Grabouw through to Franschoek on R321 - safe to ride solo?

[walkerr]

I've often fancied for a tough day's cycling with some nice big climbs to do a loop from Somerset West over Sir Lowry's and then via Grabouw to Franschoek and back over Hellshoogte.

 

The last part doesn't worry too much as I ride here to F'hoek and back occasionally, and most of it has decent yellow lane. I'm less comfortable on the bit from Grabouw to F'hoek though - driven that road a few times and with no yellow lane and quite a few dips and twists, seems like it could be hazardous in terms of traffic not seeing you or buzzing you too close.

 

Occasionally I've noticed few groups of cyclists on that road - but realistically I'd be solo or with maybe 1 or 2 buddies.

 

Anyone ride it and have actual experiences from it to share?

[Tiny K]

It's all good man! no road shoulder in some places but not much traffic either once you are off the N2. Tankman has done it loads - myself, 3 times.

 

Here is a link; http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115386336

[Tiny K]

I must add, we rode it as a DC training ride so we were 12 people doing it. Fewer numbers would have made it more comfortable as a large bunch and traffic makes single file riding a necessity.

 

Enjoy it!

 

Edit: rode it with Will's Bike shop team

Edited January 26, 2012 by Tiny K

[MariusL]

I'd be a bit weary of riding this route inthe week, or Saturdays as there are quite a few trucks that use this stretch of road - with any on coming traffic it can get a bit narrow. Traffic is a lot quieter on a Sunday... maybe think of riding it then. Caveman was knockd off by a truck on this stretch - so just be careful...

[walkerr]

Cool - cheers guys. Every time I've driven this route I've thought "jee, I'd like to get out on my bike down here". Sounds like it's doable with some caution and careful choice of day/time of day.

 

Want to stack up on some nice scenic training routes for winter LSD rides once the argus is out the way. Hopefully I'll be on a nice shiny Ti beast that I'll have built especially for enjoyable long rides.