Hello South Africa

[Tubehunter]

Remember your bear spray, as it works on lions, hyenas, leopards & cheetahs but not on rhinos or elephant.

 

It also works on clowns!

 

You wont have to worry about riding with wildlife of a 4 legged kind in case that thought just came up!

 

Your biggest threat will be from criminal elements. If you're a little bit savvy you should radically minimise your risk though, so I would not get too freaked about that element and it certainly should not stop you from going riding.

 

Ask plenty questions here and chaps will probably invite you to tag along with them!

[Wannabe]

Welcome to SA (almost) Gicknib.

 

Yeah, like the other peeps said, living in the cape is quite laid back, compared to places like Joberg and Pretoria.

 

Don't be mislead, Cape winters is not that cold and wet, certainly not half as what you will be used to in your home state of Colorado. To you, it will be like almost no winter at all. 

 

Crime is a bit of a problem in Stellies (as the locals calls it), with the more "petty" stuff being the more prevalent (theft from motor vehicles, house breakings, robbery of wallets and cellphone's, etc). But if you keep your wits about you, remove most of the temptation, and be vigilant, it is not a great problem.

Theft of bicycles is quite high though, but it is not out of control.

 

You'll enjoy it here, that I can promise you (you might even bump into / cycle past Mtb greats like Urs Huber, Carl Platt, and others, on the trails over the European winter season)

[Tubehunter]

Wannabe, don't forget Nino Schurter comes down this way almost every year too. Don't Specialized have a home base out in Stellies too?

[Gifappel]

Hello, my name is Nick and I am moving to SA from America on October 28th.  I am moving to the Stellenbosch area with my fiance and am super excited, thrilled, nervous, and fairly scared.  I thought it might be a good idea to post on here in hopes of gaining some knowledge and expertise from you all.  Any tips/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

I am moving from Colorado where I have spent the last decade working my way up in the ski/ resort industry.  I do not have a job lined up yet in SA, and am pretty nervous considering I hear a lot of rumors that I will have a difficult time finding employment (not to mention I am not rich).  Nonetheless, I welcome a challenge and am excited.  My fiance is from SA originally and we will luckily have her family for a support system.  I have visited SA once two years ago and thought it was an amazing place.  As I am super bummed that I this will be the first year in 20 years not snowboarding, I am excited about taking up surfing and mountain biking new zones.  I am an intermediate rider, and love riding fast flowy singletrack (berms, rollers, small jumps). I love mountain biking, and have learned that the Western Cape has some amazing trails.

Some of my questions:

• Is it really going to be that hard for me to find a job?  I have a meeting with a company when I get there, but I honestly don't know much about the economics of SA.  I am college educated and currently have a legit career in the ski/ resort/ management industry.
• Should I stock up on miscellaneous parts before I leave? brake pads, tires, Stan's No Tubes, gloves, riding gear, etc
• Are bike thefts a huge thing?  Do I need a legit lock on my bike?  Should I get one before I leave? If I get a bike rack for my car can I leave it on the rack if grabbing some food or a drink?
• Am I in danger of being robbed if riding solo?  Pardon my ignorance, but I live in a resort town where there is virtually no crime.  I am not an idiot, and am very street smart, but am I asking for trouble by riding by myself?  There is a Youtube video of a dude getting robbed at gunpoint in Somerset West that had me pretty freaked.
• Are there some trails you recommend?  And are there trails I should avoid?
• Is there a legit bike shop you recommend?

 

Sorry if I sound like such a Jerry, but I don't really know anyone is SA besides my fiance's family and none of them like to shred.  I am going in to this move with an open mind and willingness to learn.  I am excited to be joining your culture and getting to know SA better.  Thanks for your time and recommendations.

Hi gicknib,

 

 

Just to answer your direct questions

 

 

1. The job thing is a bit difficult to gauge, it might be easy, and it might be tough. Coming from the tourist industry you probably picked the best place in SA....maybe brush up on your wine skills, there are plenty of wine farms which is a big tourist attraction in and around Stellies.

 

2. Brake pads, tires, Stan's No Tubes, gloves, riding gear? No need to bring any of that. You will find that there are a number of bike shops in SA. They are well stocked, but you probably won't have the brand variety that you have in the states.

 

3. Yes, bike jacking is a thing. Yes, you do need a lock for your bike if you are going to leave it on a bike rack while you grab a cup of coffee, but no, you don't need to ride with it on your bike, unless you plan to commute. You can buy a lock here.

 

4. As a few people have mentioned. It depends where you ride. I've been riding for years without incident, but I am aware that it can happen. I suggest that once you get here, identify a few places you would like to ride. Then ask the hub what they think about the safety of the place. The day and time that you ride will also be a factor in some places

 

5. I live in Joburg and have only done a handful of rides in Stellies area, so no input from me on that one unfortunately.

 

6. See 2. You will definitely be able to get what you need and much more. When it comes to bike service, I am also not in a position to comment on where to find the best service in Stellies.

 

 

Cycling is big in SA and growing. There are plenty of trails and races to pick from throughout the year.

 

 

Good luck with the move.

 

[CdT85]

Hello, my name is Nick and I am moving to SA from America on October 28th.  I am moving to the Stellenbosch area with my fiance and am super excited, thrilled, nervous, and fairly scared.  I thought it might be a good idea to post on here in hopes of gaining some knowledge and expertise from you all.  Any tips/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

I am moving from Colorado where I have spent the last decade working my way up in the ski/ resort industry.  I do not have a job lined up yet in SA, and am pretty nervous considering I hear a lot of rumors that I will have a difficult time finding employment (not to mention I am not rich).  Nonetheless, I welcome a challenge and am excited.  My fiance is from SA originally and we will luckily have her family for a support system.  I have visited SA once two years ago and thought it was an amazing place.  As I am super bummed that I this will be the first year in 20 years not snowboarding, I am excited about taking up surfing and mountain biking new zones.  I am an intermediate rider, and love riding fast flowy singletrack (berms, rollers, small jumps). I love mountain biking, and have learned that the Western Cape has some amazing trails.

Some of my questions:

• Is it really going to be that hard for me to find a job?  I have a meeting with a company when I get there, but I honestly don't know much about the economics of SA.  I am college educated and currently have a legit career in the ski/ resort/ management industry.
• Should I stock up on miscellaneous parts before I leave? brake pads, tires, Stan's No Tubes, gloves, riding gear, etc
• Are bike thefts a huge thing?  Do I need a legit lock on my bike?  Should I get one before I leave? If I get a bike rack for my car can I leave it on the rack if grabbing some food or a drink?
• Am I in danger of being robbed if riding solo?  Pardon my ignorance, but I live in a resort town where there is virtually no crime.  I am not an idiot, and am very street smart, but am I asking for trouble by riding by myself?  There is a Youtube video of a dude getting robbed at gunpoint in Somerset West that had me pretty freaked.
• Are there some trails you recommend?  And are there trails I should avoid?
• Is there a legit bike shop you recommend?

 

Sorry if I sound like such a Jerry, but I don't really know anyone is SA besides my fiance's family and none of them like to shred.  I am going in to this move with an open mind and willingness to learn.  I am excited to be joining your culture and getting to know SA better.  Thanks for your time and recommendations.

 

Good Day Nick,

 

Welcome to bikehub and soon Stellies (the official Stellenbosch nickname  ). Congratulations on choosing one of the best towns in the Western Cape to live in (stayed there 12 years, and still missing it).

 

There is some amazing trails in and around Stellenbosch, most of them free to ride, that will suite your skill level perfectly. From Coetzenberg, G-Spot, Eden, Jonkershoek etc.

You can also buy day or year passes to access Jonkershoek (R50 / day or R500 /year).

 

I have been riding these trails mostly alone for years and the safety is no issue in my experience. Had one or two run-ins with some dodgy individuals, but nothing serious. Have to be more alert to puff adders and baboons in the summer than thugs. (Yet again, this is South Africa, so safety in numbers is always better)

 

Bike theft all over South Africa is an issue, but Stellenbosch is a bit of  hot spot. Had a bike stolen from varsity during my student days. As long as you keep you bike locked away from prying eyes when you are not riding (DO NOT LEAVE IT ON A BALCONY OR IN YOUR BACK YARD...), your chances of having it stolen is very low.

 

I also usually leave my bike rack on my car if I cycle at Jonkershoek, but tend to lock it in my car at other trails where there is less people around. Best is to scope out the surroundings and people around. Better yet, get a local to show you around and to familiarize you with the areas.

 

There are plenty legit cycle chops in Stellenbosch, my personal favorite being Flaandria. But there is plenty more (Mason's, BMT, etc) Local parts support is also not bad, if you are not planning on getting a 26'er, but us crazies still true to 26'ers import our spares. You also have access to Bikehub, and here is some truly solid guys and girls on here, always willing to help out a fellow cyclist (also familiarize yourself with Rouxtjies rule  ).

 

As Popcorn_skollie said, let us know when you are this side. Plenty of cycling nuts willing to show you around.

 

Happy trails mate, and stongs with the move and job hunting

[Disylizzy]

Ola!  I'll be moving back to the States in 3 weeks, been back in SA (Cape Town) now for 5.5 years.  Some background: moved over to USA when I was 16, and moved back after 14 years because I wanted to experience life in my home country.  Was originally planning staying a year, 2 at the most but enjoyed it too much.  Only reason moving back now is that we have a really great opportunity over there that would be silly to pass up, and I miss my family.

 

- Can't really comment on jobs, although I was able to find one relatively easy. 

- Bike paraphernalia - I've found that clothing quality in the US is better and cheaper than here in SA.  However SA is becoming better with their home-grown brands.  Although with the current exchange rate it could be cheaper to buy kit here.

- Bike thefts are common, just don't leave your bike unattended and 99% of the time it should be fine.

- Riding solo, there are some routes that I ride by myself but I still tell people where I'm going.  It's generally along popular cycle routes though.

 

Some other things that I experienced:

- Finding people/groups to ride with was relatively easy.  I used the Hub and few of the guys that have commented to far on this thread I've actually met in person.

- Overall South Africans are very friendly and I was able to make new friends without any trouble.

- You need to get used to African Time - this was the most frustrating part for me.  Ie, things don't get done immediately as in the States.  In general customer service is also very lax.

- Driving on the left side is not too difficult, just make sure the steering wheel is always in the center of the road.  Hopefully you already know how to drive stick shift.  And don't zone out and make a "right-on-red" equivalent.

- If you're going to be purchasing a car you need a south african license.  Also if you are going to be switching over from your CO drivers license to SA then you need to get it converted within 12 months from your entry stamp in your passport.  Message me if you want more details on how to get it done.

- Stores have trading times and you can only buy liquor at certain times.

 

That's all I can think of, let me know if you want more insight.  You'll totally love it here

[Serious Panda]

Some of my questions:

• Is it really going to be that hard for me to find a job?  I have a meeting with a company when I get there, but I honestly don't know much about the economics of SA.  I am college educated and currently have a legit career in the ski/ resort/ management industry.
• It will not be easy to find a job in Stellenbosch, your chances is a lot better closer to the city. The traffic between Stellnenbosch and Cape Town is a nightmare, you dont want to live in Stellenbosch and work in the city unless you dont mind sitting in traffic for hours each day.
• Should I stock up on miscellaneous parts before I leave? brake pads, tires, Stan's No Tubes, gloves, riding gear, etc
• No
• Are bike thefts a huge thing?  Do I need a legit lock on my bike?  Should I get one before I leave? If I get a bike rack for my car can I leave it on the rack if grabbing some food or a drink?
• Bike theft is a very huge thing. You can never leave your bike unlocked anywhere. You can not leave it unlocked on a bike carrier to grab food. You can not leave it in your garage of your house either.
• Am I in danger of being robbed if riding solo?  Pardon my ignorance, but I live in a resort town where there is virtually no crime.  I am not an idiot, and am very street smart, but am I asking for trouble by riding by myself?  There is a Youtube video of a dude getting robbed at gunpoint in Somerset West that had me pretty freaked.
• There are cases of bike-jackings and muggings on the trails.in the Stellenbosch area. You should never ride alone. You should be pretty freaked yes, unfortunately.
• Are there some trails you recommend?  And are there trails I should avoid?
• The trails are awesome around the town, Eden and Coetzenburg, but not safe, it is open land close to town. Jonkers is 10km out and is mtb paradise and is safe inside the area. Bottelary hills is like 3km out and is also awesome and relatively safe inside the area. Despite the danger of bike-jacking Stellenbosch is awesome for mtb.
• Is there a legit bike shop you recommend?
• There are very good bike shops in Stellenbosch

[NickGM]

 

 

• Are there some trails you recommend?  And are there trails I should avoid?
• The trails are awesome around the town, Eden and Coetzenburg, but not safe, it is open land close to town. Jonkers is 10km out and is mtb paradise and is safe inside the area. Bottelary hills is like 3km out and is also awesome and relatively safe inside the area. Despite the danger of bike-jacking Stellenbosch is awesome for mtb.

 

 

I live in Eden and ride around coetzenburg typically about 3 times a week, generally alone. I checked my stats on strava and have ridden G-Spot trail in coetzenburg over 100 times in the last 3 years. I have not once been (or felt like I was) in danger. Neither have I heard of anything dangerous there. Somebody once threw a rock at a friend of mine near the coetzenburg pump track, that's about it. He's a good guy, but sometimes I feel like throwing rocks at him too.

 

I'm not saying it's perfectly safe - but I am giving some perspective. 

['Dale]

It's a beautiful country

Welcome soon

 

Mix it up with locals and you will learn the ways, customs, best practices

 

Maybe get a few phone numbers here already

 

????????????????

[karma]

Buy all your socks while still in the US, they're unaffordable here @ $27 a pair

[Serious Panda]

I live in Eden and ride around coetzenburg typically about 3 times a week, generally alone. I checked my stats on strava and have ridden G-Spot trail in coetzenburg over 100 times in the last 3 years. I have not once been (or felt like I was) in danger. Neither have I heard of anything dangerous there. Somebody once threw a rock at a friend of mine near the coetzenburg pump track, that's about it. He's a good guy, but sometimes I feel like throwing rocks at him too.

 

I'm not saying it's perfectly safe - but I am giving some perspective. 

 

The muggings and attacks was in the local news papers. I am glad it has not happened to you but it has happened to others. Less than 6 months ago there was 2 muggings at the Coetzenburg dam, done by different gangs of criminals. The criminals looked like students enjoying the outdoors. A few years back a mountain biker was hit on head with a spade and his bike and phone taken. I have heard of another attack recently in the Eden forest.

[Shebeen]

Hello, my name is Nick and I am moving to SA from America on October 28th.  I am moving to the Stellenbosch area with my fiance and am super excited, thrilled, nervous, and fairly scared.  I thought it might be a good idea to post on here in hopes of gaining some knowledge and expertise from you all.  Any tips/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  

I am moving from Colorado where I have spent the last decade working my way up in the ski/ resort industry.  I do not have a job lined up yet in SA, and am pretty nervous considering I hear a lot of rumors that I will have a difficult time finding employment (not to mention I am not rich).  Nonetheless, I welcome a challenge and am excited.  My fiance is from SA originally and we will luckily have her family for a support system.  I have visited SA once two years ago and thought it was an amazing place.  As I am super bummed that I this will be the first year in 20 years not snowboarding, I am excited about taking up surfing and mountain biking new zones.  I am an intermediate rider, and love riding fast flowy singletrack (berms, rollers, small jumps). I love mountain biking, and have learned that the Western Cape has some amazing trails.

Some of my questions:

• Is it really going to be that hard for me to find a job?  I have a meeting with a company when I get there, but I honestly don't know much about the economics of SA.  I am college educated and currently have a legit career in the ski/ resort/ management industry.
• Should I stock up on miscellaneous parts before I leave? brake pads, tires, Stan's No Tubes, gloves, riding gear, etc
• Are bike thefts a huge thing?  Do I need a legit lock on my bike?  Should I get one before I leave? If I get a bike rack for my car can I leave it on the rack if grabbing some food or a drink?
• Am I in danger of being robbed if riding solo?  Pardon my ignorance, but I live in a resort town where there is virtually no crime.  I am not an idiot, and am very street smart, but am I asking for trouble by riding by myself?  There is a Youtube video of a dude getting robbed at gunpoint in Somerset West that had me pretty freaked.
• Are there some trails you recommend?  And are there trails I should avoid?
• Is there a legit bike shop you recommend?

 

Sorry if I sound like such a Jerry, but I don't really know anyone is SA besides my fiance's family and none of them like to shred.  I am going in to this move with an open mind and willingness to learn.  I am excited to be joining your culture and getting to know SA better.  Thanks for your time and recommendations.

done my time in Vail, when Britney was still a big thing and before the saffa invasion.

 

Unfortunately I can't help you with the snowboarding round cape town. We have one hill that gets a light dusting that is useable about every three years. it's a hill and you need to hike it (there's a T-bar, but it's only or skiers). 

[karma]

One thing like most commented here, bicycle theft is a reality and not much of a shock when it happens, and won't make the news like back home:

 

 

In RSA it will get a SAPS case nr and a page on www.bikehub.co.za

[gicknib]

I live up in Johannesburg, but was asking questions around living in Cape Town a little while back that you may find of some use.

 

The area you'll be living in is definitely right up there amongst some of the most beautiful places in the country, and the fact there's a lot of cycling will just make it even better. Once you hit the trails, I think your concerns about finding a job will disappear quite quickly. haha

 

Have a look at this thread. It's just a general list of job seekers and job offers. People around here really do look out for their own.

 

Good luck, you're going to love it here.

Thanks for the links!  Looked over them last night, and pretty helpful!

[Warren_G]

Thanks for the links!  Looked over them last night, and pretty helpful!

Welcome gicknib, very refreshing to hear someone say they're moving to SA!

[gicknib]

Hey buddy, I moved from Sydney to CT a few years ago. Had a lot of the same questions and I haven't looked back. You'll get a huge amount of negativity about the crime, state of the country and more from a lot of people but it has to be taken in context and don't let it weigh you down because the reality (or my reality) is nothing like the endless horror stories people like to trot out. It's a great country with great people if you're open to what it is. It's not London, it's not Sydney, it's not LA and each one of those aren't like each other. 

 

Try to talk to others who have moved here if you can as they give a different (not right or wrong) perspective than locals. Who, in fairness, haven't tried to get a job as a foreign national here. It's not hard but it can be frustrating. I'd look about and think 'what can I bring from here as an idea' and start our own thing. 

 

There is so much in your Q's that can be gone through and I'd be happy to chat about them if you want to message me. Also when you arrive give me a shout if you want and we'll grab beer or go for a ride. It's a great place to be. 

 

I've also got all my snow gear here. The boards don't come in handy but the jackets work a treat when the rains come through in winter! Maybe swap out the snow for the surf as there are great waves to be had as well. 

 

Maybe bring a car! They are pretty expensive this side compared to else where. I'm not joking, loads of people coming back do and it's worth considering.

Thanks for the info and warm welcome hellocolour!  I WISH I could bring my car with.  I am currently selling my Toyota Tundra and am super bummed as it was my dream car.  Its an older tundra (2005) so just slightly bigger than your Hilux.  Probably buy a cheap hatchback when I get there, because I hear gas is more expensive than the US.  I am also keeping one complete snow set up.  Outerwear, regular board, split board, and all my avalanche safety gear.  Just in case  the opportunity comes to travel I didnt want to give it all up. I have heard the snow is,,,,well non existent in comparison to here where we average 9 meters a year.  My fiance tells me she is just worried about me making it through February.  I understand it gets hotter than 10 KISS concerts there and Im sure my friends here will be sending me shots of powder and snowy mountains! Haha.  Either way Im stoked for the adventure!  Ill prob be hitting you up for that beer once I arrive.  Thanks again.