Caught in the Rain

MTB in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

On Sunday morning our cycling group for the day met at the entrance to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. I think we were all a little hesitant to start our cycle as we looked up at the grey clouds above. However, seeing the glass as half full and the blue sky peeking through the gloomy clouds, we decided to tackle the circular route of the nature reserve.

When entering the reserve, the signboards indicate that you should take the right fork in the road to do the circular route but we decided to go left and search for the MTB trails that go up into the pine plantations. Soon after we started our cycle, we came across a green signboard indicating a trail but we thought we would continue a little further to see if there were other trails. However, the next sign we saw was a black route indicating a short single track trail through a rocky patch back to the main gate so we continued on the circular route.

The route did include some uphill climbs but nothing too alarming. They are gradual and although they might leave you panting when you reach the top, they are manageable, i.e. I did not push my bike up the hill.  However, if you are unfit, a little pushing may be required.

Just a little push.



The route carried on into the valley with gradual hills, speedy downhill and even a thrilling river crossing.

With every glance you took, your breath was taken away by the beauty that surrounded you, even on this overcast day.

About two years ago, devastating fires ravaged through the mountains of Stellenbosch, Helderberg and Grabouw. Although you can still see some damage made by the fires, the vegetation has recovered and is growing steadily again, renewing the beauty to the valley.

The natural vegetation of the Jonkershoek is predominately mountain fynbos and we saw lovely white proteas and pink ericas on the surrounding slopes.  Although not indigenous, you will also see Oak trees along the bank of the river. These trees have been allowed to remain because of their unique historical value to the area. 



Cycling through mountain fynbos.





Young regrowth of vegetation.



We passed through an enchanting avenue of trees lined with bright yellow daisy bushes. The warm yellow blended beautifully with the wintry brown leaves still dangling on the trees.

Passing through an enchanting avenue of trees.

Soon afterwards we arrived at the top of the circular route and had a quick pit stop by the Eerste River, absorbing the beauty of the valley and giving us a chance to catch our breath.

Pit stop at Eerste River.

Although the Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend rivers have their sources high in these mountains, only the Eerste River actually flows through the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

The Eerste River rises on Dwarsberg in Jonkershoek and flows through Stellenbosch before the main tributary, the Kuils River joins it, finally flowing into False Bay at Macassar Beach. The river has been measured to be 40km in length.

Eerste River.

Heading back towards the exit of the reserve, enjoying the lovely sunshine that temporarily won its battle with the gloomy clouds; I had a much unexpected and unpleasant surprise.

Heading back to the entrance.

As the rest of the group cycled ahead I heard a distinct thumping coming from behind me. Looking behind me I saw my back tyre was completely flat. This was a total shock to me as I have never got a flat tyre before and I thought my Mongoose was indestructible, plus I forgot my emergency bag with the spare tyre at home.

With the rest of the group far ahead by now I was in a total dilemma. What do I do, how do I call for help? So I did what any girl in distress would do in a beautiful nature reserve, I jumped off my bike, started pushing and started taking pretty pictures while I waited for my knight in shining armour to come rescue me. I knew sooner or later, the rest of the group would come looking for me.

Beautiful view of the valley.

Simply lovely.

The warm sun illuminating the mountain.

Luckily Neil had his puncture repair kit and mended my tyre for me. All in time before the drizzle started falling.



Who knew a flat tyre could be so amusing.

O no, a bit more serious but look at that view.



A very important fact to note when you visit Jonkershoek is that the mountainous topography has a significant effect on the rainfall. It is the highest in South Africa which for us, on this day, translated into a light drizzle that turned into a torrential downpour.

This was not a concern for us at first as we were hastily heading downhill towards the exit and would soon be enjoying a cup of something hot at the Jonkershoek Coffee Shop. However, it did prove a problem as I discovered my tyre completely deflated again.  What luck! So once again, I climbed off my bike and pushed for about 2km back to the exit of the reserve with the rest of the group keeping me company in the pouring rain.

Bridge crossing before reaching the entrance to the reserve.

I don’t need to say we were absolutely drenched and a cup of hot chocolate has never tasted as good as it did on this day.

At one point, when the rain drops were falling off my helmet onto my face, it was truly a moment where I threatened to ring Murphy’s neck if I ever found him. Of all the times to get a flat tyre, Murphy would pick a real winter’s day, like this Sunday. But I still couldn’t stop myself from smiling and laughing, secretly thanking him because now I had a story to tell and a day I’ll never forget.