One of my favorite things about going on an S24o (sub 24 hour) micro-adventure in Cape Town, is that you don’t have to cycle far to immerse yourself in the wild serenity of nature. Located just 60km from Cape Town, on the West Coast, Ganzekraal Resort is the perfect destination to catch a sunset and escape the bustle of the city.
PLAIN SAILING UP THE WEST COAST
The cycle route to Ganzekraal is relatively flat and about half of it is on dedicated cycle lanes (along Albert Road and the N1 cycleway), which makes it an easy ride for beginners. For those who don’t want to cycle the whole 60km from the city, there is the option of catching the MyCiti Bus with their bikes to Melkbosstrand (about halfway to Ganzekraal) and cycling the rest of the way (+-30km). The cafes along Melkbosstrand’s seaside, also make a great pit stop for coffee or a beer on the way up the coast (and for breakfast on the way back). Try the cold craft beer and pizza at I Love Melkies.
The second half of the ride follows the highway on the R27, fortunately there is a wide shoulder with a yellow line that makes this route fairly safe to ride. This section of the route has sweeping panoramic views of Table Mountain. and when the Southeaster is blowing (most of the time) you can enjoy a nice tailwind to send you sailing up the coast. As the wind tends to drop in the mornings, the return journey is usually not too bad.
CHASING THE SUNSET
Just after Koeberg Private Nature Reserve, you will leave the R27, and enter Ganzekraal through the gate. From here the route meanders along the coast to the resort and campsite area. It is truly magical to cycle along this ocean road as you watch the sun slowly dip into the Atlantic Ocean. The campsites are located near to the sea with stunning views over the Atlantic ocean and rocky shores. There is also a tidal pool for swimming and various chalets and communal facilities in the resort.
DAWN CHORUS
Nothing beats waking up to the sound of the ocean and a dawn chorus far from the madding crowd… serenity found.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Scenic tarred roads
- Meandering coastal roads, look out for whales, dolphins and seals.
- Seaside camping. Go to sleep to the sound of the ocean.
- Great swimming – sea and tidal pools
- Must Stop spot: I Love Melkies (coffee/lunch).
MUST KNOW
- Best time to go: September – April. For quieter camping, go during the week and avoid the holiday season rush.
- Bookings & location Contact Ganzekraal. Favorite campsite Number 1 – next to the sea!
- Taking the bus: Cut down on distance – catch the MyCiti Bus with your bikes to Melkbosstrand (about halfway to Ganzekraal) and cycling the rest of the way (+-30km). Buses have limited space for bikes, so avoid peak times.
- Bike shops: The closest bike shops are The Bike Addict in Malmsbury or Cycle Teknix Tableview.
- Supplies and food: There are plenty of shops along the way. The last shops to stock up on drinks, fire food and food can be found in Melkbosstrand.
Photographs © David Malan.
Terms of Use: As with each route guide published on BICYCLESOUTH.co.za, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather and road conditions. Always ride responsibly. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. Bicycle South, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route.
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