Best route from Cape Town to Grabouw on a road bike

[circo]

On sunday I want to ride from from Cape Town to Grabouw on my Tri bike. Anyone done this? I would like to avoid N2/ very busy roads as much as possible. I have looked at HeatMaps in Strava and it seems that there is a way to go north through Bellville and then head south towards Sir Louwry. I also see there is an "Old Sir Lowry's pass". Is that gravel or tarmac? Any other suggestions? 

 

Thanks,

c

 

[DJR]

Agter Durbanville - Paarl (or Stellenbosch?) - Franschoek - Grabouw ?

[TALUS]

I don't know the area but I have also wondered about the route around Gordons Bay.

[CleatsnCleavage]

As far as I understand its not legal in any case to ride your bike on a national freeway?

[circo]

Maybe not legal, definitely not fun. So the question is - is there a way to do it by avoiding freeways?

[Butterbean]

Take the r44 through Gordon's bay and along the coast road through rooi els, Betty's bay, and kleinmond. Pass Arabella spa and that section of the n2 isn't too bad all the way to grabouw.

 

The coast road looks narrow but it's got low traffic volumes and cars drive slower and seem more considerate. Just be aware there is a Lot of unexpected climbing ok that route. The road has a massive shoulder once you're through rooi else all the way to kleinmond.

[circo]

Is Old Sir Lowry's pass tarmac or gravel? Looks like quite a few guys been riding on it:

 

[akneethling]

Voortrekker Road through Bellville then Kuils river. I don'tknow about the safety aspect going past Blackheath and Eerste River. You could go via the Stellenbosch arterial from Zevenwacht Mall, then join the R45 then back to Somerset West. The N2 after Somerset Mall is not a freeway so riding your bike is legal. Then you must consider the safety aspect of riding a dodgy 10km before hitting Sir Lowrys Pass.

[Shebeen]

Is Old Sir Lowry's pass tarmac or gravel? Looks like quite a few guys been riding on it:

that's on the cape epic route...enjoy

[Shebeen]

best option

 

http://www.mtntravelers.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/thule-bike-rack-toyota-rav4.jpg

[circo]

Take the r44 through Gordon's bay and along the coast road through rooi els, Betty's bay, and kleinmond. Pass Arabella spa and that section of the n2 isn't too bad all the way to grabouw.

 

The coast road looks narrow but it's got low traffic volumes and cars drive slower and seem more considerate. Just be aware there is a Lot of unexpected climbing ok that route. The road has a massive shoulder once you're through rooi else all the way to kleinmond.

@dragorosso, this the route you mean? that would be quite a monster ride:

[WIPEOUT 1000]

The Old Sir Lowries Pass road joins the new Sr Lowries Pass approximately half way up the pass. I.e. it is not possible to bypass Sr Lowries Pass this way.

 

It is relatively easy to find, basically follow Somerset West Main Road and take the Sr Lowries turnoff at Vergelegen Medi Clinic.

 

However, there a couple of nasty issues with the old pass, these include safety ( remember the go pro bike robbers) poor road surface and lots of glass.

[Frohan]

Stay away from the Old Sir Lowrys pass road, they hijack bikes there, also on the N2 at Sir Lowrys pass at the last traffic light before you start climbing you must be very very carfeful, also bike jacking spot.

 

Then if you take the ride up the pass, be careful at the informal settlement on the left just before Grabouw, thats also a hot spot, best is the try and get someone to ride with you.

 

The coastal road past Rooiels is safe, but much much longer to get to Grabouw that way and then you anyway have to ride on the N2 from Botriver until the Grabouw turnoff.

[lerouc]

Is Old Sir Lowry's pass tarmac or gravel? Looks like quite a few guys been riding on it:

 

its looking for trouble...

[AJG]

I've done this route and its awesome.

 

CT, towards Tableview, right at the Paddocks out to Durbanville, Bottelary rd to Stellenbosh, Helshoogte pass, over Franshoek pass, past Theewaters Dam and right at the T junction to Grabouw.

 

Prefer this to the Bettys Bay route as the section on the N2 up Hoehoek Pass to Grabouw is pretty long. It's ok if you have a support vehicle but not great solo.

[circo]

Would safety be an issue sunday morning?