Road Safety Blog

Exquisite countryside rides from South Coast Bike Fest 2017

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This year’s South Coast Bike Fest #SCBF2017 is the ultimate destination for every biker, offering high energy sports’ action, phenomenal musical acts and some of the region’s most exquisite countryside rides and entertaining parades.

“We are really excited to welcome visitors to this magnificent part of South Africa which has so much to offer,” said Justin Mackrory, CEO of UGU South Coast Tourism, sponsors of the event. “In addition to the beautiful beaches, the South Coast boasts impressive landscape characterised by hills, valleys, idyllic water features and natural coastal vegetation. It is the perfect setting for some amazing bike rides, all of which can be carefully navigated using maps provided.”

Bikers will have the perfect opportunity during the #SCBF2017 – taking place at Margate from 27 to 30 April – to explore the local rides. There are endless routes along the coastal road as well as rides through the countryside, allowing bikers to experience roads less travelled amid arresting natural beauty.

Only 9km inland of Shelly Beach, on the Izotsha-Paddock Road, bikers can visit Nyandezulu which is encompassed by sprawling green hills and breathtaking valleys. Visitors will enjoy authentic Zulu hospitality while discovering local arts and crafts, sampling the local brew at a tavern or even stopping in to see a traditional healer.

Crossing the Ntantana Mountain is one of the South Coast’s hidden gems – the 80m high Nyandezulu Waterfall which makes for spectacular photographs. Continue along the winding scenic route to a Shembe Church atop the holy uMdlungwana Mountain where lunch can be enjoyed along the riverbank.

Take a ride to the nearby coastal town of Port Edward which offers visitors fantastic aquatic entertainment at its beaches, enticing estuary and the Wild Waves Water Park. This coastal gem is also home to the Red Desert which, at 200 metres wide, has been named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest desert.

The natural splendour continues for those who are keen to ride further along the coast where, just inland of Port Edward, lies the southernmost nature reserve in the province, Umtamvuna. This botanical paradise consists of a cool forest and extreme cliffs bordering the immaculate Umtamvuna River. The reserve has a number of scenic nature trails for any bikers looking to stretch their legs and catches a sighting of the resident Cape vulture, fish eagle, bushbuck, duiker and reedbuck.

Another great ride for #SCBF2017 guests is to the famous adventure capital of the South Coast, Oribi Gorge. Access to this site is via Port Shepstone on a back road between Oribi Gorge and Hluku, Harding, a great way to finish off the ride. Oribi Gorge offers unique photo opportunities at the overhanging Leopard Rock as well as a number of Wild5 adventures such as the adrenaline-pumping gorge swing. Viewings of local wildlife further enhance this outdoor experience, with tarred rides set against cliffs, surrounded by lush vegetation. Riders are urged to check with local establishments before setting off as rains may affect the road.

On Sunday, 30 April, bikers can also experience great food, music and entertainment at the Shelly Centre Pals in Paradise Mass Parade with entertainment starting at 8 am, leading up to the highly-anticipated parade at 10.30am. The jam-packed morning line-up includes a delicious food and beverage market with the dedicated kid’s Spur play zone providing a jumping castle and face painting for the little ones. South Africa’s top trail bike rider, Brian Capper, will thrill audiences on Shelly Centre’s rooftop with his heart-stopping motorbike stunt display at 9 am. Visitors can relax while enjoying the ongoing entertainment in the cool seated area before the parade begins.

All attendees can also win big by visiting the Shelly Centre stand at the #SCBF2017. Pre-register for the Mass Parade and the first 100 bikers at the rooftop will be treated to a free Hungry Biker Breakfast Burger from Spur. All pre-registered bikers will then be entered into a competition for the grand prize, the winner of which will be announced at the parade before the main departure.

All of this fun-filled biking activity is just a short 630km ride from Joburg, set within an extensive, secure event site with only online pre-registration required for free access to the #freefunseeker Beachfront Boulevard.

Invest in the #fuelyourfun tickets for musical entertainment at the Carling Main Beach Stage where South Africa’s biggest musical acts will rock out throughout the four-day festival. Acts include PJ Powers, Koos Kombuis, Jack Parow, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Gangs of Ballet, Jack Hammer Band, Fokofpolisiekar, Tender Mavundla, Rubber Duc, Matthew Mole, Just Jinjer, the Kickstands, Prime Circle and Freshly Ground, and more.

All bikes are welcome at the South Coast Bike Fest and entrance to the four-day event is free provided pre-registration for the #freefunseeker tickets is completed at www.quicket.co.za. Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach Stage are also available at www.quicket.co.za at a cost of R130 per day or R200 for the cocktail bar day pass. For a VIP four-day pass the cost is R360. Children under 12 enter free.

 


 

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