To Grabouw

December 19, 2025

Since leaving Cape Agulhas, on the Southetn tip of Africa, I allowed myself 4 days to get to Capetown, with a few days leeway after that to sort out bikebox and packing and some sightseeing. This meant today could be a relatively short 47km day, albeit with a monster 12km climb out of Bot River. My legs complained first thing this morning as I set off out of Caledon, immediately climbing towards the N2 towards Capetown. This was despite the generous massage I had given them the night before. A deep, self inflicted, 10 minute massage on both legs does wonders to dissipate lactic acid build up and makes for fresher legs every morning, just as is done for the pros by their professional masseuses. I routinely self massage my legs when I feel they are tiring, as I did last night.

The ride off the N2 was spectacular, yet again. Splendid farmland scenery and rolling hills made me feel very glad to be out in the fresh air, travelling as I love to do on my trusty two wheels. Donkeys gazed at me, Sheep gazed at me and motorists smiled and waved at me in the morning sunshine. I didn't want my short day to end! After a very steep descent to Bot River, the N2 went into hairpin bend mode for the steep 12km climb up to Houwhoek Pass. I pushed a steady 7km/h for the entire climb. The views were stunning, and the road surface was perfect. Lorries crawled up in the slow lane, and I in the hard shoulder. In the opposite direction, lorries descended cautiously, smoke coming off their brakes with engines roaring in low gear. It was all quite dramatic!

After the Houwhoek Pass climb, the road undulated and weaved amongst beautiful vineyards and finally descended into Grabouw. The increased population of this small town struck me immediately. It was a significant change to the sparsely populated town's I had encountered so far. I put this down to being closer to Capetown and hence workers who cannot afford to live in the townships outside the City, will commute from places like Grabouw. The population was noticeably more African as well, and noticeably poorer, which also reflected the unfortunate wealth gap between the black and white South Aftucsns. Minibuses shuttled people places, market stalls sold streetfood, grills smoked as they grilled meat and maize, and people crossed the roads wherever they liked. It actually felt like an African town should feel like! I stayed very focused on the road as I rode through the busy town centre to avoid running into someone with my 50kg rig!

I found accommodation on the edge of town where it was slightly quieter. Debbie was my host, who was kind and welcoming, and a grandmother to 4 grandchildren, and in my opinion, slightly racist. Her choice of words was a tad uncomfortable at times, and she had a clear superiority complex above black South Africans. I didn't attempt to change her views, but didn't entertain extended conversation about black inferiority with her. She did kindly take me to the Spar Supermarket in her car as she was going to get cat food, and despite her unconventional opinions, I was grateful.

I was feeling tired after the past few days' riding so spent the afternoon planning my entry into Capetown for tomorrow. There are so called "red areas" on the outskirts of Capetown which the city's authorities have labelled as unsafe for any foreigners to travel through because of high crime. All my research on the subject says the same. All of these red areas are on the Eastern side of the city, so directly on my route in. I hope to ride to the outskirts of town and then get a transfer through the red areas before resuming the ride to my accommodation. Before any of that, however, there will be a morning climb up to Sir Lowry's Pass from where I should have a magnificent view of Table Mountain and the sprawling city below.

Today's ride: 48 km (30 miles)
Total: 2,828 km (1,756 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	1
Comment on this entry	Comment	0