Cycle Safety - Pretoria to Bela-Bela

[Herman V]

Some friends and I are planning a trip to Bela-Bela on mountain bikes. 

Cycle there, spend the weekend and then (maybe) back again. We are thinking of taking the R101. Not very far, but:

Anybody done this before?

Is it save to cycle on that road?

Any suggestions to make this ride safe?

Any alternitive route suggestions?

I am very new to cycling and would like your comments.

 

Thanks

[dollar]

I have gone up there by truck often. The old road next to the highway is not at all safe. You would have to find another route but I doubt that there is one.

[IanC]

mTB Use the gravel shoulder. Stay of the TAR.

[stewie911]

You'll pass through some townships. Not implying anything, but ...

Definetly stay off the road. Road is narrow and lots of trucks. I drove the road once with my car to avoid tollgates etc, but never again