Drakensberg through the Midlands touring - Safety concerns

[Sepia]

Gooday people

I have been advised by non-cyclists not to do this little trip I have planned through the Midlands due to safety reasons.

 

I will be cycling alone on back roads from Giants Castle eventually making my way to Durban. 

I am all set to go and I am unable to put this all into focus due to all the concerns I am getting bombarded with.

 

Anybody with any opinion they would like to share?  I have to make my mind up one way or another.

Thanks

[Fat Boab]

Gooday people

I have been advised by non-cyclists not to do this little trip I have planned through the Midlands due to safety reasons.

 

I will be cycling alone on back roads from Giants Castle eventually making my way to Durban. 

I am all set to go and I am unable to put this all into focus due to all the concerns I am getting bombarded with.

 

Anybody with any opinion they would like to share?  I have to make my mind up one way or another.

Thanks

 

 

Well, what are the non-cyclists safety concerns? Traffic, breakdowns, muggers, fomo?

 

It might help to do a risk-assessment for your, and presumably, their peace of mind?

[Sepia]

Worried about hijacking, mugging and the general state of aggression (farm murders)

etc??????????

 

They will never understand the FOMO!

[Griffin]

Can help out from Nottingham Rd through to Howick... had a group ride this section not so long ago and all was fine (dirt rd/district rd mostly.

 

The group also rode through to Dbn afterwards but think they made use of a guide and Dbn Green Corridor assistance.

[Jurgens Smit]

I've ridden from Highmoor campsite to Giants castle and through to kamberg nature reserve. Both you pass through villages and past farms etc. I felt perfectly safe.

 

I think your bigger issue will be the farmers trying to set new land speed records rather than the villagers.

 

Normally the kids are super friendly and try racing you or run next to you.

[Dusty]

I can't give an educated safety opinion, but it sounds awesome.

[Fat Boab]

Worried about hijacking, mugging and the general state of aggression (farm murders)

etc??????????

 

They will never understand the FOMO!

 

You could manage some of that with regular txts of your itinerary, and perhaps even a tracker on your phone, if there's signal?

 

On the plus side, it's nice to have people be concerned about you, and if the *** hits the fan, it's reassuring to have a support system with an agreed plan to help you out?

[GrahamS2]

I think your bigger issue will be the farmers trying to set new land speed records rather than the villagers.

 

 

This^^. Especially dangerous on potholed sections where they swerve all over the place. Otherwise the midlands area in general should pose no risk. Now if you pass through Ixopo on the way down to durbs, that may be a different matter...

[Stretch]

So? Loteni road..to notties... Down old rd past Michaelhouse.. Onto Otto's bluff rd.....or...... District roads?

 

It's pretty chilled on all those roads and areas... But I've never done it on my own.. You not got a partner in crime?

[Veebee]

Where are we safe in this country ??

[Sepia]

Thanks guys.

I will be going anyway, my work colleagues are so full of no good.

 

Will certainly be missing Ixopo area as i plan to go the other way.  No route planned as of yet, just riding.

Griffin, Graham, Jurgens, Boab and Dusty.  Thanks for the input and settling the dust in my mind which was stirred up somewhat.

[Sepia]

So? Loteni road..to notties... Down old rd past Michaelhouse.. Onto Otto's bluff rd.....or...... District roads?

 

It's pretty chilled on all those roads and areas... But I've never done it on my own.. You not got a partner in crime?

More or less Stretch.  No partner as such, just Klaas Vaakie and some demons which need to be dropped of somewhere.

[Uni]

if you have some sort of signal and need ppl to check that you're moving in the correct direction just shout. 

sounds awesome. 

[tux26]

Kevin Benkenstein did this ride https://www.strava.com/activities/1048596161 which includes some of the sections which you will probably include in your proposed ride.  I think he does these areas quite often and in his ride reports he always comments how he has no issues.

 

i quite often ride the parts between Kamberg, Fort Nottingham and Midmar Dam, and always feel safe.  You barely even see any people in those parts.

[Sepia]

if you have some sort of signal and need ppl to check that you're moving in the correct direction just shout. 

sounds awesome. 

Thanks very much Uni.

(Always to the rescue you are)

[Sepia]

Kevin Benkenstein did this ride https://www.strava.com/activities/1048596161 which includes some of the sections which you will probably include in your proposed ride.  I think he does these areas quite often and in his ride reports he always comments how he has no issues.

 

i quite often ride the parts between Kamberg, Fort Nottingham and Midmar Dam, and always feel safe.  You barely even see any people in those parts.

Thanks Tux.  I too have never had problems in the area.

Just have to convince all those around me to give it a break!