by Manish Chandra Singh

Mountain biking is a great idea for adventure and sport junkies all over. A holiday that covers MTB trails is an ideal combination of fun and nature that can sometime lead you to really exotic locales that regular tourists do not go to. Cycling enthusiasts are forever looking for newer, more adventurous and even riskier biking trails that can calm the adrenalin junkie in them. And while there are some great trails all over the world, the MTB trails of South Africa stand out. That’s primarily because of the mountains and vineyards around its capital, Cape Town and also around other popular destinations like Port Elizabeth and Durban.

1) Bottelary Hills

Very close to Stellenbosch, a University town about 35 kilometers from Cape Town’s International Airport, the Bottelary Hills offer numerous route options to fit all expert levels. Covering a total area of 76 kilometers with four route options and seven entry points, the trail crosses over enchanting wine yards, Table Mountains and False Bay. The routes here are designed to suit all kinds of bikers, from beginners to pros.

Image source: www.yellow.place

2) Eselfontein MTB Track, Ceres, Western Cape

Don’t let the flat orchard tracks at the start fool you as what you will eventually witness is over 65 kilometers of rugged single track road with a couple of sharp loops and rocky river crossings. The view along the trail is breathtaking and stopping for a bit to gaze at the splendor is advisable. Located about 150 kilometers from Cape Town in the Western Cape Province, the Eselfontein MTB Track is closest to the town of Ceres.

3) Giba Gorge MTBike Park

The bike trail here is a free flowing single track surrounded by lush forests. The trail which is also pretty fast but neatly kept in offers bridges, switchbacks, roots, rocks and off drops. The downhill sections of the Giba Gorge MTBike Park are challenging and at times require real pro handling. But it’s an intermediate track located in the Giba Gorge and closest to the town of Pinewood, 16 kilometers from Durban city.

Image source: www.roomsforafrica.com

4) Norm - Hudlin MTB Trails

The 20 kilometers long trail will take you about two hours to complete with coastal slopes and sand forest vegetation forming a backdrop for the routes. Meant for all types of bikers, the trails are clearly marked and offer a safe environment for the bikers as the trails are maintained by the brothers Ian and Stuart Pearson. It’s perhaps one of the very few trails that can be part of a family trip as there is something for everyone. What makes Norm - Hudlin MTB Trails more enthralling is that after the biking you can head to one of the many gorgeous beaches of Port Elizabeth that’s close by.

5) Helderberg

The routes are friendly and divided into four categories, green, (2 km), blue (3 km), red (10 km) and black (12 km). This is also a trail where there is a route for everyone in the family but what sells it to almost everyone are the stunning views it offers from the many vantage points throughout the trail. The rides get a lot of fun here with a large number of Downhill and Enduro events being organized here. The park is located about 50 km from Somerset West in Western Cape and offers refreshment joints for food and drinks as well as a zoo for kids.

Image source: www.pinkbike.com

About the author:
Manish Chandra Singh handles content and marketing at Untravel (www.untravel.com), a travel company devoted to customizable travel trips.

Článek Locus tip: 5 offbeat biking trails in Africa [EN] se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.

by Peter Hanson

If you have plans to travel to Southeast Asia, or if you're just thinking about it, you're probably excited and full of questions. Part of the fun of travel is planning and looking forward to it. No doubt you have lots of questions as you plan the trip of a lifetime.

It’s important to keep yourself safe when you travel. It’s true that bad things can happen anywhere, but there are things that you can do to minimize your risks. When you travel to Southeast Asia, here are some things that you can do to stay safe on your adventure:

Avoid ethnic and political hotbeds

[caption id="attachment_10553" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Choose the safe destinations[/caption]

Most countries in the world have areas of political unrest and civil disobedience. Southeast Asia is no exception, so this is something to watch out for. Your country’s State Department or similar agency might publish warnings about certain areas to avoid. You can also research current events in the places that you're thinking about visiting.
If you purchase travel insurance, political unrest is something to keep in mind, both before and after you make your purchase. Some policies refund your trip in the event that political clashes make the travel impractical. It just depends on what you purchase, so make sure that you read carefully when you make your selection.
If you find yourself in an area of civil unrest, stay out of it. Just because you're in the same city or geographic area doesn’t mean that you have to join the fray. Contact your country’s embassy for more information about what to do if this happens during your trip.

Make plans and use maps

One of the biggest dangers when you travel is simply getting lost. While Southeast Asia is on the best places in the world to ride a motorbike, you can't always count on being able to wing it with directions, especially if the signs aren’t in your primary language. If you plan to ride a motorcycle on your trip, it’s important to use maps and guides.
You should consider using a map app so that you can navigate your way through the region with ease. Even though you can always change your plans later, using an app can help you get a general idea of the landscape. That way, you can spend your time having fun, instead of worrying about finding your way.

Know the laws

You’re traveling to a place where the laws might be very different from what you're used to. Sometimes travelers take laws for granted if they consider them to be common sense in their home country. That includes the concept of innocent until proven guilty and the right to an attorney. These laws might exist in the country you're traveling to, and they might not.
It’s important to study up on the local laws. Research what other travelers say you need to know. If you can avoid a problem before it starts, your trip can be hassle free.

Traffic laws are important, too

This is especially true if you plan to travel by motorcycle. Motorbikes are a popular form of transportation in Southeast Asia, and that means traffic can be a little bit chaotic. Staying safe means knowing the traffic laws so that you can follow them. Traffic laws are made for a reason, and following them can mean the difference between staying safe and finding yourself in an accident.
You should also research whether you need a motorcycle license. The answer is almost always yes, but in some cases, a motorcycle license from home is enough. Safety gear for motorbikes is another important thing to consider. You want to make sure that you're wearing a helmet and that the helmet is appropriate to protect you in case of a problem.

Eating and drinking

Another worry when you travel to any country is food safety. The foods are different and they’re prepared differently. You can keep yourself safe by eating only foods that are boiled, baked or that come with a peel. Buffets and street food are things to avoid.

Adventure trips and group tours

When you set out for adventure on your trip, choose only guided tours that are run by established companies. Going on a solo adventure with someone you've just met is risky, and this kind of tour guide is less likely to comply with safety regulations. It’s always best not to travel alone, if you can help it, and stay in well-lit areas on the beaten path after dark.

What to do if you're in trouble

Even if you take the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself in a tough spot, contact your country’s consulate or embassy for more information. Keep a copy of your passport on hand in case you need to ask for a replacement. Follow instructions from first responders, if that applies, or talk to the hotel staff.

Enjoy your trip

It’s important to look out for danger while you travel, but there are steps that you can take to minimize these risks. Learn the local laws, create a travel plan and use a map app to plan and follow your route. If you do run into trouble, contact your country’s embassy or consulate and ask for help. Enjoy your travels.

Peter Hanson is a motorcycle enthusiast and expert on motorcycle travel. He loves to travel and has covered a lot of countries over the past eight years. In each country, he takes the time to record his impressions.

Visit his blog to read more articles about motorcycle travelling and helpful tips!

Článek How to travel safely in Southeast Asia [EN] se nejdříve objevil na Locus Map - mobile outdoor navigation app.