Gravel riding in or around PE

[NieGeorgeNie]

Hi 'Hubbers from the Friendly City

 

I will be spending 2 weeks in Summerstrand, PE, over the festive period. I will be taking my road bike, but I was wondering whether there are any gravel routes in or around PE that are worth checking out? I usually ride my gravel bike around Durbanville, Paarl and Stellies.

 

I'd be grateful for any tips or suggestions.

 

[BuffsVintageBikes]

I know there's a really nice little mtb track around the Newton Park golf course but that won't help you much on a road bike 😊

[milky4130]

13 minutes ago, BuffsVintageBikes said:

I know there's a really nice little mtb track around the Newton Park golf course but that won't help you much on a road bike 😊

Hold my beer....I did it on my road bike earlier this year although not advisable. @NieGeorgeNie check the videos and you can decide if you want to take that risk.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11022272492

Edited December 10 by milky4130

[Anthem24]

Not sure about gravel riding but there's some very tame mtb 'family' trails that could be done on a gravel bike, and there are a few night rides organised, which would make them more fun:

i.e. a night ride on 20 December at Norm-Hudlin Trails (see their Facebook page), and a Crit-X every Thursday organised by fattracksmtb (see their Instagram). Don't do Baakens Valley alone.

Maybe someone can advise on Longmore Forest/3RiversTrails.

[NieGeorgeNie]

2 hours ago, milky4130 said:

Hold my beer....I did it on my road bike earlier this year although not advisable. @NieGeorgeNie check the videos and you can decide if you want to take that risk.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11022272492

Haha they say that every bike can be a gravel bike if you are motivated enough! I might try that route with my little one!

[capediver]

Not strictly gravel but...as you say, given enough motivation...

 

[WaynejG]

I would say you have a mix of tar and gravel that you can do. Out towards JBay there are a couple of gravel roads you can do towards the old Apple Express bridge.⁰

[capediver]

BTW, if you thinking of road riding, the most popular route is round the "wild side" along Marine Drive from Summerstrand thru to Schoenies via Willows and out at Walmer. There are some challenges though:

The start at Summerstrand will be littered with glass from revellers as you leave Summerstrand at the start of Marine Drive just past the turning to the Uni....

The Walmer exit of this route is proper dodge so make sure you don't go all the way up Victoria Road from Schoenies to the junction with 10th Avenue and Heugh Road...rather turn off at the Glendore Road and ride through Pari Park up to Buffelsfontein Road.

Another route is from the above Buffelsfontein Road down to Seaview and Maitlands River Mouth and back road via Coleen Glen.

Best contact one of the local bike shops to hook up for a mass ride...Wayne Pfeiffer has a shop in Humewood, or call Action Cycles Heugh Road

 

Edited December 10 by capediver

[Salmo Trutta]

6 hours ago, Anthem24 said:

Not sure about gravel riding but there's some very tame mtb 'family' trails that could be done on a gravel bike, and there are a few night rides organised, which would make them more fun:

i.e. a night ride on 20 December at Norm-Hudlin Trails (see their Facebook page), and a Crit-X every Thursday organised by fattracksmtb (see their Instagram). Don't do Baakens Valley alone.

Maybe someone can advise on Longmore Forest/3RiversTrails.

 

[Salmo Trutta]

I have been a local in the Baakens Valley for the past 20 years and a member of Fattracks. I ride 4 times a week and walk my dog every day. I have NEVER felt uncomfortable or unsafe. Use our beautiful Valley. Good luck on a gravel bike 😂😂

[buckstopper]

Head East by car for about an hour and a half. Very scenic drive to a place formerly called Grahamstown. Proper gravel routes for days. You could do a week long training camp here and not repeat your route. Also ride inland from Kenton towards Southwell, Bathurst, and beyond. No issues.