My western cape gravel bikepacking route

[valen_tin]

29 minutes ago, Stephan said:

I've studied your route. I have done three bike packing trips along most of your planned route. I used Komoot, ridewithGPS, and the Strava route planning functions for these trips extensively. I would strongly advise you not to use Komoot as your default planning tool. It may be great for Europe, but for SA it does not know the difference between public and private land. Looking at your route, in some parts, it crosses lots of private land where you cannot ride. Rather use the Strava route planning app and carefully study the heatmap. You need to see a solid and thick blue line with no interruptions. If you don't see this, then the section is either on private land (so it does get used, but may not be available to the public, hence the light blue heatmap line), or you will encounter a dead end at a fence or gate. 

A couple of comments: 

1. Stellenboch to Franschoek - use the Cross Cape Route. 

2. Your turnoff on the down side of Franschoek Pass is blocked by a gate and traverses private land. Not possible. Continue with R45 to the t-junction with R321. 

3. On your way to Bredasdorp you are missing out on some special scenery and gravel roads. I'll DM you some routes that I have done which are some of the best gravel roads in the country. 

4. From crossing the Breede River at Malgas Pont to Mosselbay you need some serious replanning. Your route crosses lots of private land. I have done extensive route planning for this section and will DM you what you can/cannot ride. 

5. From Mosselbay/Hartenbos to get to Oudshoorn I would not do Robinson Pass along the R328. Its not safe in my opinion. I would rather ride to George, and from there join up with the Cross Cape route and follow it all the way back to Stellenbosch. 

6. The Swartberg pass detour to Prince Albert and back is fantastic (did it three weeks ago), but you need two days (and its a very tough two days with lots of climbing, and in the heat of Feb you are going to be baking!)

Amazing, thank you! I'll consider your comments and check the routes on Strava.

[Shebeen]

2 hours ago, valen_tin said:

Dear cyclists,

I'm planning a solo gravel bike packing trip around the western cape from 13.02. to 21.02. I'll take a taxi out of Cape Town to Franschhoek/Stellenbosch with my bike case to avoid the townships. From there, I'll do a round trip, following the cape route on my way back after Oudtshoorn, leaving my case and stuff at an AirBnB. I'm a decently trained cyclist with some ultra-cycling experience, so the endurance side of my trip should be fine. I also got a bivy satellite phone. However, I'm from Germany and concerned about my route choice and safety, as I don't know the area. I'm planning to stay mainly in AirBnBs overnight.

If you are a local or know the area, would you be able to comment on my route? Does it include any sections that I should avoid? Are there any segments I should add?

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1405614940?ref=&share_token=aw2Uo1yKOLhqZu2v8Z8v2xV52lx5pWtizc1k6JJw6n244ZofzI

I'll add Prince Alberts pass from Oudsthoorn if my legs feel well.

What about sleeping out in the open? Is that possible in remote locations?

Would also be awesome if someone would want to join for a day or two!

Thank you in advance and best regards,

Valentin

 

 

 

welcome/wilkommen!

you look mostly sorted, but some further resources

 

https://bicyclesouth.co.za/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/269463207290350

[MongooseMan]

Very minor comment (though given you'd hit it on the last day, you'd rather find this out now  )
The road past Theewaters has been closed for the last year, I'm not sure it's open yet. This means you might need to detour through Villiersdorp (adding 10-20km).

Edited January 8 by MongooseMan

[MongooseMan]

Other minor notes:

1. At this point on your way out (bottom of FHoek pass), you'll need to climb over a gate/wall. Not sure how heavily laden your bike will be...

2. Not convinced this is a public road (might be an apple field in a farm)

3. As per above comments, Komoot is doing some weird things in many places, such as down to the Malgas ferry.

[Stephan]

6 minutes ago, MongooseMan said:

Very minor comment (though given you'd hit it on the last day, you'd rather find this out now  )
The road past Theewaters has been closed for the last year, I'm not sure it's open yet. This means you might need to detour through Villiersdorp (adding 10-20km).

You can ride it on a bike. 

 

[MongooseMan]

4 minutes ago, Stephan said:

You can ride it on a bike. 

 

Not referring to the R321, referring to the dirt road (Draaiberg Rd). Having said that, I see the Franschhoek500 riders used it last week, so it's probably fine now.

Edited January 8 by MongooseMan

[Stephan]

From Stellies I would follow this route to get to the Malgas Pond to cross the Breede River https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45316570 (it follows large sections of the Overberg Meander route https://bicyclesouth.co.za/2019/01/the-overberg-meander/). After crossing the Pond I would follow this route to get to a short section of the national road N2 that you need to cross https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45316572 and then once on the other side of the N2 I would do this route to get to George, where I would connect with the Cross Cape route and follow it all the way back to Stellies again https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45316486. And here is the Cross Cape route: https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/1319-the-cross-cape. 

Alternatively, if you have lots of time, then from George I would backtrack on the Cross Cape route to get to Plettenberg Bay, and from Plett I would do the Karoo Crossing route until you connect back up with the Cross Cape route between Swartberg Pass and Calitzdorp. https://bicyclesouth.co.za/2021/02/karoo-crossing/ Now that would be an epic trip, basically doing the Overberg Meander, Karoo Crossing, and Cross Cape all in one go, using our Coastal Cross Cape route to connect them (details of how I arrived at the Coastal Cross Cape route here:

As for accommodation, there are more than enough options along the route. I would carry a bivvy bag for emergencies only, but plan to sleep in a new town every night. 

A couple of tips:

- when you need to go shopping in any town, do not leave your bike alone outside. Take it inside the shop and park it where a security person is watching it. 

- Feb is the hottest month of the year in this part of SA. Do not underestimate this. It can become very serious very quickly if you overheat or run out of water. 

- Be as fit as you can. This is not an easy route.  

[valen_tin]

I'm really happy to receive so many helpful comments! Thank you all! I included most comments, routes you sent me, and further information from the strava heat map and ridewithgps into my new route. In addition, I added some smaller villages and Swartberg pass. I'll also pack some extra water bottles and wider tyres.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1410697048?ref=&share_token=au4SjPIleZqt9TtIHfMWkIguPVBKY6yy5hyHJohhZX1jXXYYXB

My current schedule looks like this:

13.02.    Start - Botrivier - Napier (140km, 2000hm)
14.02.    Napier - Breede - Witsand (109km, 1000hm)
15.02.    Witsand - Stilbaai - Mossel Bay (172km, 1200hm)
16.02.    Mossel Bay - George - Oudtshoorn (120km, 1500hm)
17.02.    Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp (126km, 2500hm)
18.02.    Calitzdorp- Van Wykersdorp - Riversdale (117km, 1700hm, bad surface)
19.02.    Riversdale - Swellendam - Riviersonderend (167km, 2000hm)
20.02.    Riviersonderend - Greyton - Start (142km, 1700hm)

..it will be super hard on some days . Looking forward.

 

[Underachiever]

18 minutes ago, valen_tin said:

I'm really happy to receive so many helpful comments! Thank you all! I included most comments, routes you sent me, and further information from the strava heat map and ridewithgps into my new route. In addition, I added some smaller villages and Swartberg pass. I'll also pack some extra water bottles and wider tyres.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1410697048?ref=&share_token=au4SjPIleZqt9TtIHfMWkIguPVBKY6yy5hyHJohhZX1jXXYYXB

My current schedule looks like this:

13.02.    Start - Botrivier - Napier (140km, 2000hm)
14.02.    Napier - Breede - Witsand (109km, 1000hm)
15.02.    Witsand - Stilbaai - Mossel Bay (172km, 1200hm)
16.02.    Mossel Bay - George - Oudtshoorn (120km, 1500hm)
17.02.    Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp (126km, 2500hm)
18.02.    Calitzdorp- Van Wykersdorp - Riversdale (117km, 1700hm, bad surface)
19.02.    Riversdale - Swellendam - Riviersonderend (167km, 2000hm)
20.02.    Riviersonderend - Greyton - Start (142km, 1700hm)

..it will be super hard on some days . Looking forward.

 

Make sure to log on to give us a nice race report!!!  Plan to be on the road at sunrise at 06h00 to beat the heat.  You don't want to be on the road past noon for too much.

[valen_tin]

6 minutes ago, Underachiever said:

Make sure to log on to give us a nice race report!!!  Plan to be on the road at sunrise at 06h00 to beat the heat.  You don't want to be on the road past noon for too much.

I'll keep you posted!

[Baracuda]

Perhaps have a look at www.lekkerslaap.co.za for accommodation as well. It often has farm and country town stays that are not listed on Airbnb or Booking.com

It's maps are not great, but it often has amazing little farm cottages.

 

[Mamil]

1 hour ago, Stephan said:

From Stellies I would follow this route to get to the Malgas Pond to cross the Breede River https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45316570 (it follows large sections of the Overberg Meander route https://bicyclesouth.co.za/2019/01/the-overberg-meander/). After crossing the Pond I would follow this route to get to a short section of the national road N2 that you need to cross https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45316572 and then once on the other side of the N2 I would do this route to get to George, where I would connect with the Cross Cape route and follow it all the way back to Stellies again https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45316486. And here is the Cross Cape route: https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/1319-the-cross-cape. 

Alternatively, if you have lots of time, then from George I would backtrack on the Cross Cape route to get to Plettenberg Bay, and from Plett I would do the Karoo Crossing route until you connect back up with the Cross Cape route between Swartberg Pass and Calitzdorp. https://bicyclesouth.co.za/2021/02/karoo-crossing/ Now that would be an epic trip, basically doing the Overberg Meander, Karoo Crossing, and Cross Cape all in one go, using our Coastal Cross Cape route to connect them (details of how I arrived at the Coastal Cross Cape route here:

As for accommodation, there are more than enough options along the route. I would carry a bivvy bag for emergencies only, but plan to sleep in a new town every night. 

A couple of tips:

- when you need to go shopping in any town, do not leave your bike alone outside. Take it inside the shop and park it where a security person is watching it. 

- Feb is the hottest month of the year in this part of SA. Do not underestimate this. It can become very serious very quickly if you overheat or run out of water. 

- Be as fit as you can. This is not an easy route.  

Jislaaik this makes me lus to slap on the frame bag and disappear for a couple of weeks

[Mamil]

1 hour ago, valen_tin said:

I'm really happy to receive so many helpful comments! Thank you all! I included most comments, routes you sent me, and further information from the strava heat map and ridewithgps into my new route. In addition, I added some smaller villages and Swartberg pass. I'll also pack some extra water bottles and wider tyres.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1410697048?ref=&share_token=au4SjPIleZqt9TtIHfMWkIguPVBKY6yy5hyHJohhZX1jXXYYXB

My current schedule looks like this:

13.02.    Start - Botrivier - Napier (140km, 2000hm)
14.02.    Napier - Breede - Witsand (109km, 1000hm)
15.02.    Witsand - Stilbaai - Mossel Bay (172km, 1200hm)
16.02.    Mossel Bay - George - Oudtshoorn (120km, 1500hm)
17.02.    Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp (126km, 2500hm)
18.02.    Calitzdorp- Van Wykersdorp - Riversdale (117km, 1700hm, bad surface)
19.02.    Riversdale - Swellendam - Riviersonderend (167km, 2000hm)
20.02.    Riviersonderend - Greyton - Start (142km, 1700hm)

..it will be super hard on some days . Looking forward.

 

That's a pretty tough schedule I would say. As mentioned several times heat is going to be a huge factor on your trip. It's dry heat which is a good thing but it radiates up from the baking earth in what can feel like a solid wall. Every liter of water you can carry will be needed.

[Dicky DQ]

1 hour ago, valen_tin said:

I'm really happy to receive so many helpful comments! Thank you all! I included most comments, routes you sent me, and further information from the strava heat map and ridewithgps into my new route. In addition, I added some smaller villages and Swartberg pass. I'll also pack some extra water bottles and wider tyres.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1410697048?ref=&share_token=au4SjPIleZqt9TtIHfMWkIguPVBKY6yy5hyHJohhZX1jXXYYXB

My current schedule looks like this:

13.02.    Start - Botrivier - Napier (140km, 2000hm)
14.02.    Napier - Breede - Witsand (109km, 1000hm)
15.02.    Witsand - Stilbaai - Mossel Bay (172km, 1200hm)
16.02.    Mossel Bay - George - Oudtshoorn (120km, 1500hm)
17.02.    Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp (126km, 2500hm)
18.02.    Calitzdorp- Van Wykersdorp - Riversdale (117km, 1700hm, bad surface)
19.02.    Riversdale - Swellendam - Riviersonderend (167km, 2000hm)
20.02.    Riviersonderend - Greyton - Start (142km, 1700hm)

..it will be super hard on some days . Looking forward.

 

That is going to be such a memorable trip. Damn, if I could I would have loved to join you for a bit. But I am a bit of a blob at the moment and these days are a bit of work.

Note: Botrivier - Napier is a biiiig one. Expect to be fighting the South Easter headwind all the way. Typically it is less windy in the AM and tends to blow a gail in the afternoon. But if it is not blowing, it will be awesome.

Napier - Breede - Witsand and Witsand - Stilbaai - Mossel Bay is also into a headwind most of the afternoon, but it gets better the further SW you go and the winds tend to be more from the SW.

Thereafter you are running with the wind at your back.................... well so they say. I always think there is a headwind haha.

Have a blast and keep us posted.

[ChrisF]

29 minutes ago, Baracuda said:

Perhaps have a look at www.lekkerslaap.co.za for accommodation as well. It often has farm and country town stays that are not listed on Airbnb or Booking.com

It's maps are not great, but it often has amazing little farm cottages.

 

 

If the schedule is flexible .... speak to the farmer/owner at the overnight stop.

 

Once they have sized you up, they often open up about places to stay at your next destination ... often places that are not advertised anywhere ....

 

We have stumbled onto some very nice places this way 👍👍

[Skubarra]

1 hour ago, valen_tin said:

I'm really happy to receive so many helpful comments! Thank you all! I included most comments, routes you sent me, and further information from the strava heat map and ridewithgps into my new route. In addition, I added some smaller villages and Swartberg pass. I'll also pack some extra water bottles and wider tyres.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/1410697048?ref=&share_token=au4SjPIleZqt9TtIHfMWkIguPVBKY6yy5hyHJohhZX1jXXYYXB

My current schedule looks like this:

13.02.    Start - Botrivier - Napier (140km, 2000hm)
14.02.    Napier - Breede - Witsand (109km, 1000hm)
15.02.    Witsand - Stilbaai - Mossel Bay (172km, 1200hm)
16.02.    Mossel Bay - George - Oudtshoorn (120km, 1500hm)
17.02.    Oudtshoorn - Swartberg Pass - Calitzdorp (126km, 2500hm)
18.02.    Calitzdorp- Van Wykersdorp - Riversdale (117km, 1700hm, bad surface)
19.02.    Riversdale - Swellendam - Riviersonderend (167km, 2000hm)
20.02.    Riviersonderend - Greyton - Start (142km, 1700hm)

..it will be super hard on some days . Looking forward.

 

I hope you were just being modest when you said you are decently trained... Because that is an incredibly punishing schedule for a bike packing trip. Even without he headwinds, summer heat & corrugations - you are looking at a very tough 8 days. All the best!