4 Passes

[Slowbee]

 

 

This must be one of the more enjoyable rides. It really is a great ride.

 

From our place it is 135km, with about 1700m of climbing.

 

EDIT: Sir Lowries is a bugger because of the wind, and traffic. Especially once over the top and to get to the Grabouw turn off.

 

Viljoens pass is a nice gentle uphill.

 

The rollers next to the dam are beautiful. Once you turn off to Franschoek its a good place to stop for a mid ride picinic

 

From the dam side, Franschoek pass is not that steep, just long and if you dont know the road, full of false rises. I mean like an hour to get up and 5minutes to get down. I reckon from the town side the Franschoek Pass would be alot tougher.

 

From the Pniel side Helshoogte is deathly boring and un interesting.

 

And then its a flat ride home.

 

But be warned - if the wind is blowing even slightly this route would require some good bike handling skill. Sir Lowries and The Franschoek pass can really blow gusty and be downright dangerous if you on a bike. Lucky this weekend the weather was perfect!

 

EDIT: always remember to put sunscreen on your legs ! Put it everywhere else, just not the legs!

[Slowbee]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Slowbee]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stricker]

Jip.

 

One of the best rides I have done this year.

Hopefully get to do it again before DC

[Slowbee]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bikebloke]

that's a beaut ride

I used to do that route from kleinmond to grabouw and round and back via gordons bay and hangklip so it was only 3 passes but its all memorable

[Slowbee]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[V12man]

 

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There is a BIG learning point here....

[Amberdrake]

Just watch out for the bridge before Villiersdorp if your on a road bike. 

The slot is just big enough to make a nice pothole. (quickly learned how to bounce a roadbike over a open slot after first set) Lovely Ride NOT FOR THE WEAK!

[Amberdrake]

There is a BIG learning point here....

SunScreen?

[Slowbee]

There is a BIG learning point here....

In the words of Mat Schmich, made famous by Baz Luhrmann

 

"Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2007, wear sunscreen

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists

Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable

Than my own meandering experience, I will dispense this advice now"

 

Flippen heck was really angry at myself that I put it everywhere else, but forgot my legs. And to make me more angry, I realised I left the tube at home as well half way through the ride when I noticed my legs burning!! Mrs Slowbee was NOT impressed.

[GaryvdM]

I'm Jealous.

[lerouc]

Did you do it alone?

[Slowbee]

Did you do it alone?

Yes I did. Never felt threatened or unsafe along the way. Actually alot of people were in good spirits. Many folks waving, and the motor bikers going clappers always gave a thumbs up. All the cars passed giving me lots of space. Maybe also helped that I always smiled and waved thanks or hello.

 

Lots of people telling me to go for it up Franschoek.

 

Maybe also helped that I had two flashing lights. One on the bike and one on the bag.

[JohanC]

Did this loop for the first time last week on the MTB (solo for the USN Epic Challenge). Wind blew me to pieces! But a beautiful ride it is!!

[lerouc]

Yes I did. Never felt threatened or unsafe along the way. Actually alot of people were in good spirits. Many folks waving, and the motor bikers going clappers always gave a thumbs up. All the cars passed giving me lots of space. Maybe also helped that I always smiled and waved thanks or hello.

 

Lots of people telling me to go for it up Franschoek.

 

Maybe also helped that I had two flashing lights. One on the bike and one on the bag.

 

I have friends that live out in villiersdorp and I want to one day go visit them with the bike. Im just not keen on going up sir lowrys or past grabouw on my own.