Malmesbury to Franschoek

[ewald99]

Hi hubbers

 

I am planning on riding about 200km on saturday, from Milnerton to Malmesbury (like I often do) and then from there to Franschoek via Paarl.

 

I have never done the 2nd part from Malmesbury to Franschoek. Can anyone suggest a route that is relatively safe (low mugging risk). I know no route is safe but from maps it is difficult to see which routes are close to informal settlements or areas that may be higher risk areas for muggings, keeping in mind I will probably riding by myself.

 

Will appreciate the advice.

 

Thanks

[Myra]

Hi hubbers

 

I am planning on riding about 200km on saturday, from Milnerton to Malmesbury (like I often do) and then from there to Franschoek via Paarl.

 

I have never done the 2nd part from Malmesbury to Franschoek. Can anyone suggest a route that is relatively safe (low mugging risk). I know no route is safe but from maps it is difficult to see which routes are close to informal settlements or areas that may be higher risk areas for muggings, keeping in mind I will probably riding by myself.

 

Will appreciate the advice.

 

Thanks

 

Why via Paarl, if I may ask? I don't know the route between Malmesbury and Paarl but I know a couple of people, especially triathletes, cycle from Stellenbosch to Malmesbury (R302/R304) over weekends. From Stellenbosch you could then go over Helshoogte and then along the R45 to Franschhoek. As far as I know this is reasonably safe, although there have been some incidents at Kayamandi (outside Stellenbosch) in the past.

 

If you do go via Paal, rather use the R45 to Franschhoek rather than the R301. There are roadworks on the R301 at the moment. We cycled past there during the Grape Escape and there were stop/go's. The R45 also seems quite safe. I've never had any issues or felt scared cycling there, even as a women cycling alone.

 

Alternatively you could always do the R302/304 towards Stellenbosch but just after the N1 turn left onto the R101 at Joostenberg farm stall. The R101 (which takes you through Klapmuts to Paarl and you can then turn onto the R45 just before Paarl) is obviously easier at you don't have to climb Helshoogte and I've never had or heard of any dodgy incidents on it.

[ewald99]

thanks nothiness

 

I am going via the R304 so if I could go towards wellington and via paarl i don't have to repeat any part of the route, and I could also avoid the kayamandi area because I am aware of the issues there. It looks and sounds like the R45 from malmesbury right through to franschoek might be a good option.

 

thanks for the info.