how to transfer and file it then I will certainly add it to the report.
Glad you're enjoying the RR. It is an awesome ride to do.
The route will be recorded on our GPS. If I can figure out how to transfer and file it then I will certainly add it to the report.
Glad you're enjoying the RR. It is an awesome ride to do.
CAR6850
Race Dog
Wow, nice report and photies - I would love to do this :thumleft:
Lem
Grey Hound
well done julle!!
dis n bucket list trip vir my daai
dis n bucket list trip vir my daai
Gumba
Race Dog
We did brilliant old deserted roads from xora (not sure of the spelling) mouth to Coffey bay and eventually Presley bay, could join up with your route and have a awesome ride.
wildside
Pack Dog
Riding back 6 km will take you to the Presley Bay /Hluleka/Coffee Bay intersection again and after 5km of more scenic riding you reach a T-junction and turn left. The following 12 km stretch of fairly good gravel riding gets you to the Anchorage/ Coffee Bay intersection. This road is also in the process of being resurfaced with huge piles of shale taking up half of the road space, resulting in a very narrow travelling section – so beware of oncoming vehicles. The picture below is my favourite landmark that marks this intersection.
One must try not to rush this ride but rather slow the pace and take some time to look around and try to absorb the beautiful surroundings as there are such lovely sights on either side of the road.
A sign marks the split in the road about 3 km along, left to MDUMBI and right to Anchorage Hotel. The breathtaking views of the Mdumbi River, winding its way down to the mouth, called for a brief stop and a few photies. The water was crystal clear and so inviting. Some lucky holiday makers had taken advantage of this wonderful place and were paddling up the river.
You can’t miss the next sign which is a brightly painted rock directing you to the MDUMBI BACKPACKERS (Tel: 047 575 0437 ) . We took a quick ride in and out and it looked a comfortable place with colourful murals painted on some of the rondavels. Hopefully this funky outdoor shower is not the only shower facility available.
One must try not to rush this ride but rather slow the pace and take some time to look around and try to absorb the beautiful surroundings as there are such lovely sights on either side of the road.
A sign marks the split in the road about 3 km along, left to MDUMBI and right to Anchorage Hotel. The breathtaking views of the Mdumbi River, winding its way down to the mouth, called for a brief stop and a few photies. The water was crystal clear and so inviting. Some lucky holiday makers had taken advantage of this wonderful place and were paddling up the river.
You can’t miss the next sign which is a brightly painted rock directing you to the MDUMBI BACKPACKERS (Tel: 047 575 0437 ) . We took a quick ride in and out and it looked a comfortable place with colourful murals painted on some of the rondavels. Hopefully this funky outdoor shower is not the only shower facility available.
wildside
Pack Dog
Following the road a short distance brings you to a car park with braai facilities and offers you a stunning view of the coastline looking northwards towards the mouth. This is obviously also a good surfing spot as well as an official launch sight.
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nice report and amazing pics... :thumleft: see you soon at the Renegade ride.... :mwink:
