Rent a bike, tour Stellenbosch and eat at a family-owned café

Wine tasting, bike rides and rustic alternative to fancy wine farm dining

Just 4km from the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, in the vineyards, is the family-run business Ride In. You can hire a bike and join a wine-tasting tour through the winelands and, after cycling or hiking the stunning Jonkershoek routes, pop in for a wholesome meal (vegans and bantings have options, too).

Ride In offers shower facilities to freshen up after an adventurous day out. Image: Ride In

RENT A BIKE AND EXPLORE THE VALLEY

If you don’t own a bike, you can rent one (helmet included). Choose your bike based on your preference, from full suspension, specialised mountain bikes for those looking to tackle the stellar single-track routes in Jonkershoek or further, to entry level mountain bikes, town bikes or road bikes for those who prefer a milder meander closer by.  

You can get your bike serviced and washed at the maintenance shop. Image: Ride In

For those with more time to explore, you can join a week-long, mountain-bike tour. Riders stay at a guesthouse on a farm in the Jonkershoek valley, and there are guided rides each morning with opportunities for wine tasting, hiking, shopping and to do other activities. In the  afternoons, you can relax and explore the area.

There are loads of riding routes in the winelands, made famous by prestigious events like Cape Epic. Image: Ride In

TOUR STELLENBOSCH ON A BIKE

If you're not familiar with the area, you can book a guided tour that also caters to your specific cycling level. Tours can range from a loop around Stellenbosch to wineries further out. Once the guides are aware of your experience they will ensure you are taken on the best course for you. Park your car in the free, secure parking while you are out.

Check out the online website for the full range of bikes. Image: Ride In

RIDE AND TASTE WINE THROUGH TOWN

For the wine lovers, you can arrange a wine-tasting tour between Tuesday and Saturday. Weave your way through the old suburbs of Stellenbosch and its town centre for the first tasting at Glenelly. Afterwards, you’ll head back through the streets and up to Lanzerac Wine Estate for the second tasting. End at Stark Conde, in the Jonkershoek valley. 

You can also arrange a full-day tour that includes gourmet meals, chocolate pairings and other culinary experiences in other areas surrounding Stellenbosch. Tours include bike rental, helmet, water and snacks.

Top tip: arrange a lift to get to and from Ride In as there are 12 wines to taste. Image: Ride In

EAT AT THE RUSTIC, FAMILY CAFÉ

After an exhilarating day in the saddle or a relaxed one on the sidelines (everyone’s welcome), sit down for a wholesome meal at Ride In Café. It has a relaxed, homely setting, offering a rustic alternative to fancy wine-farm dining. Fill up on brioche French toast with syrup, cheese and bacon or try simple toasties and classic wood-fired pizzas. 

There’s vegan and banting options, plus a kids menu. Image: Ride In

Let the kids play on the lower grass section, which includes a mini-pump track (bring your own bikes), jungle gym, sandpit and swings. Pets, kept on a leash, are also welcome. Parents can sample locally brewed craft beers and boutique wine. Coffee lovers, don’t miss the speciality Ride In Roast (four-bean cappuccino blend with a medium specialty roast). Ride In can host any functions, from baby showers and children’s parties to corporate meetings.

Sit on the lawn, under shaded canvas while the kids run wild in the play area.  Image: Ride In

WHEN + WHERE TO GO  

Ride In is open: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, 7.30am - 4.30pm; Sunday, 7.30am - 4pm
Find it: Ride In Café, Arkelshoek Farm, Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch
Contact on: 021 8833985, @ridein.co.za, Instagram: @ridein

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By Sarah Jarvis 

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FOR MORE OUTDOOR, ADVENTUROUS FUN

Check out more outdoor (and cheap) things to do in Cape Town.

Take a hike and explore more of Jonkershoek. 

Plan a thrilling, outdoor adventure for your kid’s birthday.

Go on an exhilarating downhill descent through mountains on scooters.

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