Kraaifontein, Tulbagh, Porterville – day trip (tar)
1. Total distance of route?
305km
2. How long did it take to complete? Were you going fast or travelling leisurely?
Five hours, leisurely.
3. Why do you recommend this route?
A great sample of touring riding, scenic and with some varying speed sections. Also, along this route there are plenty of off-road trails for adventure bikes.
4. Please tell us how the route runs.
Kraaifontein, N1, R46 to Wellington, R45 to Tulbagh, Porterville, Piketberg, Malmesbury to Philadelphia and back to the N1 at Kraaifontein.
5. What kind of motorcycle is the route suitable for?
The route is suitable for all types of bikes. I rode this route on a Harley-Davidson Switchback.
6. Please name significant points of interest on the route.
Tulbagh has a decent coffee shop named Kuierbossie, where we had four cups of coffee for R24! They also do a decent breakfast from about R24, so good value for money. Be prepared for some really old boeremusiek playing loudly in the background! Tulbagh is a popular location for filming TV adverts, including a recent Standard Bank ad.
7. Are there petrol stations along the way?
There are fuel stations along the route. I filled up at the Engen on the N1, then topped up with 5 liters in Porterville and made it back with 30km to spare on reserve. Spirited riding will use more fuel.
8. Are there any dangers along the route?
The road was mostly in very good condition, with some roadworks on the mountain pass heading to Tulbagh. The road between Porterville and Piketberg had some potholes, but nothing too bad.
9. What did the trip cost in fuel, meals and accommodation?
23 liters @R11.69 plus R24 for coffee. Accommodation is reasonably priced in this area with many bed-and-breakfast options available. Call Tulbagh Tourism on +27 23 2301375 or visit tulbaghtourism.co.za.
10. Did you use any special gear, e.g. fuel bags, that made your journey possible, easier or more enjoyable?
No special gear required.
11. Any other comments or advice?
It’s a long ride, so give yourself enough time to take it all in.
12. Any hospitals in the area?
The Lapa Munnik Hospital is in Porterville (Voortrekker Street), tel: 022 931 2140. For emergency service use your cell phone provider. Coverage is pretty good all over this route.
The rider – Mukhtar Mukuddem
