Forest ride ....

Almost since the first settlers arrived in the area, forestry has been a significant contributor to the economy of the Midlands - the mistbelt area and the south east slopes particularly suiting and facilitating tree growth. Pine, eucalyptus and wattle are the major species to be found and the wider area contributes close on half of South Africa's 'farmed' hardwood output with some 50% of that being eucalyptus grandis - (one of the better things to come out of Australia). This is predominantly used in the pulp and paper industries. Only a small percentage of the country (0.25%) has indigenous forestation - and the Karkloof Valley is a notable area in this regard. 

Apart from the significant contribution forestry makes to the economy of the country, it adds significantly to the scenic splendour of the region. Many forest roads and paths are accessible to the mountain biker providing challenges from the relatively simple to the downright dangerous.

Here, the day after the Karkloof Classic MTB Festival, a family perhaps having extended their stay in the area takes one of the easier roads through the SAPPI forest lands en route to the Karkloof Falls, one of many scenic attractions the area has to offer. The only hazard here is the dust left by the occasional passing motorist - but further on the rocks and slopes will make the ride something more of an adventure.

Out on a clear bright day I particularly liked the presence here of three distinct generations of forest plantation alongside the road - the tall mature eucalyptus trees to the centre rear being close to harvesting age, those to the left perhaps only three to four years in their cycle. On the right is a young plantation of pine trees - part of the softwood family. Made by man, but who could object? Certainly not the riders who add a slight touch of the human story to the scene, giving a sense of scale to the open vastness of the forest lands.