{"product_id":"the-cross-cape-traverse","title":"The Cross Cape Traverse","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Cross Cape Traverse\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA seven-day premium gravel journey from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cross Cape Traverse is a fully supported gravel cycling holiday across the Western Cape, following the Cross Cape route from Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route to Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver seven riding days, you will cover approximately 750 km and 10,000 m of climbing across forest roads, mountain passes, Karoo gravel, quiet farm lanes and vineyard country. The route is roughly 60% gravel and 40% tar, with nine significant passes along the way. It is a serious ride, but not a race. The aim is to ride well, recover properly and take in the places that make this route far more than a line between two towns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour week starts on the coast in Plettenberg Bay and quickly enters the indigenous forests above Knysna. From there, you ride the old Seven Passes Road towards George, climb Montagu Pass into the Klein Karoo, follow gravel beneath the Swartberg Mountains and work through the remote country around Van Wyksdorp, Riversdale and Grootvadersbosch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final stages carry you through long farm roads and open Overberg landscapes to Greyton, before a last push past Theewaterskloof Dam, over Franschhoek Pass and into Stellenbosch. Each day brings a different surface, climate and rhythm—from cool forest tracks and loose mountain gravel to dry Karoo roads and smooth Winelands tar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSouth Side Cycles takes care of the logistics so you can give your attention to the ride. You will stay in carefully selected bike-friendly accommodation, with your luggage moved ahead each day, route support close by and time to enjoy a proper meal, a cold drink and a comfortable room at the end of each stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is for riders who enjoy a demanding week in the saddle, appreciate a well-run trip and want to see the Western Cape at the pace it deserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 riding days \/ 8 nights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 750 km\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimbing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10,000 m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTerrain:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 60% gravel \/ 40% tar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoute highlights:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diepwalle Forest, Seven Passes Road, Montagu Pass, Klein Karoo, Swartberg foothills, Rooiberg Pass, Garcia’s Pass, Grootvadersbosch, Greyton, Theewaterskloof Dam, Franschhoek Pass and Helshoogte Pass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRiding style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supported endurance gravel tour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Experienced intermediate to advanced gravel riders\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho this trip is for\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cross Cape Traverse is suited to experienced gravel and endurance riders who are comfortable spending several consecutive days on the bike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou should be able to manage daily distances of approximately 65–150 km, sustained climbing and long stretches between services. You should also be confident on loose gravel, corrugations, rocky sections, farm roads and long descents. A strong endurance base, sensible pacing and a willingness to ride in changeable conditions are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a race, and nobody needs to chase a finish time. It is, however, a substantial point-to-point ride with real climbing, remote sections and seven full days of riding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 nights of bike-friendly accommodation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 supported riding days from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperienced South Side Cycles ride leader and local route support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport vehicle for luggage, ride nutrition, hydration and mechanical assistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDaily luggage transfers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoute briefings, GPX files and daily ride notes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure bike storage where available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBike set-up and packing support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelected meals and local experiences, as listed in the final itinerary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinal group celebration in Stellenbosch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is not included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlights and travel to Plettenberg Bay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel, medical and bicycle insurance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBike hire, unless arranged as an optional extra\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeals and drinks not listed as included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonal spending and optional activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransfers outside the specified arrival and departure arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGratuities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe route\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 1: Plettenberg Bay to Knysna\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e78 km | 1,361 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eBegin at the coast and ride into the indigenous forest around Diepwalle before finishing in Knysna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 2: Knysna to George\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e80 km | 1,704 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eTake on Seven Passes Road, with forest climbs, old gravel passes and a rewarding finish in George.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 3: George to Oudtshoorn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e64 km | 868 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eClimb Montagu Pass and watch the Garden Route landscape give way to the dry, open Klein Karoo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 4: Oudtshoorn to Rooiberg Lodge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e124 km | 2,113 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eRide long gravel roads beneath the Swartberg Mountains, stop in Calitzdorp and climb Rooiberg Pass to your overnight lodge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 5: Rooiberg Lodge to Grootvadersbosch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e129 km | 2,333 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eA remote and demanding stage through Van Wyksdorp, Garcia’s Pass and the green slopes around Grootvadersbosch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 6: Grootvadersbosch to Greyton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e148 km | 1,560 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eThe longest day of the journey, linking farm roads, gravel stretches and quiet country lanes before arriving in Greyton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 7: Greyton to Stellenbosch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e108 km | 1,417 m climbing\u003cbr\u003eFinish the route via Theewaterskloof Dam, Franschhoek Pass and Helshoogte Pass before rolling into Stellenbosch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eReady to ride the Cross Cape?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cross Cape Traverse is available as a scheduled small-group departure or a bespoke private cycling holiday for clubs, friends, brands and corporate groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePaying today reserves your place with a deposit only. The remaining tour balance and payment schedule will be confirmed after booking.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnquire now to receive departure dates, pricing and full itinerary details.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"South Side Cycles","offers":[{"title":"Sharing","offer_id":55069511450990,"sku":null,"price":1000.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single Supplement","offer_id":55069511483758,"sku":null,"price":1000.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3566\/8334\/files\/gravel-cycling-in-stellenbosch.png?v=1789953218","url":"https:\/\/southsidecycles.com\/products\/the-cross-cape-traverse","provider":"South Side Cycles","version":"1.0","type":"link"}