Tucked into the folds of the Overberg District, the area encircling Greyton is a tender embrace of history, nature, and rustic charm. This quaint village, cradled by the Riviersonderend Mountains, whispers tales of 1854, when settlers carved a haven from the wild. Their legacy lingers in Cape Dutch cottages, whitewashed and timeless, lining oak-shaded streets—a scene so serene it feels like stepping into a painting.
The land thrives with agricultural heartbeat—golden wheat fields sway in the breeze, a cornerstone of the region’s bounty, while orchards near Genadendal burst with apples and pears. Sheep dot the hills, their wool a soft fortune, and vineyards toward Hemel-en-Aarde craft wines kissed by cool winds. It’s a landscape that feeds both body and soul.
Yet it’s the cycling that unveils the Overberg’s true magic. Pedal through this patchwork of rolling hills and open plains, where every turn reveals a vista to steal your breath. The air hums with fynbos fragrance, proteas blazing in defiant color, as blue cranes call across the fields. Rivers like the Riviersonderend gleam like silver ribbons, their banks alive with kingfishers and otters. Cycle past weathered farmsteads and beneath skies that stretch endless, igniting in gold and crimson at day’s end.
Greyton’s countryside is a cyclist’s dream—quiet roads winding through nature’s gallery, where the rhythm of the wheels matches the land’s gentle pulse. It’s a place to lose yourself in beauty, to feel the Overberg’s wild heart beneath you. Ride here, and let its serenity claim your spirit.
The land thrives with agricultural heartbeat—golden wheat fields sway in the breeze, a cornerstone of the region’s bounty, while orchards near Genadendal burst with apples and pears. Sheep dot the hills, their wool a soft fortune, and vineyards toward Hemel-en-Aarde craft wines kissed by cool winds. It’s a landscape that feeds both body and soul.
Yet it’s the cycling that unveils the Overberg’s true magic. Pedal through this patchwork of rolling hills and open plains, where every turn reveals a vista to steal your breath. The air hums with fynbos fragrance, proteas blazing in defiant color, as blue cranes call across the fields. Rivers like the Riviersonderend gleam like silver ribbons, their banks alive with kingfishers and otters. Cycle past weathered farmsteads and beneath skies that stretch endless, igniting in gold and crimson at day’s end.
Greyton’s countryside is a cyclist’s dream—quiet roads winding through nature’s gallery, where the rhythm of the wheels matches the land’s gentle pulse. It’s a place to lose yourself in beauty, to feel the Overberg’s wild heart beneath you. Ride here, and let its serenity claim your spirit.
The Rider Experience
- It's a 3 day social ride of average 65km for the first two days with the last day being a lot shorter.
- There are fully stocked water-stops at the halfway marks.
- 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.
- ER24 Medic on duty for duration of the tour.
- 3 nights stay over in carefully selected rooms within the best B&B's in Greyton
- 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
Throughout your tour, you’ll reside in a beautifully appointed Bed and Breakfast, nestled in Greyton’s charming heart. Afternoons brim with exploration after your morning cycle, offering a wealth of sights and activities. Each day follows a seamless rhythm: an early buffet breakfast fuels you up, followed by a short bus ride to your starting point. A concise briefing sets the stage, then you’re off, pedaling into the Overberg’s splendor.
At the halfway mark, a water-point awaits, brimming with local delicacies, refreshing drinks, filtered water, and energy-boosting treats to keep you going. Your journey is shadowed by peace of mind—an ER24 medic and sweep vehicle trail close behind, ensuring your safety every mile. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and care, crafted for an unforgettable ride.
At the halfway mark, a water-point awaits, brimming with local delicacies, refreshing drinks, filtered water, and energy-boosting treats to keep you going. Your journey is shadowed by peace of mind—an ER24 medic and sweep vehicle trail close behind, ensuring your safety every mile. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and care, crafted for an unforgettable ride.
The rides all end in the village of Greyton where lunch awaits at a new venue each day.
Afternoons in Greyton unfold like a gentle invitation to savor the town and its surrounds. Steeped in history since 1854, this village enchants with its Cape Dutch architecture and oak-shaded streets, whispering tales of settlers past. Stroll through the quaint center, where galleries and artisan shops beckon, or wander to the nearby Leiwater Dam, a serene spot framed by mountains. The Riviersonderend range looms majestically, cloaked in fynbos, while the countryside reveals sweeping vistas of golden fields and grazing sheep. It’s a compact tapestry of heritage, peaceful walks, and breathtaking scenery—Greyton’s charm distilled into every step.
Dinner awaits at a handpicked restaurant, where exceptional food, fine wines, and refreshing beverages elevate every evening. We delight in "spreading the love" across Greyton, ensuring each lunch and dinner introduces you to a new culinary gem.
No matter your dietary preferences or needs, our selected restaurants and caterers are adept at crafting meals tailored just for you—whether it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other request. From the first bite to the last sip, your dining experience is designed to be as unforgettable as the Overberg itself.
No matter your dietary preferences or needs, our selected restaurants and caterers are adept at crafting meals tailored just for you—whether it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, or any other request. From the first bite to the last sip, your dining experience is designed to be as unforgettable as the Overberg itself.
The Routes
Day One
After breakfast we transport you a short 20km down the tar to the start point of the ride. The route meanders along the Sonderend river valley, through farms until it nears the town of Rivieresonderend and then doubles back toward Greyton. Depending on the time of year you will experience Canola and wheat fields, dairies, sheep farms, fruit farms and wonderful vistas of the rolling hills and Sonderend mountain range. Waterpoints and sweep vehicles support you along the way and lunch is served at the end of the ride in Greyton.
After breakfast we transport you a short 20km down the tar to the start point of the ride. The route meanders along the Sonderend river valley, through farms until it nears the town of Rivieresonderend and then doubles back toward Greyton. Depending on the time of year you will experience Canola and wheat fields, dairies, sheep farms, fruit farms and wonderful vistas of the rolling hills and Sonderend mountain range. Waterpoints and sweep vehicles support you along the way and lunch is served at the end of the ride in Greyton.
Day Two
Again we load your bikes while you are having breakfast, and then transport you out to Boontjieskraal to start your ride. A trip of around 40km.
One of the most notable historical threads tied to Boontjieskraal involves Hermanus Pieters, a Dutch schoolteacher who arrived in the Cape around 1815. Pieters taught at Boontjieskraal and other nearby farms like Karwyderskraal and Hemel-en-Aarde, hired by Dutch-speaking (Afrikaans) farmers resisting the imposition of English education under British rule. Paid often in sheep rather than cash, Pieters would take his flock to a spring near present-day Hermanus during summer holidays, a spot later named "Hermanus Pieters se Fonteyn." This connection indirectly ties Boontjieskraal to the founding of Hermanus, originally Hermanuspietersfontein, in the mid-19th century. Pieters died in 1837 and is buried near Boontjieskraal, cementing his local legacy.
We head east on the quiet Donkerhoek gravel road and then north on the Middelplaas road. The ride starts with a brisk climb to get things warmed up and is followed by a gentle downhill trend to lunch. Upon reaching the western part of the Sonderend river valley we explore it's banks and farming activities all the way down-river to Greyton for lunch.
Again we load your bikes while you are having breakfast, and then transport you out to Boontjieskraal to start your ride. A trip of around 40km.
One of the most notable historical threads tied to Boontjieskraal involves Hermanus Pieters, a Dutch schoolteacher who arrived in the Cape around 1815. Pieters taught at Boontjieskraal and other nearby farms like Karwyderskraal and Hemel-en-Aarde, hired by Dutch-speaking (Afrikaans) farmers resisting the imposition of English education under British rule. Paid often in sheep rather than cash, Pieters would take his flock to a spring near present-day Hermanus during summer holidays, a spot later named "Hermanus Pieters se Fonteyn." This connection indirectly ties Boontjieskraal to the founding of Hermanus, originally Hermanuspietersfontein, in the mid-19th century. Pieters died in 1837 and is buried near Boontjieskraal, cementing his local legacy.
We head east on the quiet Donkerhoek gravel road and then north on the Middelplaas road. The ride starts with a brisk climb to get things warmed up and is followed by a gentle downhill trend to lunch. Upon reaching the western part of the Sonderend river valley we explore it's banks and farming activities all the way down-river to Greyton for lunch.
Day Three
Many of our clients are not big on single track, especially not technical stuff, we took this into account when exploring all of the mountain bike routes surrounding the town of Greyton. By combining the easier "family friendly" sections of the different routes together we came up with a 23km route that is fun and not at all technical. The views are spectacular, and like most of our "Day Three's" it's always a great social event as we ride together in "neutral zone mode" and enjoy the scenery and camaraderie.
For those who are more serious riders and wish to go "big" we have planned longer, more technical routes and provide you with a GPX file to navigate them.
Many of our clients are not big on single track, especially not technical stuff, we took this into account when exploring all of the mountain bike routes surrounding the town of Greyton. By combining the easier "family friendly" sections of the different routes together we came up with a 23km route that is fun and not at all technical. The views are spectacular, and like most of our "Day Three's" it's always a great social event as we ride together in "neutral zone mode" and enjoy the scenery and camaraderie.
For those who are more serious riders and wish to go "big" we have planned longer, more technical routes and provide you with a GPX file to navigate them.
Non-Rider companion tours and entertainment.
To ensure that couples can enjoy the tours even if one of them is not a cyclist we offer our non-rider companion activities. In Greyton there are many options, some of these are listed below. We try to keep it fluid and consult with the group as to what their preferences are and arrange accordingly.
- Greyton Saturday Market: Wander through stalls brimming with local produce, crafts, and treats in a laid-back atmosphere.
- Village Exploration: Amble along oak-lined streets, admiring historic Cape Dutch cottages and Greyton’s timeless charm.
- Genadendal Historic Village: A short drive away, explore Africa’s oldest Moravian mission (1738), steeped in history and tranquility.
- Von Geusau Chocolaterie: Savor artisanal Belgian-style chocolates, handmade with care—a decadent delight.
- Art Galleries: Visit local gems like David Kuijers’ studio for bold, whimsical art that captures Greyton’s creative spirit.
- Local Shops: Browse quaint boutiques and stores offering antiques, handmade goods, and unique finds along Main Road.
- Humming Mountain Alpacas: Meet adorable alpacas at this nearby farm, a heartwarming, low-key outing.
- Short hikes on the outskirts of the town to dams and waterfalls.
Bike hire, transport and directions
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Nearest Airports with regular flights: Cape Town International - 127 km. We can assist in arranging airport transfers.
For e-bike and "normally aspirated" bike hire we recommend Manic Cycles, Contact Francois eMail: [email protected] Cell: +27 (82) 413-8935 Your bike is then delivered to the venue under our care. We utilise a bike courier service if you wish to transport your bike to the event. We assist in assembly and dissassembly. Bicycle Couriers Nico Cell: (079) 507-1231 eMail: [email protected] For a larger group, professional bike transport can be provided by BCycle Transport from Gauteng, Bloemfontein, Klerksdorp/Potch, Rustenburg, Polokwane, Middelburg and Witbank. Contact Wynand e-Mail : [email protected] Cell: 082 334 4274 |
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