Baviaanskloof: Patensie, Steytlerville, Uitenhage – 1 day (adventure bikes)

1. Total distance of route and date of ride? 

300km; July 2014

2. How long did it take to complete? Were you going fast or travelling leisurely?

Leisurely; eight hours.

3. Why do you recommend this route?

It takes in the famous but less-travelled Baviaanskloof area, with beautiful mountain scenery. For those living near the Baviaanskloof it’s a great day’s riding with technical, moderate and easy roads.

4. Please tell us how the route runs.

From Uitenhage take the R334 south towards Jeffreys Bay, then take the Elandsrivier Road towards Rocklands and Patensie. Continue for about 65 km and take the Grootrivierpoort turnoff. Turn right and follow the road along the plateau until it goes down to the Grootrivierpoort (18 km).

From there follow the road up the mountain and head towards Steytlerville. Turn left after approx 17 km and follow the road for another 17 km and keep left. Take the main gravel road (approximately 20 km) to Steytlerville. From Steytlerville take the tar road (R329) through Noorspoort and Waaipoort towards Wolwefontein. Turn right onto the R75 towards Uitenhage.

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

Due to technical and gravel roads, only adventure bikes and scramblers.

6. Please name points of interest along the way.

Sand River Dam (R311), Melkhoutboom Cheese Factory (R331), Anglo-Boer War Relics Museum (R331), Steytlerville Royal Hotel, Karoo Theatrical Hotel (Steytlerville), Daniell Cheetah Project (R75).

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

More than enough petrol along the way. No motorcycle shops that I know of.

8. Are there any dangers along the route?

The road down to the Grootrivierpoort is very bad (or technical, if you prefer) with ruts, loose gravel and stones. Be aware of kudus along the road from Steytlerville to Uitenhage.

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

R250 for fuel (1 tank) and R100 for meals.

10. Did you use any special gear?

No special gear used.

11. Any must-do activities on the route?

Wors braai at the river crossing and have the King Burger at the Royal Hotel in Steytlerville.

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

This route requires some off-road experience. It can also be done in reverse.