This weekend the Cape Town Cycle Tour brings thousands of cyclists and visitors to South Africa’s mother city. What began in 1977 as a protest ride to ‘encourage’ the city council to think about bicycles as part of its urban planning, and look after cyclists on the (by 1978 standards) busy roads, has evolved into what is now one of the world’s leading cycle events – with as many as 35 000 cyclists taking part!
The Cycle Tour follows a 109km route, circling the beautiful Cape Peninsula along some of the most scenic coastal roads in the world – all blissfully car-free for the day! And while the pros are battling it out up-front for a coveted sub-3 hour spot, others have the unique opportunity to take it a bit slower and enjoy the more social aspect of the ride.
In addition to the official refreshment, medical and mechanical repair zones along the route, there are also a plethora of fantastic, bike friendly cafes and restaurants that are open during the Cycle Tour (see map below). Here cyclists can stop off, grab a coffee and/or refuel on delicious grub or even pick up a few bike supplies. These venues also make great locations for spectators to gather and cheer riders along.
Look out for our blue certified Bike Friendly signage at venues that have gone the extra mile to welcome and cater for cyclists!
FEATURED BIKE FRIENDLY CAFES & PITSTOPS
For those of you who could not ride in this year’s cycle tour, fear not, you don’t have to wait a whole year to experience the route. Cape Cycle Routes have put together a wonderful cycle tourism route – The Cycle Tour 364 – that follows almost the same route as the event (barring the freeways) and is open to everyone to ride 364 days of the year.
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Meet Mariska, the maker behind the cool, new bike-bag brand, Pieta Designs.
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Win two tickets to this year’s Bicycle Film Festival – Cape Town!
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Win an Enjoy ProXision kit (bib shorts and jersey) in our latest Gear Giveaway. Find out how to enter here…
