This ride through time is not aimed at adrenalin junkies or Absa Cape Epic trainees, but rather recreational cyclists who are keen to experience the back roads and beauty of the West Coast, from the seat of a bicycle.
Destinations and overnight stops vary greatly and the journey in between is filled with some awesome scenery, and fun but at times challenging riding. A support vehicle provides you with food and
refreshments en route and you can hop aboard anytime if you feel like taking it easy.
The 120km route follows existing gravel roads and tracks and is made up of three legs connected through a series of cultural heritage experiences and short transfers. Guests are accommodated in comfortable 3-4 star lodges along the route.
The "Mission to Modern" leg on Day 1 is a 45km cycle from Mamre Mission Station to eclectic Darling, finishing off with dinner and a show with Tannie Ivy or Tannie Evita. The "Fossil to Footprint" leg on Day 2 begins with a visit to the West Coast Fossil Park, followed by a 40km wilderness cycle through the West Coast National Park. The final "Eve to San" leg is a 36km cycle from the Park to Yzerfontein, along the coast and through the strandveld via the Tygerfontein farm road to !Khwa ttu – a place of gathering and learning for San from across southern Africa.
The following itinerary may change to suit customized requests, seasonally or due to circumstances beyond our control.
Mamre - Darling (45km).
The city is just waking when you rendezvous with your support vehicle in Cape Town. Heading up the West Coast to Atlantis, you follow the "Blue Gum Avenue" to Mamre Moravian Mission Station. After breakfast,
choose your bike and
kit and head out.
Following the wheels of time the first "Mission to Modern" leg of your journey takes you across historic farmsteads to Darling, home of artists, wine, olives and flowers. After settling into your comfortable 3-4 star guest lodge, relax or explore the town before enjoying dinner and a show at the famous Peron or with the "Voorkamer Festival's Tannie Ivy".
West Coast National Park ( 40km).
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After breakfast, transfer to the West Coast Fossil Park for a look at the fossils of the short-necked giraffe, three-toed horse, sabre-tooth cat, African bear and other extraordinary creatures that roamed this part of the earth around 6 million years ago. Moving on to the West Coast National Park, enjoy a beautiful cycle via Seeberg and Mooimaak, along the Eastern Shore of Langebaan Lagoon to Abrahamskraal. After a break continue your cycle to Kraalbaai on the Western Shores of the Lagoon for sundowners. It is here that the 200 000 year old footsteps of Eve were found. It is thought that all human life - well before the emergence of Homo sapiens – descended from Eve. Transfer, or if you are feeling fit, cycle back to Duinepos Chalets to freshen up for a West Coast style dinner. |
Duinepos - !Kwha Ttu San Cultural Centre (36 km).
After breakfast, embark on the final leg of your journey. Heading south through the West Coast National Park, keep an eye out for wild ostrich, snakes and tortoises. Exit the Park, where you turn right to Yzerfontein. Make your way through Yzerfontein to a gravel track running parallel to the beach all the way to Tygerfontein Farm.
From the homestead follow the track inland, crossing the R27 to head up to !Khwa ttu, where your cycle comes to an end. Explore the San Cultural Centre at your leisure, especially the tasteful photographic museum.
After a lovely lunch at the restaurant, join a guided tour at 2pm to experience how San live and track game, or if you prefer, your support vehicle will transport you straight back to Cape Town and your lift home.
