CYCLING
Let’ s be honest, South Africa was made for two wheels. From dramatic coastal roads to dusty Karoo tracks, cycling offers a different way to experience Mzansi – one pedal stroke, mountain climb, and roadside coffee stop at a time.
In the Mother City, the iconic Chapman’ s Peak route delivers big Atlantic Ocean views, winding roads, and that unmistakable Cape Town scenery. The route is a favourite among road cyclists, while the city also offers more relaxed rides along the Sea Point Promenade.
For something a little more adventurous, head east along the Garden Route. The stretch between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna offers rolling hills and indigenous forest, while routes around Knysna and George feature lagoon views, mountain passes and the historic Seven Passes Road.
Then there’ s the Klein Karoo, where the scenery changes dramatically. Golden hills, rugged mountains, open roads, and charming towns make this an unforgettable cycling playground. The 358km Karoo Crossing links Knysna and Calitzdorp, taking riders through mountain passes and historic Karoo towns along the way.
And if you’ re keen to escape the city properly, organised cycling itineraries can take you from the Garden Route’ s lush forests to the wild Tsitsikamma coastline and, eventually, a safari in Addo. The best part? The journey is as much about the stops as the cycling. Think farm stalls, padstals, small-town bakeries, Karoo hospitality, craft producers, and a well-earned braai after a day in the saddle.
Whether you’ re chasing kilometres, looking for a weekend adventure or simply want to see Mzansi from a new perspective, get on your bike and ride. IB
DID YOU KNOW?
Accomplished cyclists Pieter and Danielle du Toit share tips, passion, and insight into cycling and its lifestyle.
The couple are featured on the new season of Hier Sit die Manne on Via TV.
WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY PEOPLE ARE UNSURE ABOUT HOW TO GET STARTED IN CYCLING? DANIELLE: It’ s a relatively modern sport compared to something like rugby, so older generations can’ t always pass down that knowledge to the younger generation in the same way.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON BEGINNER MISTAKES YOU SEE? PIETER: People buying the wrong size bike for their height and frame.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP PIECE OF ADVICE FOR SOMEONE PREPARING FOR THEIR FIRST BIG CYCLING EVENT? DANIELLE: Fitness plays a big part in actually enjoying a race. You don’ t have to be super-fit, but lining up without any training under your belt will make for a very long day in the saddle.
PIETER: Make sure you’ re comfortable on the bike, that your setup is spot on, and that you have a basic grasp of trail-side mechanical fixes.
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