Cycling in the Riebeek Valley
|
Kasteelberg & Village Bike Trail:
The Kasteelberg cycle trail takes in the villages of Ongegund, Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel, as well as the scenic (sand) Riebeeksrivier Road. You can chooose to do this route at a lesirely pace, stopping to savour the views, or attempt the more energetic 70 minute sprint. Start at the Spar in the Main (Voortrekker) Road in Riebeek West, and travel towards Riebeek Kasteel. Just past the village turn right at the T-junction and go over the steep Bothmanskloof Pass. Once over turn towards Riebeeksrivier; the road becomes sand. Keep a look-out for Table Mountain over your shoulder. At the far end you will encounter two T-junctions, the second back onto tar, and end at Riebeek West. 
Riebeek Kasteel Farm Road Trail:
The Riebeek Kasteel farm road cycle trail starts at the Riebeek Valley Tourism office. There is ample parking in the centre. Travel down the Main Street past the Royal Hotel, Short Street (great places to refresh on your return), and the imposing Dutch Reformed Church, until you reach the stop sign at Hermon Road. Turn right, and ride to the village edge. From here turn left and there is a quick downhill section on the provincial road (R46) in the direction of Hermon. Take care of traffic on this part. When you reach a sign indicating Delsma Farm, turn left onto the sand road and shortly you will travel over the railway line – check properly, it is in use! Keep on this road until just past Delsma, where there is a left turn signed Rooihoogte. Take this and ride until a row of labourers' cottages and grain silos; just beyond, at a crossroads, turn left towards the 'green structure'. Stay on this road until just beyond Delico, where you once again turn left towards Riebeek Kasteel. Once over the railway line you will pass Riebeek Cellars on your way back to the tourism office. Enjoy the wonderful views of seemingly endless wheatfields and Kasteelberg. 
|
Riebeek West Farm Road Trail:
The Riebeek West farm road cycle trail starts in Voortrekker Road, in front of the Dutch Reformed Church. There is ample parking in the street. Travel north along Voortrekker Road until you reach the top of a short incline where a right turn to Gouda is indicated. Take this and sail down the hill towards the silos and Riebeek West Station. Just beyond the road becomes sand. Cross over the railway line (take care, this line is in use!) and ride between endless vineyards. At the 4,7km point the road makes a sharp left turn and you continue down a gentle decline, until once again the railway line appears on your left. Shortly thereafter take a left turn and cross the line once again. You will have the magnificent Winterhoek Mountains on your right and at the top of a rise the road makes a 90° turn to the left. Keep on this until you reach a T-junction, where you turn left towards Kasteelberg and PPC, where you'll turn left again. Cross the railway line and the road becomes tar. At the top of the hill turn left back into Riebeek West, passing Groenrivier on the right, and into Voortrekker Road once more, to the starting point. Enjoy the wonderful views of seemingly limitless vineyards, wheatfields and Kasteelberg. 
Contact:
Riebeek Valley Tourism Office: 022 448 1545 Location: Opposite Riebeek Kasteel Town Square, next to the library. Visit the Tourism Officer at the Information Office for friendly assistance with all your queries and requirements. Office Hours: Monday to Saturday 09h00 to 16h00 Sundays: 10h00 to 14h00
The annual Riebeek Valley Mountain Bike Race is normally held in August or September. This year it is on the 19th August. Come and enjoy the natural beauty of the Riebeek Valley on your mountain bike. This event is suitable for the whole family.
The 35 km route will take you through vineyards, olive groves and up against the slopes of the Kasteelberg. And for the not-so-adventurous; take the 15 km route. Contact: Jacobus Bruwer on 082 523 9804 Email: kbruwer@agrizone.co.za Compiled by Chris Murphy of Orchard Design
| |||||||||
