Very easy to get to. On the Hekpoort/Magaliesberg road, on the way to Magalies Valley if coming from the West. Took us 40 minutes from home. (Near Clearwater on Hendrik Potgeiter)
When we got there we parked and found to our delight a massive expanse of green, green grass with some large trees beyond a small fence. No bikes or cars are allowed onto the lawn. Great we thought, no eating in the dust! or Mud!
Signed forms, met the owners, paid (R70 all in per person )
Set of on the trails. Some 13 - 20km of fairly twisty trails. Not technical at all, but with some drop downs into little valley type areas to keep you interested. All the corners have lovely berms made from soft, loamy soil which my 7yr old loved. Its interesting riding behind your children as opposed to in front of them. The body language is awesome! There was a fair amount of standing water from the rain, no one complained!
Part of the return trip on this trail was alongside the crop fields (ala Inibos), good highspeed stuff to blow the cobwebs out.
We hit the mountain trail that ITG uses to do parent/child trips on Rustler 260, which includes a sleep over under the stars. Very rocky and uneven. My son couldnt cope on his 100c, and I battled to ride with him on my bike. My wife and her Blaster did not like all the rocks, so we turned back about halfway.
The others finished it and said the view was well worth it. The mountain trail can easily be done on sports quads, but it is uncomfortable. Utes will sail up there.
We then headed for the 4x4 wooded area. My word what a jol. Massive descents and uphills through the trees. I battle to believe that 4x4 vehicles could have made it out of some of the little/deep valleys. Great fun was had there. Speedos wife managed to flip her newish 700 Rappy SE coming out of one of the Dongas. Said it was interesting to say the least as she watched the quad roll right over her without touching her. Bent handlebars and a fright were the only damage.
My son managed to find a whole series of paddles and jumps and kept us entertained for a long time!
We then had lunch under the trees at tables provided for us on the GREEN thick grass. It was so nice not have to grind dust in your teeth whilst eating.
In The Gorge has a really nice lapa/pub and clean ablutions. The owners live on site and are available if needed. They do teanbuilding/paintaball/hire quads, etc, etc. The website has much more info.
http://www.inthegorge.co.za/default.htm
Its not a place to go for a serious outride, but it is great for a family day. The kids rode for some time by themselves and the quad flags were always visible.
We will return, maybe for a night stayover as well. My son wanted to take one of the 6 dogs home and may be even the horse and the ducks, etc, etc.
All in all a good day out!
