VOORGESTELDE FIETS ROUTE - PROPOSAL BIKETOUR

CYCLE TOUR
From the Castle of Good Hope to the Banner of Good Hope

Click here for the map of South Africa


Seen the world situation we replaced the biketour from April  towards October 2003

Day -3: 26-09-2003 Amsterdam - Depart for Cape Town

Day -2 aankomst en acclimatiseren: 27-09-2003 Cape Town
Morning arrival at Cape Town International Airport. Transfer to the City Lodge, on the perimeter of the lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Morning at leisure in “the most beautiful Cape on the circumference of the earth" (Sir Francis Drake).
(OPTION) Coach transfer to Table Mountain for a cable car ride to the top of Cape Town's famous land mark. Enjoy fabulous views of the city. 
19:15 walk to Den Anker restaurant for a welcome dinner. L
O/N Waterfront City Lodge, b/b


Day -1 acclimatiseren: 28-09-2003 Cape Town / Cape Point
09:00        Cape Point coach tour. The road winds past villages sandy beaches with towering mountains. The scenery becomes more spectacular as we follow the route of the world's largest cycle race, The Argus Two Oceans race (38 000 participants). Enter the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where the rare bontebok roams. Keep clear of the baboons! Short walk to Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Try and spot southern right whales.
Lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant. 
14.00     We Visit Robben Island – place of incarceration of the freedom fighters and political prisoners - also Nelson Mandela.
18.00        Cycle fitting at the hotel.
O/N Waterfront City Lodge b/b

BIKE TOUR NOW STARTS:

Day 1: 29-09-2003 Cape Town - Stellenbosch   Dagboek dag 1
09:00        Castle of Good Hope start to your epic 1000-mile cycling journey to the Banner of  Hope in Johannesburg.
Set off by Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Joyce Witbooi and representatives of Unions, City Mayor, recipients of funding and Dreamcatcher
Cycle through Cape Town harbour and north on the R27 to Blaauwberg beach for amazing views of Table Mountain to Durbanville. Then Fisantekraal, Joostenberg to Klapmuts where during the rest stop, we visit Yellow, a previously disadvantaged artist and fellow artists, who will benefit from this venture. Cycle to the University town of Stellenbosch, established in 1679 and South Africa's second oldest town. Oak lined streets and fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Overnight and dinner at the Devon Valley Protea Hotel, just south of the town. Meet locals from Kayamandi Trust who will benefit from the initiative. Easy rides with only moderate climbs.
O/N Ryneveld Lodge, Stellenbosch b/b

Day 1 : 78 km.


Day 2: 30-09-2003 Stellenbosch - Worcester  Dagboek dag 2
08:00        Through town and then over the Helshoogte (1:10 gradient). Then along R45.
Stunning scenery and fine wine estates abound, north along the R101 and over the spectacular Du Toits Kloof Pass (820 m high and gradient 1:15, quite a climb!).
Meet the Mayor at the District Council and symbolic handing over of funding for Boland projects.
O/N Monte Rosa, d/b/b


Traditional BBQ dinner and overnight at the Goudini Spa. Enjoy a swim in the natural warm spa waters.



Day 2 : 89 km.
Day 3: 01-10-2003 Worcester - Montagu  Dagboek dag 3
08:30        Cycle through vineyards to the provincial town of Worcester. East along the historical Route 62. Much drier terrain with many farms under irrigation. Through Robertson, then the horse breeding district of Ashton and the spectacular rock formations of Cogman's Kloof, where an Anglo Boer War fort still stands. Overnight and dinner at the Montagu Country Inn. Route 62, a former main route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, is one of the most incredible contrasting routes in all of South Africa, with mountains ever present. Easy cycle, one steepish up hill.
O/N Montagu Country Hotel d/b/b

Day 3 : 104 km.


Day 4: 02-10-2003 Montagu - Barrydale  Dagboek dag 4
08:00        A higher degree of difficulty today with more demanding uphills. One long uphill 20 km from Barrydale. Off set by a long downhill into town. Followed by a steep uphill east of Barrydale (gradient 1:11). A further 20 km for a cold drink in the middle of desolation at a pub with an outrageous name – Ronnies Sex Shop. We are now in semi desert country. Ater a pit stop, just 5 km to Warmwaterberg hot mineral springs for overnight .
O/N Warmwaterberg Spring d/b/b

Day 4 : 87 km.


Day 5: 03-10-2003 Barrydale - Calitzdorp  Dagboek dag 5
08:00         This morning we cycle through semi-desert via Ladismith. Try to spot herds of springbok, the national rugby team emblem, in the hills south of Ladismith. We pass through the historic mission settlements of Zoar and Amalienstein and the awesome Huisriver to Calitzdorp a very scenic part of Route 62. Many fruit farms and over the 655m Huis River Pass (1:14 gradient). The last 6 km is all-downhill. Overnight and dinner in the quaint and historic Portwine Guest House (built in 1840). 
O/N Buffelskloof d/b/b

Day 5 : 103 km.


Day 6: 04-10-2003 Calitzdorp - Oudtshoorn  Dagboek dag 6
08:00        Back on the bicycles as you negotiate an easy flat semi-desert road. Ostrich abound on the way to the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn.
15:00        Afternoon visit the Cango Wildlife Ranch and settle back and relax to dusk entertainment as “stories” cabaret, superbly performed by talented trained farm workers, provide song, dance and music as the tale of the rich ostrich barons and “bywoners” workers unfolds. Pet purring cheetahs, see rare white tigers, wild dogs and South Africa's oldest crocodile breeding programmes. The  music of the workers brings alives the history of the industry.

 Enjoy a rewarding meal in the restored original farm workers cottage.
O/N Hazels Home Stays, homely guesthouses in a previously disadvantaged suburd  b/b

Day 6 : 52 km.


Day 7: 05-10-2003 Oudtshoorn – De Rust  Dagboek dag 7

We join the yearly Mayors' Chalenge - 50 km from Mossel Bay to George
06h00        An early day. We coach south for picnic-breakfast on the Robinson Pass. Absolutely breathtaking views to the west.  Than we join the last stage between Mossel Bay and George of the Eden Mayoral Cycle Challenge. Race starts at 08h00. Meet many of the regions premier five day cyclers, Mayors and dignitairies in the region. After lunch by coach to Rust 44 km east of Oudtshoorn for overnischt at Die Gat Guest house. Amazing change from rain forests to semi-desert in just 20 km. 
O/N Die Gat Guest house d//b 

Day 7 : 53 km.


Day 8: 06-10-2003 De Rust - Willowmore  Dagboek dag 8
08:00        A along but easy ride. Only one steepish climb just before Willowmore. Stunning scenery, ostriches and the beautiful Swartberg mountain range ever present. Mixed farming of alfalfa, wine, tobacco, fruit and a return to semi desert country. This area gets 3950 hours of sunshine annually. So do not leave the sun hat packed away! Overnight at The Willow and historical building (1899). Sheep and goat country, so enjoy legendary steaks and unequaelled hospitality.
O/N The Willow Guesthouse d/b/b

Day 8 : 105 km.


Day 9: 07-10-2003 Willowmore - Aberdeen  Dagboek dag 9
08:00        Hills soon give way to a nearly always empty Beervlei dam, then flat emptiness. Merino sheep and short scrub provide the best tasting mutton anywhere. Mountains suddenly re-appear, so does the most unlikely Aberdeen. Nothing Scottish about this town, which is our resting place for the night. Overnight at Villeria Guest House a historical monument built in 1899 and adjacent to the magistrate's court with it beautiful gable built in 1898.
O/N Villeria Guest House d/b/b

Day 9 : 105 km.


Day 10: 08-10-2003 Aberdeen – Graaff Reinet  Dagboek dag 10
08:00       A further 55 km brings us to the jewel of the Karoo (a Khoi-san word for dry place), Graaff Reinet. The 4th oldest town in South Africa. In 1871 the famous missionary Andrew Murray, planted a vine to commemorate the birth of his son Charles, for many years the largest vine in the world. Still alive today, however, much smaller. Many fine historical buildings including Reinet Huis and a fine Dutch Reformed Church. After at leisure to walk around the historic town and rest up.
O/N Drostdy Inn d/b/b

Day 10 : 55 km.


Day 11: 09-10-2003 Graaff Reinet - Middelburg  Dagboek dag 11
08:00        North on the N9. The sheep farms can carry only 2 – 3 sheep per hectare and subsequently farms are huge. Although dry country the scenery is pretty and captivating with low mountains. A demanding cycle. First with the Naude Pass (gradient 1:20) and then the Lootsberg (gradient 1:16 elevation 900 m). The view from the top of the pass is awesome. An easy run in to Middelburg for overnight. Two very demanding climbs
O/N Karoo Country Inn b/b

Day 11 : 109 km.

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Day 12: 10-10-2003 Middelburg – Gariep Dam  Dagboek dag 12
08:00        North on the N9. Dry but hilly country, with sheep and windmills dotting the landscape. Cycle through the Karoo town of Colesberg. The homes in the main street are typical of architecture in the farming communities dating back to the 1880's. Simple white washed gables, with very small gardens. Look out for the stylish Dutch reformed church.
Then the R59 route to Gariep, as it has much less traffic. Overnight and dinner at the Aventura Gariep on the banks of South Africa's largest 100km long dam, the Gariep.
OPTION: Cyclers will split into 2 groups and cycle half or three quarter of the distance – a few brave may opt for further. About four relatively easy climbs route generally quite easy.
O/N Hotel Gariep d/b/b

Day 12: 128 km.


Day 13: 11-10-2003 Gariep Dam - Edenburg  Dagboek dag 13
Initially a longish but not too demanding climb, followed by some dips and easy uphills. Then the route becomes very flat. Sheep farms gradually give way to cattle. We cycle on the N1 all the way to Trompsburg and then leave the highway for the R717 to Edenburg, a small farming community. Overnight and dinner at the Edenburg Country Lodge. Flat easy route
O/N Edenburg Country Lodge d/b/b

Day 13 : 111 km.


Day 14: 12-10-2003 Edenburg - Bloemfontein  Dagboek dag 14
09:00        We have left sheep farms behind us as we cycle through cattle farms. Farms are easily 3000 hectare in size. Follow the R717 to Reddersburg and further north on the N6 for overnight at the President Hotel in Bloemfontein. Let your hair down at Barneys Bar, a short coach ride away. Flat easy ride.
O/N Protea Bloemfontein b/b

Day 14 : 86 km.


Day 15: 13-10-2003 Bloemfontein  Dagboek dag 15


Day at leisure in the judicial capital of South Africa. Take turns to do a short city tour. Time to visit the mid town, Navel Hill Nature Reserve. Rugby is a religion in the Free State. To try and learn the reasons, we have lunch at the Choet Visser Rugby Museum, the largest privately owned rugby museum in the world.
O/N Protea Bloemfontein b/b


Day 16: 14-10-2003 Bloemfontein – Allemanskraal Dam  Dagboek dag 16
08:00        North on the R30 to Brandfort, then east on the R73 to Winburg, home to a Voortrekker Monument. The region saw many Anglo Boer War skirmishes. Then along the busy N1 for 22 km for overnight and dinner at the Aventura Aldam in chalets overlooking the Allemanskraal Dam and adjacent to the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve.
OPTION: Cyclers will split into 2 groups and cycle half the distance – a few brave may opt for further.
Initially hilly with short up hills, but becoming very flat later. Generally an easy ride.
O/N Aventura Aldam Resort d/b/b

Day 16 : 141 km.


Day 17: 15-10-2003 Allemanskraal Dam - Kroonstad  Dagboek dag 17
Game Drive. Spot white rhino, buffalo or zebra in the game reserve.
10:00 off on an easy ride all along the N1. This part of the Orange Free State is often referred to as the Golden Country. Fields of corn and sunflower embellish the landscape, with rich gold deposits to the west. One third of the country's gold production is mined there. To the east is the Vegkop Battlefield, the site of a battle between the Voortrekkers and the Matabele army of Mzilikazi in 1836. Flat and comfortable ride.
O/N Hacienda Hotel d/b/b

Day 17 : 76 km.


Day 18: 16-10-2003 Kroonstad - Riverside  Dagboek dag 18
08:00        North along the R82. The scene of many battles during the Anglo Boer War. Corn, cattle and even peanut country. Through Sasolburg, established in 1954 and the first commercial gasoline from coal plant in the world. Some 72 000 trees, mainly oaks, have been planted in the pleasant town. After nearly a thousand miles of cycling, and after the smog of the steel city of Vanderbijlpark, we enjoy some luxury on the banks of the Vaal River. Overnight and dinner at the Riverside Sun. Enjoy squash, tennis, sauna or plunge pool. Very flat and a comfortable ride. Once more the rider has OPTION to opt out after 100 kms.
O/N Vaal River Riverside Sun d/b/b

Day 18 : 120 km.


Day 19: 17-10-2003 Riverside - Soweto  Dagboek dag 19
09:00        The last leg of our 1000 mile cycling journey of Good Hope.  We follow a road running parallel to the N1, through Lenasia. Then the sprawling suburbs of Soweto (South Western Townships) and along the Golden Highway to the Hector Pieterson Memorial (Hector Pieterson was the first youngster to die in the 1976 Soweto uprising) where the Banner of Good Hope awaits us in Newtown, Johannesburg.  The Kinderhuis Soweto will officially receive their donation from proceeds of the cycle tour amidst celebrations, recorded by the media and the Soweto mayor. Late lunch at Wandies, the most famous of all the city's restaurants. By coach for overnight at the Sandton City Holiday Inn Garden Court in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Farewell dinner at Trumps at Sandton Square. Flat comfortable ride
O/N Sandton City Holiday Inn Garden Court L/D

Day 19: 68 km.


Day 20: 18-10-2003 Johannesburg  Dagboek dag 20
Time for last minute shopping in one of the world's great shopping centers, Sandton City. Just opposite your hotel. We want to visit the Apartheids Museum in Jo'br.



Day 21: 19-10-2003  Dagboek dag 21
We visit the Regina Mundi Church on this Sunday morning in Soweto

Fly back on Monday evening 20-10-2003.
Arrive in Amsterdam in the morning of Thuesday 21-10-2003 with flight AF 1240 at 9.05 hrs.  

Route advice: Dreamcatcher South Africa.

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