The Tour of Good Hope has recently been introduced into the professional cycling calendar in South Africa.
A stunning region with rolling green hills and jaw-dropping mountain passes, Good Hope boasts the Tour of Good Hope Cycle Tour. Covering the northern side of the Cape region, the tour runs from the world renowned Cape Winelands, including the Franschoek Valley and Paarl, to the small town of Worcester further inland. Covering five days and around 522km, this is a cycling experience worth the time. Perfect for any avid cyclist, this tour gives you some quality time in the saddle, with nothing but nature at your back. Covering some of the most stunning mountain passes as well as rounding the glistening Brandvlei Dam, this is one of the most unbelievable ways to see the interior of the Cape. With the tour going right around the Hottentots Holland Mountains, this shows off the raw natural beauty of the area. A tour not to be missed, just you, your bike and the Good Hope.
ROUTE #2
GOOD HOPE
Stages
Day 1-Tour of Stellenbosch (97km, 750m Ascent)
The stage will start and finish in Stellenbosch with riders climbing Helshoogte Pass descending into Pniel towards Franschhoek, through Wemmershoek and pass Victor Verster Prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 3 years before his release in 1990. Ride towards Wellington before heading back on the rolling hills of the R44 back to the finish in Stellenbosch. Coffee in Stellenbosch.
Day 2- The Famous Four Passes (125km, 1840m ascent)
Start and Finish in Paarl. The stage heads out over Helshoogte to Somerset West before riders will climb the famous Sir Louwry’s Pass turn left into Grabouw and then return to Paarl via Viljoen’s Pass and Franschhoek Pass. Stop for coffee in Grabouw.
Day 3- Stellenbosch to Rawsonville (130km, 1400m ascent)
Start from La Paris Estate, Stellenbosch over Franschhoek Pass, through Villiersdorp and finish in Rawsonville. Coffee in Rawsonville.
Day 4-Stellenbosh over Du Toitskloof (127km, 1450m ascent)
Start at La Paris Estate, Stellenbosch climb Du Toitskloof pass from the Paarl side, over Slanghoek Pass and return via Bainskloof Pass to Stellenbosch. Coffee in Stellenbosch.
Day 5-Stellenbosch to Blouberstrand (80km, 600m ascent)
Start at La Paris Estate, Stellenbosch and head towards to west coast for the iconic view of Table Mountain from Eden on The Bay. Riders twill go through Philadelphia and Durbanville on route to Bloubergstrand. Coffee stop in Philadelphia.
Day 6- Flexible Day Activity
This day is flexible depending on group. Non cycling activities could be considered. E.g. City Tour, Mountain Hike, Wine Tour