Route Information for the Unbound Joburg 2 Blouberg Challenge
- An Unbound 1000mi Series Adventure
- 1000 mi (1607.8 km)
- + 10,055 m ↗ | 11,486 m ↘
The route was designed as a gravel grind route, minimizing the use of tar roads sections mainly through major cities and small towns, whilst maximizing gravel roads, mostly on roads, less travelled.
The route starts on the southern outskirts of the great South African City of Gold, Johannesburg, traverses through some of the less populated historical towns of the Free State Province and the Great Karoo, and passes close by many monumental sites, dating back to the Anglo Boer War, before ultimately arriving at Eden on Bay at Big Bay Beach, in the suburb of Bloubergstrand in view of South Africa’s Table Mountain, which has been ranked as the fifth natural wonder of the world.
“Rising above Cape Town, Table Mountain is probably South Africa’s most iconic landmark. The stunning flat-topped mountain is home to the widest variety of flowers and other plant life in the world and, in fact, contains more species of plants than exist in the entire British Isles – despite being smaller than London.”
On this journey you will experience vast open land, spot some cattle, sheep, game, and a ton of squeaky “Windpompe”. If by any chance you manage to spot a tortoise on the road, do not hesitate to stop for the traditional cycling helmet on a tortoise photo. The guys in the group will love you for that (kind of a rite of passage).
Do not be surprised if one of the local farmers flags you down, just to enquire what in the world you are doing out there in the middle of nowhere. It might take some time in explaining this crazy adventure to a farmer shaking his head side to side and asking you if he could perhaps offer you a lift. Resist the urge. They will not let you go, they will keep you hostage, just to have some company.
Vast open land, with the occasional car passing by is what you could expect for most of the 76% gravel roads.
As this event can be ridden any time of the year, some research into current weather patterns would be advised. This arid dry stretch of land that struggled to see rainfall for 100 years, had their “cup overflowing” in recent times, creating a couple of unexpected obstacles, and some harsh riding conditions. Extreme temperature changes can be experienced, from blistering heat, to freezing cold.
The route can be ridden either as the *J2B⇓* downride or *J2B⇑* upride or be attempted as a double (2000 mi), starting either from Johannesburg or Blouberg. *J2B⇓⇑* / *J2B⇑⇓*
We offer a Comprehensive Race Information Booklet (Tips, Tricks & Recommendations), Satellite Tracking | Communications, Social Media Presence, and a Merry Dot Watching Crowd to keep an eye on your progress and overall safety to all our registered entrants. All successful and vetted registered finishers will become part of our legendary wall of fame.
If you feel the desire to take this adventure on without our support, please plan properly and ensure that you will have means of communication through the vast “out-of-coverage” areas.
“If you fail to plan, you planning to fail”. – Benjamin Franklin
History | Credit
The Joburg to Blouberg 1000 miler Route was initiated by John Loos early in 2021 and was created as an alternative to the original (pre-Covid) race format by Andy Masters from Massive Adventures & Tours, who, created an interesting race format whereby riders could choose their own routes from Johannesburg to Cape Town and race each other along the route, via some pre-determined Check Points.
This first recorded finishers of this newfound version were by the originator John Loos CAP #1 and Paul Erasmus CAP #2 who will remain the “First Male Team | Group” finishers of this route, with their “partial” verified attempt, within the Self-Supported Category.
“We remain grateful for Andy and John’s contributions and remain committed to continue with our passion to grow Ultra Distance Bike Packing Challenges throughout the Southern Africa Region”.
Milestones (Ancient Landmarks)
“The Latin is “milia passuum,” meaning a thousand paces. The Romans also erected stone markers at mile intervals to notify the passerby of distances covered or the number of miles to go to reach their destination. These markers were conveniently called milestones.”
Once upon a time, a long time ago, when South Africa was still a British Colony, “miles” were the fashion, we have since made that jump to the metric system and of the impression that it has become a kind of an “Old School” Unit of measure.
Below are our Milestones | Landmarks (Points of Interest):
Mile markers: Joburg 2 Blouberg Route (31)
- The start of the 1000mi Joburg 2 Blouberg Challenge,
- or alternatively
- The finish if you opted for the Blouberg 2 Joburg Challenge.
TIP: Although convenient, you are not required to make use of their accommodation, if you may be denied entry, you may start from the Riverside Sun Sign at the entrance to the resort.
The railway line from Bloemfontein to Vereeniging was pushed through here in 1892 with Wolwehoek station being established here at the same time.
Construction of this line was a race for first place in a competition with the Natal line and the Line from Lourenco Marques (Maputo).
Over the years Wolwehoek has become an economic hub, mainly agriculture related industry that established itself here.
Apart from the big silos of Senwes there are abattoirs, a tannery, and feedlots.
CAUTION: Do not expect to find any shops or resupply options here.
TIP: There are some nice old farming equipment on display on the Right-hand side of the main entrance.
Koppies is a small town (Railway Station) near the Renoster river. It was laid out as a township in 1910 and became a municipality in 1926.
Koppies dam was constructed to supply water for irrigation, and work to the local people who needed it badly.
During the 1960’s, the wall of the dam was raised to where it is today.
CAUTION: Koppies is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns.
The route does NOT pass through town; however, nothing prevents one from popping into town and re-joining the route at the same point to continue the adventure.
Edenville is a small farming town that was established on the farms Erfdeel-Noord, Langland and Welgelegen in 1912, and attained municipal status in 1921.
The present church, one of those beautiful sandstone churches, was built in 1921. The architect was J.R. Burg, he also designed the churches in Dullstroom and Belfast.
The name is assumed to refer to the biblical Garden of Eden, but this is uncertain.
CAUTION: Edenville is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns.
Another small farming town in the Free State province that was founded in 1910 and named after President Steyn the last president of the Orange Free State Republic from 1896 to 1902.
A fine sandstone Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1928, dominates the town and is its most notable architectural feature, sitting at the main axis, Van Riebeeck and Haasbroek Streets.
CAUTION: Steynsrus is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns.
Ventersburg was established on the farm Kromfontein which was owned by PA Venter who died in 1857. His son allowed a Reform Church to be established on the farm in 1864 and by 1871, the first plots of the original farm were sold.
Ventersburg was declared on 6 May 1873. The Dutch Reform Church was built in Ventersburg in 1891 but it was burnt down in 1900 by the British forces during the Boer War. The church was later re-built in 1912.
The town attained municipal status in 1903.
CAUTION: The route does NOT pass through town; however, nothing prevents one from popping into town and re-joining the route at the same point to continue the adventure.
TIP: This is the first town that is right on the N1 route connecting Cape Town and the Johannesburg. As such, you will find 24-hour food, albeit late at night at garage shops.
Established in 1960 on the Sand River, and forms part of the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve. Allemanskraal Dam a.k.a. Aldam should not be mistaken as a Town, therefore don’t regard this as a resupply point. (You need to be a paying guest to get access). For those of you on a pleasant tour of the route, Aldam Resort Caravan Park and Chalets might be a pleasant stopover.
The reservoir has a gross capacity of 174,500 cubic meters (6,160,000 cu ft), and a surface area of 26.481 square kilometers (10.244 sq mi), the dam wall is 38 meters (125 ft) high
CAUTION: Do not expect to find any shops or resupply options here.
Winburg is the oldest proclaimed town (1837) in the Orange Free State. As the N1 bypasses this small mixed farming town, do not expect 24-hour service here. It would be advisable to phone ahead during the daytime while you enroute to place food or accommodation orders/bookings. Food may be good, but not necessarily fast.
CAUTION: Winburg is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns.
Verkeerdevlei is a small town in the Free State, named after a stream, that flows in the opposite direction of the other streams in the area.
The only hot food we could find was a huge packet of “Slap Chips” drenched in oil and vinegar.
CAUTION: One of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns, route passes through town, however, you may bypass town if you prefer.
The capital and the largest city of the Free State Province was originally included as a convenient “bail out” option for those who may have changed their mind on completing this exciting adventure. This sizable city with everything from Hospitals to 24-hour shops, shopping malls, hotels, car rental, airport and most importantly … Bike Shops was only placed on the route to test your commitment. (And, for “just in-case”, of course). Don’t let the comfort of the big city life tempt you into an early retirement. Resist the urge, and soldier on.
CAUTION: Passing through Bloemfontein does require some timing, as, just like any other city, it could be slightly intimidating to pass through during party hour or Peak Hour Traffic.
TIP: Lots of shops, just in case the weather is not what you may have expected, and most important of all… Bicycle Shops. Last minute niggles can be sorted out here and supplies for the long haul could be topped up here. The next bike shop is +/- 650 miles away (Do the math!)
Edenburg is another one of those small towns. Proclaimed a town in 1863 and received municipal government in 1891. Laid out on the Farm Rietfontein in 1862 with the Dutch Reformed Church built in the same year. The name is said to be either of biblical origin or an adaptation of Edinburg, name of the birthplace in Scotland of the Reverend Andrew Murray, for many years the only minister in the Orange Free State.
CAUTION: Edenburg is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns.
Another former N1 town until the bypass was built. Trompsburg was laid out in 1891 on the farm Middelwater and attained municipal status in 1902. Named after the owners of the farm, Jan and Bastiaan Tromp. It was at first called Jagersfontein Road, then Hamilton, in honour of Sir Hamilton John Goold-Adams (1858–1920), Lieutenant-Governor of the Orange River Colony from 1901 to 1910.
CAUTION: Trompsburg is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns
The town was established in 1904 on the farm, which was part of the farm Springfontein. The name Springfontein, which is Afrikaans for “jumping fountain”, stems from the existence of a spring on the farm. A village management board was established in 1904 and the town attained municipal status in 1912. Farming with sheep, cattle and maize is prevalent in the district, and in the early part of the twentieth century the Springfontein Creameries were one of the main employers.
The town is an important railway junction on the main line to Johannesburg, being the point where the Bloemfontein line converges with the East London and Port Elizabeth lines and where a westward line to other Free State towns commences.
During the Second Boer War/Anglo-Boer War, there was a British concentration camp in the district. The camp was started in February 1901.
CAUTION: Springfontein is one of those typical Free state daytime, weekday trade towns.
Bordering the Free State and Eastern Cape, the town next to the wall of South Africa’s biggest dam, the Gariep Dam (Commissioned in 1971). Its primary purpose is for irrigation, domestic and industrial use as well as for power generation.
The wall is 88 m high and has a crest length of 914 m and contains approximately 1.73 million m³ of concrete. The Gariep Dam is the largest storage reservoir in South Africa. Gariep Dam has a total storage capacity of approximately 5,340,000 megalitres (5,340 hm3) and a surface area of more than 370 square kilometres (140 sq mi) when full. The hydro-electrical power station houses four 90 MW generators.
CAUTION: One of those typical Free state / Eastern Cape daytime, weekday trade towns
TIP: The garage as you enter Gariep is well stocked, and a recommended stop. A little further down the road is one of our favourite steakhouses. Tjaailatyd offers a great menu, and accommodation as well. If you crunched for time, there is a Mini Market OK Bazaars next to Tjaailatyd.
Colesberg was founded in 1830 on an abandoned station of the London Missionary Society, and initially named Toverberg after a nearby hill, it was renamed Colesburg after Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, then Governor of the Cape Colony.
Colesberg is a sheep-farming area spread over half-a-million hectares, greater Colesberg breeds many of the country’s top merinos. It is also renowned for producing high-quality racehorses and many stud farms.
Colesberg is very much a 24-hour town for travellers along the N1 route. You will pass a variety of accommodation spots on the main street.
TIP: There is an Engen One-Stop as you exit the town. With a Wimpy and a KFC, you may just feel that you have entered civilization again. Menino Inn, with a 24-hour reception would be a great option if you had a longer than planned day getting here.
Hanover is a small town in the Northern Cape Province. Named after Hanover in Germany, this town was established in 1854.
Much of the farming in the area is with Merino sheep.
The country’s first observatory once stood proud at the top of Trappieskop, however it has been moved and is now part of the observatory at Sutherland.
TIP: Another N1 town, but smaller than Colesberg, so not everything will necessarily be 24-hour service. The garages on the N1 will be though, so at least water refills should be possible.
This little gem marks the official half-way mark.
Wortelfontein Guest Farm is nestled in the bend and foothills of a horseshoe mountain range on a 4890-hectare Karoo farm between Hanover and Richmond in the Northern Cape. This beautiful retreat is rich in history and surprises visitors with its beautiful Karoo architecture.
They have a converted stable with a double bed, an L-shaped couch that is suitable for children, a Victorian bathroom with a bath and a corner kitchenette. There is also The Wagon House, which was renovated and offers two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and a lounge. The main bedroom has a double bed, and the second bedroom has three bunk beds. They serve full farm-style breakfasts with home-made jams; and for dinner guests can enjoy a braai under the Karoo stars.
CAUTION: Wortelfontein should not be considered as a resupply stop unless you have booked ahead.
The town was established in 1843 in South Africa’s inland plateau. It was founded to meet the religious needs of a growing farming community, but unlike most Karoo towns the church was not built as the physical focal point of the village; rather, the centrepiece is the village square. Unusually for this arid region, it was built astride a river which has been cited as the reason for the irregular street grid. The town has a substantial number of well-preserved houses and public buildings of Victorian and Edwardian Karoo style, with additions of verandas dating from the 1920s. The Dutch Reformed Church building, the spiritual if not the physical centre around which the town evolved, dates from 1847, with a tower completed in 1909. It celebrated a centenary in 2009.
The naming of the town originated in the desire of the townsfolk to honour the new Governor of the Cape, Sir Peregrine Maitland, who took office in 1844. Maitland declined, however, suggesting instead that it be named after his father-in-law, the Duke of Richmond. It was officially named Richmond in October 1845. It was a resort town for European aristocratic patients of lung diseases such as whooping cough and tuberculosis in the 1800s due to its clean air and mineral rich waters.
CAUTION: The route does NOT pass through town; however, nothing prevents one from popping into town and re-joining the route at the same point to continue the adventure.
Still an early closing town, with the benefit of a 24-hour Filling Station. Caution while crossing the N1.
TIP: Choose the correct turn off, or you will end up riding on the busy N1 instead of just crossing over it.
The town was laid out on the bank of the Brakrivier watercourse in 1843, when the Dutch Reformed Church bought the farm Zeekoegat from the estate of J.H. Classens. It was named Victoria in 1844, after Queen Victoria, though amended to Victoria West in 1855 to distinguish it from an Eastern Cape district. In 1859 the town acquired municipal status.
The first services of the Dutch Reformed Church were led by Rev. Colin Fraser of Beaufort West in the “Kerkhuis” on the farm Kapoksfontein. The congregation in Victoria West separated from that in Beaufort West during October 1843 when the first local preacher, Rev. W.E. Krige was ordained. For various practical reasons, they decided not to establish the town on the farm Kapoksfontein but rather Zeekoegat. Church services were temporarily held in a house on Zeekoegat. There was a need for a comfortable church building and fund raising was started.
- 10 March 1850 – Consecration of the unfinished church took place.
- 8 October 1922 – The restored and improved building was reconstructed.
- 29–30 April 1967 – The restored building was consecrated.
The history of the Dutch Reformed Church is set out in a display at the Victoria West Regional Museum, consisting of documents, photographs, maps, Bibles, items of the first Communion Service and the church’s first organ. The church was declared a National Monument in 1992.
CAUTION: One of those typical Northern Cape daytime, weekday trade towns.
Loxton was originally a farm called Phizantefontein, which was owned by A.E. Loxton, whom the town is named after. The farm was bought from him in 1899 by the Dutch Reformed Church for £7,500 to establish a parish for local farmers. The town is believed to have been named after A.E Loxton due to a £50 donation he made to fund the salary of the town’s first Dutch Reformed Church minister.
The town’s first church building and schoolhouse was built in 1900. Tree-lined streets and flood irrigation channels that run alongside the town’s main roads were completed in the same year. The town became a municipality in 1905 as it developed to serve the region’s sheep-farming community. The church that stands in the town’s centre was constructed in 1924.
Most of the small town was destroyed [dubious – discuss] by a flash flood that caused the town’s dam to burst in March 1961. The town has since recovered from the disaster.
CAUTION: Loxton is a daylight trading hours town.
The route does NOT pass through town; however, nothing prevents one from popping into town and re-joining the route at the same point to continue the adventure.
Fraserburg is a town in the Karoo region of South Africa’s Northern Cape province. It is in the Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality. The town has some of the coldest winters in South Africa.
The nearest towns are Williston, Sutherland, Loxton and Leeu-Gamka, all of which are more than 100 km distant.
A particularly good example of a corbelled house can be found in the town, there are others in the district. The town is also well known for the large number of unique and well-preserved fossil finds that litter the surrounding area.
The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the San people, and their artefacts and rock paintings can still be found in the area. The first Europeans to arrive in the region were Trekboers who arrived in 1759. The first settler to be recorded in these parts was Willem Steenkamp, after whom the Steenkamps Berg is named. In 1851 Fraserburg was established on the farm Rietfontein and named after the Scottish immigrant Reverend Colin Fraser.
A post office was established in 1858, seven years after the town’s founding, this led to an era of development for the area. In 1859 a magistrate’s office was opened and in 1860 a police station was opened, and the town’s first medical doctor arrived. In 1861 a prison was opened in the town, it closed 107 years later in 1968. In 1870 the town’s first attorney and noted Afrikaans author, H. W. A. Cooper, moved to the town where he wrote the “Boerebrieven” in the Afrikaans newspaper Het Volksblad, writing under the pseudonym Samuel Zwaartman.
The town was declared a municipality on June 6, 1862.
CAUTION: One of those typical Northern Cape daytime, weekday trade towns.
Sutherland was founded in 1855 as a church and market town to serve the area’s sheep farmers. By 1872 the town had a population of 138 registered citizens living in 19 houses. The large Dutch Reformed church in the centre of Sutherland was built in 1899.
During the Anglo Boer War, the church was used as a fort by garrisoned British soldiers. During the war several engagements between British and Boer forces occurred in the town. In one such engagement a force of 250 Boer commandos attacked the local British garrison for 10 hours. The ruins of a fort can be found on the outskirts of town on the hill called Rebelskop. This was named after this engagement.
Sutherland is the coldest town in South Africa, although the farm Buffelsfontein near Molteno holds the official lowest temperature record in Continental South Africa, of −20.2 °C (−4 °F).
Snowfall in Sutherland is common in winter, and precipitation ranges from 170mm to 300mm mostly in the form of rain. The coldest temperature recorded in Sutherland was −16.4 °C (2.5 °F) on 12 July 2003, and the lowest Daytime temperature was recorded at -6 °C on 2 August 2012.
The nearby South African Astronomical Observatory plays a significant role in the town’s economy and is a major driver of tourism to the area.
CAUTION: Another daylight trading hours town (Did we mention… Coldest Town?)
Entering the arid Tankwa Karoo one is to see gravel (dirt roads) of endless measure. Lovely scenic views of mother nature at her best.
One wonders of nearest town in area.
75 miles from Sutherland one finds an orange and black building, looks like a ‘Skuur’ (Barn) but is more than just a storage place.
Da Doer Padstal offers amazing food, a friendly environment, for all walks of nature, cold refreshments.
It is a little oasis for all endurance travellers, be it one of the Unbound Adventures & Tours 1000 miler Adventures, The Munga or any other. A rest place indeed.
They will surely welcome you on your trip to Da Doer padstal and treat you like family.
CAUTION: This little farm stall in the middle of the Tankwa Karoo (one of the driest parts of SA) may prove an important resupply stop, don’t take it for granted that the farm stall will be open. If you are one of our registered riders, we will surely be able to pull a couple of strings, however, if you are partaking this adventure as a DIY, best call ahead and ascertain the hours. Otherwise, one can get quite parched in those parts.
Visiting Tankwa Padstal is a unique experience. From a distance you notice a flying saucer halfway buried in the Karoo soil and on closer inspection, more gems come into view – the mannequin crafted out of blue mosaic greeting you from a gate pole, the hippy Beetle trying to climb up a windmill….
As you enter the Padstal, owners Hein and Susan Lange are there to greet the weary traveller and make you feel right at home.
Their visitors are delighted with great food and a shop that overflows with unique trinkets and memorabilia from yesteryear.
On your next journey on the longest dirt road in South Africa, stop at Tankwa Padstal and feed your soul.
CAUTION: Tankwa Padstal is NOT open on Wednesday’s. Water is scarce here, best is to call ahead and ensure the operation hours, one can get parched in those parts.
TIP: 55 miles from Ceres, this little farm stall in the middle of the Tankwa Karoo (one of the driest parts of SA) may prove an important resupply stop.
Ceres, which is said to be named after the Roman goddess of agriculture, is situated in the Warmbokkeveld Valley about 106 miles north-east of Cape Town.
As the gateway to the Route 62, Ceres is often the starting point for those taking more of a back-road trip from city to city. The road through Ceres became the main route to the north when diamonds were discovered in Kimberley in the late 1800’s. These days the route is known as the ‘Forgotten Highway’ and is fast developing as a tourist attraction. The town is rich in history with many historical buildings to tell its story, however after an earthquake struck in 1969 many of the original buildings were damaged.
Situated in a wonderfully fertile area, Ceres is one of South Africa’s top producers of deciduous fruit. Export quality fresh and dried fruit, fruit juices and natural spring water is produced here. Famous for not only its snow but its cherries in summer. Cherry picking is a huge crowd pleaser at Klondyke Farm.
The town’s climate is controlled by its altitude with frequent snowfalls at higher ground during winter, but rarely on the valley floor. Shrouded in white the mountains provide a beautiful backdrop during winter, giving the area its nickname of “Little Switzerland”.
Tip: Ceres will seem like a metropolis compared to anything seen since Bloemfontein. Not being on the N1 means that 24-hour service can be limited, but a 24-hour garage shop or 2 should serve basic needs.
Wolseley is situated in the picturesque Breede River Valley of the Western Cape Province. The Wolseley area is rich in vineyards, orchards, cattle farms, and wheat fields. Wolseley was established in 1875 as Ceres Road Station and in 1910 named after Sir Garnet Wolseley, a British Governor in Natal.
Wolseley is situated on a natural watershed that divides the Berg River (renowned for the annual Berg River Marathon) and the Breede River (one of the largest navigable rivers in South Africa).
The town is surrounded by the Waaihoek mountains, Witzen mountains and Waterfall mountains and is unique in that it can be accessed via any one of four splendid passes: Du Toitskloof Pass, Bainskloof Pass, Nuwekloof Pass and Michells Pass.
CAUTION: Somehow this town is also not fond of late trading hours.
Gouda was founded in the early 1800’s on the farm La Bonne Esperance. The owners of the farm, three elderly sisters who immigrated from Gouda in Holland, donated the land for the establishment of a town on condition that it be called Gouda. Initially it was little more than a marketplace on Saturdays where local farmers could sell their produce, but after completion of the railway line between Gouda and Cape Town in 1875, the village expanded rapidly. A railway station was erected followed by hotels, shops, a post office, a butchery, a school, a church, a bank and a missionary station. During the Anglo Boer war, the British Army set up camp on Gouda and a rather dilapidated Blockhouse from this era can still be seen on the Farm Koopmans Rivier, which farm incidentally was once owned by the brother of the well-known Voortrekker leader Piet Retief. Word has it that when the Voortrekkers travelled through the area on their North, they set up camp in the area for a few nights.
Gouda is a small rural village surrounded by breathtaking mountains. It became well known because of the world-famous Gouda cheeses. Apart from heavy snowfalls on the mountains during winter, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery on local wine farms when exploring the wine routes.
The 138 MW Gouda Wind Farm that was opened in September 2015, that is situated just outside of town would most definitely be a focal point.
On a more factual note: Of Khoekhoen origin, the name Gouda is said to mean “antelope”.
CAUTION: The route does NOT pass through town; however, nothing prevents one from popping into town and re-joining the route at the same point to continue the adventure.
Riebeek-Kasteel is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, situated at 50 miles north-east of Cape Town in The Riebeek Valley together with its sister town Riebeek West. They set off in the direction of Paardeberg and on 3 February 1661 they ascended a lonely mountain and came upon the fertile vista of the Riebeek Valley. They named it Riebeek Kasteel, in honor of the Commander.
Subsequently farmers established themselves in the valley and during 1900 the town was laid out in and around its existing church and its neighbour The Royal Hotel, the oldest hotel of South Africa. The town eventually developed and today it houses +/- 2700 residents including some of South Africa’s most famous painters, attracted by the picturesque surroundings of the valley.
The town is the largest in the Swartland (‘black land’) which took its name from the Renosterbos (‘rhino bush’), an indigenous plant that turns black in the warm, dry summers. The area is especially known for its grain and wine cultivation as well as sheep and poultry farming.
Malmesbury was named after Sir Lowry Cole’s father-in-law, the Earl of Malmesbury. Settlers were encouraged to make their homes here because of a tepid sulphur chloride mineral spring that was renowned for curing rheumatism. The first farms were allocated in 1703. When the fifth Dutch Reformed congregation in the Cape was established here, it became known as Zwartlands-kerk (Swartland Church) but was renamed Malmesbury in 1829. The town acquired municipal status in 1860.
Melkbosstrand (Afrikaans for “Milkbush beach”) is a coastal town located on the South West Coast of South Africa, 19 miles north of Cape Town.
Named after the species of Euphorbiaceae bushes which grow on the dunes and give off a milky latex like substance, it is commonly referred to simply as Melkbos. The town and its 4 mile stretch of white sand beach is situated on the Atlantic coast with the Blouberg mountain to the east.
It’s nearest neighbouring towns are Bloubergstrand to the south and Atlantis to the north-east. Melkbos is protected from urban development owing to its location in an expansive nature conservation zone to the South, insulating it from the Bloubergstrand sprawl, and the security buffer zones of Koeberg nuclear power station to the North and today it remains a pristine seaside resort.
CAUTION: This will be a good time to make use of the dedicated bike lanes between Melkbosstrand and Bloubergstrand.
The route starts / ends at a circle right next to Eden on the Bay Centre, and on Big Bay Beach literally. You’ll see a nice life-sized photo frame with Table Mountain in the background. Put yourself and your bike up on the photo frame and get someone to snap a few photos…if it’s a nice day. If not? Well, there can always be a next time.
If you are at the finish, and you participated as a registered adventurer, you may expect a small token of our appreciation upon verification of your journey, and a life long membership on our Legends Corner (Wall of Fame). If you were opting for the DIY option, we hope you had a blast.
If you are doing the upride, all the best, you may have noticed that the Mile marker names will remain the same, and you would be counting down the miles.
If by any chance you are doing the double, you would not have to rush at all, our only finisher so far ensured that this record could easily be broken, even on a “stop-and-smell-the-roses” attempt.
CAUTION: This will be a good time to make use of the dedicated bike lanes between Melkbosstrand and Bloubergstrand.