Wakkerstroom and Surrounds Routes and Trips

Over the years I've done a few trips in the Wakkerstroom area, some staying in town and at other times staying at Country Trax and then doing some of the routes, including the escarpment route, which is incredibly scenic and well worth doing. Here's a summary of the routes, accommodation and trip info. The 1st of the trips includes us staying at the Pot and Gitter, but there is much nicer accommodation in the town, with many bikers opting to stay at the Wakkerstroom Hotel. As you enter town you're greeted by an old steam locomotive, interestingly Wakkerstroom was never on a railway line, this was brought in as a tourist attraction. I've visited Wakkerstroom both in winter and summer and it has it's own beauty during both seasons, the winter brings the beauty of frosty fields and the low hanging mist, while in summer you'd be forgiven for thinking that you're in the heart of Scotland. A great place to stop for a good breakfast, is at the local bakery - the food and coffee are both really good and set the tone for a great day of riing. It doesn't take you long to get onto some incredible dirt with mind blowing scenery, the escarpment loop starts a meer 3 km's north of town. The route takes you past Dirkies Dorp and then back onto the dirt towards Heyshope Dam, one of the biggest dams in SA, from there it's onward to Luneberg, a German faming community and then the riding gets incredible with the route towards Zaaihoek Dam. Staying at Country Trax is a truly special experience, the hospitality of Jan and his team allows you to experience the real "platteland" soul. His setup is incredible, with such attention to detail in the main lodge and each of the rooms - he is a true craftsman and perfectionist. Jan takes his guests on some of the lesser known routes in the area and generally ends with the escarpment route and then onwards to Wakkerstroom for lunch and some liquid refreshments. Then for those that are brave enough, I'm not one of them, there's the canal ride challenge. Wakkerstroom is truly a magical place and my wife and I have spent up to 10 days there just relaxing, taking in the peace and quiet and great food at the Red Rooster, Thyme Out the Goat House and some of the other eating establishments in the town. There are a few shops, that only open from Thursday onwards and a small shop at the garage for your day to day basics and a fairly well stocked grocer.