GIBA GORGE

The Giba Gorge story is a fascinating one: what started as a hobby back in 2007, when Chris and Steve Harburn took ownership of the Stockville Quarry, has grown into the comprehensive trail park and MTB track we have today.

Giba has loads of different line options to suit all levels of skill and fitness; and you’ll leave here a better rider as a result. The vegetation grows freely, but the trails remain in impeccable condition. The scene is also constantly shape-shifting – one moment you’re negotiating steep, rocky slabs, and the next you’re plummeting down a forested singletrack mineshaft at full tilt. Giba uses this natural topography to maximum effect, as the trails incorporate rocks, boulders, dips and drops.

There’s lots of wildlife in the confines of the trail park, and on crisp clear days they fill the air with their different calls. Legend has it there’s a sizeable mamba that lives here too, and it’s made the old ruin deep in the forest its home – so watch yourself, if you ride those bits... assuming you believe in legends, of course!

The trail network has numerous link-ups that allow you to join trails, creating a different riding experience on every outing. If you ride all of the marked trails as they appear, you should register around 35 to 38km – which can be extended by using the link-ups.

The main lines are conveniently colour-coded for ease of use: purple for kids and novices; green for easier climbs and flow trails; and blue, which incorporates steeper climbs and tight switchbacks, for fitter riders. There are also two short downhill/ enduro trails, festooned with jumps and ramps, for more experienced riders.

With such diversity in terms of riding on offer, you can only progress as a rider. Other provinces could take a leaf out of Giba’s multi-chaptered book on skills development. DISTANCE: 38KM MAX ( MULTIPLE ROUTE COMBINATIONS) TERRAIN: FLOWING AND TECHNICAL RATING: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED