DAY 1-SCENIC TRANSFER FROM CAPE TOWN – PLETTENBERG BAG VIA CLARENCE DRIVE +

CAPE AGULHAS APPROX 750KM 6-8 hrs

Once collected from your CT accommadation we will meander towards Clarence Drive
constructed in 1940 by Italian POW’s from the Second World War, a magnificent scenic
coastal drive between the naval town of Gordons Bay and the windswept hamlet of Rooi-Els, which nestles in the north-eastern crook of False Bay in the shadow of the Hottentots  Hollands mountains. This beautiful, coastal drive stretches between the two towns over 21 km, hugging the wild turquoise Cape coastline all the way. We will then head towards the rocky headland of Cape Agulhas which is the place where two great oceans – the Indian and Atlantic – meet. It’s also the spot at which to have one’s photo taken at the official southernmost tip of Africa, where there is a stone plaque that marks the place – right on the beach….then onto Plettenberg Bay.
Accommodation: Barrington’s Small Hotel-barringtonsplett.co.za

DAY 2 PLETTENBERG-KNYSNA
Distance 80km Elevation 1400m

The first day is a good wake up call, there are some tough climbs and loose gravel to
contend with. almost like a slap on the chin to say, Hey, this isnt going to be a walk in the park. Its good though, it keeps you honest and prepares you for whats to come.
Diepwalle Forest is by far one the most beautiful parts, of the whole route, driving through the dense native forests, seeing the elephants that used to roam free and secretly hoping to spot a rare one is pure luck.
Once you reach the forest station its almost all downhill to Knysna, Kom se Pad has some decent climbs but once you reach Simola you can start to smell the sea air.
Accommodation: Fish Eagle Lodge -fisheaglelodge.com

1 0 – D A Y G R A V E L C R O S S C A P E T O U R
DAY 3 – KNYSNA-MONTAGU PASS

Distance 97km Elevation 2040m
Today we embark on an exhilarating gravel ride through breathtaking landscapes as you
conquer the challenge of navigating 7 picturesque passes, including the iconic Montagu Pass.
Feel the rush of the wind against your face as you pedal through undulating terrains, each pass offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and adrenaline-pumping ascent. The Montagu Pass, with its historic allure and winding path, stands as a testament to engineering marvels of the past. This gravel adventure promises not only a physical journey but also an immersion into nature’s splendor and a connection with the history of the land you traverse.
Accommodation: Over the Mountain- overthemountain.co.za

DAY 4 -MONTAGU PASS-CALITZDORP
Distance 110km Elevation 515 m

It’s all down hill through the captivating landscape of the Little Karoo, culminating in the charming town of Calitzdorp. This cycling adventure takes you on a journey through rugged terrains, showcasing the unique beauty of the region’s semi-arid vistas, rolling hills, and iconic rock formations. The ride offers a harmonious blend of challenging trails and serene stretches, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the tranquility of the vast landscapes. As you pedal your way to Calitzdorp, the allure of this quaint town, known for its historic architecture and renowned port wines, awaits.
Accommodation:Queen of Calitzdorp – queenofcalitzdorp.com

DAY 5 -CALITZDORP-ROOIBERGE LODGE
Distance 50km Elevation 1040 m

Don’t be fooled by todays shorter distance as we tackle the infamous stunning Rooiberg Pass, leading you to the picturesque Rooiberg Lodge. As you traverse the rugged terrain of the pass, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and verdant valleys. The meandering pass offers a thrilling yet rewarding challenge for gravel biking enthusiasts, combining the joy of adventure with the beauty of nature. Arriving at Rooiberg Lodge, nestled amidst this scenic landscape, you’ll find a haven of relaxation and comfort, making your journey not only a physical feat but also a rejuvenating experience for the soul.
Accommodation: Rooiberg Lodge- rooiberglodge.co.za

DAY 6 -ROOIBERGE LODGE-BARRYDALE
Distance 106km Elevation 1316 m

This has to be one of our favourite days on the bike again crossing the vastness of the semi desert of the Little Karoo hoping to spot giraffe and springbok alike whilst graveling the smoothness of the roads less travelled to the little town of Barrydale lies nestled at the foot of the beautiful Langeberge in the heart of the Tradouw Valley where upon arrival we will be heading forthe infamous milkshakes served at Diesel & Creme
Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel- karooarthotel.co.za
1 0 – D A Y G R A V E L C R O S S C A P E T O U R

DAY 7 -BARRYDALE-MONTAGUE
Distance 127km Elevation 1350 m
The Queens Stage…A tough climb retracing our tire marks from the previous days encounter as
you feel the exhilaration of conquering unpaved trails as we venture from Barrydale’s artistic
charm to Montagu’s historic allure. Todays route take’s us on the gravel roads used in the South
African version of the L’Eroica
Accommodation: Montagu Vines- montaguvines.co.za

DAY 8-MONTAGU-GREYTON

Distance 107km Elevation 975 m

As we leave Montagu we meander through the Cogmanskloof mountain pass completed in 1877 as one of the first routes inland through that mountain range and onward towards the town of Ashton where you will again see a dramatic change in landscape as we now headover the Riviersonderend (River without end) Mountain catchment area toward the farming town of Greyton not before making a stop at the famous Ou Meul Bakkery pie shop!This is arguably one of the most forgiving sections of the route, with few hills to climb. After leaving Riviersonderend, you’ll cross a picturesque bridge over the Sonderend River as you make your way toward the quaint, oak-lined village of Greyton.
Here you’ll find superb cuisine and craft beer, with some lovely accommodation to boot.
Accommodation: Hemelsbreed- hemelsbreed.co.za

DAY 9-GREYTON-STELLENBOSCH
Distance 130km Elevation 1475 m

On this section the riding is smooth and mostly tarred with the iconic Franschhoek Pass to manoeuvre. Traffic along this section is generally slow, but do keep safely to the side of the road.Check the weather forecasts as the winds at Theewaterskloof Dam can make riding a challenge. As you pass Franschhoek take advantage of the coffee shops and pastry bistros to fuel up for the final assault.
Today you will be cycling one of the oldest passes in the Cape, built in 1854. Helshoogte Pass or‘Hells Heights’ is very popular with cyclists who regard this pass as safe, particularly since the upgrade with a cycle lane in 2010. The climb is steep and it is not for the faint hearted, but the views from the top are well worth the effort and downhill is obviously a lot easier! You’re riding this day alone and without your guide.
Helshoogte Pass is one of the most loved and travelled roads in the Western Cape and links Stellenbosch with the Drakenstein Valley. It’s a very scenic pass that transports you through the little villages of Kylemore, Johannesdal and Pniel taking in fruit farms and vineyards a plenty.
Accommodation:
L’Aviner Country Lodge Estate – lavenirestate.co.za

DAY 10 -STELLENBOSCH-STELLENBOSCH
Distance 75km Elevation 800 m
Our SPICE ROUTE GRAVEL EXTRAVAGANZA is going to be a mixture of awesome gravel sectors and tarmac relief in and amongst the farm roads of the Cape Winelands and surrounding hills of the Simonsberg and Paarl mtns…be prepared for some dusty, sandy, corrugated in places African gravel roads!! Lot’s of fun and we finish off at a boutique family run wine farm for flat breads and wine tasting.
We would make time in the early afternoon to arrange a meeting with
SONGO
Songo has humble beginnings: from a dream of providing a safe space for children to play on bikes, it has evolved into an Educational and Sports programme focused on creating a long-term impact for the children in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
TOTAL COST PER RIDER R65,250
APPROX €3,330/$3,425/£2,785
(BASED ON 2 X RIDERS SHARING)

Transfer from CT to Plettenberg Bay

10 nights accommodation in specified guest house/lodge/hotel or similar including breakfast (classicroom)
10 x full days private gravel tour (2 guests) with a qualified, experienced local guide
Support Vehicle including driver guide for the duration of the Cross Cape
10 x lunches (2 guests – on tour days) also including all iced water bottles/nutrition/ gels
Gravel Bike hire x 10 days (Pearl SL Carbon Gravel 2023/24) + helmet + SPD pedals
Transfer to Cape Town International