Want to visit the Lowveld with your Motorcycle but not sure where to ride? See below some of LMSI’s recent rides, routes and places to visit.
Nelspruit to Boskombuis via Shiyalongubo Dam
This Gravel Adventure Route Start at the Steiltes Total Garage in Mbombela where a fuel top-up is required to complete the 130km route to the Jocks Boskombuis on the R40 outside Barberton en-route back to Mbombela on the R40. The route is a Tar and Gravel combination which meanders through spectacular scenery with breathtaking views.
From Steiltes Total Garage, a short tar section to the Uitkyk Road which turn into easy gravel road which could get corrugated with patches of sand here and there. Remember to stay left as this is a public roads which is frequented by the locals. Get ready for the climb up to the view point, do not attempt when wet, pin the throttle and hang on.
Stop at the top to catch your breath and take a picture or two, a welcome sip from your drinks bladder is appropriate as the Lowveld easily reach temperatures in excess of 40 degrees with high humidity. Caution now on the down from the lookout, some lurkers about, choose the right line and take it slow.
Once reaching the bottom, the terrain flattens out, the road widens where a little more of a “Spirited Riding Style” is appropriate. Watch out, it the surface becomes Sandy, lean back, look up, open the throttle and enjoy.
Reaching the T-Junction with the N4, take a right onto the highway, when reaching the “MARA” Sign-Post, get ready to turn right off the N4. Through the Security Boom Gate, spectacular twisties await with bushveld scenery and wild-life. Take is easy as a Kudu or Impala is known to cross your path on this tar section.
Once out of the Crocodile Poort Conservancy Area, another T-Junction await where a right turn towards Louw’s Creek is required. This Tar section to Louw’s Creek is scenic, but beware of Kamakazi drivers, pedestrians, cattle and potholes.
The Louieville turn-off the the left comes quick, lookout for the Agricultural Nets as this will indicate your next turning point.Once you have turned left, expect a paved brick road meandering through informal settlements until it becomes a gravel road. The gravel road follow the Louw’s Creek river, passing by a closed mine with a huge smoke stack, you start climbind up the mountain, be sure to stop at the top for a photo or two. Riding the two switchbacks tends to think you are on the Sani Pass, stick to the left and navigate the gravel, looking up and ahead.
Following the track, the road suddenly expose a view to the Shiyalongubodam on your left. The blue water looks enticing, a swim could be in order on a hot summer day, follow the road where the water almost meets the road, stop for a breather and a possible swim. The locals welcome visitors and could come greet friendly and engage in a conversation.
Leaving the waters edge, the road leads you into the cool forests, absorb the scenery with the surfaces being hard pack soil which turns into mud-baths during the rainy season. The gravel ends at the T-Junction with the R40, take a right and follow the Makhonjwa Mountains down the Geo Trail to Barberton. The Eureka viewpoint is worth a stop.
Continue straight at the Stop until you find the Jock’s Boskombuis Signage on your right. Good food with a great vibe to end off your riding with a cold one.
