One of the benefits of Club Membership is that we plan Club Weekends through the year at some of the best trails destinations. Club members also receive a 10% discount on accommodation – and non-members/non riders are welcome, but pay the full price.
The club 2026 Trail Riding Schedule is as follows (Gravel and Road weekend dates will follow as soon as confirmed):
Tranquilitas Weekend: 17-19 April
Karkloof Weekend: 12-16 June
Summerplace Weekend: 6-8 November
Tranquilitas Weekend: 17-19 April
Website: https://tranquilitas.com/
Tranquilitas is also a 2h45 min drive out on the N4 just above Waterval Boven.
Tranquilitas is renowned for its rock climbing and also its incredible mountain biking flow lines built by the Behrs.
More recently, as their daughter has got more involved in Enduro racing, they have some fantastic enduro lines as well. But the trail network through forest and across mountains is fun and challenging. We have booked the farmhouse (which sleeps 12), but camping is available as well as additional chalets – if available. There are lots of forestry roads (all gravel) to ride if you don’t like trails.
This is a self-catering venue, and I will co-ordinate meal plans so we bring similar foods and no-one feels left out.
Generally, we do a short Friday Afternoon ride (if you are early enough).
Each day begins with own breakfast and then we do our long ride. One of the days (weather dependent) we will shuttle ride the four stunning flow lines. A 20-minute shuttle up the mountain followed by an exhilarating 10-minute flight down some of the best flow trails in the country. The last run means that we then ride out of the valley back to the house. The other day we do trail riding with stunning views and trails. A sundowner ride on Saturday (carry own drinks) ends the Saturday well. Dinners and lunches are self-catering – but evening braais are often planned.
If your partner doesn’t want to ride, but prefers to walk/run there are walking/running trails for miles.
Please book directly with me Jim Ramage 083 459-1947
Karkloof Weekend: 12-16 June (one day’s leave and it’s a looong riding weekend)
Website: https://www.karkloofclub.co.za/activities/
Karkloof is just outside Howick (KZN) so a bit more than the usual 2h45 (it’s a 5 hour drive)
There are some options.
- Drive down on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning
- Drive home early Tuesday morning or at 12h00 (after last ride)
- Or any combination
We will be staying at The Retreat Country Lodge. Booking link here.
which is a 15 minute drive from the Karkloof Country Club.
Accommodation is in comfortable chalets.
Each day starts with a simple fare pre-ride breakfast (provided) and then the short commute down to the Karkloof Club.
There are around 250km of trails in the area and so over four mornings we will do segments like Prodigal Son, Green Wizard, Boogaloo, Dragons Back, No Balls, Bruisers Burn and so, so much more. Be aware that there is elevation to be climbed and then zipped down with whoops of delight. Most rides are 40km but 3 hours long – all rideable by moderately fit riders who can do a 3-hour ride. We will be well guided by Wendy and will have refreshments stops along the route each day.
Weekend cost includes a 4 day trail permit (R80/day)
Weather is unpredictable, so whilst we plan for 4 big morning rides, we will probably only get 3 in – but then there are fun segments that can be repeated or ridden in the afternoons (Boomslang, Flyover, etc.).
Post ride Brunch will be at the Karkloof Country Club (good hearty food – own account) and supper will be at The Retreat – self-catered, co-ordinated meal plan.
If your partner doesn’t want to ride, but prefers to walk/run there are walking/running trails for miles.
Please book directly with me Jim Ramage 083 459-1947
Summerplace Weekend: 6-8 November
Website: https://summerplacegamereserve.com/
It’s an easy 2h45 minute drive up the N1 via Modimolle and Vaalwater – note that the gate to the reserve is locked at 19h00 – so leave Pretoria by 16h00.
This is a trail riding mecca – but there are km’s of gravel roads if you don’t like trail riding – spread over the 3500 hectares of veld. If your partner doesn’t want to ride, but prefers to walk/run there are walking/running trails for miles.
If you enjoy well-built enduro lines, proper XCO trail or masterfully built and maintained trails from easy to technical, this is the place for you. Even though Dave Baber (trail builder) says you can roll every one of his trails, we generally don’t send beginners (D & E) onto the technical trails. Rides range from one to three hours. We will see game, including Roan, Sable, Kudu, Giraffe, Zebra, Tsessebe and much more, often up close.
Generally we do a short Friday afternoon ride (if you are early enough).
Each day typically begins with a pre-ride snack and coffee (at the trailhead – if catered) and then the long ride for the day. This is followed by brunch (at the trailhead if catered). We do a shorter afternoon ride often with sundowners – own drinks – transported to a set location by the Summerplace team.Dinner is at the trailhead (if catered) but sometimes we do a communal braai (if catered, Summerplace provides the food).
When not riding we chill in the pool, at the accommodation or trailhead, where there is DSTV to watch World Cup cycling events or other international events. Most of the larger lodges have Wi-Fi – but there is stable Wi-Fi at the trailhead. Accommodation is upmarket chalets, houses or glam-tents or perma-tents – all with normal beds.