1 0 – D A Y G R A V E L C R O S S C A P E T O U R
DAY 1-SCENIC TRANSFER FROM CAPE TOWN – PLETTENBERG BAG VIA CLARENCE DRIVE +
CAPE AGULHAS APPROX 750KM 6-8 hrs
Once collected from your CT accommadation we will meander towards Clarence Drive
constructed in 1940 by Italian POW’s from the Second World War, a magnificent scenic
coastal drive between the naval town of Gordons Bay and the windswept hamlet of Rooi-Els,
which nestles in the north-eastern crook of False Bay in the shadow of the Hottentots
Hollands mountains. This beautiful, coastal drive stretches between the two towns over 21 km,
hugging the wild turquoise Cape coastline all the way. We will then head towards the rocky
headland of Cape Agulhas which is the place where two great oceans – the Indian and
Atlantic – meet. It’s also the spot at which to have one’s photo taken at the official
southernmost tip of Africa, where there is a stone plaque that marks the place – right on the
beach….then onto Plettenberg Bay.
Accommodation: Barrington’s Small Hotel-barringtonsplett.co.za
DAY 2 PLETTENBERG-KNYSNA
Distance 80km Elevation 1400m
The first day is a good wake up call, there are some tough climbs and loose gravel to
contend with. almost like a slap on the chin to say, Hey, this isnt going to be a walk in the
park. Its good though, it keeps you honest and prepares you for whats to come.
Diepwalle Forest is by far one the most beautiful parts, of the whole route, driving through
the dense native forests, seeing the elephants that used to roam free and secretly hoping to
spot a rare one is pure luck.
Once you reach the forest station its almost all downhill to Knysna, Kom se Pad has some
decent climbs but once you reach Simola you can start to smell the sea air.
Accommodation: Fish Eagle Lodge -fisheaglelodge.com
DAY 3 – KNYSNA-MONTAGU PASS
Distance 97km Elevation 2040m
Today we embark on an exhilarating gravel ride through breathtaking landscapes as you
conquer the challenge of navigating 7 picturesque passes, including the iconic Montagu Pass.
Feel the rush of the wind against your face as you pedal through undulating terrains, each
pass offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and adrenaline-pumping ascent. The Montagu
Pass, with its historic allure and winding path, stands as a testament to engineering marvels of
the past. This gravel adventure promises not only a physical journey but also an immersion into
nature’s splendor and a connection with the history of the land you traverse.
Accommodation: Over the Mountain- overthemountain.co.za
DAY 4 -MONTAGU PASS-CALITZDORP
Distance 110km Elevation 515 m
It’s all down hill through the captivating landscape of the Little Karoo,culminating in the
charming town of Calitzdorp. This cycling adventure takes you on a journey through rugged
terrains, showcasing the unique beauty of the region’s semi-arid vistas, rolling hills, and iconic
rock formations. The ride offers a harmonious blend of challenging trails and serene stretches,
allowing you to immerse yourselves in the tranquility of the vast landscapes. As you pedal your
way to Calitzdorp, the allure of this quaint town, known for its historic architecture and
renowned port wines, awaits.
Accommodation:Queen of Calitzdorp- queenofcalitzdorp.com
DAY 5 -CALITZDORP-ROOIBERGE LODGE
Distance 50km Elevation 1040 m
Don’t be fooled by todays shorter distance as we tackle the infamous stunning Rooiberg Pass,
leading you to the picturesque Rooiberg Lodge. As you traverse the rugged terrain of the pass,
you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and verdant valleys. The
meandering pass offers a thrilling yet rewarding challenge for gravel biking enthusiasts,
combining the joy of adventure with the beauty of nature. Arriving at Rooiberg Lodge, nestled
amidst this scenic landscape, you’ll find a haven of relaxation and comfort, making your
journey not only a physical feat but also a rejuvenating experience for the soul.
Accommodation: Rooiberg Lodge- rooiberglodge.co.za
DAY 6 -ROOIBERGE LODGE-BARRYDALE
Distance 106km Elevation 1316 m
This has to be one of our favourite days on the bike again crossing the vastness of the semi
desert of the Little Karoo hoping to spot giraffe and springbok alike whilst graveling the
smoothness of the roads less travelled to the little town of Barrydale lies nestled at the foot of
the beautiful Langeberge in the heart of the Tradouw Valley where upon arrival we will be
heading forthe infamous milkshakes served at Diesel & Creme
Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel- karooarthotel.co.za
DAY 7 -BARRYDALE-MONTAGUE
Distance 127km Elevation 1350 m
The Queens Stage…A tough climb retracing our tire marks from the previous days encounter as
you feel the exhilaration of conquering unpaved trails as we venture from Barrydale’s artistic
charm to Montagu’s historic allure. Todays route take’s us on the gravel roads used in the South
African version of the L’Eroica
Accommodation: Montagu Vines- montaguvines.co.za
DAY 8-MONTAGU-GREYTON
Distance 107km Elevation 975 m
As we leave Montagu we meander through the Cogmanskloof mountain pass completed in
1877 as one of the first routes inland through that mountain range and onward towards the
town of Ashton where you will again see a dramatic change in landscape as we now headover
the Riviersonderend (River without end) Mountain catchment area toward the farming town of
Greyton not before making a stop at the famous Ou Meul Bakkery pie shop!This is arguably one
of the most forgiving sections of the route, with few hills to climb. After leaving
Riviersonderend, you’ll cross a picturesque bridge over the Sonderend River as you make your
way toward the quaint, oak-lined village of Greyton.
Here you’ll find superb cuisine and craft beer, with some lovely accommodation to boot.
Accommodation: Hemelsbreed- hemelsbreed.co.za
DAY 9-GREYTON-STELLENBOSCH
Distance 130km Elevation 1475 m
On this section the riding is smooth and mostly tarred with the iconic Franschhoek Pass tomanoeuvre. Traffic along this section is generally slow, but do keep safely to the side of the road.Check the weather forecasts as the winds at Theewaterskloof Dam can make riding a challenge. Asyou pass Franschhoek take advantage of the coffee shops and pastry bistros to fuel up for the finalassault.
Today you will be cycling one of the oldest passes in the Cape, built in 1854. Helshoogte Pass or‘Hells Heights’ is very popular with cyclists who regard this pass as safe, particularly since theupgrade with a cycle lane in 2010. The climb is steep and it is not for the faint hearted, but theviews from the top are well worth the effort and downhill is obviously a lot easier! You’re riding thisday alone and without your guide.
Helshoogte Pass is one of the most loved and travelled roads in the Western Cape and linksStellenbosch with the Drakenstein Valley. It’s a very scenic pass that transports you through the littlevillages of Kylemore, Johannesdal and Pniel taking in fruit farms and vineyards a plenty.
Accommodation:
L’Aviner Country Lodge Estate
Transfer from CT to Plettenberg Bay
10 nights accommodation in specified guest house/lodge/hotel or similar including breakfast (classicroom)
10 x full days private gravel tour (2 guests) with a qualified, experienced local guide
Support Vehicle including driver guide for the duration of the Cross Cape
10 x lunches (2 guests – on tour days) also including all iced water bottles/nutrition/ gels
Gravel Bike hire x 10 days (Pearl SL Carbon Gravel 2023/24) + helmet + SPD pedals
Transfer to Cape Town International
WHAT’S INCLUDED
TOTAL COST PER RIDER R65,250
APPROX €3,330/$3,425/£2,785
(BASED ON 2 X RIDERS SHARING)
DAY 10 -STELLENBOSCH-STELLENBOSCH
Distance 75km Elevation 800 m
Our SPICE ROUTE GRAVEL EXTRAVAGANZA is going to be a mixture of awesome gravel sectors and tarmacrelief in and amongst the farm roads of the Cape Winelands and surrounding hills of the Simonsberg andPaarl mtns…be prepared for some dusty, sandy, corrugated in places African gravel roads!! Lot’s of fun andwe finish off at a boutique family run wine farm for flatbreads and wine tasting.
We would make time in the early afternoon to arrange a meeting with
SONGO
Songo has humblebeginnings: from a dream of providing a safe space for children to play on bikes, it has evolved into anEducational and Sports programme focused on creating a long-term impact for the children in Kayamandi,Stellenbosch.