Join us for a weekend of mountain biking through the spectacular Karoo and get to know renowned author Deon Meyer whilst you learn new skills with MTB coach Joanna Dobinson!
It's a wonderful weekend away for the whole family that offers:
- MTB Skills Training by Joanna Dobinson of Biking in the Bosch.
- Fireside chats with Deon Meyer - listen to some of his secrets to writing.
- All meals during your stay.
- Various accommodation options.
- Kids stay free (just charged for meals)
- Kids activities.
- Access to Jakhalsdans MTB trails (run or ride these).
- Genuine Loxton hospitality :)
- *Excludes actual bike - please bring your own.
The itinerary is as follows:
Friday night : 'Roosterlek' braai under the Karoo Stars.
Join Nicola, Linda, Deon, Marianne and Jo from 6pm around communal fires and braai your own delicious Karoo meat sourced by local farmers. It's also a good chance to 'carbo load' on the delicious roosterbrood and pasta salads and let your taste buds be tantalised by homemade Karoo culinary delights under the Karoo stars!
Saturday morning and afternoon
Grab a coffee and snack and get an early morning start at 7:30 for those who want ride the more challenging Mountain Bike Route with Deon, or you can choose one of the easier routes and leave at your own leisure and time. There are routes for beginners and children to serious experienced riders (routes to be posted soon).
Back mid-morning for a delicious breakfast/brunch put on by Jakhalsdans.
Those who have booked Mountain Bike Skills Training with Jo will be be taught in groups at various times during the day (times will be confirmed before the event) The lesson will enable all riders, beginners or advanced, to become more confident on their bike. (Bring your own mountain bike, gravel grinder or E - bike along with your own spares please).
Joanna has 25 years of riding experience . She founded Biking In The Bosch 6 years ago in Stellenbosch and has trained close on 7000 riders including 15 world champions . Allow her to teach you the power of the centred bike, how to corner faster and much more. Her enthusiasm and passion is sure to ignite something special and get you enjoying your bike even more as you carve through the Karoo mountain bike landscape and tracks on Jakhalsdans!
To learn more about Jo please click on the her named tab at the top of this description.
For non-riders you may explore the farm on foot, go for a trail run, visit nearby Loxton or simply relax and enjoy the wide open spaces of the Karoo.
Whilst mom and dad are riding, the kids will be entertained with Fun Art Jamming Sessions with Marianne (Deon's wife, who is passionate about art and kids). More "True Plaas Style Fun" for the kids like horse rides on leads are also on the cards.
Saturday Evening
Enjoy a delicious Karoo meal "Karoo Potjie & Deon Meyer Kuier Aand" and follow Deon as he transports you with his famous story telling and also shares some insights into his writing - and perhaps even some secrets!
Send in your questions before hand to [email protected] and he might just answer them in an entertaining Q&A!
To learn more about Deon please click on the his named tab at the top of this description.
Sunday Morning
Enjoy a quick ride, or just take in the sounds of silence that Jakhalsdans offers. Pack up, grab your snack pack for the road and head back home by 12pm!
Joanna Dobinson
Joanna Dobinson has 25 years of riding experience . She founded Biking In The Bosch 6 years ago in Stellenbosch and has trained close on 7000 riders including 15 world champions . Allow her to teach you the power of the centred bike, how to corner faster and much more. Her enthusiasm and passion is sure to ignite something special and get you enjoying your bike even more!
Testimonials
Thanks Jo, that was a fantastic afternoon of tuition. I reckon the best biking investment I have ever made for a couple of hundred rand! Seriously people, for the same amount of money that you could just about purchase an MTB tyre, you will never purchase any bit of equipment that will make you go that much faster on the trail, compared to 2 hours of Jo’s tuition…
Bruce MeadAdvanced rider with 18 years experience. ( PTA)
For me as a professional mountainbiker skills training is a crucial part of my preparation. I chose to work with Jo not just because she’s a good friend of mine but also because of her way of encouraging me and guiding me step by step to achieve something I didn’t believe I was able to. To be able to ride gap jumps but also having improved my cornering technique are important abilities I acquired with Biking In The Bosch.
Ariane Luthi5x ABSA Cape Epic Winner, Team Spur ( SWISS)
Jo you are absolutely the best. From never been on a bike to..... I can't wait to get onto my bike. You are an amazing couch. I've learned so much from you in such a short period of time. Although you coach professional athletes you make beginners feel right at home. I feel like a professional with all the complements you give.
Elizabeth Tolken
I had a great weekend learning more about MTB and replacing FEAR with FUN! Jo's infectious enthusiasm, care for her students and massive expertise on the bike make for a special experience. I'm no racing snake but I can already see a major improvement with more to come practicing her skills and applying all the tips she and her team shared with the participants of all skill levels at the camp. The team rides with you and helps you with personal tuition as you progress on your own journey on the bike. I'm looking forward to sort out that fear of steep switch backs and very steep inclines!
Richard Ruston ( CAPE TOWN ) 
Fantastic skills clinic over 2 days with Joanna. We crammed so much good stuff into the time. High speed corners, jumps, baby manuals, berms, drop offs, step downs. Ending with a blast down the g-spot trail. Highly recommended.
Paul Willis ( UK)
Deon Meyer
South African crime author Deon Meyer is a former journalist and brand strategist. He has published 14 novels and two short story collections in 28 languages world-wide, and wrote, produced or directed several feature films and TV series.
Deon Meyer fell in love with this part of the Karoo when he came to Jakhalsdans. This later led him to buy a house in Loxton, a place where he could relax and write many of his books, whose stories are often based in Loxton,
Books like “Koors” and “Spoor”, better known as 'Trackers', his latest series adaption now showing on DSTV, was mostly written whilst Deon was based here. The movies “Jakhalsdans”, “Jagveld” and “The Last Tango” were also partly filmed on both Jakhalsdans and the quaint little town of Loxton and surrounds…
Accolades include Le Grand Prix de Littérature Policière (France), the Deutsche Krimi Preis, the Swedish Martin Beck Award, and a Barry Award in the USA. Deon lives in Stellenbosch. He is passionate about South Africa, Mozart, mountain bikes, cooking, and Free State Cheetahs and Springbok rugby.
His fireside chat will be about writing, adventures on book tours, and his books and characters.
Jakhalsdans The Movie
We have often been asked if the 2010 movie 'Jakhalsdans' is about the farm. The movie was shot in nearby Loxton and the climax of the film takes place on the farm.
We are proud to be associated with such a first rate South African movie. More information about the movie can be found on their website www.jakhalsdansmovie.co.za
Trackers MNET Series
Political thriller Trackers, one of Deon Meyer’s most popular books, has been adapted for the small screen as is showing on DSTV to rave reviews!
Read more here >
Jagveld Movie
Also partly filmed on Jakhalsdans, Jagveld is anothe rproud South African film based on one of Deon's books.
Read more here >
Camping
The Campsite at Jakhalsdans includes communal toilets and hot showers. Please bring your own tents and camping gear. tents can be provided at an extra cost - please enquire.
Boma Camping
Jakhalsdans will setup spacious rooms in the farm Bomas for an authentic farm stay. Communal toilets and hot showers wil be available. Kids stay free but must bring their own bedding. (This photo taken at seperate event - just to give you an idea on the layout - our Bomas may be slightly different)
Shearers Cottage (Skeerders Huis)
The Skeerders Guesthouse overlooks the dam with a wonderful front entertaining area with braai/bbq facilities.
The Guesthouse consists of 2 units – each tastefully decorated with a kitchen and en-suite bathroom.
Each unit sleeps 2 adults. 2 extra children can fit at maximum. (a lounge with cozy fireplace and sleeping unit will be made available).
View more pictures and info here
Hunters Cottage (Die Langhuis)
The Langhuis has 1 double and 2 twin rooms with 1 bathroom, kitchen and TV Room. It is possible to sleep 6 adults plus one child on a sleeper couch.
View more information and pictures here.
Old Farmhouse (Ou Opstal)
The Ou Opstal Guesthouse is a wonderful blend of old country farmhouse and luxury modern day amenities.
The Guesthouse consists of two bedrooms, one double room with on suite bathroom and a twin room with bathroom. A kitchen, scullery, dining room, sunroom and DSTV complete this beautiful house.
View more information and pictures here.