Commute/Live in Cape Town (UCT)

[Kobh]

I know this isn't purely cycling related but I would really appreciate some advice from some CT hubbers. I'm moving to Cape Town from Pretoria next year and keep on being told by people who don't/haven't even live(d) there that I won't be able to ride to university very often because of the weather. I'm doing a postgrad degree next year and so am a bit over the campus lifestyle and was looking at maybe staying a bit further away, maybe around Camps bay (+- 15 km to UCT). Are there any locals who are doing similar trips? Also, would there be any suburb thats best to stay in to get in a quiet, safe (as is possible) 1h30 - 2h00 (MTB and road) ride during weekday mornings (still within, say, 10-15km of UCT)?

Edited November 14, 2011 by Kobh

[Chubba]

The usual jealousy rearing its ugly head.

 

Welcome to Cape Town, the only place in S.A to live. The weather can be unpredictable, but it’s not as bad as people make out.

Granted, this year has been very peculiar with a very mild but long winter. Road through all of it.

 

In Summer, when it arrives, you will be able to ride every single day. The wind might be a bit *** on some days, but that’s about it.

 

Camps Bay for road ride is most probingly the best place to be - and your possible routes are endless from here.

 

MTB - you can hit Table Mountain very quickly on the bike, and if you want to drive you have Tokai, and Durbanville close by.

 

Commuting to UCT - you can do it, but you would need some time figuring out a safe route.

 

And if you’re into bird watching, Camps Bay will suit you well!

 

Good move, you won’t regret it.

Edited November 14, 2011 by Chubba

[MTB_Roadie]

I know this isn't purely cycling related but I would really appreciate some advice from some CT hubbers. I'm moving to Cape Town from Pretoria next year and keep on being told by people who don't/haven't even live(d) there that I won't be able to ride to university very often because of the weather. I'm doing a postgrad degree next year and so am a bit over the campus lifestyle and was looking at maybe staying a bit further away, maybe around Camps bay (+- 15 km to UCT). Are there any locals who are doing similar trips? Also, would there be any suburb thats best to stay in to get in a quiet, safe (as is possible) 1h30 - 2h00 (MTB and road) ride during weekday mornings (still within, say, 10-15km of UCT)?

 

Dude, chicks is going to dig you!

[Kobh]

MTB_Roadie - what do you mean is going to..?

 

And thanks a lot Chubba, looking forward to it!

[Chubba]

Morning rides!

[MTB_Roadie]

MTB_Roadie - what do you mean is going to..?

 

And thanks a lot Chubba, looking forward to it!

 

Cause you will have a flat at Camps Bay....girls like that...nevermind.....

[b-rad]

Cause you will have a flat at Camps Bay....girls like that...nevermind.....

 

And some guys will too

[Christopher Brunsdon]

I see daily dozens of commuters in CBD and Ottery/Woodstock both early morning and late afternoon. I used to commute with my previous job and only used the car about 2 weeks a year.

 

We also have new cycle paths in CBD

 

I would love to commute again but doing 105km return each day is a bit out of my league at the moment - but Frail does that each morning just to warm up

[PhilipV]

Awe epic choice man.

Commuting to UCT from town can either be done through back roads, or Main rd CT (not ideal, siff traffic) or via the mountain. There has been muggings above Rhodes Mem (above upper Campus) so be careful.

 

Otherwise take a look at Rondebosch/Rosebank/Claremont/Newlands area. That is the souther suburbs and cycling to campus should be a breeze.

I'm moving to town (Gardens) and will be commuting to work via the mountain regularly.

[Tubehunter]

I did a 5 and half year stretch where I ONLY commuted via bicycle from Tableview to town, before the cycle lanes were a reality. Since then I still commute regularly and having moved both home and office, my new route being Milnerton to Mowbray. I like to vary the routes as much as possible so that I don't become a predictable target and have never had an issue out on the road. There is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choice! Cape Town has a very mild weather range and if you can handle wind and the odd bit of wet you can cycle here everyday. Having a base in Camps Bay is first prize. You'll have all the joy of the non cycling benefits staying there as well as the regular sight of literally thousands of cyclists who do the Camps Bay to Hout Bay stretch of road most mornings. If I were you I would probably consider making that one of my training rides with a hop over Hout Bay via Constantia Nek and through to UCT every now and again too. Take it from those of us already doing what you plan, that you wont go wrong if you stick to your plan. Your only problem will be dealing with all those naysayers becoming haters when you post regular pics of your morning rides on your profile!

Edited November 15, 2011 by Tubehunter

[MTB_Roadie]

And some guys will too

 

haha! So true!

[Kobh]

Cause you will have a flat at Camps Bay....girls like that...nevermind.....

 

Got your just, was humourously (or so I thought) implying that they already do!

[Kobh]

Thanks so much everyone, seriously can't wait for next year!

[Lucky Luke.]

Cause you will have a flat at Camps Bay....girls like that...nevermind.....

 

I had a flat at Camps Bay once. The girls just tutted and stepped over me while I changed the tube.

[MTB_Roadie]

I had a flat at Camps Bay once. The girls just tutted and stepped over me while I changed the tube.

 

 

 

 

They always fix my wheel while i watch

[Let's Ride]

Nice and you could cycle to the town campus and then take the Jamie Shuttle unless main road or lower wood stock does it for you.

 

I commute to campus but am coming in from the south area and it's so sick. Park right outside my lecture venue as they have some nice undercover bike racks. Get home before people in cars.

 

If you commute from far there are even showers if you work up a sweat but I take it really easy and just coast in.