Pedalling the Cape Peninsula with AWOL Tours

Swapping routine for our own steam

I admit, I had fallen into a routine: work, sleep, drink, eat. In doing so, I had lost my appreciation for the magnificent place in which I live, which is rather sad. I decided to swap minibus taxis for cycling in the Cape Peninsula; a fresh, billowing ocean breeze and the sun on my back. Not just seeing it, but feeling it. I decided to swap my stuffy apartment for forest and beach side retreats, not far from Cape Town, yet just far enough, to immerse in glorious isolation.

AWOL Tours are the very cycling experts to kit you out with all you need to embark on an unforgettable, 3-4 day cycling adventure; unaided and at your own pace.

Day One: Cycling 40km, through Simon's Town to Cape Point Cottages

As our train pulled into historical, Muizenberg Station, I was astounded by how close to the beach we were. The Cape Peninsula offers the greatest concentration and variety of surfing spots in South Africa and Muizenberg boasts ideal conditions for beginners. The mouth of the sea was already teeming with wet suits and long boards. We also saw iconic, colourful huts, joggers and surf shops.

We were met by director of AWOL Tours, Sally Petersen, who kitted us out with mountain bikes, maps and safety instructions.

As we began our two-wheeled, Boyes Drive ascent, conditions were perfect; there was no wind and the sea looked placid. At first, our climb was rather steep and required a moderate level of fitness (alternatively, you can take Beach Road, from Muizenberg, which is flat). Being able to tackle the hills at our own pace; coupled with beautiful views of Muizenberg and the Hottentots Mountain range, was a more than ample reward. At Kalk Bay, we began an exhilarating, downhill descent. I filled my lungs with the ocean breeze and smiled.

Before we arrived at Simons Town, we passed through Fish Hoek town centre, tried to spot whales in Sunny Cove and cycled through wetlands area, Glencairn.

After a light lunch at the Tibetan Tea House, we explored Simons Town's harbour and the Just Nuisance Monument, before we strolled onto Boulders Beach. In 1984, a pair of African Penguins made Boulders Beach their home and have since multiplied to a colony of over 3000. The sun had cast shadows and a small group of penguins made a silhouette against the white sand.

The cycle to our accommodation was flat, with a short, uphill section towards the end. We encountered Chacma Baboons - a protected species that can be dangerous to humans, if encouraged with food.

We turned into our accommodation and a lovable dog bounded up the gravel path to greet us. "Her name is Lisa," owner, Sally, smiled. Cape Point Cottages is a delightful, woodland space that all ages would appreciate. It's a retreat close to the city, yet just far away enough, to escape the rat race.

Before sunset, Sally took us for a short walk through fynbos mountains, which afforded us magnificent views of the valley. We cooked up an evening braai (alternatively, AWOL will deliver a hot meal) at our rustic cottage and spotted some porcupines, whilst we ate. You can spot wildlife including; baboons and sparrow hawks; and the cottages are surrounded by indigenous plant life.

Day Two: A 60km cycle to Kommetjie

In the morning, we took an outdoor shower and were treated to delicious free range eggs, laid by Sally's hens. The eggs were accompanied by bread, fruit coffee and tea. Back on the bikes again, we cycled through the laid-back village of Scarborough - this lies adjacent to Cape Point Nature Reserve and is abundant with plant life. Unfortunately, we didn't spot any Southern Right Whales (in season from September-October), but we could see kite surfers frolicking in the ocean spray. Our 10km, downhill cruise took us to Misty Cliffs, an eco-village with wooden houses, solar panels and surfers in beach buggies. A short climb beyond Misty Cliffs afforded memorable views of Chapman's Peak, before a free-wheel, all the way to our accommodation in Kommetjie.

You can add an extra day to your tour, which involves a return cycle to Cape Point and a second night at Cape Point Cottages. Alternatively, energetic cyclists may combine the return Cape Point and Kommetjie routes in one day (80km).

If heaven were a guest house, Sun Set Beach, Kommetjie, would be it. This bright, nautical-themed beach house has a garden and archway that leads straight onto 8km, Long Beach. In the evening, we dined on a sea food braai and relaxed with a bottle of South African wine in the garden. We slept in a room with a picture-postcard view and were serenaded to sleep by the waves.

Day Three: A 40km cycle from Kommetjie to Hout Bay

The following morning we had breakfast with the owner, Charlotte, as her son, Charlie, played nearby. She asked: "what more could we ask for, than to live here?" I felt guilty pulling my partner up from the oasis he was happily sunbathing in.

We cycled along Chapmans Peak Drive, which connects Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Chapmans Peak Drive was officially opened in 1922 and, in 2000, safety measures were taken to prevent rocks from falling on those who sought passage. I found this route to be the most challenging part of our tour, as much of it was uphill. I soldiered on - I believe anything worth doing is a challenge and the major lookout point, at the highest point, did everything to exceed my expectations. I witnessed what could only be described as an immaculate view of Hout Bay, accentuated by a sighting of a rock kestrel. For me, this was the highlight of the tour.

An interactive cycling tour through Masiphumelele, in Noordhoek, is optional. From Hout Bay, we chose to drive back to the city, but the more energetic can cycle back, via Llandudno and Camps Bay.

AWOL's Cape Peninsula cycling tour ranges from R2 250 to R4 500 (minimum two guests and maximum 10). Your tour includes; bicycle rental, helmets, panier bags and bicycle tools, maps and route notes, back up vehicle support, luggage transfers and storage, accommodation, breakfast and dinner and a guided, township experience. Tours exclude; your train ticket to Muizenberg, lunch and entrance fees.

By Lisa Nevitt

If that's got your adrenaline pumping, check out our feature Adventure Day Tours or visit our Things to Do Section, for more inspiring ideas.