$1995 (sharing)
Cape Winelands Cycle Tour
The Cape Winelands Cycle Tour starts in sunny Stellenbosch, the heart of the Winelands and ends in the beautiful city of Cape Town. The Cape Winelands Cycle Tour is a 11 day package touring via 7 “must visit” South African destinations which includes 10 nights accommodation, daily activities, an expert guide, meals, transport and so much more.
Daily morning rides will cover between 55-100 km. The rest of the day cyclist are free to explore the area. However the package does include fun world class activities such as a trip up the majestic Table mountain, a visit to Cape point , a outing to the penguin colony at Boulders beach, a game drive safari, a wine touring in Franschhoek, a canopy tour in Grabouw and a kayak trip (hopefully with whale spotting) in Hermanus and in ” Cape Town we provide you with a 2 day pass for the “hop on hop off bus“.
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR
FREE RACE ENTRY IF YOU BOOK BEFORE 31ST OF OCTOBER!
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR
The Cape Town's Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycling event in the world. Attracting in excess of 35 000 cyclists from around the globe each year, this prestigious event is definitely a unique experience for participants and spectators alike. The Cycle Tour represents 109 km of some of the most scenic spots in the world. Starting in the City Centre the route makes its way down the Blue Route leading into Simonstown then turning at Smitswinkel and heading back along the coastline before the steady climb up Chapmans Peak and finally the short, steep hill of Suikerbossie. The downhill to the finish in Green Point is a welcome respite for the weary cyclist.
WEEK PROGRAM
| Date | Cycling route | Place of stay | Included activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, 28th Feb | Early afternoon easy ride (depending on arrival time | Stellenbosch | Pick up from airport, check-in + setting up rental bikes) + farmers night market at Boschendal |
| Saturday, 29th Feb | Ride from Stellenbosch to Riebeek Kasteel (3-4 hours) | Riebeek Kasteel | Safari game drive |
| Sunday, 1st | Ride from Riebeek Kasteel to Franschhoek (3-4 hours) | Franschhoek | Wine tour |
| Monday, 2nd | Ride from Franschhoek to Grabouw (3-4 hours) | Trails End bike hotel, Grabouw | Canopy tour (optional) |
| Tuesday, 3rd | Ride from Grabouw to Hermanus (3-4 hours) | Hermanus | Kayak tour (whales?) |
| Wednesday, 4th | Ride from Hermanus to Gordons Bay (3-4 hours) | Simons Town | Transfer from Gordons Bay to Simons Town. Visit penguins at Boulders beach |
| Thursday, 5th | Ride from Simons Town to Cape point and back (6-7 hours) | Simons Town | Visist Cape Point (during the ride) |
| Friday, 6th | Ride from Simons Town to Cape Town (3-4 hours) | Cape Town | Visit Table Mountain + Hop on hop of bus |
| Saturday, 7th | Rest day | Cape Town | Expo, picking up race entry + Hop on hop of bus |
| Sunday, 8th | Race Day (Cape Town Cycle Tour) | Cape Town | |
| Monday, 9th | Check out, airport transfer |
CAPE WINELANDS CYCLE TOUR
BOOK BEFORE OCTOBER 31ST AND GET YOUR CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR ENTRY FOR FREE
Pricing
Rental bikes
The Émonda ALR 5 is fast, light, responsive, and balanced – everything a quality aluminium road bike should be. But it also has the sleek looks of a far more expensive carbon bike. Upgrades on parts that make a big difference in performance, like the dependable Shimano 105 drivetrain, make it a smart choice for racing, group rides and more. A dependable, lightweight racing bike for longer, faster rides.
The ALR 5 comes with shaped tubes and Invisible Weld Technology, a carbon fork that absorbs vibration from the road, powerful direct-mount rim brakes, Bontrager Affinity Tubeless Ready wheels and a full 2×11 Shimano 105 drivetrain for precise and dependable shifting.
Road bikes can be rented for R5000 for the duration of the camp (10 days)
Rental bikes
Including helmet and water bottle
Including helmet and water bottle
Including helmet and water bottle
DAY 1 FRIDAY 28TH
ARRIVAL, AIRPORT TRANSFER, CHECK IN, SHORT TEST RIDE, NIGHT MARKET
Arrival + airport transfer
Airport transfer from Cape Town airport, no matter what time you arrive, you will be picked up. If we can't pick you up ourself (Bram), we will arrange a transfer for you. But please tell us if you bring your own bike ;-). It takes about 45 minutes from Cape Town International airport to your accommodation in Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch has more than 200 restaurants offering the most basic dishes to over-the-top and 5-star dining experiences, set both in the town and on many of the wine farms. Fine dining restaurants, laid-back bistros, coffee shops, sidewalk cafés and fast food outlets abound and offer traditional Cape cuisine and South African specialities, to the most exotic international cuisine. Stellenbosch restaurants were once again awarded Top 10 status in the Eat Out Restaurant Awards. Stellenbosch lies ensconced in the Jonkershoek Valley and is surrounded by towering mountains and vineyards, making any dining experience memorable.
Short ride + night market
For those renting a bike it will be arranged on arrival including small bike adjustments required for your height. Those that require their bikes to be built it could also be arranged on arrival. A short spin through cycle Stellenbosch and surroundings to follow to ensure you and your bike are ready for your epic tour.
Night market
Late afternoon we will visit the night market at Boschendal, wine farm for some nice farm meals, souvenir and a drink.
DAY 2 SATURDAY FEB 29TH
RIDE: STELLENBOSCH - RIEBEEK KASTEEL + SAFARI GAME DRIVE
Riebeek Kasteel
Nestled among vineyards and olive groves Riebeek Valley includes the towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. The area is a market and festival hot spot ideal if you like to travel and shop. A hot spot for festival and market fans situated below the slopes of Kasteelberg. With the towns of Riebeek-Kasteel and Riebeek West nestled within, Riebeek Valley is home to some of South Africa’s most famous painters and the country’s oldest hotel, The Royal Hotel. A number of festivals celebrating the valley’s olives, wine and art are held throughout the year with the Village Market in Riebeek West the place to go for home made food and crafts. Taste olive oil or go on a guided tour of the olive oil presses.
Safari game drive (included)
This afternoon we take you for a nature drive through the 10 000 acre nature reserve of Bartholomeus Klip. You are sure to see plenty of life in the reserve whether it’s a herds of black wildebeest and springbok or a couple of zebra's, bontebok, a lone secretary bird striding through the veld, or a herd of eland standing watchfully in the fynbos: and you will have the knowledge that you are driving through a uniquely-preserved piece of one of the world’s smallest but richest floral kingdoms, the Cape Floristic Region.
Morning ride
The first day ride will start in Stellenbosch to end in Riebeek Kasteel, a historic country town, nestled in an exceptionally beautiful valley surrounded by majestic mountains. This little town has stunning views, charming Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture. From Stellenbosch we start cycling via the R44 towards Paarl, passing famous wine farms like Warwick and Kanonskop. We go via Klapmuts, Windmeul and Malmsbury to our guesthouse in Riebeek Kasteel. Rolling hills all the way, wide shoulders and great road surface. This ride takes about 3-4 hours.
Accomodation
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and patio with sun loungers. The accommodation is situated in the Riebeek Valley. It offers elegant rooms with private patios and free Wi-Fi. The air-conditioned rooms all come with a private entrance. They are also equipped with satellite TV and a minibar. Each en suite bathroom includes a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Guests can relax in the pool or on the sun loungers. They are also free to use the BBQ or table tennis facilities. A full English or continental breakfast can be enjoyed in the mornings.
DAY 3 SUNDAY 1ST
RIDE: RIEBEEK KASTEEL - FRANSCHHOEK + WINE TOUR
Franschhoek
The village of Franschhoek (French Corner), tucked into the Cape Winelands of South Africa, is known as the country's food and wine capital. Galleries and antique shops fill the tree-lined streets, and vineyards established more than 300 years ago cascade over the hills just outside town. Local activities range from wine-tasting tours to trout fishing and hiking. The Huguenot Memorial Museum honors the town's early settlers, who fled religious persecution in France.
Wine tour
Franschhoek Wine Tram currently offers eight hop-on hop-off lines to choose from each visiting a selection of wine estates showcasing a separate part of the Franschhoek Valley. Passengers board the tour at the ticket office located in the Franschhoek Village and are transported by a combination of tram and tram-bus around a loop of stops allowing passengers to hop-on hop-off at any of the stops. Each of the lines has a wide selection of wine estates to visit from boutique to marquee estates and each offers a unique perspective on the Franschhoek wine experience.
Cycling
Today we ride from Riebeek Kasteel to Franschhoek. We go via Hermon, Wellington and Paarl.
Accommodation
Set in Franschhoek within 650 m from the Huguenot Monument, this modern accommodation comes with free WiFi. The guest house has a hot tub and a shared lounge. Every room is equipped with voice-activated features for the lights, blinds, music and the shower. They each have a flat-screen TV with Netflix, a coffee machine, honesty bar, fridge, wardrobe, and a bathroom with bath and shower. Some units offer pool views. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes continental and à la carte options. The accommodation offers an outdoor pool and a spa.
DAY 4 MONDAY MARCH 2ND
RIDE: FRANSCHHOEK - GRABOUW + CANOPY TOUR
Grabouw
The Elgin Valley borders the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a protected area of magnificent fynbos. More than 1600 plant species occur here, of which 150 are endemic. People from all over the world visit the region to experience the wonder of the local gardens filled with multitudes of remarkable flowers. A variety of mountain bike races, off road triathlons, half and full marathons are hosted in the Elgin Valley throughout the year. In the heart of a towering eucalyptus forest, the outdoor amphitheatre provides a unique natural venue for a variety of performances ranging from revues to classic and contemporary musicals and theatre.
Canopy tour (optional)
A zipline canopy tour in the company of soaring eagles, surrounded by breath-taking Cape fynbos panoramas and mountainscapes could well be exactly what you are looking for. Thrilled zipliners who have completed the course have described it as super safe. One commented that the quality of the structure and equipment was reassuringly high and had made her fear of heights irrelevant. Lonely Planet recently listed Cape Canopy Tour and the rugged Hottentots Holland mountains in the Cape Nature reserve as second on the list of the world’s hottest new tourism experiences. Cape Canopy Tour was the only African attraction to make the list! It has been described by Lonely Planet as “vertigo-tinged fun” and “an exciting aerial perspective”.
Wine lands and nature reserve
Massage
For recovery we included a massage for you.
Trails End
A Superb accommodation nestled in the center of the beautiful Elgin/Grabouw valley. Offers endless mountain bike and trail running routes, where you can hone your skills, or simply relax in nature's garden. All bedrooms have shared ladies and gentlemen ablution facilities. All rooms are finished with beautiful hardwood floors. A wellness center which includes Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Pilates, Massage and Beauty therapy, a kitchen to cater for all needs, from high performance to wholesome family meals. Trails End is situated in the midst of famous wine farms, cider breweries, awesome zip lines, rowing and quadbike facilities. The trail running and mountain bike trails are world class - and Trails End is right in the center.
DAY 5 TUESDAY 3RD
RIDE: GRABOUW - HERMANUS + KAYAK TOUR
Coastal ride
Today we ride to Hermanus, known as the whale capital of the world due to the Southern Right whales which come from late August to November. In the afternoon there is an option to do a 2 hour canoe tour.
Accommodation
Located in the Eastcliff district in Hermanus, 200 m from Hermanus Tourist Information, Our Hermanus B&B features an outdoor pool and views of the mountain. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. Every room is equipped with a TV. Some rooms have views of the pool or garden. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared lounge at the property.
Hermanus
With beaches and lagoons, restaurants and wine farms, holiday homes, and general all-round beauty, Hermanus is one of the most vibrant holiday destinations in the country. The jewel of the Overberg and capital of the Cape Whale Coast Route, the greater Hermanus area stretches from Fisherhaven and Benguela Cove on the Bot River estuary past the quaint villages of Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai, through to De Kelders, Gansbaai and Pearly Beach. The area is considered to be one of the best land-based whale watching locations in the world and a long stretch of cliffs provide plenty of vantage points. The whales can come as close as 10 metres from the shore, they are more often farther out in the bay.
Sea kayaking (optional)
Explore the magic of our unique coastline with its abundant marine life up close and personal in one of our stable kayaks in the company of an experienced guide. Glide across sparkling water while enjoying a view of the majestic mountain, sea cliffs and marine life. A knowledgeable guide shall open up the wonders of our ocean to you, as we explore the beautiful natural surroundings. We paddle our kayaks in a Marine Reserve and by law we are not allowed to come within 300m of a whale. If they decide to come close to the kayaks we must move away from them. On our tours you will enjoy sightings of cape fur seals, penguins, cormorants and other sea birds and marine mammals.
DAY 6 WEDNESDAY 4TH
RIDE: HERMANUS - GORDONS BAY - TRANSFER TO SIMONS TOWN + PENGUINS BOULDERS BEACH
Coastal ride
One of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world, the Whale Route stretches out all the way to Gordon's Bay. We ride (70- 100 km) along this road with the Cape Fold Mountains to our right and the Ocean to our left, through Bettie's Bay and ending in Gordon's Bay. Spectacular ocean views are guaranteed and if you are lucky you might even spot a whale or some dolphins. From here we get in the bus and transfer to Simons Town where we will stay 2 nights.
Accommodation
The 4-star, family-run Simonstown Guest House overlooks False Bay and offers scenic water views from its modern rooms. Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property are available.
All rooms and suites are air conditioned and include a spacious seating area and satellite TV. Tea-and-coffee-making facilities and a minibar are provided.
Guests at the Simonstown can enjoy a full English and continental breakfast each morning. The lounge opens onto a sea-view courtyard.
Guest House Simonstown is located only a 5-minute walk from the Glencairn Beach. The
Simons Town
Simon’s Town is one of South Africa’s oldest towns, situated 35km outside Cape Town. This neighbourhood is renowned for its rich maritime history and is home to the South African Navy, which holds a festival in the town every April. Simon’s Town is really an attraction in its own right, and you will need to set a full day to fully explore it. Simon’s Town is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, rich history, and the colony of African penguins that call it home. Quaint buildings line the historical mile from the train station to Jubilee Square, against the backdrop of mountains with innumerable picturesque hiking trails. A walk along the coast offers spectacular sea views and the chance to spot calving whales. Along the way you’ll find fantastic restaurants and craft markets.
Boulders Beach
Cape Town definitely has no shortage of amazing beaches, but Boulders Beach in False Bay offers something extra special – a colony of African Penguins in all their smartly dresses, waddling glory, right under your nose. In fact, it’s the only place in the world where you can get close to African Penguins. In 1982 a couple of these little crowd-pleasers settled on the soft white sand between the large granite boulders that protect the beach from wind and large, stormy waves, and currently the population is estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 birds. Sadly the African Penguin has been classified as an endangered species. Thankfully, Boulders and its surrounding beaches now form part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, thus ensuring the beaches are safe and clean, and the penguins protected.
DAY 7 THURSDAY 5TH
RIDE SIMONS TOWN - CAPE POINT - SIMONS TOWN
Cape point ride
Today we ride to Cape Town following a large section of the Cape Town Cycle Tour allowing us to familiarise ourselves with the route but also to enjoy the spectacular scenery. After an initial cycle along the naval road to the top of Red Hill looking out over False Bay, we head on the race route proper. We go via, Scarborough, Misty cliffs, Kommetjie and through Noordhoek to the world famous Chapman's Peak Drive. We cycle over the peak to Hout Bay following our ride to Cape Town.
Today we ride to the Cape Point Nature Reserve where we will walk to the lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope. We will then get on our bikes and cycle back to Simons Town.
Cape Point
Cape Point is beyond a doubt one of South Africa’s most magnificent sightseeing and tourist attractions. Falling within the Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is 7750 hectares of wild coves, shimmering tidal pools, fynbos-covered valleys and diverse flora and fauna. There are 250 different bird species that make the area home, 1100 indigenous plant species whose roots burrow deep into the soil, a broad assortment of animal life that ranges from the nearly extinct bontebok to the deadly Cape cobra.
DAY 8 FRIDAY 6TH
RIDE: SIMONS TOWN - CAPE TOWN + TABLE MOUNTAIN + HOP ON HOP OF BUS
Cape peninsular ride
Today we ride to Cape Town following a large section of the Cape Town Cycle Tour allowing us to familiarise ourselves with the route but also to enjoy the spectacular scenery. After an initial cycle along the naval road to the top of Red Hill looking out over False Bay, we head on the race route proper. We go via, Scarborough, Misty cliffs, Kommetjie and through Noordhoek to the world famous Chapman's Peak Drive. We cycle over the peak to Hout Bay following our ride to Cape Town.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is the most iconic landmark of South Africa.It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top. Table Mountain has become the single most welcoming icon to not only our people, but travellers from all over the world. It is much more than a scenic photograph background or a place from where you can take a breathtaking photo of Cape Town. There are about 2,200 species of plants found on Table Mountain and 1470 floral species. Many of these plants and flowers are endemic to this mountain. The Cape Floral region of the national park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to the Table Mountain. It is no wonder that the mountain was chosen as one of the new seven world wonders.
Cape Town
A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain defines the city. The flat-topped mountain is the headline act, but there are many other amazing hotspots like the beaches of Camps bay and Clifton, the Waterfront, Robben Island, Company’s Garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Green Point Urban Park.
DAY 9 SATURDAY 7TH
REGISTRATION + EXPO + HOP ON HOP OF BUS
Registration + expo
This morning we have the option of taking a short ride to do final checks on the bike before tomorrow's big day. In the afternoon we go out and register for the race and can spend some time taking in the atmosphere and browsing the stalls.
Cape Town
A coming-together of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there's nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Table Mountain National Park defines the city. The flat-topped mountain is the headline act, but there are many other equally gorgeous natural landscapes within the park’s extensive boundaries. Cultivated areas, such as the historic Company’s Garden, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Green Point Urban Park, also make exploring the city a pleasure.
DAY 10 SUNDAY 8TH
RACE DAY + HOP ON HOP OF BUS
Entries
Entries for the world’s biggest timed sportif fill up almost six months before the event, through a well-publicised online process that sees 30 000-plus tickets snapped up in just a few hours (International riders have a slightly wider window in which to enter). If you missed out in the first round, but have found an entry going spare, there is a legal way to transfer it into your name. Failure to follow the process will lead to disqualification from future Cycle Tours for both parties, so please do it the right way! We need to know exactly who we are dealing with in an emergency.
International entry fee: R1000 ($70)
Race day
Today is the big day! Starting from the centre of Cape Town the cycle tour will take us along the M3 to Lakeside where we join Main Road. We continue through Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek. From there we take the coastal road to Simonstown and then go past the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We continue to Scarborough and Oceanview before getting to Chapman's Peak and up Suikerbossie, finally arriving at Green Point.
After the race we pickup your rental bike
DAY 11 Monday 9TH
CHECK OUT + AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Check out + airport transfers
The last day of the your Cape Winelands Cycle Tour.....Check out and transfer back to Cape Town international airport. The athletes who leave late can leave their luggage at the reception. If you want to discover South Africa after the camp, we are willing to give you some tips (there is a lot to do /see). Traveling around by car is very easy and renting a car is quite cheap (try to book in advance). You are also more than welcome to extend your tour with extra cycling days (we are based in Stellenbosch) .
