Training Log Archive: revy

Last official day of riding. Started with the beautiful Chapman's Peak Drive where it seemed every local rider was out today. It was the weekend so made sense but a bit of a surprise none the less as overall we have seen almost no other road cyclists. The road is spectacular as it is cut into a vertical cliff (though we were in the shade so tough to get really good pictures). I did four laps of the most scenic section as we waited for the rest of the group. Then through Hout Bay and the coastal highway to Camp's Bay. A little busier road here but still scenic as we rode below the Apostles. Lunch in Camps Bay and then climb to the Neck and on to Signal Hill where we finally had an overview of Cape Town below us. Table Mountain certainly towers over the city...

Internet has been a bit hit or miss in South Africa so haven't had the patience to add pictures to each day. For those that are interested my album link is below. Only updated to Wellington three days ago but will keep adding more pictures so feel free to check back.


https://bartjarmula.smugmug.com/South-Africa-2016/...

Our tour operator's Facebook page also has some good pictures.

https://www.facebook.com/magicplaces.cycling/?ref=...

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Longish van transfer from Gordon's Bay to Simon's Town but some interesting sights along the way including a variety of townships ranging from true slums to middle class level. Also some nice scenery in the towns that line False Bay.

Our ride took us to the tip of the Cape of Good Hope. Very windy getting there - pretty good tailwind after lunch though. Reminded me of the cape near Alghero a bit. Pretty desolate on the SE tip of the continent (although interesting to realize that it is not the southernmost tip of Africa like most people think). More stunning coastline riding after leaving the park (though not quite as stunning as yesterday and a little rougher roads). Last 10km were through a settlement which was interesting in its own right. Felt a little tired today - we are not riding long distances but it still adds up.

Ride was split in to today - first we transferred via van to Franschoek which seemed like a very nice wine town. The climb to Franschoek Pass was quite pleasant. Like most of the climbs here not excessively long but nice views of the valley and all the vineyards. The ride down the other side was on the best pavement we've seen so far and very enjoyable. We continued on until the van caught us - had several km on a busy road then it got good again. The next 20km looked interesting as well with an undulating road through harvested hay fields (I guess they grow it in winter here?). A pretty strong headwind today but nice and sunny otherwise.

Part two of the ride after another transfer to the coast (through some less interesting roads and ride would have been 130km otherwise). Had lunch on the coast (fresh fish and chips) and then stopped at a penguin colony. Was surprised at how big it was. Since they were melting they were al just hanging out...

The rest of the ride along the coast on Clarence Drive was spectacular. Awesome views, good pavement, nice light, a tailwind. Truly a highlight.

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Van transfer from Roberston to just before Worcester. Our planned route required a short detour into Worcester as some residents of one township were striking so the road was closed. After leaving town a went for a few longer time trial efforts. Flat and a slight tailwind helps you feel really strong:) The middle of the ride went through one of my favourite spots so far - the Slanghoek Valley. Quiet road, vineyards and steep mountains rising above the valley floor. Last third of the day took us over Bains Kloof (kloof is Afrikaans for pass). Very scenic road though a little bumpy. The mountains have some interesting rock formations - no forest just low fynbos. Stopped partway up for lunch and had a good dip in some great swimming holes. After passing through the pass we were now in the same valley as Cape Town and into the main SA wine regions.

Today we were back on the ocean side of the mountains (normally the route stays on the other side but the tours' normal hotel was fully booked). That meant a new route for the start of the ride and a shorter ride than we had expected but that probably wasn't a bad thing (one hour van transfer to start to avoid the N2). Cooled down too with some cloud in the morning. I rode solo at my own pace for the first hour before backtracking and then riding with the group more in the afternoon. Nice views of the coastal range which reminded me of pictures of the Drakensburg Range. Then into the Brede Valley which is the start of wine country (orchards too). Very scenic - at times felt like we could have been riding along Black Sage Road in Oliver which is not a bad thing. The extent of the vineyards reminded me of how small the Okanagan is in terms of wine regions (and this is only one small wine region in SA). Stopped for lunch in Bonniedale and then coffee at a vineyard.

Ridiculously hot today...we started in Calitzdorp and climbed the Huis River Pass. Very scenic (Utah style red rock canyons) but already getting hot at 930am. Stopped for some food in Ladismith - high today was almost 40C. Could feel the heat radiating off the road and off roadside cliffs. Pace was pretty casual on purpose so didn't feel too bad. Slowly the entire group would call it a day a few people at a time until only Sean and I were left. Was still drinking well and had a good appetite but suddenly felt like I was getting cold. the last 20km were sitting on Sean's wheel at a pretty good clip so that also may have hd something to do with it. Anyway figured that it wasn't a good sign so we also hopped in the van and skipped the last 25km and the last little pass. Such desolate terrain today and other than the heat the riding was very enjoyable. Cold was a bit better today - worst was yesterday.