Cross Cape Cycle Route launched - Plett to Stellenbosch

[milky4130]

The revised schedule, where we swapped the big miles towards then end where we will be on about +100km on tar & there are bail out options closer to home aka Uber

 

Day 1 - 158km

PLETTENBERG BAY TO KNYSNA: TOTAL 79KM

KNYSNA TO GEORGE: TOTAL 79KM

 

Day 2 - 160km

GEORGE TO OUDTSHOORN: TOTAL 83KM

OUDTSHOORN TO CALITZDORP: TOTAL 77KM 

 

Day3 - 208km

CALITZDORP TO RIVERSDALE: TOTAL 115KM

RIVERSDALE TO SWELLENDAM: TOTAL 93KM

 

Day 4 - 253KM

SWELLENDAM TO GREYTON: TOTAL 111KM

GREYTON TO STELLENBOSCH: TOTAL 107KM

STELLENBOSCH TO CY(BELLVILLE\GOODWOOD) 35KM

[Quinton123]

We (group of 3) will be doing this route, beginning August, using the suggested route. 

 

pretty excited to say the least   

[milky4130]

We (group of 3) will be doing this route, beginning August, using the suggested route.

 

pretty excited to say the least

which way? PLETT TO STELL OR STELL TO PLETT?

[Quinton123]

which way? PLETT TO STELL OR STELL TO PLETT?

 

Plett to Table View

[milky4130]

Plett to Table View

how are you getting to Plett?

[Eddy Gordo]

Damn, I would love to do this, even though I am not fit enough, but surely by the end of it I will be.

 

Now to find some accomplices as I am only able to maybe do it in december!

[Quinton123]

how are you getting to Plett?

a mate of ours is driving us there. He will then drive ahead to chalets/campsites make sure fire is going and beers are cold 

[Lurch the stalker]

Definitely need to give this a go at some point.

[Lurch the stalker]

The website has a contact person that I mailed yesterday, here's what she had to say for anybody who is interested.

 

 

Hi 

 

Our hard copy maps are now depleted and we still need to go to print on the second round.

 

In the meantime, some background…

 

The route was launched a few weeks ago and is now open for use all year round - there are no costs involved (besides of course if you do decide to make use of accommodation along the route).

 

Just to give you an idea of how things unfolded with the inaugural ride, i have given some more info below..…you can do it over a longer period and make it a tour, or over a shorter period to make it a race - whichever you prefer. Personally I think the tour is amazing, allows you to stop over in towns to take in local cuisine, cultures and attractions and get a taste of the South Africa way..

 

I have attached the map (more versions are downloadable from our website below), the poster and a list of accommodation - as you will see, the route is pretty much a combination of both on and off road, as there are various surfaces.

 

Minister Winde broadcasted/documented the tour on his FB page (Alan Winde Minister of Economic Opportunities) and other social media daily - and was also accompanied by a media contingent from various publications.

 

Day 1 (Friday 12 May) : Plettenberg Bay to Knysna - 80kms

 

             From Plett, up the Wittedrif road, past the lagoon then heading (on tar and gravel) for the Knysna Forest. They pass the Diepwalle forestry station, along the Gouna road, exit the Knysna lagoon and then called it a day- stayed at the Knysna Quays Hotel .

 

Day 2 (Saturday 13 May) : Knysna to George - 80kms

 

           Pass at the lagoon, cross over the red steel bridge and up Phontom Pass, through Rheenendal, Karatara, Homtini - (to name just a few of) the towns & passes they will encounter on their way, into George and that's the end of day 3. Stayed at Fancourt.

 

Day 3 (Sunday 14 May) : George to Oudtshoorn - 80kms

 

            Climb over the Outenique mountain range, crossing over the green vegetation of the coastal belt, to a much drier Little Karoo, then over an 11km ascent up the Montague Pass - down into the valley (between two ranges of mountains), to Oudtshoorn, calling a day - stayed at the Mooiplaas Guesthouse.

 

Day 4 (Monday 15 May) : Oudtshoorn to Rooiberg - 127kms

 

            Into the foothills of the Swartberg , pass the red stone hills and into the fast & flowing Groenfontein Valley (leading to Calitzdorp). Stop for lunch, then toward the Rooiberg Pass (an 11 km climb with a rough and loose surface). Stayed at the Rooiberg Lodge.

 

Day 5 (Tuesday  16 May) : Rooiberg to Swellendam - 169 kms

 

             Over Garcia's Pass into the mountains of Riversdale (near the N2), then through the Duiwenhoks Valley near Heidelberg. Next is Heartbreak Hill, taking you out of the valley and up to Grootvadersbosch.  Then its tar road through Suurbraak and on to Swellendam. Stayed at the Aanhuizen.

 

Day 6 (Wednesday 17 May) : Swellendam to Greyton - 106kms

 

            Follow the Breede River (rolling terrain), until the Drew Bridge, divert to follow the Riviersonderend River, through Riviersonderend and on to Greyton. Staedy at the Greyton Lodge.

 

Day 7 (Thursday 18 May) : Greyton to Stellenbosch - 107kms

 

             On tar road, over the Franschoek & Hellshoogte passes, past the Theewaterskloof Dam (quite windy at times), through Franschoek and down Hellshoogte - freewheeling into Stellenbosch.

 

Kindly note that the total km stretch of the route is 742kms.

 

You could also join the tour at any departure point (and do a specific leg) - but Minister Winde and the group did the entire route. Important to note, is that you do not have to stick to these legs - you can stop and depart from where you wish.

 

In terms of participation, there was a supported option, available at a cost (which included accommodation in every town, all meals daily, vehicle back-up on all days, transfer of bicycle and luggage, drink & snacks on the route daily, driver/guide) and you could contact Diana at di@daytrippers.co.za - they  then made all your arrangements. This was a once off arrangement - you can of course also contact any other tour operator of your choice.

 

There is also the self-supported option - you make all your arrangements (for your own pocket) - this option will however exclude access to the services mentioned above (some participants have opted to camp along the route, or stay at a family or friend's place in one of the towns along the way).

 

PS - Our website is now live - have a peek, www.capecycleroutes.co.za

 

If you do decide to do it, remember to share your pictures and experience there.

 

Happy riding!

 

 

Regards

 

Hayley  

[Quinton123]

What an amazing exprience. The views and scenery were just incredile. Extremely friendly people were ever we went. 

 

We rode 826km over 7days with just under 13000m of climbing.

 

Now to ride the other way:)

[Shebeen]

What an amazing exprience. The views and scenery were just incredile. Extremely friendly people were ever we went. 

 

We rode 826km over 7days with just under 13000m of climbing.

 

Now to ride the other way:)

you're going to need to give out a few more stories and pics than that!!

[Chingy182]

Damn, I would love to do this, even though I am not fit enough, but surely by the end of it I will be.

 

Now to find some accomplices as I am only able to maybe do it in december!

I am actually also quite keen to do it in December.

And I also don't feel fit enough for it yet, but will be afterwards 

 

What dates did you have in mind?

[bradwentzel]

We are going Stellies to George in December. 

 

18th to 22nd

[Heel Drop]

I am going to do the ride this  over the long weekend next month

 

Leave Cape Town Thursday drive down to Plet ( details TBC  will have to arrange a car down to Plet)

Ride Fri , Sat , Sun and Monday 

 

Its not easy days with lots of climbing every day but its possible - whos up for it? Looking for a partner

 

 

Day 1 - 158km

PLETTENBERG BAY TO KNYSNA: TOTAL 79KM

KNYSNA TO GEORGE: TOTAL 79KM

 

Day 2 - 160km

GEORGE TO OUDTSHOORN: TOTAL 83KM

OUDTSHOORN TO CALITZDORP: TOTAL 77KM 

 

Day3 - 208km

CALITZDORP TO RIVERSDALE: TOTAL 115KM

RIVERSDALE TO SWELLENDAM: TOTAL 93KM

 

Day 4 - 227KM

SWELLENDAM TO GREYTON: TOTAL 111KM

GREYTON TO STELLENBOSCH: TOTAL 107KM

[Eddy Gordo]

I am actually also quite keen to do it in December.

And I also don't feel fit enough for it yet, but will be afterwards 

 

What dates did you have in mind?

No dates yet, I have a newbie interested. We still working out what route we gonna do etc.

[Heel Drop]

all the gear ready - will test in the coming weeks ready for the cycle route in Sept

 

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