Tourdeboland day 3 on Tuesday 3 March 2026
Step back into time in Tulbagh. A U-shaped route map takes us through Riebeek down to Hermon then onto the R46 wide yellow lane shoulder road to Wellington. After a DIY stop at the COLE eatery we get ready to ascend Bainskloof pass, the signature climb of the Bolandcycletour. John Boom might have a surprise at the top, a room with a view. Keep your wits on the descend, passing the overhanging rock formations (bonus points if you remember their name) and the Tweede Tol campsite, before the road flattens out. Calabash bush pub then Bergsig wine cellar on the corner before we turn left-left-left. LEFT onto the R43. LEFT to Wolseley. LEFT onto the R46 direction Tulbagh. Finally a right turn and into Tulbagh!
💦 More info on the 3x water points for the day:
- WP1 at 39kms has WC for the ladies at the optional stop at COLE eatery in Wellington where you can fill your bottels from the Bolandcycletour table or buys something at the shop.
- WP2 at 53kms at the top of the Bainskloof pass lookout is a full service water point provided by us and we encourage you to spend some time here and enjoy the view.
- WP3 at 83kms at the Total Expressmark in Wolseley has a WC for the ladies and is another optional stop where you can buy something at the shop. This is where we always stop in the middle of the night on a loooong Audax ride and now you can do the same. Careful when crossing the road.
*Did someone say shortcut? Yes indeed. When you look the the U-shaped route map above there is an obvious shortcut. So iso going for the official 99kms route you can opt for a flat-flat-flat option that goes through Nuwekloof pass and cuts the distance down to just 44kms and the elevation to just 300 meters (!). There will be no water point on this route. And it will start 1hr after the long route (or even later), otherwise you arrive in Tulbagh way too early and long before the rooms are ready – you know the drill by now…
Twin venues in Tulbagh
Traditionally we always stay at Cape Dutch Quarters in the main road, but this year have more guests and also booked at Montpellier just down the road. But we aim to give everyone the best of both worlds. Therefor the owner of CDQ, Jayson, will be hosting and optional guided tour through Tulbagh in the afternoon (for everyone to experience CDQ) – and we will dine together at Montpellier (for everyone to experience the latter).
Cape Dutch Quarters in Tulbagh
Step back in time. CDQ is a portfolio of heritage properties offering a range of B&B & self-catering accommodation options in the heart of the old Tulbagh village. Celebrated for both the beauty of its setting and its architectural and historical significance, Tulbagh is also famous for its wine, and the earthquake that put this little town on the map. And experience the museums, heritage architecture and street culture during a guided town walk with passionate owner Jayson Augustyn-Clark.
Montpellier in Tulbagh
Montpellier De Tulbagh. Discover the Charm and Comfort of Our Unique Farm Location. Montpellier is not only known for its award-winning wines but also serves as a tranquil getaway and stunning event venue. The estate features a charming hillside chapel, a Cape Dutch homestead, reception facilities, and expansive grounds that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect setting for a memorable occasion, whether you’re planning a relaxing food and wine day trip, a weekend getaway with family and friends, or the wedding of your dreams.
Decision time…
🛌 Where do I stay? All BAC guests stay at the Montpellier venue, which is also where we will have dinner. All Tourdeboland guests stay at the CDQ Cape Dutch Quarters, which is where the GPS route file ends. To get to Montpellier from the finish is just a 3kms spin from the edge of town. turn left after CDQ and follow the road to Montpellier.
🏛 Jayson has also organised a museum tour that starts at 4pm for those who wish to learn more about the town of Tulbagh and it’s buildings and history.
- 16.00 — museum tour
- 17.30 — happy half hour
- 18.00 — dinner and routes
🗺 Before and over dinner we will discuss the different route options for the Magic day. Important to know that on this ‘choose your own adventure’ day there is no roaming support vehicles because of all the different directions. But we will have ride captains on different routes. And there will be 1 central WP under the trees at the Bergsig wine estate – just watch out for our flags.
