MTBiking
Howick Mountain Biking is a specialist Mountain Bike "Club" formed for those who are passionate about Mountain Biking. We are located in Howick in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands of South Africa and do most of our riding in the plantations between Howick and the Karkloof. Technical singletrack is where we are at and to this end we have laid out over 30km of tracks, varying from gentle terrain and tree lined paths to attention grabbing sections that are aptly named Suicide Slide, The Face, Rushalot and Pines.
Howick MTB Club has numerous club activities and schedule regular club rides. Although we love singletrack, we cater for all levels of riders. We ride hard..we have fun...and we simply revel in Mountain Biking!
Subscription to our newsletter is free and available to all. On subscription you will be added to our Newsletter mailing list which will keep you up to date on the latest trail news, trail conditions, annual fees, events and all other Howick Mountain Bike Club news.
As responsible Mountain Bikers we encourage all riders to be aware of the Rules of the Trails. Please clink the link below to familiarise yourself with these
Please respect the fire warnings that are issued. They are for your own safety.Daily updates can be obtained from the Lions River Fire Protection Office on 033 330 6369 or 073 704 5862 . Take the time to understand the Fire Danger Index. If they inform you that it is a High Fire Risk Day, accessing the trails is strictly prohibited. If the forests are closed you WILL be removed from the area and may be barred from returning. The NO HEMLET, NO RIDE rule applies to all trails at all times. Rider indemnities are compulsory at all times and trail fees apply
Membership
Howick Mountain Bike Club offers 4 Annual Membership options. Adult Membership (R275 pa) is for all members who wish to belong to the club and who are 18 and over. Junior Membership (R110 pa) is for all riders who wish to belong to the club and who are younger than 18. Family memberships are available at R275.00 for the first member and R110.00 for each member thereafter (immediate family only). Country membership is also available (R175.00 pa) for riders who already belong to another KZN MBA cycling club.
Both Adult and Junior memberships include your Howick MTB Club rider board, indicating your unique rider number, and annual indemnity for access to the SAPPI forests.

Race Day
The Howick Classic is our highlight of the year. It is the oldest race on the KZN Mountain Bike calendar and one not to be missed. The race is broken down into 3 events - the 40km Classic, the 20km intermediate and the 10km kiddies ride. Don't let the 40km distance fool you....this is a very tough event and is often described by participants as one of the more challenging they have ever ridden!
Dont miss South Africa's original and FIRST Mountain Bike event that was ever established! After 25 years of passionate trail building by the Howick Mountain Bike Club we boast some of the most technically challenging and tough singletrack in the Country. This is RAW and UNPLUGGED Mountain Biking at its best!

Club Rides
Mon-Wed-Fri : 5am till +- 6.30am, at the tree by the Howick High School. Suitable for all ages and skill levels. A great way to get fit
Tues & Thurs : 4pm from Ken’s house (19 Berea Road, opposite the Howick Prep Primary School). Ken takes a group out on mostly singletrack. Warning..it can be a HECTIC ride!
Sat : Long ride leaving from the tree at Howick High School at 5am or 6am. This is a ride of usually 50km to 60km although sometimes further. Please confirm timings beforehand (see contact list)
Sun : 7am from the Howick Hospital. This is usually a shorter ride, including singletrack

Trail News
Club Ride 8 December 2012
Should it not rain !!!, we are going to hold a club ride with a difference!
Date: Saturday 8 December 2012
Time: Sign in from 13h00 to leave by 14h00 back by 18h00
Start: Greendale Shopping Centre – top car park
Format: Team event mountain bike club ride
Teams of two seek markers, in the surrounding area, from a provided map, gathering points for each marker found.
Age handicaps apply.
Entry: R20.00 per team - HMBC members.
Non-members! NB due to immense outside pressure, non-members are welcome at an additional ride fee of R20.00 per non-member! Please also ensure that non-members sign the necessary indemnity/access permits before heading off into the forests!
What to bring:
· Yourself and a mate . . and your bikes !
· Some trail food, snacks and drinks.
· R20.00 per team – HMBC members (additional R20.00 per non member)
· A crayon or pencil – to confirm your “finds”
· The ability to enjoy yourselves whilst cycling between 20 and “lots-more” km!
Please indicate via return mail whether you will be participating so that I can supply the necessary number of maps and contact sheets. If you don’t indicate your participation, you may not get a map – which would be a real bummer!
For more info please drop an e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


