Ride and Run Darling: Wildflower Edition

Darling? Indeed

A rose by any other name, said Shakespeare…

Darling is a town in South Africa’s Western Cape known for its wildflower displays. It’s situated in the spring months of August and September, when a variety of wildflowers bloom in abundance. The Darling Wildflower Show is an annual event that celebrates this natural beauty, featuring exhibitions, art displays, and activities related to the local flora and fauna.

Darling also has a community with galleries, craft shops, and restaurants, making it a destination for visitors exploring the Western Cape region of South Africa.

From the organiser’s page:

Ride and Run Darling takes you through the beautiful, untouched single tracks and jeep tracks of Wolwefontein and its surrounding farms. The area is known for its stunning floral magnificence, and this year, with abundant rain, the spring season promises to be extraordinary. What better way to immerse yourself in this natural beauty than by participating on a bike or by foot! The routes are well-marked, marshalled, and equipped with water points to keep you hydrated and energized. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced athlete, there are route categories for all levels. A flower fun fuelled day for individuals, groups of friends, corporate teams, and families.

How could we resist?

Lokasi

Living Colour in Darling is a destination for trail runners and nature enthusiasts. It offers various activities, including trails, birdwatching, and walking paths, with safety a priority.

The park features ziplining, jungle gyms, water features for kids, and dog walks. For trail runners, there are mountain bike trails and trail running paths with scenic views.

Kevin Wood, a long-time Darling resident, leads guided rides through lesser-known trails. Explore landscapes, including vineyards and Rhenosterveld, with ocean and mountain views.

Living Colour also offers farm-to-table dining, craft beverages, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Unfortunately, no Halaal options. Which is why we took our own.

Whether you’re a solo runner or seeking family fun, Living Colour in Darling is your outdoor escape. Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. Open daily during school holidays, except Christmas Day.

Pre-race Shenanigans

Entry Details: Entry Ninja

Drive from Cape Town: 55 mins

State of the road/conditions: R27 and N7 – Good. No traffic because most sensible people were still in bed

Weather: Overcast with just a cloud burst, according to Bashe… just…

Kit: Trail shoes, hydration pack and rain gear!

Start

The race started and finished at Living Colour, with the mountain bike race setting off first. We stayed warm by the wood fire while a cloud burst rained on their start. Ag shame.

A few minutes later the 20km set off with the MC sounding way cheerier than anyone should that early in the morning!

We mugged for a few pics… as usual!

Most Scenic Point

The best part of the run for me was reaching the top where we were rewarded with an armband signalling our summit.

I have thrown it away, but nou ja…

The journey was a reward in itself. Yes, the view was marvellous, but there was so much open space, it felt liberating on the few occasions I was completely alone with nothing but green space and a dirt track around me.

It was just such a beautiful route – lovely single track through the wildflowers, muddy sections with thoughtful paving… and that concrete subway tunnel thing we had to negotiate after 2kms… was hilarious!

And there was a nice wood fire going at the summit where a marshal waited with our armbands, sipping her maybe/maybe-not alcoholic beverage.

Zero perspiration.

Chilled vibes to go with the chilly wind and the warmth of the crews manning the water tables.

The Nature

I didn’t take nearly enough (as usual) pics of the blommies. I’m just too lazy to keep taking out my phone.

I am also a klutz and bound to drop it in a river or pile of mud/cow dung. And I’m lazy.

Eish, its days like these I miss Princess Rifi and Blommie.

Highlight

After all the prizes were handed out to the serious participants, we took to the zipline! I think we may have shown the kiddos what big kiddos can do.

One must grow old; but one must not necessarily grow up!

Trail Rating

Safety – I know I nag about safety, but please make sure you always have enuf water, a small first aid kit, space blanket and fully-charged cell phone in case of emergency.

Trail Rating – I would rate this trail easy to moderate… only because there a few hills, but nothing hectic. Even the climb to the summit is not at all hard. It would be an easy day’s hiking.

What I liked about the venue is that there were many trails, one could pick and choose from, depending on mood and fitness.

There is also a park run at the venue which looks very cool, and a paddock with horses, which always excites Chucky.

I think he watched too many Westerns as a kid.