Graaff-Reinet is in the Eastern Cape. It is the fourth-oldest town in South Africa, after Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Swellendam. The town was a starting point for the Great Trek and furnished large numbers of the Voortrekkers in 1835–1842. Graaff-Reinet is home to more national monuments than any other town or city in South Africa. It is also known for its mohair industry, sheep and ostrich farming.
The Rider Experience
- It's a 3 day social ride of 55 to 75km per day with fully stocked water-stops halfway.
- No pressure to ride full distance, support vehicles assist you along the way.
- e-Bikes are welcome and recommended for the "occasional cyclist".
- Sweep Rider and bus brings up the rear.
- Medic and Ambulance service on duty for duration of the tour.
- 3 nights stay over in the luxury Drostdy Hotel
- Dinner at a different restaurant each night, a fantastic selection of wines included.
- Non-Rider companions have their own tour of attractions in the area.
- Afternoons are free for activities of choice in the town and surrounds
- Arrive the evening of the first night, briefing before dinner
For the duration of the tour, you stay at the beautifully appointed Drostdy Hotel in the centre of Graaff Reinet. There is plenty to do and see in Graaff Reinet in the afternoons after your morning cycle. The daily itinerary is a routine of early buffet breakfast, a bus ride out to your start point, a quick briefing on what lies ahead and then away you go. The halfway water-point is stocked with local cuisine, drinks, filtered water and the usual energy boosting nourishment. You are always followed by an ER24 medic and a sweep vehicle.
Lunch is always served at the end of each ride, at a local restaurant or catering establishment. On some days we finish at your accommodation, on others we need to transport you back after lunch.
Afternoons are spent taking in the local town and surrounds, plenty of history, interesting national monuments museums and beautiful scenery.
Dinner is always at a carefully chosen restaurant with great food, our excellent wine choices are also provided. We try to "spread the love" in the town and make sure you have lunches and dinners at different restaurants each day.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, our restaurants and caterers are fully equipped to cater to all your needs.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, our restaurants and caterers are fully equipped to cater to all your needs.
A good night's rest is always important to face the rigours of the cycle route the next day, the accommodation is superb.
The Routes
Day One
The Sneeuberg and Bergplaas Nature Reserves provide an interesting cycling route. We take you around Compassberg, and down into the valley of Nieu Bethesda, where we have lunch and then bus you back to Graaff Reinet. Compassberg at 2504m is the highest peak in South Africa outside of the Drakensberg Massif. You will reach altitudes of 1900m on your ride, it can get a little breezy and chilly even in the summer months. The scenery is spectacular along the 72 km route with only 775m of ascent.
The Sneeuberg and Bergplaas Nature Reserves provide an interesting cycling route. We take you around Compassberg, and down into the valley of Nieu Bethesda, where we have lunch and then bus you back to Graaff Reinet. Compassberg at 2504m is the highest peak in South Africa outside of the Drakensberg Massif. You will reach altitudes of 1900m on your ride, it can get a little breezy and chilly even in the summer months. The scenery is spectacular along the 72 km route with only 775m of ascent.
Day Two
We take you to the Sneeuberg Road, a scenic horseshoe route, to the west of Graaff Reinet that heads South and comes back up to Murraysburg for lunch, in contrast to the day before this is at lower altitudes with less climbing and lots of downhill. The route is 59.7 km in length with only 366m of climbing and 768m of descent.
We take you to the Sneeuberg Road, a scenic horseshoe route, to the west of Graaff Reinet that heads South and comes back up to Murraysburg for lunch, in contrast to the day before this is at lower altitudes with less climbing and lots of downhill. The route is 59.7 km in length with only 366m of climbing and 768m of descent.
Day Three
The final day follows the Erasmuskloof road back into Graaff Reinet, a little bit of work to get up to a nek which is about 6km from Nardousberg Peak, the source of the Sundays and the Fish River. The Sundays flows into the Graaff Reinet dam and the Fish flows in the opposite direction down to Cradock. After the climb to the nek, it's downhill for 40 km through some spectacular countryside.
The final day follows the Erasmuskloof road back into Graaff Reinet, a little bit of work to get up to a nek which is about 6km from Nardousberg Peak, the source of the Sundays and the Fish River. The Sundays flows into the Graaff Reinet dam and the Fish flows in the opposite direction down to Cradock. After the climb to the nek, it's downhill for 40 km through some spectacular countryside.
The non-rider companion experience
Your routine for the three days is similar to the riders, but instead of riding, you have a glorious time discovering the hidden secrets and delicacies in the town and surrounding countryside. After breakfast, your adventure begins with the morning's activities and entertainment.
Whatever you decide, there is plenty to do in and around Graaff Reinet.
We do change the activities from time to time, but a typical weekend itinerary would have the following options each day:
Day One:
Nieu Bethesda
After breakfast we drive through to Nieu Bethesda for a visit to the Bushman Heritage Museum & Art Centre with guide Hess. Then we have an interesting visit to Helen Martins Owl House with tour guide Dalene, After the tour you will join the cyclists at The New Karoo Kitchen for a delicious pizza or pasta dish.
Day Two:
We will join tour guide Chantelle for a historical tour of Graaff Reinet, visiting beautiful historical buildings, museums, and art galleries, followed by lunch. Places we will be visiting are Reinet House, the Old Residency (housing dolls from a doll factory in Graaff Reinet during 1914 to 1927) as well as fascinating collections of late 19th century photographs and a William Roe photographic collection. Another option is the Obesa Cactus Nursery & Garden which has over 7 200 species of cacti, making it one of the largest collections.
Day Three:
You have the morning off to do some shopping and further explore Graaff Reinet, while the riders go on their final morning ride. Riders and non-riders all join the final farewell lunch at the Drostdy Camdeboo restaurant, before departing for home.
What to bring:
Sunhat, water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, basket or shopping bag for goods.
Nieu Bethesda
After breakfast we drive through to Nieu Bethesda for a visit to the Bushman Heritage Museum & Art Centre with guide Hess. Then we have an interesting visit to Helen Martins Owl House with tour guide Dalene, After the tour you will join the cyclists at The New Karoo Kitchen for a delicious pizza or pasta dish.
Day Two:
We will join tour guide Chantelle for a historical tour of Graaff Reinet, visiting beautiful historical buildings, museums, and art galleries, followed by lunch. Places we will be visiting are Reinet House, the Old Residency (housing dolls from a doll factory in Graaff Reinet during 1914 to 1927) as well as fascinating collections of late 19th century photographs and a William Roe photographic collection. Another option is the Obesa Cactus Nursery & Garden which has over 7 200 species of cacti, making it one of the largest collections.
Day Three:
You have the morning off to do some shopping and further explore Graaff Reinet, while the riders go on their final morning ride. Riders and non-riders all join the final farewell lunch at the Drostdy Camdeboo restaurant, before departing for home.
What to bring:
Sunhat, water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, basket or shopping bag for goods.
If you want to spoil yourself, the Drostdy has their own Africoligy Spa where you can choose from various treatments and massages. Book on arrival.
Directions, Bike Transport and closest Airports
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Nearest Airports with regular flights:
Port Elizabeth - 264 km George Airport - 346 km Cape Town International - 664 km We do not provide airport transfers, but an option could be car-hire and having your bikes delivered to the Drostdy Hotel. Graaff Reinet Aerodrome (FAGR) is 7 km north of town and has a 1.5km tar landing strip. There are companies that provide private charters to the aerodrome. Professional bike transport can be provided by BCycle Transport from Gauteng, Bloemfontein, Klerksdorp/Potch, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Middelburg and Witbank. Contact Wynand (- for Bike Transport) e-Mail : wynand@cycletransport.co.za Cell: 082 334 4274 |
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