The Homtini Cycle Route is a circular route starting from Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site. From the picnic site follow the road towards Millwood for about 400m, then turn right into Pomp-se-pad. This forest track takes you through some indigenous forest for about 3km before branching off to the right into Deurpad, a forest slip-path. This section of single track has some exhilarating descents and takes you from the forest into the plantations. About a kilometre after entering the plantation the trail takes a sharp left and descends towards the Lawnwood River were you can refill your water bottle and take a cool dip. At the river the road starts a long climb up to Portland Hights, but once at the top you will be rewarded with a remarkable view of the area. From here the trail continues onward quite leisurely with more great views of the area before entering the forest again at the 14km mark along Boer-se-pad, another exhilarating section of single track. The trail re-joins the Millwood road at the 18km mark and heads back to Krisjan-se-nek. For riders of average fitness the trail will take about two hours to complete. Take enough time to drink in the scenery!
Distance: 19km, circular (anti-clockwise).
Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
Managed by: SANParks
Permit & Costs: Permits available from Thesen Island Office or the Goudveld Entrance gate.
Contact Numbers:
Goudveld Forestry Station – 044 389 0129
Thesen Island Office – 044 302 5600
Goudveld Entrance – 044 356 9021
Maps:
Maps available from SANParks here: www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/tourism/activities/mountain_bikes.php
Directions: From Knysna take the N2 towards George, about 8km out take the Rheenendal turnoff to the right. Follow this road for 12.6km and take the Bibby’s Hoek / Millwood Gold Fields turnoff to the right (becomes gravel just after the turn). You will reach a four way crossing with a boom, sign in and pay here. Sometime out of season this boom is open and unmanned. Follow this road to the Dalene Matthee Memorial at the Krisjan Se Nek picnic site, 4km. The route starts here.
Other: The water in the streams are drinkable, the dark colour is due to the tannins and humic acids from the leaves on the forest floor.
Please preserve our environment for our posterity by not littering.