Many people buy a gravel bike inspired by the idea of doing a self-supported adventure with friends. But if you’re like me, you probably never made it past the idea stage…

I bought my Trek 920 nearly three years ago, and it’s taken me that long to get my act together and do a tour. My excuse list was the same as yours: work deadlines, obligations at home, and perhaps (secretly) fear of the unknown…

Finally, with some pressure from my friend John-Randel (JR) Vermaak, who was in the same boat of owning a gravel bike without having done any touring, we decided the time had come. A week-long gap in early June opened up, and we threw a route together on Ride with GPS and Google Maps. It turned out to be a winner!

Starting in the Little Karoo town of Montagu, we rode to Barrydale, then Malgas on the Breede River, Napier in the Overberg, Greyton, and back to Montagu. We stayed in B&Bs and guesthouses all the way, raided farmstalls for snacks, and ate like kings in a different restaurant every night. We tried as much as possible to keep off busy arterial routes, and rode as much gravel as we could find. Since it was to be our first time riding loaded bikes, we decided to keep the distances modest, averaging around 80km per day with about 1 000m of climbing.

The scenery was superb: stark mountains and autumnal poplar groves in the Little Karoo; over the magnificent Tradouw Pass into the rolling plains of the Overberg; the aloe-clad Breede River Valley, and the misty slopes of the Langeberg.

Those who’ve done it know that special feeling that cycle touring instils. You’re beholden to nothing and nobody, your entire world exists in your panniers, you don’t have to worry about stopping for fuel, and you can detour as you please. It’s pure freedom.

Given the daily distances and the visitor-friendly nature of the towns that this route encompasses, it’s the perfect way to get a first taste of that freedom. You’re never too far from a soft bed and a cold beer; and even when you’re between towns, you’ll easily be able to find a friendly farmer if things go pear-shaped. (They won’t.)

The gravel roads are in good condition, and the terrain is varied enough to keep things interesting. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning and arrive at your next destination with enough time for an afternoon nap. It’s heaven!

And later, when you’re having a beer in a cosy pub and reminiscing about the day, you’ll already be planning the next tour… 

THE DIY…

Distance: About 425km

Route: Montagu – Barrydale – Malgas – Napier – Greyton – Montagu

Time: We did it over five days; the shortest was 72km and the longest was 100km. Most days had about 1 000m of elevation gain.

When? We rode in early winter – the mornings were crisp and the days were cool, and the Overberg was beautifully green. You do run the risk of rain, however, which quickly turns the dirt roads to slush. It would be safer to attempt this route in autumn or spring. Summer is windy and hot.

The Cost: It’s up to you. All the towns have a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from campsites to B&Bs and five-star guesthouses. We mostly used lekkeslaap.co.za to book our overnight stops: De Bos in Montagu; Karoo Moon House in Barrydale; the Malgas Hotel; Pascal’s in Napier; and the Lady Grace in Greyton.

Highlights: Empty horizons, excellent gravel, decent restaurants in the various towns along the route…

Safety: Use your head and you’ll be fine. (Don’t leave your bike parked unattended outside the Spar in Bonnievale, for example…) Some sections of the route follow busy thoroughfares, such as over Tradouw Pass, but most motorists were friendly and passed wide. Wear bright clothing, and make sure you have front and rear lights.

The Bike: This route is gravel-bike heaven. The dirt roads are smooth enough for 38c tyres (and you’ll appreciate the extra speed on the tar sections), or go for extra comfort with wider tyres. A hardtail mountain bike will also do the trick. Jon rode a Trek 920 touring bike; JR was on a steel-frame Ritchey Outback.

The Bags: We didn’t camp, so we only needed to carry clothing, spares, tools and snacks. Jon used a rear rack with Arkel Dry-Lite panniers and an Ortlieb dry bag (plus a few smaller bags); JR used a seat bag by Revelate Designs, a custom frame bag made by Natch Goods in Cape Town, and various smaller bags.

How? Just block out a few days on the calendar, and go! Easy as that.

Looking for the GPX files for these two days? Drop us a message on bicycling@qbf-agency.co.za and we will happily send them on.

 

 

READ MORE ON: Overberg rad rides routes