So, continuing on re that recent MTB road trip … After cranking to our hearts’ along on the trail networks of Howick and Karkloof Mountain Bike Club, we packed the Jeep Patriot (courtesy of Max Cluer and his crew) and headed west, travelling in style towards Mpumalanga.

A damn long drive got us to Misty Valley Bike Park, a stunning spot languishing at nearly 2000m above Emgwenya (Code Name Waterval Boven). A gap in the weather allowed just enough time to hook up with local trails guru Garth Flanders for a shoot along their single-track network, including some nifty new bridges and boardwalks amidst the rocky outcrops overlooking the lodge.

After a few seconds of uhm-ing and ah-ing, we decided to ignore the thunder storm rolling in, and headed out onto the trails on our bikes – Matthew Drew on his orange Pyga, and myself on the fabulous Scott Spark supplied by Joggie Prinsloo. The beauty of Misty Valley is that it is generally a flat and fast blast, but with delightful little swerves and switchbacks thrown into the mix to keep it interesting.

Plus, you get mountain zebra, wildebeest and bontebok galloping alongside you as cruise the grasslands, with eye-popping views across distant valleys giving the ride a real top-of-the-world feel. The long and short of it all is that we managed to avoid the lightning, and headed back brimfull with endorphins to where big steaks and cold beers awaited our return.

Click here to view the pics