How our cycling holiday works
Types of cycling holidays
We offer two types of cycling holidays, namely Self-guided cycling and Bikepacking. A self-guided cycling holiday gives the most scope for independent exploring, as you can follow any route you choose, using our maps and notes. Our bikepacking tour is a self-guided trip without luggage transfer and support.
Self-guided cycling holidays
A self-guided cycling holiday gives the most scope for independent exploring, as you can follow any route you choose, using our maps and notes. We offer: Interesting places Detailed hotel-to-hotel itineraries and excellent accommodation Different route options Luggage transfer Carefree cycling
Detailed route notes and maps
We take great pride in our Route directions and check and update them regularly. We provide GPS trails and waypoints that can be uploaded for electronic navigation. We also provide access to our PDF maps and cue sheets. These are great for navigation if you don’t have a GPS unit, or as backup if your cellphone fails. Our directions and notes include places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc.
Enjoy some of the best South Africa has to offer
Our suggested routes use quiet country lanes (as far as possible) and travel through the areas we think are most interesting. You move between Guesthouses/hotels using our comprehensive route notes and maps as your guide. Cycling at your own pace you will have plenty of opportunities for detours to places of interest en route. You will discover picturesque landscapes and historic towns, with outstanding accommodation and restaurants.
The right cycling holiday for you
There are many factors to bear in mind when choosing where to go cycling. Take into account the type of scenery, the style and standard of accommodation, the climate, the kind of routes and the Cycling grade that best suits your level of fitness. Refer to our route descriptions. We indicate the main types of routes we use on each holiday, such as provincial roads, country lanes, cycle ways and tracks. While we try to use quiet routes wherever possible, you should be comfortable riding occasionally in traffic. We sometimes have to use sections of busier roads to connect scenic routes, and traffic will inevitably be heavier in and near towns. Some routes include occasional sections on unsurfaced tracks, but these do not require any technical riding skills.
Relaxed and carefree cycling -as much as you like
On a self-guided cycling holiday you are free to explore at your own pace. We plan all our cycling routes carefully, making sure that they are interesting and enjoyable, with quiet roads wherever possible. We try to ensure no two days are the same, and that you always have plenty of time to explore and enjoy your route at your leisure. Our Route notes often include a choice of two or more routes on each day, and you are given the opportunity to have a break from cycling if you wish. You have many options and are in control of how you wish to spend your days.
What to take
Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so, as well as GPS/cellphone and our route directions and maps. Wear thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer. A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. You should also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, cellphone, camera and extra plastic bag for litter.
Quality accommodation
You will spend each evening in a hotel or guesthouse along the route, selected for quality and convenience. Accommodation will include breakfast. Other meals will be up to you. Arrange with your hotel/guesthouse for a lunch pack of your choice for the following day. We disclose full details of our accommodation providers to ensure that you can assess the quality and standard. It is generally by way of a link to the websites of the different hotels/guesthouses on our panel.
Securing your bicycle
Bicycles are an attractive target for thieves, even in quiet countryside where you might expect to be more relaxed. You are responsible for safeguarding your bicycle and for any damage or loss while it is hired to you, so be sure to secure your bicycle carefully when unattended using the lock provided by your cycle supplier (always to an immovable object if at all possible) and store it in a safe place overnight at your hotels. Accessories should be returned intact at the end of your holiday.
Bicycles and emergency assistance
We can supply a bicycle or you can bring your own. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid). Our local bicycle suppliers are dedicated professionals, and provide a bicycle that is right for the terrain of each holiday. In the unlikely event that you encounter any significant problems with your bicycle, please contact our Route Manager. Each of the bicycles is equipped with a basic repair kit. For your own convenience we recommend that you are familiar with very basic cycle maintenance as our cycling suppliers are unable to come out to you to repair a simple puncture.
The cycling briefing
Before you set off on your first day our Route Manager will go through the route notes with you to point out any last minute alterations and to provide advice on things to do and places to visit. Contact details will be provided for any emergency or any other support required
Your luggage transported
While you are cycling between guesthouses/hotels, we will transfer your luggage. Simply leave your bags packed in the morning and they will be waiting for you at your next hotel at the end of the afternoon. In between your cycling days you have time to explore the local area. All you need carry with you are drinks, a camera, waterproof clothing and sun cream.
Wine service
For our wine tasting cycling holidays we provide a free wine pick-up service. Our routes take you through the finest wine estates and give you plenty of opportunities to sample the local wines. Our Route Manager will arrange collection of any purchases you make and take them to your guesthouse/hotel
Bikepacking
Our bikepacking tour is a self-guided trip without luggage transfer and support. You carry your belongings in bike packing bags, frame packs and racks. We offer route directions-interesting places and itineraries and basic B&B accommodation. Camping is an option on some trails. Add a mat, sleeping bag and tent to your equipment
Detailed route directions and maps
We take great pride in our Route directions and check and update them regularly. We provide GPS trails and waypoints that can be uploaded for electronic navigation. We also provide access to our PDF maps and cue sheets. These are great for navigation if you don’t have a GPS unit or if your smartphone fails. Our directions include places of interest along the way and suggested stops for lunch, wine tasting etc.
Enjoy some of the best South Africa has to offer
Bikepacking consists of mostly off-road cycling on dirt or gravel roads and trails. The Western Cape is the fourth largest of the nine provinces in South Africa (roughly the size of England) and offers a variety of gravel and dirt riding options. Our suggested routes will be through the areas we think are most interesting, across a diverse, rugged, and beautiful landscape. You move between Guesthouses using our route directions as your guide. Cycling at your own pace you will have plenty of opportunities for detours to places of interest en route.
The right cycling holiday for you
There are many factors to bear in mind when choosing a cycling trip. First of all it depends on how self-reliant you prefer to be. If you are prepared to carry your belongings and can fix your bike when necessary, Bikepacking is an option. Also take into account the type of scenery, the style and standard of accommodation, the climate, the kind of routes and the Cycling grade that best suits your level of fitness. Refer to our route descriptions. We describe the riding surfaces, such as provincial or gravel roads, cycle ways and tracks. While we try to use quiet roads wherever possible, you should be comfortable riding occasionally in traffic. We sometimes have to use sections of busier roads to connect scenic routes, and traffic will inevitably be heavier in and near towns.
Relaxed and carefree cycling -as much as you like
On a Bikepacking holiday you are free to explore at your own pace. We plan all our cycling routes carefully, making sure that they are interesting and enjoyable, with quiet roads wherever possible. We try to ensure no two days are the same, and that you always have plenty of time to explore and enjoy your route at your leisure. Our Route notes often include a choice of two or more routes on each day, and you are given the opportunity to have a break from cycling if you wish. You have many options and are in control of how you wish to spend your days.
What to take- standard equipment
Wearing a helmet while cycling is mandatory and bicycles need to be equipped with basic repair kit. These items can be provided with bicycles rented via us. Bring your own if you prefer so. GPS/cellphone and maps. Wear thin layers of clothing. Fast drying and hard-wearing synthetic fabrics are ideal as a base layer. A thin fleece or sweatshirt is ideal as the next layer. You should also take a lightweight waterproof jacket (breathable and windproof material is best). Sport shoes are fine for cycling and for when you stop off to visit places on foot. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic box (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, cellphone, camera and extra plastic bag for litter.
Additional equipment for Bikepacking
Pack options for carrying your gear on your bike, such as some of the following: front and rear racks with panniers, saddle bags, frame bags, handlebar bags, top tube bags and a light trail backpack. Food and water, a small stove, fire starting supplies, a tent and sleeping bag, light on your bike and for your tent, repair kit with at least a flat kit, inflation, chain tool, multi-tool and extra chain links, extra first aid supplies, cable ties, duct tape and straps.
Securing your bicycle
Bicycles are an attractive target for thieves, even in quiet countryside where you might expect to be more relaxed. You are responsible for safeguarding your bicycle and for any damage or loss while it is hired to you, so be sure to secure your bicycle carefully when unattended using the lock provided by your cycle supplier (always to an immovable object if at all possible) and store it in a safe place overnight at your hotels. Accessories should be returned intact at the end of your holiday.
Accommodation and food
You will spend each evening in a guesthouse along the route, selected for quality and convenience. Accommodation will include breakfast, where possible. Other meals will be up to you and have to be from your bike packing bags. We provide details of our accommodation providers, shops, restaurants, etc along the way, to ensure that you can assess the services and be prepared.
Bicycles and emergency assistance
We can supply a bicycle and equipment, or you can bring your own. If you decide to bring your own, a MTB is the best choice (not a road bike or hybrid). Our local bicycle suppliers are dedicated professionals, and provide a bicycle that is right for the terrain of each holiday. Each of the bicycles must be equipped with a basic repair kit. You have to be familiar with cycle maintenance as cycling suppliers are not available in some areas. Details of bicycle shops and/or support will be provided.
The cycling briefing
Before you set off on your trip our Route Manager will go through the route directions with you to point out any last minute alterations and to provide advice on things to do and places to visit. Contact details will be provided for any emergency or any other support required
Contact us
If you want more information, compare options or have a question
Availability request
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