The Wheels of Time
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.
A 100km (more or less) 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 lodge 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 40km wilderness cycle through the West Coast National Park. The final “Eve to San” leg is a 16km cycle from 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 Trail will be led by one or more qualified guides, supported by various caterers, drivers and other service providers.
ITENIRARY
The following itinerary may change to suit customized requests,
seasonally or due to circumstances beyond our control.
DAY 1
Meet us at the 16th century Mamre Moravian Mission Station at 07h30. Take your snack pack for the route prepared by Aunty Rose, choose your bike and kit and head out across farmlands to the old town of Darling. The cycle commences with a short section of tar road before turning off onto a gravel road, winding up at the beautiful wine farm Groote Post. In winter the road is hard packed, but in summer there are softer, sandier sections. After a refreshing break, cycle on through the farmsteads of Groote Post, Glen Frank and the Towers, cycling amongst vineyards and dairy farmland ending up in Darling, modern-day home of artists, wine, olives and flowers. Relax and enjoy Darling’s eclectic side with dinner and a show at Tannie Evita or Aunty Ivy’s. Overnight in one of Darling’s many old lovely old homes, turned guesthouses (http://www.darlinglodge.co.za).
DAY 2
7h00- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at you Guest Lodge. Check-out and transfer via Langebaan to Seeberg, in West Coast National Park. Keep an eye out for wild ostrich, snake, tortoises and the rare Marsh Harrier, as you cycle through the park to picturesque Geelbek Manor for relaxing picnic lunch. After lunch embark on the final leg of your journey. Short transfer from Geelbek restaurant to Tygerfontein private nature reserves, you will be cycling inland through some pristine strandveld, to !khwa ttu bush cottage and camp, across the R27 and up a short steep hill to !khwa ttu San Cultural Centre, where your trail comes to an end. Enjoy refreshing drinks and snack, before we take you back to Mamre, where your cars are parked.
Please call or e-mail for our 2023 pricing
You can choose your own dates and we will customize a trail for your minimum group of eight people
- * Terms and Conditions apply
- * Single and high season supplements apply.
- * Prices vary with group size and time of year.
- * Price for one person on request
The price includes a CWCBR guide/host, a specialist cycle guide, bikes & helmet, shared accommodation in 4 star guesthouses, meals (1 dinners, 1 breakfasts, 2 lunches), support vehicle while cycling and all transfers mentioned in the itinerary. The price excludes the travel from your home to Mamre and back, We supply a limited amount of drinks (please bring your own drinks), local product purchases, telecommunications, laundry and any other activities not referred to in the itinerary is also excluded from the price.
Directions to the meeting point at Mamre Moravian Mission Station
From Cape Town follow the R27 up the West Coast, turn off onto the R304, follow this road to Mamre, turn left into Paradise Street and follow it all the way down. This street becomes Afrikaner Street and you cross the vegetable gardens turn right at the T junction into Klinker Street at the end of which you will see the church and turning to your left.
Set Date Trails: The set date trail itinerary and price may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Terms and conditions apply.
The price includes a CWCBR guide/host, shared accommodation in 3–4-star guesthouses, meals (1 dinners, 1 breakfast, 2 lunches), and all transfers mentioned in the itinerary. The price excludes the travel from your home to Darling and back, drinks, local product purchases, telecommunications, laundry and any other activities not referred to in the itinerary. Please bring your own drinks and snacks – restaurants will charge corkage.
You may tip your guide at your own discretion, but you are not obliged to do so.
