FatTracks was the first Mountain Bicycle Club in South Africa. Established in 1989, the Club is a leader in the growth of Mountain Biking in South Africa and has seen substantial growth in the last three years. As a club we recognize the importance of catering for all mountain biking needs, irrespective of levels of discipline, fitness or skill.
Amongst other things, FatTracks Mountain Bike Club involves itself in:
- Racing : We organize races catering for both novice and experienced riders.
- Outrides : We have regular outrides. Outrides are a social type of event which is really just about getting out and riding mountain bikes whilst encouraging new entrants to the sport.
- Chaperoned Valley rides: Our trail builders offer an escorted ride during the day for those who are fortunate enough to ride their bikes during normal work hours.
- Skills rides: We do occasional rides where riders can learn to tackle obstacles and challenges that they might usually not try.
- Trail maintenance: Key to our growth is the maintenance and development of the Baakens Valley trail network. We know o r members like riding epic trails and as such will continue to
provide awesome pedaling opportunities.
Address: William Moffat opposite the Astron garage, Walmer, Gqeberha, 6070
Over the past number of years, FatTracks has been building, maintaining, and rehabilitating a number of trails around the Gqeberha area. This is all made possible through the investment and support of our annual sponsors, Continental SA and Waudcray.
FatTracks employs the services of a garden maintenance company as well as experienced builders who have honed their skills in building, maintaining, and strategically planning new trails for the MTB members as well as the wider community.
The trail building efforts are supported by FatTracks committee volunteers who assist in some of the bigger projects, and ensure that the trails have very little environmental impact. There is a lot of thought and planning that goes into establishing each route – ensuring that the trail does not have an impact on erosion or the plants and trees that it goes through.
We also recognise the importance of encouraging young people to participate in outdoor activities. Over the last three years, FatTracks has worked on building up the area around the Containers (Trail Centre) as well as the Pump Track which is situated prominently on the William Moffett Expressway.
FatTracks Fast Facts
- 26 km of trail developed / maintained
- 3072 trail hours of labour and supervision
- 120 litres of fuel
- In excess of 270 metres of weed eater cord used
- 150 km of grass trimmed
- 220 tons of ground moved / reworked
- 1.2 tons of wood used to contain erosion