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A wild ride in Pondoland – Bike Hub

Posted on: July 3, 2017, in Events, IN THE PRESS, Latest News

“There are mountain bike stage races aplenty in South Africa, all offering something different to the mountain bike enthusiast. From Wines2Whales in the Western Cape to the Berg & Bush in KwaZulu-Natal, mountain bikers are able to pick and choose from numerous events that suit their respective styles and skill levels.
Not exactly new to the scene, but tucked away quietly on the Wild Coast, is probably one of the more unique stage races on the local calendar – the Grindrod Bank Umngazi Pondo Pedal.
The Pondo Pedal takes place in a remote area of the Eastern Cape known as Pondoland. The region is generally accepted to stretch from the mouth of the Mthatha River to the mouth of the Mtamvuna River (the natural border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal).
 

 
Between those two rivers, sort of in the middle of Pondoland, sort of in the middle of nowhere, sits the Umngazi River, which is home to the Umngazi River Bungalows, the basecamp for the Pondo Pedal. It’s remote. So remote that you can’t even check Twitter in your room. But not so remote, thankfully, that Inverroche Gin hasn’t made its way there.
Highlights of the ride are the pleasing absence of tents (you stay in perfect little bungalows with views of the crashing ocean below), the short days of riding, and the wide variety of delicious food on offer. Everything is on the menu, from butter chicken curry to a seafood platter with fish so fresh it could star in a romantic comedy with Tom Hanks. And you get to stay the night before the ride and the day the ride finishes, meaning no need to race home after enjoying your exertions on the bike.”
Read Full Article here: https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/articles/ride-reports/a-wild-ride-in-pondoland-r6689
Photo credits: Kevin Sawyer
Words by: David Moseley
 

 
 

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