Day 1: Little more than an hour into this adventure the mystical Huisrivier Pass between Ladismith and Calitzdorp awaits. It serves as the perfect appetizer for the main course - the world famous gravel Swartberg Pass. After crossing this monumental pass, a delightful evening in Prince Albert will set the perfect tone for the next day’s activities.
Day 2: A much shorter, less intense ride on the N1 takes us to Matjiesfontein where we will leave technology behind, if only for a while, and soak up the history this nostalgic town has to offer.
Day 3: An early start will be needed for what will be a fruitful day. Our first destination is Ceres (meaning the Roman Goddess of Fruitfulness) followed by stops in Tullbach and the hip-and-happening Riebeeck Kasteel. Our day’s
Day 4: Cruising back to our Barrydale base the splendor of Franchoek leads into the Du Toits Kloof pass and onward to Villiersdorp before snagging through to Bonnievale. While constantly experiencing the wondrous mountain views we head further north through Riversonderend to Swellendam. From the third oldest town in South Africa riders soak up the tranquility of the Tradouw Pass before concluding the tour.
Distance: ??
Riding Level:
Advanced
Availability: All year
This pass is unique in that its geology is unusually unstable and several pioneering engineering techniques had to be applied to successfully build a safe all-weather pass.
The 27km Swartberg Pass is considered one of the finest mountain passes in the world: an untarred road that winds to the summit 1583 metres above sea level in steep zigzags and sudden switchbacks with breathtaking views at every turn.
World renowned for its sun-ripened fresh and dried fruit, particularly apricots and figs, the beautifully kept Prince Albert also offers delectable Karoo lamb, olives, olive oil and home-made cheeses
A feast for the imagination, the town has colourful history that includes international cricketers, fortification during The South African War as headquarters of the Cape Command and it was also the venue of controversial war crimes hearings.
The village lies 150 km to the North-East of Cape Town and after the discovery of diamonds in the interior in 1869, the road through Ceres became the main route to the North.
Believed to be one of the oldest villages in South Africa and indeed one could easily mistake the town and its accompanying valley for one set in the midst of the Tuscan hills of Italy, as it invariably bathed in sunshine, particularly as it is almost equally as famous for its olives and Shiraz red wines.
The region is renowned for beautiful Cape Dutch homesteads, picturesque environment, gardens and wineries. The historic Bain’s Kloof Pass, with unsurpassed vistas, indigenous flora and fauna and crystal-clear streams and rivers, is the perfect spot for bikers and fly-fishermen.
Illustrious wine estates and secluded countryside retreats are in no short supply in this region, which is currently one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Whether its cuisine, culture or outdoor adventures you’re after, you will find that Franschhoek’s fame is well justified.
This is the largest youngberry growing area in the world, due mainly to the unique microclimate of the Hermitage valley just a few kilometres outside of Swellendam, and includes farms such as Wildebraam Liqueur farm, which offers liqueur tasting and a cellar tour.
A master-piece created by Thomas Bain which was completed in 1873, the Tradouw Pass (which means Womens Path in the old Khoi language) is a 16 kilometer drive through an altitude range of 219 meters through some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery on offer in the Langeberg. It has been rated as one of the top 20 mountain passes in the Western Cape.
