Nestled in the vineyards on the historic Blaauwklippen Wine estate, and flanked by the majestic Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountain ranges the Specialized Stellenbosch Experience Centre is ideally positioned to give riders a taste of the best Stellenbosch has to offer.

The goal is to connect riders with the brand’s culture and products through an unfiltered world-class demo experience in an authentic environment: in this case the magnificent roads and trails around Stellenbosch.

According to Bobby Behan, Market Leader for Specialized Bicycles Africa: “The vision of establishing our Experience Centre at The Blaauwklippen Wine Estate dates back almost three years. The location is strategically positioned within 900 meters of our Specialized-Stellenbosch Brand Store, the farm is an idyllic setting, an incredible platform for an active, wellness enthused, fun filled destination. We value our employees, the core of our brand. Our facility provides them with an incredible working environment, one that feels like a second home. It has been an arduous 14 months realising our ambitions, but the result is extremely satisfying. We are very proud and are looking forward to welcoming many eager visitors.”

The Specialized Stellenbosch Experience Centre offers riders a range of experience options to suit every need and budget. From fully inclusive bespoke guided tours to day rentals. The experienced staff will help riders choose the correct steed and suggest trails that will match the experience they are looking for. To easily book an excellent bike experience, riders simply have to head to this site and pick their weapon of choice from the range on offer. There are bikes to tickle every palate: from the Levo SL for shredding Jonkershoek’s hallowed gnar, to the Epic EVO for all-day downcountry missions, and the Epic for racers looking to pack in some mileage into a Stellenbosch training camp. Roadies and gravel grinders can hop aboard a Creo SL, the perfect vehicle to explore more widely. To learn more or book your bespoke experience click here.

The Specialized Stellenbosch Experience Centre facility also boasts a Velosolutions Pump track: a perfect playground for experienced riders and flow skateboarders to carve, or for newbies to find their feet on a smooth, predictable track. The track is 299 metres long, with a 72 metre jump line and a total area of 2600 square metres. A kiddies track and playground adjoins the pump track, with shaded seating for moms and dads to watch their kids shred: meaning the whole family is welcome to enjoy the facility. Complimentary Specialized Hotwalks and Riprocks are available for use by smaller riders, while limited Specialized P-bikes are available for rental.

A state of the art gym completes the wellness ecosystem that Specialized have evolved. The gym is run by fitness industry veteran Cillié Malan who has a sincere passion for helping people realise their fitness goals. With thirteen years of experience, training clients, competing, and coaching crossfit athletes under his belt, Cillié’s functional fitness training classes are guaranteed to get your heart rate up. To book sessions or learn more click here.

In addition to the Experience Centre, Bike Park and gym, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate boasts a range of family-friendly venues. 

Visitors to the farm can immerse themselves in the lifestyle of a historic wine estate by staying in the painstakingly restored Blaauwklippen Manor House. Housed in two historic buildings, Blaauwklippen Manor can sleep up to twenty people in ten luxurious bedrooms. Every guest room is unique in style and décor and tastefully decorated with an eclectic mix of rich linen fabrics, over-sized beds, glittering chandeliers and modern amenities.

For day visitors, the Farm Shop & Deli is perfect for a casual lunch while the kids play, incorporating a bistro and the new aptly-named Panorama Terrace that overlooks the sprawling picnic lawn with views across the farm to the mountains beyond. The Deli serves breakfast and a selection of light meals, salads and mezze platters at attractive prices and stocks the best of locally grown and produced deli fare.

Hamm & Uys eatery offers a more formal experience, characterised by farm-to-table elegance. From traditional Sunday roast lunches to Cape classics with a modern spin, diners can expect casual country food in relaxed surroundings with wonderfully creative fun touches.

Finally, the Blaauwklippen Family Market is open on weekends and features the best local food vendors, catering to a range of tastes. Market-goers can picnic on the lawns or enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of Blaauwklippen wine or gin at wooden tables in the shade of the giant Ficus trees.

The Bike Park at Blaauwklippen is open five days a week and riders are invited to bring friends and family to enjoy all that the farm has to offer.

 

SPECIALIZED STELLENBOSCH EXPERIENCE CENTRE

OPENING HOURS

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 11:00 – 17:00
• Thursday – 11:00 – 17:00
• Friday – 11:00 – 19:00
• Saturday –  09:00 – 17:00
• Sunday – 09:00 – 17:00

TICKETS: R75 per rider

No helmet no ride

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