michaelbiker Posted March 4 Posted March 4 @capediver thanks for sharing all of the vids and maps. We're planning on doing the same route in two weeks time. Doing it over 4 days with a rest day in the middle and starting from Rheenendal road. We have a backup driver to take our stuff between points, so we're going light. Any tips or gotchas we should be aware of that weren't covered in the videos with regard to the route?
capediver Posted March 4 Author Posted March 4 (edited) 1 hour ago, michaelbiker said: @capediver thanks for sharing all of the vids and maps. We're planning on doing the same route in two weeks time. Doing it over 4 days with a rest day in the middle and starting from Rheenendal road. We have a backup driver to take our stuff between points, so we're going light. Any tips or gotchas we should be aware of that weren't covered in the videos with regard to the route? So if you going the same way as I did, clockwise, I assume you will hit the old Montagu pass mid morning, early afternoon...there has been local publicity about the state of the pass and planned repairs about to start, with some warnings...so access may be an issue...so a quick double back to get onto the Outenique pass may be required to get up and over.... Other than that...none really...the first few k's out of Dusseldorf has some corrugations but nothing major... The climb up the N9 from the end of the Kammanassie Road up Potjiesberg Pass has a good shoulder most of the way, try stick to it as much as you can as it is only a single carriage way. Stop on the other side at the Apple Crate Padstall for flipping awesome braaibroedtjies! They also got Original Wilson's toffees including the Colas! but I got too may fillings to take that chance! The climb from the turn at Avontuur to the top and start of the Price Alfred Pass is mostly good and will be over before you know it and from there down its brilliant all the way to De Vlugt There are 2 fairly tough climbs out of De Vlugt and then when to get to Buffelsnek, it's downhill all the way and the Diepwalle Forest starts...make some stops at The Little Fern Forest and the Big Tree for a break, very short diversions... and if you have time, just after the Fern Forest, a divert on the right, up to Spitskop, worth it for the view if you have the time and can climb/push...the downhill back to the road is awesome at full speed! Timings across Kom Se Pad: Gates opens at 8AM and you pay R125 (e-card) at Gouna Side... The Farm, on the left, halfway down Simola Hill serves great food!... Enjoy, this is truly one of the best gravel loops showcasing a wide range of landscape and environments Pictures or it never happened! PS If you have time in Rheenendal, Totties Sunday Market is a big thing...on the main road..and the owners there have also revamped the old petrol station into a great tea room, The Old Road Trading Store, they have a fish evening on Fridays, give then some support! Milkshakes are delicious! Edited March 4 by capediver More michaelbiker, Zebra and Rowl 3
michaelbiker Posted March 4 Posted March 4 2 hours ago, capediver said: So if you going the same way as I did, clockwise, I assume you will hit the old Montagu pass mid morning, early afternoon...there has been local publicity about the state of the pass and planned repairs about to start, with some warnings...so access may be an issue...so a quick double back to get onto the Outenique pass may be required to get up and over.... Other than that...none really...the first few k's out of Dusseldorf has some corrugations but nothing major... The climb up the N9 from the end of the Kammanassie Road up Potjiesberg Pass has a good shoulder most of the way, try stick to it as much as you can as it is only a single carriage way. Stop on the other side at the Apple Crate Padstall for flipping awesome braaibroedtjies! They also got Original Wilson's toffees including the Colas! but I got too may fillings to take that chance! The climb from the turn at Avontuur to the top and start of the Price Alfred Pass is mostly good and will be over before you know it and from there down its brilliant all the way to De Vlugt There are 2 fairly tough climbs out of De Vlugt and then when to get to Buffelsnek, it's downhill all the way and the Diepwalle Forest starts...make some stops at The Little Fern Forest and the Big Tree for a break, very short diversions... and if you have time, just after the Fern Forest, a divert on the right, up to Spitskop, worth it for the view if you have the time and can climb/push...the downhill back to the road is awesome at full speed! Timings across Kom Se Pad: Gates opens at 8AM and you pay R125 (e-card) at Gouna Side... The Farm, on the left, halfway down Simola Hill serves great food!... Enjoy, this is truly one of the best gravel loops showcasing a wide range of landscape and environments Pictures or it never happened! PS If you have time in Rheenendal, Totties Sunday Market is a big thing...on the main road..and the owners there have also revamped the old petrol station into a great tea room, The Old Road Trading Store, they have a fish evening on Fridays, give then some support! Milkshakes are delicious! Awesome. Thanks for the info. We’ll stay the night in George and take the pass early morning. I hope it’s not blocked with road works. Will check with the Airbnb when we get there.
capediver Posted March 5 Author Posted March 5 14 hours ago, michaelbiker said: Awesome. Thanks for the info. We’ll stay the night in George and take the pass early morning. I hope it’s not blocked with road works. Will check with the Airbnb when we get there. Ja, things don't work that quickly over there!!! Just nose in down the road to the Toll House and it will be instantly obvious...get there early and you'll be in sahde most of the way....BTW there is a halfway "stop" with the usual Mountain Passes signage, just after that there is a quite rocky section where you may have to dismount...about 2-300m long...and then shortly after that when you get to the overhead rail bridges, there's 2... you'll know you are near the top...great spot to catch your breath after the flatout descent to Herold...Moertjiesklip Padstal...
michaelbiker Posted March 5 Posted March 5 2 hours ago, capediver said: Ja, things don't work that quickly over there!!! Just nose in down the road to the Toll House and it will be instantly obvious...get there early and you'll be in sahde most of the way....BTW there is a halfway "stop" with the usual Mountain Passes signage, just after that there is a quite rocky section where you may have to dismount...about 2-300m long...and then shortly after that when you get to the overhead rail bridges, there's 2... you'll know you are near the top...great spot to catch your breath after the flatout descent to Herold...Moertjiesklip Padstal... Cool! Let's hope the weather is decent. I'll post pics here during the ride. capediver 1
jcza Posted March 5 Posted March 5 Update on Montagu Pass Following recent enquiries from readers about the Montagu Pass between Herold and George, Jeff Ayliffe spoke to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure for an update. While the news may not be as we hoped, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Readers are reminded that the pass remains strictly off-limits to the general public. In its current condition, any incident in the mountains would make access extremely difficult for emergency services, posing a serious safety risk. Authorities urge the public to continue respecting the closure until further notice. Video: Jeff Ayliffe (2) Instagram
Anthem24 Posted March 5 Posted March 5 (edited) On 3/4/2026 at 4:44 PM, michaelbiker said: @capediver thanks for sharing all of the vids and maps. We're planning on doing the same route in two weeks time. Doing it over 4 days with a rest day in the middle and starting from Rheenendal road. We have a backup driver to take our stuff between points, so we're going light. Any tips or gotchas we should be aware of that weren't covered in the videos with regard to the route? 20-odd years ago there was an event from George Country Club in December that took us up Montagu Pass to overnight at Louvain Guest Farm, then back over the old Oxwagon Trail/Voortrekker Pass over Duiwelskop to Bergplaas Forestry station and back along the Seven Passes Road to George. That trail is spectacular, and if you're going light, it could be ridden in reverse -- but send the car round on the Outeniqua Pass unless it's a 4x4 with a skilled driver! There is a cost involved and a permit is needed, but all details are here: https://louvain.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Oxwagaon-NEW-4x4-Route-Info.pdf Don't let the cover photo put you off -- most of the route is not like that and the Mountain Passes of SA Facebook page posted in September 2024: " The Old Oxwagon 4x4 Trail between Louvain and Bergplaas has been beautifully repaired after the devastating flood damage earlier this winter." Louvain could advise on the current condition, but given that Montagu Pass is currently stuffed and officially closed, it's an option. No champagne gravel though, and better for MTBs than gravel bikes. Oh, still pretty rocky in places -- this was from the last two weeks evidently: Edited March 5 by Anthem24 added youtube link michaelbiker and capediver 2
michaelbiker Posted March 6 Posted March 6 12 hours ago, Anthem24 said: 20-odd years ago there was an event from George Country Club in December that took us up Montagu Pass to overnight at Louvain Guest Farm, then back over the old Oxwagon Trail/Voortrekker Pass over Duiwelskop to Bergplaas Forestry station and back along the Seven Passes Road to George. That trail is spectacular, and if you're going light, it could be ridden in reverse -- but send the car round on the Outeniqua Pass unless it's a 4x4 with a skilled driver! There is a cost involved and a permit is needed, but all details are here: https://louvain.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Oxwagaon-NEW-4x4-Route-Info.pdf Don't let the cover photo put you off -- most of the route is not like that and the Mountain Passes of SA Facebook page posted in September 2024: " The Old Oxwagon 4x4 Trail between Louvain and Bergplaas has been beautifully repaired after the devastating flood damage earlier this winter." Louvain could advise on the current condition, but given that Montagu Pass is currently stuffed and officially closed, it's an option. No champagne gravel though, and better for MTBs than gravel bikes. Oh, still pretty rocky in places -- this was from the last two weeks evidently: Looks quite epic will check it out.
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