Cape Town Cycle Tour 2021 | Training Package

Your Itinerary and abbreviations:
KM = distance cycled by bike, AM = altitude climbed by bike, B/L/D/W = meals included (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner/ Wine tasting)

We do a 30min transfer from George airport and head to our comfortable accommodation in the coastal town of Mossel Bay. We do your bike set up before going on a short group ride to get the legs turning and sort out any niggles. Tonight's dinner is included where you get your official welcome and tour briefing over dinner. (D)

We leave early to take advantage of the heat. Cycle directly from the accommodation through town and head towards the first climb of the tour. We do a refueling stop using a local farm stall at around 35km and the start of the pass. For the next 10km, we climb to the top of the Robinson Pass (860m AMSL). The descent is short before entering into the Little Karoo with its semi-arid landscape and the Swartberg Mountain range as a backdrop. Lunch is at a typical Karoo farm stall before cycling onto our guest house. We spend two nights in Oudtshoorn. KM: 86km, AM: 1300m (B)

Depart after breakfast, we do a short 30min transfer to the start of our cycle. For the next few kilometers, we follow a series of bends between steep sandstone cliffs of the Swartberg Mountains. We do a short stop to admire the 60m waterfall (Meiringspoort) before we exit this shady ravine and head onto Prince Albert. A charming town and one of the prettiest in the country. A place of serenity awaits us for lunch. We load our bikes and drive over the Swartberg Mountain (1583m AMSL). One of the steepest gravel passes in South Africa with spectacular views into the Great Karoo to the north and over the Little Karoo to the south, hand-packed retaining stone walls and, striking warped stone formations. For those interested, you can add another 30km (downhill) and cycle back to the guest house.  Time allowing you can do a guided, one hour tour of the Cango Caves (optional extra). KM: 75km (+30), AM: 1430m (B)

An early start today, yes it can get really hot out there in the middle of nowhere. We cycle through the heart of the Little Karoo with its quilted landscape and straight road. The Swartberg to the north and the Langeberg Mountains to the south. We stop for lunch in Calitzdorp before continuing over the 13km Huisrevier Pass, known for the impressive sandstone formations and thick lush vegetation. The elusive Cape Leopard still roam these mountains. We spend tonight on a working wine farm tucked away in the Dwarsrivier Valley at the foot of the Towerkop Mountain. KM: 110km, AM: 1360m (B)

After a filling farm breakfast, we leave the farm and continue our cycle along the R62. At first, taking advantage of a fast descent through a hilly landscape before things open up giving way to a few interesting table type formations and an undulating road. We do a quick pit stop at the famous “Ronnies” before reaching Barrydale for lunch. Our next destination is Swellendam, but first, we need to climb the Tradouw Pass. The road climbs through a narrow gorge into the heart of the Langeberg region before the descent into the little village of Suurbraak, a great spot for a cold beverage before continuing. We load our bikes and do a short transfer into the third oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam. We spend one night in a comfortable guest house. KM: 110km, AM: 1000m (B)

Leaving Swellendam by bike we slowly enter the Breede Valley, known for the fruit and wine farms which get their water from the Breede River. There is no adjective to describe the valley, as far as the eye can see, vineyards and fruit plantations with towering mountain ranges for a backdrop. Our lunch stop is at Viljoensdrift vineyard. You can enjoy your lunch during a one hour boat cruise (included) and give your legs a deserved break while taking in the scenery. We then continue to finish our tour 10km down the road in Robertson. Tonight's accommodation has a good kitchen. If you would like a massage, let us know at the time of the booking so we can arrange it (optional extra). KM: 80km, AM: 800m (B)

With the Cape Town Cycle Tour only days away, we start toning down our rides. Our only long transfer today, a 100km trip through the heart of the Breede Valley. Our cycle starts at the Theewaterskloof Dam, the seventh-largest dam in South Africa with a surface area of 48 square kilometers. The Franschhoek Pass awaits, heart-stopping of the passes for views and vistas of the surrounding valleys, gorges, and mountains. The descent into Franschhoek will keep you concentrated. We stop here for lunch before continuing through the valley and over the Helshoogte Pass into Stellenbosch. Our ride finishes in the center of the old town. A comfortable guest house awaits us for one night. KM: 56km, AM: 740m (B)

Today we do a gentle ride of about 30km before stopping for a wine tasting at a prominent estate. We then load our bikes and transfer into Cape Town where you have time to take in the sights. A trip up Table Mountain in the afternoon or just walk around the V&A Waterfront and soak up the atmosphere. Your guide will gladly help with suggestions and arrangements. KM: 30km, AM: 300m (B/W)

The countdown is running! Today is your chance to relax and get ready for the biggest timed race in the world. Meet your guide after breakfast for a city tour on foot, and then you can do as you please. If you did not go up Table Mountain yesterday then today is your chance. (weather permitting) Once again, your guide can advise. We meet again during dinner and get your briefing for the expo and registration tomorrow. (B)

Our last leg loosener this morning along the Atlantic Seaboard offers amazing views of Robben Island and the Twelve Apostles. Once our bikes are stowed we head to the Cape Town stadium and complete the registration, collect your starter packs, and enjoy the expo. The afternoon is free to do those last-minute bike checks. Before we head off for some carbo-loading we meet up and chat about the start location and logistics, with 35000 participants it helps to know how things work. KM: 20km (B)

Good luck to all of you. We meet up later at our accommodation and during an African dinner (included), we can exchange experiences over a cold beer or two. (B/D)

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. It was a pleasure having you on tour with us. Depending on your flight times you may still have time to get that last-minute shopping done. We then take you to the airport for your flight home. (B)