Cross Cape Cycle Route launched - Plett to Stellenbosch

[Baracuda]

Did a very similar route to yours few years back 

 

Enjoyed cycling through the wide open spaces of the Karoo

 

pa.jpg

 

but if you haven't cycled in the area before I would suggest going a bit south and take the R323 to Wagendrift ( through the valley just north of Seweweekspoort), some nice mountain scenery and a looong gradual downhill to Wagendrift from the top of the valley.

 

Just not sure about the first part from Prince Albert to the Gamkapoort dam, but maybe @"Prince Albert Cycles" can help with that...

Thanks. I have scanned the maps, but it appears that the routes are cut off by Gamkapoort Dam. Unless you swim across, one may need to take the northern road.

 

The one road that Google Maps would not recognise last night is the part across Anysberg Nature Reserve. Apparently it is formally closed to overnight visitors etc, but I did give them a call and the very kind administrator told me that I could cycle through it. You can't stay over night, but can you can cross it.

 

Just working on the fitness to get up to 120km of gravel per day.

[Skubarra]

Thanks. I have scanned the maps, but it appears that the routes are cut off by Gamkapoort Dam. Unless you swim across, one may need to take the northern road.

 

The one road that Google Maps would not recognise last night is the part across Anysberg Nature Reserve. Apparently it is formally closed to overnight visitors etc, but I did give them a call and the very kind administrator told me that I could cycle through it. You can't stay over night, but can you can cross it.

 

Just working on the fitness to get up to 120km of gravel per day.

 

The Gamkapoort dam is usually empty so swimming would not be your problem, but I suspect you are right, there is probably not an easy link up to the R323, pity.

[AccidentalGenius]

Talking of best kept secrets . From van Wyksdorp avoid Garcia Pass instead take Gysmanshoek Pass and stay at Oubebosch farm accommodation. Beautiful road from there to either Heidelberg or Swellendam via Zuurbraak .

I wouldn’t do Gysmanshoek on a gravel bike though. The climb up to the top from the Barrydale side is pretty washed out. Same goes for the jeep track going down on the other side. I’m hearing a rumour that someone had a bad fall there this weekend. Hoping it’s only a rumour though!

Edited February 24, 2021 by AlecC