Road cycling facts
- Road cycling routes in and around Cape Town
many
- Best time to travel
October to April
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
The high season for road cycling in South Africa starts when the sport is deep in winter hibernation mode in Switzerland. Stable weather is an added training bonus for passionate cyclists. The rule of the road is to drive on the left in South Africa – inexperienced cyclists are recommended to join a group on their first tours. Cycling around Cape Town is best in the early morning, when the roads are less busy.
Top road cycling routes around Cape Town
Chapman’s Peak Drive Difficult
Chapman’s Peak Drive in the Cape region is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. The almost nine-kilometre-long route meanders along the Indian Ocean and connects the Cape Town suburbs of Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Cyclists who are in good shape can start on the Suikerbossie Loop at Cape Town Station and cycle via Simon’s Town and Misty Cliffs.
- Length of tour 4 h 50 min
- Distance 97,4 km
- Ascent 1’400 m
- Descent -1’410 m
From Muizenberg to the Cape Peninsula Medium
This tour starts at the ultimate surf spot Muizenberg, and heads in the direction of Simon’s Town to the Cape Peninsula. The route passes by Cape Town’s highlight – the penguins – and proceeds right up to Smitswinkel Bay. Just before the entrance to the Cape of Good Hope, the M65 turns north towards Scarborough and leads up to Ocean View, just before the seaside village of Kommetjie. The tour continues from there for another 18 km back to Muizenberg, passing through the coastal town of Fish Hoek.
- Length of tour 3 h 15 min
- Distance 72,4 km
- Ascent 710 m
- Descent -690 m
Stunning views around Franschhoek Pass Difficult
Situated in the South African winegrowing region, Franschhoek Pass stretches from the eponymous town to the Theewaterskloof Dam. A large circular route starts at Stellenbosch and ascends 740 m. Magnificent views of the valley and its vineyards can be seen from the top of Franschhoek Pass. The cycling route back to Stellenbosch passes the Theewaterskloof Dam, Sir Lowry’s Pass and the town of Somerset West.
- Length of tour 6 h 20 min
- Distance 131 km
- Ascent 1’820m
- Descent -1’820m
Gorges and vineyards in Montagu Difficult
This route starts in the town of Montagu on the famous Route 62. Montagu is also known for its hot springs, which are ideal for sore muscles. But, before that, the route takes cyclists through the Kogmans Kloof gorge, across extensive vineyards and past numerous wine farms to Bonnievale and Robertson located in one of South Africa’s largest wine-producing regions, also known as the ‘Valley of Wine and Roses’.
- Length of tour 5 h 40 min
- Distance 99,6 km
- Ascent 660 m
- Descent -660 m
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