Please read the Brevet Overview and Important Notes below before the ride.
Brevet Overview
We have done our best to make the final brevet of the Cape SR Series a big one in more than just the 600km of its distance. It's a ride loaded with scenery and history, and one whose delights will definitely be best enjoyed at Audax pace.
We will pass by those two bastions of Cape brandy in Wellington and Robertson (Klipdrift). In between we'll climb the majestic Bains Kloof pass in time to see dawn break over the winelands. Once down the stunning descent enjoy we’ll enjoy an early morning meander past the many wineries of the picturesque Slanghoek valley.
Our 3rd control takes us on a short detour to the historic town of McGregor – an ideal lunch stop for riders taking a more relaxed pace. Those who have ridden a recent DC will recognise the Jacaranda lined route out of Roberston which passes yet more great cellars such as the Van Loeveren and Die Wetshof and then on to the 4th control at Bonnievale. Be sure to stock up on water and snacks - the longest leg of the ride lies ahead across rolling Overberg farmland and down to the very tip of our continent at L'Aghulas. Depending on arrival time you may use shops or restaurants for proof of passage, although feel free to enter into the spirit of the ride and take a selfie that clearly shows both you and the lighthouse. Send to the ride controller by email, MMS, WhatsApp, Facebook etc as soon as possible.
The best of the ride really has been saved until last. We will briefly head inland again to control at Bredasdorp, before climbing the Akkedisberg Pass to rejoin the coast at Stanford. From here we will follow the coast road home, culminating with Clarens Drive, recently voted the 2nd most scenic coastal road in the world. There’s plenty of brunch stops along this section –Kleinmond’s Harbour Road Waterfront is a 500m detour off our main route (look for signpost left just through the town). Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Rooi-Els all have cafes too, depending on your time of passage. If you didn’t already stop along the coast, then the Waffle House at our penultimate control on Beach Road in Strand is a favourite of the Wannabees Club.
Finally we turn from the coast and head inland - into the winelands again for the last stretch home to Stellenbosch, a final control at Klapmuts and then back to Vrede Wines.
Important Notes
This is a long ride, and there are few towns with bike shops en-route. Be sure you have adequate spares and supplies.
There are some obvious points along the route to meet friends or family and access a drop bag. Be careful to observe Audax rules and only do this at designated controls e.g. lunch in McGregor, an overnight at L'Aghulas/Struisbaai or Hermanus/Onrus, or maybe a brunch at Kleinmond.
Be careful descending Bains Kloof - the road is narrow in places, with occasional potholes. The view can also be very distracting - don't let your wheel follow your eyes into the steep ravine on your right!
This year’s DC drivers noted a couple of Stop-Go sections on the R317/Stormsvlei Road between Bonnievale and the N2. But the road surface is reported as good, aside from a narrow final section through the kloof just before the N2.
When reaching Stellenbosch on the home stretch, DO NOT FOLLOW THE R304 TO VREDE. The correct route is along the R44 to a final control at Klapmuts (24hr BP garage), before taking Old Paarl Road for the final short stretch back to Vrede. You will not complete the full 600 and all required controls if you miss this section.
Finally, as always be sure to collect clear and acceptable proof of passage at every control to ensure your ride is validated.