There’s no better place to take to the road on two wheels and embrace the feeling of wind in your hair than Cape Town. With so many amazing routes to choose from in the Mother City, we put together five must-try mountain biking routes that are not only enjoyable but offer beautiful scenery as well.
Stellenbosch MTB Challenge
Stellenbosch is perfectly picturesque whether you’re on your bike or not. The Stellenbosch MTB Challenge is of a higher difficulty than most routes with a distance of either 22km or 50km with other options available for shorter distances.
This breathtaking trail starts at Spier Wine Estate and follows along a dirt road through vineyards, orchards and a large stretch of fynbos displaying a impeccable view of the Helderberg Mountains.
Contact: 021 884 4752
Website: www.stellenboschmtbchallenge.co.za
Signal Hill MTB Route
This fun city side trail is graded as easy with a 2km distance leading up to Signal Hill. Take in one of Cape Town’s classic viewpoints as you glide along a steep jeep track dipping towards the City Bowl. Enjoy roughly 2km of gnarly downhills, switchbacking along rock-shocked dirt tracks before banging onto the stairwells and alleyways of the Bo-Kaap.
Contact: +27 (0)83 631 9796
Website: www.tablemountainbikers.co.za
Koeberg MTB Trail
Near Melkbosstrand lies a mountain biking adventure through the Koeberg Nature Reserve that is not to be missed. Two trails are available to visitors, either a shorter 7km loop or the longer 21km route. Both trails have an easy grading with a relatively level ride all the way. The main attraction of these routes is the natural scenery and wildlife, bikers can see grysbok, steenbok, bontebok, springbok, duiker and maybe even a caracal along the way if you’re lucky.
Contact: +27 (0)21 550 4021/5314
Website: www.westcoastway.co.za/koeberg-nature-reserve
Cape Point MTB Route
Close to Simon’s Town at the extreme southwestern tip of Africa is a mountainous and scenic trail with some of the best seaside views. An easy ride is in store, meandering through tarred roads along to southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, it may not be where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, but it is way more beautiful than Cape Aghulhas and a true sight to behold.
Contact: +27 21 7809010
Website: www.capepoint.co.za
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Between Hout Bay and Noordhoek awaits probably one of the most popular routes in the Western Cape.
Known by many as “Chappies”, this route is a definite must-do for anyone who is passionate about the gorgeous scenery of the Mother City. Most revered for its esthetic ocean and mountain views combined with pleasantly winding roads and interesting design features, no cyclist should go without a trip along Chappies.
Contact: +27 21 791 8220
Website: www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za
Pictures: Pixabay, Bicycle South