Cranking on KwaZulu-Natal’s coffee route

Posted on 12 March 2012

The area around the village of Port Edward is well known for summer days on the beach and ocean fun, but mountain bikers have long rated it as a cool cranking destination.

Cyclists in the know head to Clearwater Trail Centre, a purpose-built network of MTB trails single-tracking through a heady mix of indigenous forest and coffee plantations.

The ride at Clearwater Trails

Clearwater boasts marvellous terrain and scenic views along four well-marked trails.

Jan ‘The Man’ Abbott went all out when he designed these routes, making sure there would be something to suit all levels and types of mountain bikers.

You’ll ride mostly on single-track and jeep tracks, sharing the trails with the occasional hiker or trail runner. All trail options traverse the calypso coastline of the balmy Indian Ocean, crisscrossing stands of shady coffee trees within Beaver Creek Estate and surrounding farms.

An exhilarating variety of handmade single-tracks, jeep tracks and gravel roads make for a fast and riveting ride. Choose from routes along moderate gradients or attempt a few of the more serious downhill sections if you’re prepared to take on the burn as you climb back out of the valley.

The classic view of Umtamvuna Estuary greets you before you carry on to Spook House Downhill for a white-knuckle ride. Then hit the awesome Red Desert section for some technical fun and fly onto wicked single-track through rolling grassland above the D595 district road, which offers magnificent views of a river gorge and waterfalls in the nearby Umtamvuna Nature Reserve.

Berms, switchbacks, natural ramps, bridges and water crossings add to the adventure and will test your balance and agility to the max. Finally, conquer Coffee-Bean Uphill before ending with a stunning cuppa at the beanery en route to Clearwater Trail Centre Cabins.

Getting to the Clearwater Trail Centre

Clearwater Trails, about seven kilometres from Port Edward, is well signposted. A map can be downloaded from the website (see Route Facts).

What you need to know about Clearwater Trails

Ablutions, a bike wash, excellent self-catering accommodation and secure parking come as part of the deal at Clearwater Trail Centre.

There’s also a trail suitable for children and superb routes for trail runners and avid hikers. Plan your trip around spring time, when unrivalled displays of grassland and riverine forest flowers will rock your senses.

Useful gear

Finding a caffeine fix at Clearwater Trails is as easy as swiping a credit card, but get your mitts on a GSI Personal Java Press espresso pot for those multi-day, off-the-radar missions. This handy gadget means you can get a perfectly brewed fix anywhere there’s boiling water. A split-ring plunger design incorporating an insulated mug ensures flavour-rich, mud-free coffee. About R299 (excl. VAT) from Cape Union Mart, www.capeunionmart.co.za.

Clearwater Trail route facts

Grading: Options range from easy to difficult
Duration: Around two hours
Configuration: Various trails, from six to 14 kilometres
Start point: Clearwater Trails Office
Terrain: Tar farm road, single-track and gravel
Entry requirements: Pay R15 to R30 entrance fee at office
Cell reception: Excellent
GPS co-ordinates: S31° 02’ 46”, E30° 10’ 09”
Contact: Tel 083-549-6710, [email protected], www.clear-watertrails.co.za.






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