Oak Valley
estate

For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts though, it's the valley's network of globally-renowned mountain bike trails that are the real drawcard. At the centre of the action, lies Oak Valley.

Oak Valley is a historical gem founded in 1898 by Sir Antonie Viljoen, a farmer extraordinaire and the first to establish commercial apple orchards in the region. Today, the area is renowned for its apples, pears, cut flowers, and outstanding cool-climate wines. The estate's vineyards, situated between 300m and 500m above sea level, face south to south-east on cooler sites, exposed to prevailing breezes that moderate daytime temperatures, producing grapes with bright forward fruit aromas.

With its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, Oak Valley Estate offers a unique experience for travellers. It has also cemented its status as a premier destination for riders of all levels. With nine previous visits (and hosting two stages of the 2023 Absa Cape Epic) Oak Valley holds many memories for countless riders over the years. In 2009, Sauser and Stander proved their dominance by taking six minutes off Bulls on Stage 5. The first-ever time trial at the event was held in 2010, where Songo won by over a minute. In 2019, Schurter and Forster made history as the last team to win a mid-week time trial on Stage 4 at Oak Valley Estate, propelling them to the overall win. The duo had previously won on the same course in 2017. Oak Valley Estate has also seen Langvad, Van der Breggen, Fumic, Avancini, Buys, and Beukes claim victory in various stages over the years.

Originally designed by the legendary Pieter Visser, the trails at Oak Valley cater to everyone from the weekend warrior to the racing snake making it ideal for The Race That Measure’s All’s mix of amateurs and pros.

The trails pass through an array of breathtaking natural scenery including ancient oak forests, fruit orchards, and cattle pastures all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Groenlandberg mountains. Known for its groomed singletrack, Oak Valley offers riders a range of sections to explore, including Vissie's Magic, Stone & Steel, Fountain of Youth, Sounds of Silence, Groenlandberg Stairway, Harrier Hawk, Raging Baboon, JK's Edge, and Wonderland – to name just a few.