The route for Tuesday 17 February 2026
It starts. We cycle through historical Stellenbosch on the banks of the Eersterivier that flows through town. Then pass our alma mater, Paul Roos Gymnasium (where Nico & Carinus and John went to school, and the next generation of Lemmers), before heading out of town and through Paradyskloof towards the vineyards. Our first stop is at Stellenzicht, which is your rental bike guy (Bram)’s favourite coffee stop. And with reason – just have a look at the views of the Stellenbosch mountains. Smile as you leave towards the R44 and then head to the beach. Passing Somerset Mall will provide enough entertainment for the afternoon. And some minor roadworks in the very last km or so before the finish.
- 📷 Group photo at start
- Short route so late start
- 8am breakfast; 10am start
- ☕ Long coffee stop at 8kms
- Carinus leads to WP1
- John photos just after WP1
- Caution from Lord Charles
- ⛔ Minor roadworks last kms
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We all stay in the Ocean Breeze Hotel in Strand
All guests are at the hotel, while some staff member return home because it is in close proximity.
Right on the beachfront. Experience Modern Comforts and Uninterrupted Ocean Views at Ocean Breeze Hotel. ‘We are proud to be part of the vibrant Strand Beach community, offering our guests not just a place to stay but a gateway to the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and dynamic activities that Cape Town has to offer. From the breathtaking views of False Bay and the Helderberg Mountains to the bustling local markets and world-renowned Cape Winelands, our location provides endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.’
Note for the day
On the bike: This is our first time cycling together. Keep to the left. Touring pace. We can form 3x natural groups after the Stellenzicht stop. But stay in a group. And caution from Lord Charles intersection traffic light – called a 🚦 ‘robot’ in South Africa, for some curious reason, through to the finish. Note minor roadworks at the end, so we go through the neighborhood and back to the promenade.
Off the bike: We have a long coffee break at Stellenzicht for our first and only stop – called a ‘water point’ (WP) in our terms; or ‘padstal’ on the Gravel Burn. We have already booked and paid for a coffee and pastry for each rider at the water point – in lieu of a lick snack for lunch at the finish (because we finish at the hotel, and have dinner at the hotel tonight, so we thought you’d rather have some variety for a light lunch). 💳 Plus we have enough time in the afternoon to individually settle accounts for extra accommodation and such.
6-7-8
- 6pm happy hour today
- 7pm dinner buffet at the hotel
- 7am breakfast buffet tomorrow
- 8am start riding in the morning
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Mark ran the gauntlet to Gordonsbaai at 5pm solo – next time notify us in advance – and who got stung by a jellyfish? Another plaster for Phil Ingram at Stellenzicht when we bumped a toe at their bikerack