Kalk Bay, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak – day trip (any bike)

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1. Total distance of route and date of ride?

About 110km. September 2012

2. How long did it take to complete?

It took us the whole day (From 11:00 to 18:00). Well, a Vuka scooter can only reach 100 km/h down a mine shaft anyway. We left Vredehoek in Cape Town at 11:00 and stopped often on our way to explore and take pictures.

3. Why are you recommending this route?

It is spectacular in every way and an easy ride, with a wide variety of restaurants and pubs along the way. You could basically stop anywhere, and have a stunning view of the ocean.

4. Please tell us how the route runs.

We took the N2 east to the M3, which took us all the way to Steenberg Road and onto Main Road. There are roadworks on Main Road, so I suggest Boyes Drive. This took us through Kalk Bay. We rode on to Simon’s Town. We kept to Main Road and rode all the way to Klipfontein, then turned off to Cape Point. On our way back, we followed the same route and took a left at Fishoek, onto Kommetjie Road, which took us to Chapman’s Peak Drive. We made another stop in Hout Bay at the harbour and then rode to Camps Bay for a sundowner.

5. What kind of motorcycle is the route suitable for?

Any bike or scooter will do. If I could do it on a Vuka 110cc semi-auto… enough said. My brother Byron rode his 125cc Honda e-Storm.

6.  Please name significant points of interest.

Jubilee Square in Simons Town has a selection of restaurants right by the water’s edge. Apart from that, you are spoilt for choice all the way.

7. Are there petrol stations or repair shops along the way?

There are more than enough petrol stations and Suzuki South (+27 21 761 0157) will fix almost any bike.

8. Are there any dangers along the route?

There are no significant dangers, just the roadworks between Kalk Bay and Fishoek. The baboons at Cape Point are more of a nuisance than a danger, but don’t take chances and be aware that they are attracted by food. (Most humans too, so remain vigilant. – ed)

9. What did the trip cost?

About R80 for fuel and R300 for food and drinks – for both riders.

10. Did you use any special gear, e.g. fuel bags, that made your journey possible, easier or more enjoyable?

We packed our sleeping bags in case we wanted to stay overnight, but then we completed the route in a day.

11.  Any must-do activities on the route?

Lunch at Simon’s Town harbour, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point – the list is endless. In Camps Bay I love watching the sun light up Table Mountain as it sets.

12. Did anything funny happen that you’d like to share?

At Cape Point there are baboons everywhere. This I discovered as soon as we parked and a huge male baboon was sitting right next to me! I didn’t scream, but I did run a few paces.

13. Do you have any other comments or advice about the route?

Leave as early as possible, so you don’t have the sun in your eyes as you ride towards Chapman’s Peak. The route might seem short on a map, but it’s actually quite long.

14. Are there any doctors and/or hospitals in the area that you know of?

For emergencies in Cape Town call 021 480 7700 or 112.

Ride report by Frank Spillman