Bit of a strange comment? The bikers are on the onramp, inside the designated lane, have not crossed the solid line - can't possiby see how they contributed to this?
To be fair though, when I still rode I was also no fan of big group rides.
I did through Big Bay events and you book a week block, they look for the best day.
But knowing the Cape, even that might not be enough.
February is supposed to be best from what I have heard
To add to what the others said - get as much open water swim practice in as possible and then try get adapted to cold water, as in really cold. I did it 2 weeks ago and water temp was 12.8.
I'm not sure on that whole route, to be honest.
I have done parts of it on a normal ride (between main gravel road, past dam and heading due east back to main gravel road) and possible some of it as part of a race one year (from Suiderstrand back over the dunes to the main gravel road). Was sandy but rideable ....... I can't remember walking at least
I will see if I can find the route we used on strava
Tar road between Struisbaai and Bredarsdorp is, in my opinion, dangerous. Narrow and everyone speeds along there. At times there are footpaths next to the road but very rough riding
