Mossel Bay, Calitzdorp, Bredasdorp (Klein Karoo) – four days (adventure bike)

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1. Total distance of route and date of ride?

We travelled approximately 900km. October 2012.

2. How long did it take to complete?

We drove down to Mossel Bay in the bakkie, spent four days on the bike and returned in the bakkie. We travelled slowly and averaged between 250km a day.

3. Why do you recommend this route?

The route includes a variety of scenery, like the forests in the Knysna area, the Klein Karoo around Calitzdorp and Montagu, and strandveld and renosterveld around Cape Agulhas.

4. Please tell us how the route runs.

From Mossel Bay we went through George and then rode to Knysna via the Seven Passes road (old George-Knysna road that passes the Saasveld College outside George). From Knysna we took a wonderful gravel road, the R339 to Uniondale and from there we went to Calitzdorp via the R541 and later on the R62. From here we went through Seweweekspoort and took a few other nameless gravel roads to Montagu. Then we headed down to Robertson and rode on the R317 through Bonnievale and Bredasdrop to Cape Agulhas. From here we headed back to Mossel Bay all along the coast on another nameless gravel road to Malgas where we crossed the Breede River on a ferry. The rest of the ride back to Mossel Bay was along a series of nameless gravel roads via Witsand, Stilbaai and Gourits.

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

We rode a BMW 1150 GS Adventure and we figure anyone with any dual purpose bike and with little bit or almost no off road experience should be able to ride the whole route like we did.

6.  Please name significant points of interest.

The road from Knysna to Uniondale was beautiful and a highlight of the trip. So was the Seweweekspoort road. The best accommodation was in Calitzdorp, where we stayed at The Old Ticket Office and had dinner at Karoo Life, another guest house in Calitzdorp. Excellent food at reasonable prices. Unfortunately the Klipdrift distillery’s tours in Robertson were fully booked, so we had to settle for a Klipdrift burger.

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

Petrol is available in every town. George and Mossel Bay have various bike dealerships and bike repair shops.
Lynn Schroeder BMW in George – 044 801 7900
George Yamaha – 044 874 1416
Honda Wing Mossel Bay – 044 695 4101

8. Are there any dangers along the route?

There were no seriously technical roads or difficult parts or any dangers that we encountered.

9. What did the trip cost in fuel, meals and accommodation?

Accommodation was around R350 per person, per night. What you spend on meals depends on you, as there are plenty of eateries along the route. We spent about R1 000 on fuel and had no toll or entrance fees to pay. A total of about R3 800 for the two of us.

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

The Bluetooth communication set that we bought before the trip was the best investment we could have made. We chatted along the way and answered the cell phone if necessary. The trip would have been completely different without it.

11.  Any must-do activities on the route?

The whole trip is a must for anyone who wants to see a variety of scenic places. (See point 6)

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

Avoid the main roads and ride the smaller roads and gravel roads. You will always be pleasantly surprised.

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

Doctors and hospitals widely available (in almost every town).
George Medi Clinic – 044 803 2000
George Hospital – 044 802 4499
ER24 – 0800 225 599 / 084 124
Medical Rescue Montagu – 076 401 7066

Ride report by Christo Lombard.