Cycle Tour 364

A cycle through the Cape is a ride like no other. It’s a chance to experience the Western Cape in a new and exciting way. It’s a journey through the senses marked by the unforgettable scent of fynbos and the soothing sensation of an ocean breeze. Experience the heart of the Western Cape with awe-inspiring views from vast open semi-desert plateaus where it feels like you can touch the stars. The sounds of nature and wildlife surround you. The cosmopolitan flavour of Cape cuisine is a taste sensation.

Waterfront to Hout Bay

As you leave the V&A Waterfront development it is prudent to keep the ocean to your immediate right and not at all a bad idea to use the bike path/ sidewalk for as long as possible. This will take you all along the Atlantic seaboard promenade past the Moullie Point Lighthouse and through Sea Point. The road is narrow as you pass through trendy Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay, with their popular beaches, restaurants and bars. You then find yourself following along the base of the Twelve Apostles until it rises up and over the Nek at Llandudno. The Valley of Hout Bay opens up in front of you as crest and the ride down and through the village to the beach offers numerous opportunities to be distracted.

Hout Bay to Brakkekloof

With the beach stretching out to your right you begin the climb up spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive. It hugs the mountain and seems to be tacked onto the cliff face as you round the top and descend the other side. Just as you think it cannot get any better, the views of Noordhoek Beach stretching into the distance are guaranteed to take your breath away. From here the road is flat all the way to the Sun Valley/Brakkekloof intersection which marks the end of this section.

Brakkekloof to Cape Point Gate

From the Sun Valley/Brakkekloof intersection you climb up Black Hill for the first glimpse of False Bay at Glencarin. Then it's on to Simon's Town, which has a long naval history, made apparent by the dated gun placements As you approach this quaint Victorian-looking town, complete with pubs, fish and chip shops and tea rooms, the road winds past Boulders Beach and its famous penguin colony The trees on the golf course give a good indication as to the prevalent wind direction. The final Smitswinkel climb, Cape Point can be seen stretching out ahead of you. At the top of this incline is the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Cape Point Gate to Brakkekloof

Baboons are often seen foraging along the road on this section. The wind either blows from behind or into your face. The road swoops down past Scarborough, where you once again reach the coast. It is truly sublime riding through Misty Cliffs. There are some choice surfing spots all along here. The final hill climbs up the back of Kommetjie, and its landmark Slanghoek lighthouse. Then it's down through the village, before the long straight past Ocean View and Masiphumelele, and back to the Sun Valley/B rakkekloof intersection.

Brakkekloof to Hout Bay

From Brakkekloof/Sun Valley intersection it is a flat cruise to Noordhoek Village, nestled against the side of the mountain. Here you could easily swap your bike for a horse and gallop across the beach. Or just enjoy coffee and eat delicious pastries at the Noordhoek Farm Village, which boasts a number of restaurants and shops. Chapman's Peak Drive starts with a preliminary hill opening, up vistas, down Long Beach, and back to Kommetije. Before turningthe corner and starting the more substantial climb of the course, with dramatic drop-offs to the ocean below. Look out for surfers and the shark­ spotter who keeps vigil. This is a most worthy and memorable climb and the descent to Hout Bay is truly exhilarating.

Hout Bay to Waterfront

The infamous Suikerbossie climb out of Hout Bay is quite busy, but has a good wide shoulder. The exclusive beach suburb of Llandudno offers up a panoramic ocean view. It is complemented by the sight of Lion's Head and the back of Table Mountain as you continue on towards Camps Bay. The vibrancy of city life is evident as you pass the beaches and eateries and private balconies of this Riviera-like part of Cape Town. As you reach Sea Point it is a good idea to slow down and meander along the bike signposted V&A Waterfront, where your journey ends.

For more information visit: www.capecycleroutes.co.za