CAPE TOWN | ACTIVITIES | cycling
Best Road climbs for cycling in cape town
The city of Cape Town boasts amazing roads which make for great cycling. It offers a variety of scenic routes and beautiful landscapes that attract both locals and visitors who enjoy cycling. Here are a few reasons why road cycling is popular in Cape Town:
* Stunning Routes: Cape Town boasts a diverse range of routes, catering to all skill levels and preferences. From coastal roads along the Atlantic Seaboard to challenging climbs up Table Mountain or Chapman's Peak, cyclists can find routes that suit their abilities and desired scenery.
* Beautiful Landscapes: Cape Town's natural beauty is hard to match. As you cycle around the city, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the ocean, majestic mountains, and picturesque vineyards. The Cape Peninsula, in particular, offers some of the most scenic rides with its dramatic coastline and mountainous terrain.
* Cycling Culture: Cape Town has a vibrant cycling community with numerous clubs and events throughout the year. Joining a club or participating in group rides can enhance your cycling experience and allow you to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
* Well-maintained Roads: The roads in Cape Town are generally well-maintained, making cycling a smoother and more enjoyable experience. However, it's always essential to stay vigilant and follow road safety guidelines.
1) Chapman’s Peak drive
Chapman's Peak Road is probably the most scenic coastal road in Cape Town, South Africa. The road is approximately 9 kilometers long and offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The route has a few challenging climbs, but is generally suitable for cyclists of various skill levels. The road is well-maintained, with smooth surfaces and plenty of safety features. It is also closed to vehicular traffic on certain days, providing an even more enjoyable cycling experience. Chapman's Peak Road is a must-ride destination for cyclists visiting Cape Town. Vehicles are generally sight-seeing and slow moving in general on this road, making it a safe road for cycling.
There are numerous coffee stop options and this road can be linked all the way to the Cape of Good Hope you are up for a long day out.. 🙂
At Kaap Tours we like to combine a ride over this pass with a lunch and beer tasting at Aegir Beer Projects in Noordhoek nearby. We regard this as the best beer around.
2) Red hill roadÂ
Red Hill is a popular cycling route located in the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. The route begins in Simon's Town and takes cyclists up and over Red Hill, offering stunning views of False Bay and the surrounding countryside. The climb up Red Hill is challenging, with steep gradients that can test even the most experienced cyclists. However, the effort is worth it, as the descent back down the other side is fast and exhilarating. The road is fairly rough with a few potholes on the descent down towards Scarborough, so take it easy. Along the way, cyclists can also stop at the Red Hill Lookout Point to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Simon’s Town. This climb can be ridden as part of a ride including Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. A spectacular route.
Riding with a guide or a follow vehicle might be a good idea here as the road is in an isolated area.
At Kaap Tours we often combine this ride with a visit to the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony which is nearby. This is a truly stunning location and is good for a swim after a ride.
3) suikerbossie
The Suikerbossie cycling route from Camps Bay is a popular route for both local and visiting cyclists. Starting from Camps Bay, cyclists will make their way towards Hout Bay before beginning the climb up Suikerbossie Hill. The climb is gradual and fairly easy generally, this can quickly change if the southerly wind is blowing. Stunning views of the surrounding coastline and mountains make it well worth the effort. Once at the top of Suikerbossie Hill, cyclists can take a moment to catch their breath and admire the panoramic views before beginning the descent back down the other side. The descent is fast and exhilarating. The road is well-maintained, with smooth surfaces and safety features such as guardrails and wide shoulders.
There is also a very wide shoulder for most of this coastal road, making it one of the safer routes available in the Cape.
This is a great way to start a ride before connecting to other roads such as Chapman's Peak Drive.
4) Franschhoek pass
Franschhoek Pass is a popular cycling route located in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The route begins in the town of Franschhoek and takes cyclists up and over Franschhoek Pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. The climb up Franschhoek Pass is challenging, with steep gradients and tight turns, but the effort is worth it for the breathtaking scenery. Once at the top, cyclists can take a break and enjoy the views before descending back down the other side. The descent is fast and thrilling, but requires caution due to the sharp turns and steep gradients. The road is well-maintained, with smooth surfaces and safety features such as guardrails and wide shoulders. Along the way, cyclists can also stop at various wineries and restaurants in Franschhoek to refuel and relax.
Franschhoek translates to French Corner, named after the French Huguenots who moved into the area in the late 1600’s. The French Huguenots knew about viticulture, Franschhoek is now the best wine region in South Africa, thanks to them. Wine tasting and delicious food is on offer after a hard day's cycling.
A guide and a follow vehicle opens up many route options for this area. Distances are longer and a short transfer might be necessary.
5) Bainskloof pass