Cape Town Cycling – favorite rides of the locals
We as “Capetonians” can take immense pride in the fact that last year none other than Lance Armstrong, the one and only cycling legend, thanked Cape Town for hosting him, while he participated in the infamous 110 km Cape Argus Pick N Pay Cycle Tour.
Armstrong actually wrote on his Twitter feed: “Taking off for home now. Thanks Cape Town for a great week. And thanks to The Jag Foundation for all you are doing down here. Livestrong!” (The Jag Foundation inspires South Africa’s disadvantaged children to build a positive future for themselves, their families and their communities)
Whether you are into mountain biking or road cycling Cape Town has an abundance of routes to offer all.
Here is what a regular cyclist of Cape Town has to say…
One of my favourite routes starts at Camps Bay beachfront and includes a section of the Cape Argus route. I cycle along Victoria Road past the 12 Apostles Hotel which is a great warm up before you hit your first hill. Ride up Suikerbossie and down into Hout Bay and then along the beach front and up Chappies to the top of Chapmans peak. There take a deep breath where you deserve a well earned rest and marvel at the spectacular view. Do keep a look out for whales sometimes seen in the bay.
Once recovered, turn your bike round, hop back on with a spring in your step and enjoy the hill back down in the knowledge that soon, on entering Hout Bay, you can stop off at the first coffee shop on the left handside past the carpark to get your much needed caffeine top-up before hitting Suikerbossie again. Now we know the secret as to why that coffee shop sports so many men & women in tight cycling shorts.
Emma’s strong warning is that the Suikerbossie is MUCH steeper on the return!
On returning back to Camps Bay, its time for a sumptuous brunch at one of the many trendy Camps Bay restaurants.
This route is approximately 35kms return and takes 45 mins each way, says Emma and her sister Louise (who both came in the top 100 Cape Argus Cycle race last year). For us lot, we might be wise to double it as I am not sure whether the whale watching & the coffee stop on the return are included in her timings or not! (Emma Brewster – 86th in Cape Argus).
Cycle Touring Companies
If you prefer to go on a taylor-made cycling tour instead, the good news is that there are companies out there offering all types of bike tours around the Cape Peninsula. The tours have been tailored to meet varying fitness levels and have large selections of bikes to suit all riders. Downhill Adventures is one of these companies which runs fun and exciting mountain biking trips and cycling tours through the most scenic parts of CapeTown. With trips such as Table Mountain & Tokai Forest Mountain Biking to Cape Point & Winelands tours, there is something for every one.
Another recommendation is the incredibly scenic wine tasting rides which will not leave you disappointed. Just go easy on the wine if you weren’t planning a night at one of the luxury wine farms which could make your cycle trip rather more expensive than initially planned!
By simply hiring bikes and designing your own routes with friends you are able to stop off where you please and take your time absorbing the sites and sounds of Cape Town.
The benefits however of a guided tour go without saying. It means you don’t have to cycle, navigate and read your travel guide all at the same time.
Safety
The roads are dangerous so do keep your wits about you. Vehicles still feel they own the roads and are often not obliging to cyclists. If you are not from Cape Town you need to know that our laws require everyone to wear a helmet.
For those that are more serious…
For the professionals out there why not take part in the annual 110 km Cape Argus Pick N Pay Cycle race which takes place in March every year.
Minimum age – you must turn 12 during the year of the event (or 10 years when riding on a tandem with an adult).
Route map: Click here for The CAPE ARGUS route map