Bolandcycletour, Western Cape, South Africa

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

This commercially assisted roaming overseas tour, coordinated by South African born, Cathy Hediger, takes us on a scenic route around the Western Cape province in South Africa.

The Afrikaans word, Boland, meaning "highland", is a region of the Western Cape province of South Africa, situated to the northeast of Cape Town in the middle and upper courses of the Berg and Breede Rivers, around the Boland Mountains of the central Cape Fold Belt. It is sometimes also referred to as the Cape Winelands because it is the primary region for the making of Western Cape wine. 

The area is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, rugged mountain passes, the beautiful expanses of vineyards, and famous Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Roads are well maintained, paved and bike friendly. Highlights of this tour include summiting multiple mountain passes, a safari experience, riding along scenic coastal roads, as well as in a national park, nature reserve, and through valleys of vineyards and olive groves.  

The tour ends with the optional, but highly recommended, Cape Town Cycle Tour on the last riding day. It is the largest timed bicycle event in the world that offers a choice of the standard 68mi/4,500ft route, or the recently added shorter 26mi/2,000ft route, both of which showcase the splendor of the region. 

Enjoy local foods like a spit braai, potjiekos, bobotie, visbraai, biltong, droewors. For the wine lover, local wines are worth exploring for their excellent quality and value. 

The tour operator is happy to book extra nights, upon request, at the start or end of the tour using their group rate. The entire accommodation list will be shared when available. 

Health and Safety Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised, and the group’s health and safety be placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader and be communicated to all participants. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness to ensure the tour can continue as planned.  

Ride Rating The average of this tour is rated a 2B, although five days exceed 50 miles and 3 days have an elevation over 3,500ft. The average distance of required riding days is 39 miles with just under 2,400ft of elevation. There are days when longer rides with more elevation are available and are recommended. Three rest days have been built into the itinerary and offer options for sightseeing while riding or hiking. There are opportunities on some days to increase both distance and elevation, up to a 4D rating. 

Day 1 – Shuttle transfer from Cape Town International airport (CPT) to picturesque Stellenbosch where you will assemble your bike or be fitted on an optional pre-reserved rental bike before the group welcome dinner. 

Day 2 – 20mi/1,181ft – Shakeout ride past vineyards, heading towards the ocean. Group dinner. 

Day 3 – 55mi/2,723ft – We ride along the most scenic coastal road in the country, ending in Hermanus. Look for the elusive Bryde’s whales in False Bay. Group dinner is at an award-winning restaurant carved into a century-old cave on the shores of Walker Bay. 

Day 4 – 26mi/2,756ft – Prepare for some short but challenging climbing as we head back inland to a stunning Hemel-en-Aarde valley with its acclaimed vineyards, known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The name translates to Heaven and Earth valley. Group dinner. 

Day 5 – 55mi/3,510ft – Ride the rolling hills back to the coast, through a town of art galleries and craft shops offering a cultural experience. Group dinner. 

Day 6 – Rest day, with an option to ride a flat round trip 16mi/427ft to the historic southernmost lighthouse on the African continent in Agulhas National Park where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Birds, and land and marine mammals are plentiful in the park which is home to eleven distinct vegetation zones with around 2,000 species of plants. 

Day 7 – 34mi/787ft – A short, flat gravel road fit for road bikes connects the two coastal towns we ride between. At low tide you can enter the sea cave. Group dinner is a local specialty – a seafood braai. 

Day 8 – 61mi/3,281ft – We cycle away from the coast over many rolling hills upwards toward the Langeberg mountain range. You will see the landscape completely change. Tonight is the first of two nights at the same location. Group dinner. 

Day 9 – 56mi/2,133ft – Optional out-and-back ride over Tradouw Pass for the best milkshake south of the equator. Other options are hiking or relaxing. Group dinner. 

Day 10 – 39mi/2,461ft – Ride along the foothills of the Langeberg mountains, admire views of Cogmanskloof pass, and overnight in quaint Montagu. Group dinner. 

Day 11 – 50mi/4,757ft – Climb up Rooihoogte pass at over 4,000ft above sea level on a lesser traveled road, before an easier finish. Group dinner. 

Day 12 – 11mi/246ft – We have a late start and a short ride to our safari accomodations. Group dinner, evening game drive, and stargazing.  

Day 13 – Rest day – Early morning game drive before breakfast and then a transfer to our next hotel in Cape Town. Make your own dinner plans. 

Day 14 – 21mi/459ft – Another late start and a short ride starting on the bike trail that leads us out of the city and northwards along the west coast. Group photo opportunity with the iconic Table Mountain across Table Bay as the backdrop. Group dinner.  

Day 15 – 49mi/2,690ft – We leave the ocean behind and ride into the Swartland region, a drier valley where vineyards and olives groves thrive. We will stay in a classic Victorian hotel in Riebeek-West, a charming small town with a vibrant arts community. Olive tasting in the afternoon at Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate, the family farm of South African rugby legend, Pieter-Steph du Toit. Group dinner. 

Day 16 – 28mi/2,133ft – The longer route (61mi/3,510ft) follows the fast and flat road to Wellington before ascending Thomas Bains’ namesake pass and lookout point, then on to Tulbagh. The shorter route (28mi/2,133ft) through Nuwekloof pass is half the distance. Group dinner. 

Day 17 – 31mi/984ft - Single and double metric century routes are also options today. Today’s the day for a 4D ride if you feel up to it. Group dinner is a spit braai as the sun sets over the vineyards. 

Day 18 – 64mi/3,445ft – Ride around the mountain and along Theewaterskloof dam before climbing Franschhoek pass to finish at the Huguenot Memorial Museum. Hop on/off the winetram for a tasting trip through this picturesque town with a rich history and vibrant arts community. Group dinner. 

Day 19 – 31mi/2,756ft – Out and back climb up Franschhoek pass to the lookout point for breathtaking views. Ride through Boschendal and over Helshoogte pass to finish under the oaks in the forest. Transfer to Cape Town hotel where we spend three nights. Make your own dinner plans. 

Day 20 – Rest day – Optional Table Mountain cable car or Lion’s Head hike. Make your own dinner plans.  

Day 21 – Ride the usual (68mi/4,495ft) or shortened (26mi/1,975ft) course of the scenic Cape Town Cycle Tour. Event registration included. Final group dinner. 

Day 22 – Breakfast before scheduled group shuttle transfers to Cape Town International airport (CPT)  

Navigation GPX/RideWithGPS Files  A BAC RideWithGPS event will be shared with participants 45 days before the start of the tour. If participants would like to use paper cue sheets, they will need to print them themselves. 

Weather Generally, the weather in this area is very similar to that in San Diego. During February/March you can expect temperatures around 64°F to 77°F, although the inland valleys could be warmer. This is usually a low rainfall time of the year, but you should be prepared for showers. 

Lodging & Meals ** There will be 21 nights of accommodation, 21 breakfasts, 16 light lunches & social hour, and 17 dinners included. Those wishing to start riding before breakfast is available can arrange a boxed meal. Route review will be held during the light lunch/social hour after the ride and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. 

We will stay in a variety of accommodations over 21 nights – hotel, bed and breakfast, seaside cottage, game lodge, glamping, luxury resort, historic building – each has its own appeal and charm. 

Logistics  This tour will start in Stellenbosch on February 16th, 2026, and end in Cape Town on March 9th, 2026. On Day 1 of the itinerary there will be multiple shuttle transfers for group arrivals from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Stellenbosch where we will spend our first night. Details will be provided regarding shuttle scheduling based on groupings of participant arrival times. Taxis and Uber are available for those who arrive at times not coordinating with the shuttle from the tour operator.

• The ideal bike for this tour is a comfortable road bike. Bring your own bike with sufficient parts to maintain it in good order throughout the tour or rent from a third-party partner. A carbon frame, hydraulic disk brakes with at least Shimano 105 components, may be available to rent.  

• High demand for rentals is expected at that time of year because of the CTCT event on our last cycling day so it is recommended to make an early reservation. Please contact the ride leader soon if you would like to rent a bike.  

• Personal bike assembly should be completed on Day 1.

• Bike fittings will take place at 3pm at our hotel. We will meet at 6pm for an administrative meeting prior to our first group dinner.  

• E-bikes are welcome. Tandems will be accepted on a limited basis.  Please contact the ride leader for additional information and approval. 

• Bike boxes will be stored and transported to the end of the trip. 

Cost & Administration  All expenses are in U.S. Dollars. 

• Deposit of $2,900 is due at signup, as well as the solo supplement if you choose to have your own room. 

• 2nd payment of $2,900 is due by 9/15/2025. 

• Tips are included for tour guides.  

• Not included: Air travel, trip cancellation insurance, expanded medical insurance, spa services, laundry services, meals not specified, or bike rental. 

Singles & Solos Policy  It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until 7/15/2026 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $1,750 solo supplement to stay on the ride. If a single person pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate but must plan to participate without a roommate, if necessary. The ride leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. 

The solo supplement payment of $1,750 is due at signup and can be paid by Zelle or check. To pay using Zelle: ● In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org ● Initiate a payment ● In the Message block, enter the name of your ride. If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org or Ernie Coose erniecoose.bac@gmail.com. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.  

Cancellation Policy  The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost because of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and the final expense report has been completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.  

Tour Company will follow BAC cancellation policy and allow riders who cancel to be 
substituted with another rider without additional charge. Final payment will be made to Tour Company two months before the tour start. Cancellations after that date may only receive a minimal refund from BAC, and no refund from Tour Company. 

Ride Participant Responsibility   Please remember that BAC Ride leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride leader. While on the ride, support your Ride leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride leader’s decisions.  

Insurance Statements  Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.  

Sign-up  To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the tour deposit and the non-refundable $100. BAC ride registration fee by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.