Closest Town: Citrusdal
Grading: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour to 90 minutes
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: Return – 12km
Start Point: Sewefontein Farm Cottages
Access: Guests ride for free
Beware of: Loose rocks; potential snake encounters.
Facilities: Fully equipped cottages; no water points en route
Cell Reception: Poor
This 12km return route along rough-and-ready jeep track does not qualify as SA’s longest ride, but there are more than enough other trail options to make this a morning outing.
On your bike
Start off from the Sewefontein Farm cottages and head 800m downhill along gravel road, where you may notice some large dams towards your left. Climb sharply along winding dual track road for 1.5 km following irrigation furrow. Where the road dips right and descends, continue straight up along dual track. Steep rocky climbs loom as you pass through a kloof before reaching the plateau 4km into the ride. The route doglegs to right for a further 1.5km to a stunning viewpoint.
You can expect the moderately challenging terrain ride to keep you busy for at least an hour, but the Paleisheuwel Road to Clanwilliam will sort you out for the rest of the weekend. And there’s also 4km of downhill madness along the Old Piekenierskloof Pass for the mad dogs of DH.
Off the bike
Citrusdal baths, good hiking, day trips to West Coast & Cederberg, country living on working farm.
GPS: 32°30’37.3” S 18°54’04.6” E
