Discover Montagu's Langeberg Grandeur
Nestled in the embrace of the Langeberg Mountains, Montagu is a vibrant jewel of the Western Cape, where the charm of a bygone era meets the untamed beauty of the Klein Karoo’s edge. Founded in 1851, this picturesque town captivates with its Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, hot springs, and tree-lined streets that hum with a relaxed, welcoming spirit. Montagu is a gateway to a landscape of striking contrasts—lush vineyards and orchards flourish alongside rugged, Karoo-like veld, framed by dramatic mountain ranges that shift in hue with the passing sun.
The region pulses with agricultural richness—golden apricot and peach orchards thrive in the fertile valleys, while vineyards craft wines that capture the land’s bold character. Beyond the farms, the terrain transforms into a tapestry of Klein Karoo vegetation, where aloes and succulents dot the rocky slopes, and the air carries the earthy scent of fynbos. This is a place where nature’s diversity unfolds in every direction, a canvas of green groves, arid plains, and towering peaks.
Cycling here is a revelation, each day a journey through breathtaking patchwork. Pedal through sprawling farms where vineyards and orchards glow against the stark beauty of Karoo-like veld, with vistas that stretch to the rugged Langeberg and distant Klein Karoo hills. On Day Three, the adventure crescendos as we head north on an ancient wagon track to conquer the iconic Ouberg Pass—a thrilling climb with sweeping views that make every effort worthwhile. The culinary experience is equally unforgettable, beginning with a spectacular welcome dinner at the prestigious BluVines restaurant, its eclectic décor setting the stage for a feast of local flavors. Other highlights include the exquisite cuisine at 22 on Church, where every dish is a masterpiece, paired with our superb selection of regional wines. Lavish waterpoints, overflowing with scrumptious local fare, fuel each ride, transforming rest stops into celebrations of Montagu’s bounty.
This is the Langeberg GravelGrinder—a three-day odyssey of cycling, camaraderie, and indulgence, where quiet roads wind through a landscape that stirs the soul. From the verdant farms to the wild Ouberg Pass, Montagu’s blend of rugged beauty and refined hospitality creates memories that linger long after the ride ends. Pedal here, and let the Langeberg’s vibrant heart claim you.
The region pulses with agricultural richness—golden apricot and peach orchards thrive in the fertile valleys, while vineyards craft wines that capture the land’s bold character. Beyond the farms, the terrain transforms into a tapestry of Klein Karoo vegetation, where aloes and succulents dot the rocky slopes, and the air carries the earthy scent of fynbos. This is a place where nature’s diversity unfolds in every direction, a canvas of green groves, arid plains, and towering peaks.
Cycling here is a revelation, each day a journey through breathtaking patchwork. Pedal through sprawling farms where vineyards and orchards glow against the stark beauty of Karoo-like veld, with vistas that stretch to the rugged Langeberg and distant Klein Karoo hills. On Day Three, the adventure crescendos as we head north on an ancient wagon track to conquer the iconic Ouberg Pass—a thrilling climb with sweeping views that make every effort worthwhile. The culinary experience is equally unforgettable, beginning with a spectacular welcome dinner at the prestigious BluVines restaurant, its eclectic décor setting the stage for a feast of local flavors. Other highlights include the exquisite cuisine at 22 on Church, where every dish is a masterpiece, paired with our superb selection of regional wines. Lavish waterpoints, overflowing with scrumptious local fare, fuel each ride, transforming rest stops into celebrations of Montagu’s bounty.
This is the Langeberg GravelGrinder—a three-day odyssey of cycling, camaraderie, and indulgence, where quiet roads wind through a landscape that stirs the soul. From the verdant farms to the wild Ouberg Pass, Montagu’s blend of rugged beauty and refined hospitality creates memories that linger long after the ride ends. Pedal here, and let the Langeberg’s vibrant heart claim you.
The Routes
Day One
After breakfast we bus you out for 30km through Cogmanskloof to a gravel back road near Robertson. The route takes you through the vineyards into the back of McGregor. We then head towards the Riviersonderend mountains and circle back to the Breede River and the Weltevrede Wine Estate, we cross the river at an old causeway near Bonnievale and then head westward to the Kapokbos restaurant at Weltevrede for lunch. You can enjoy tasting their Cap Classique and even get to cork a bottle or two yourself. We bus you 29km back to Montagu after lunch.
The day's ride has a few "bumps" but is achievable with a total ascent of 642 metres over 57 km.
After breakfast we bus you out for 30km through Cogmanskloof to a gravel back road near Robertson. The route takes you through the vineyards into the back of McGregor. We then head towards the Riviersonderend mountains and circle back to the Breede River and the Weltevrede Wine Estate, we cross the river at an old causeway near Bonnievale and then head westward to the Kapokbos restaurant at Weltevrede for lunch. You can enjoy tasting their Cap Classique and even get to cork a bottle or two yourself. We bus you 29km back to Montagu after lunch.
The day's ride has a few "bumps" but is achievable with a total ascent of 642 metres over 57 km.
Day Two
After breakfast we take 49km trip in the bus to beyond Robertson. We head west this time and drop you on a gravel road near the Rooiberg cellars. The route then takes you through the Eilandia area and up the northern banks of the Breede river. We cross over the river on a causeway at around the 22km mark and then head further westward through some remote valleys to the Stettyn Family Vineyards where we enjoy a fantastic lunch.Total distance 51km with an ascent of 385m.
After breakfast we take 49km trip in the bus to beyond Robertson. We head west this time and drop you on a gravel road near the Rooiberg cellars. The route then takes you through the Eilandia area and up the northern banks of the Breede river. We cross over the river on a causeway at around the 22km mark and then head further westward through some remote valleys to the Stettyn Family Vineyards where we enjoy a fantastic lunch.Total distance 51km with an ascent of 385m.
Day Three
On the final day we start cycling from the town and climb up through the orchards and Klein Karoo landscapes to the old jeep track that took the ox wagons into the interior. There is a short descent on the jeep track to the water point and then the descent of the spectacular Ouberg Pass back into town. Make sure your brakes are in good condition!
On the final day we start cycling from the town and climb up through the orchards and Klein Karoo landscapes to the old jeep track that took the ox wagons into the interior. There is a short descent on the jeep track to the water point and then the descent of the spectacular Ouberg Pass back into town. Make sure your brakes are in good condition!
The Rider Experience
- It's a 3 day social ride of 55 to 65km 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 carefully selected rooms within the best B&B's in Montagu
- 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 in a well appointed Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Montagu There is plenty to do and see 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 in a village or wine farm. 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, walks and beautiful scenery.
Dinner is always at a carefully chosen restaurant with great food, wine and beverages We try to "spread the love" in the town and make sure you have lunches and dinners at different restaurants each day. Some of the notable restaurants we visit are 22 on Church, Bluvines and Kapokbos.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, our chosen restaurants and caterers are fully equipped to cater to all your needs.
If you have any specific dietary requirements, our chosen restaurants and caterers are fully equipped to cater to all your needs.
The non-rider companion experience
As is the tradition of our GravelGrinder tours we always provide an interesting itinerary for non-rider companions. Montagu and surrounds has an abundance of attractions and places of interest. Rather than fix an itinerary for the non-riders we are continuously improving on the tours, wine tasting and other activities on offer. What is fixed is that you meet the riders for lunch each day after their ride.
Directions, Bike Transport and closest Airports
|
Nearest Airports with regular flights: Cape Town International - 180 km. We can assist with 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 |
|
