The Pennypinchers Origin of Trails is regarded by many as the mountain bike party of the year, the organisers strongly encourage riders to focus on enjoying the trails, and taking in the scenery rather than racing flat out. After a long year of racing, I was more than happy to do just that, and was really looking forward to relaxing, and enjoying some good riding with friends.
Day 1 saw us start in very warm conditions in the centre of Stellenbosch and head via the skirts of Coetzenberg towards Jonkershoek. The first few climbs were brutal, even at a relaxed pace, and we were very happy to reach the cool of the forest and the first singletrack, followed too quickly by the MTO Monster climb. Luckily, although a long climb, the gradient was comfortable, and the trees provided some respite from the heat.
Every bit of shade was much appreciated. Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
The Jonkershoek trails did not disappoint, and we were treated to a mixture of flowing descents, sketchy switchbacks, and testing obstacles, as well as the opportunity to climb the aptly named Neverending Story, instead of descending it as per the usual trail markings.
Climbing Neverending Story gave us a different perspective on the Jonkerhoek trails
After stuffing ourselves with watermelon and coke at the water point, we left Jonkershoek and headed towards G-spot through Coetzenberg. By now the heat was unpleasant, and the climbs were feeling more and more taxing. Swooping down the berms and rollers of G-spot provided a welcome cooling breeze, but soon we were climbing again- on our way through Eden to the Mont Marie trails. Another stellar descent with corkscrew switchbacks took us to the final water point, where ice cold coke had to be administered in large doses.
Watermelon has never tasted so good. Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
By now I was properly suffering, and had to nurse myself slowly to the finish at Blaauwklippen Estate. I failed to fully appreciate the Dornier trails- although in retrospect they might have been a lot of fun- I remember some steep switchbacks, a wallride, and a flowing forest section, complete with roots, rocks and some tight corners, which I was too tired to enjoy.
Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Sweaty and dusty, we rolled across the line, to start recovering with the help of a delicious lunch, in the shade of the oak trees.
Day 2 started at Blaauwklippen Estate. Mercifully, conditions were a bit cooler, and the climbing started more gradually.
Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
We headed straight through Eden and G-spot to Coetzenberg, where we rode down a flight of rim-busting steps, before heading through the suburbs of Stellenbosch towards Botmanskop. Here the climbing started in earnest, as we wound our way up the Botmanskop jeep track, and onto the endless switchbacks to the top. The switchbacks were very welcome- they kept the gradient mellow, and navigating the corners kept us focussed on the trail and not on our protesting legs.
Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
The reward for the climb was the sublime switchbacks of Luiperd se Draai, followed closely by the Bartinney Skyfall trail. Although congestion was a bit of an issue, we still had a good time, floating back and forth down to earth. We were clearly still buzzing from the descent because we somehow missed the champagne table at the bottom, where I had been looking forward to taking a break and sampling some bubbles.
The switchbacks of Bartinney Skyfall are always a treat. Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
We proceeded into the Banhoek Conservancy and tackled a sandpit disguised as a jeep track, followed by a climb with views so good you could almost forget you were riding a bike. The ensuing descent was equally rewarding, and we arrived all smiles at waterpoint 2.
Being able to ride at a relaxed pace and chat was one of the highlights of the event
After making sure that there were no donuts left for the riders behind us, we headed through several farms and onto the old Helshoogte Pass, before going through the dark tunnel which is regularly used to get riders under the Helshoogte road.
Yet another steep climb was followed by a superb but dusty switchback descent off Botmanskop, and then we were able to rest as we rolled back through the suburbs of Stellenbosch.
Photo credit: Tobias Ginsberg
After traversing Coetzenberg and G-spot again, we hit the Eden trails for a last dose of fun before the finish. These are some of my favourite trails: shaded by pine trees, rooty and rocky with cheeky jumps scattered here and there- they remind me fondly of the trails I learnt to ride on in Tokai (as it was before the fire) and they form an interesting contrast to the smooth manicured berms of the neighbouring G-spot.
It was almost sad to realise that we were headed for the finish after Eden, and that there would be no more trails ridden for the weekend.
The event really does showcase the Stellenbosch trail network in all it’s glory. We rode a jaw-dropping variety of trails over a huge network of farms, many of which are not normally open to the public.
It was a treat to ride an event without the pressure of racing- it was noticeable throughout the whole field of riders, and not just our group. People were friendly and much more laid back- than usual. There was minimal jostling for position before singletrack sections or palooka overtaking on said singletrack. It was great to be able to enjoy the waterpoints, and take in the view at the top of every hill. Pennypinchers Origin of Trails was an ideal way to end off a fantastic year of racing on a high note.
