Cyclists.com

Grabouw – Gordon's Bay

Grabouw, Western Cape, South AfricaRoad

Route contributed by Marcus · Created from a ride on Friday 6th March 2020

97 km
Distance
720 m
Elevation gain
Hard
Difficulty
Paved
Surface
Download GPXMap
On the road: Grabouw – Gordon's Bay

Elevation profile

Total ascent
720 m
Distance
97 km
0255075100125m0 km2040608097 km104 m · highest, at 7.1 kmStartFinish · back at the start

Route overview

Riders suited for a moderate 97 km coastal loop with gentle climbs totaling 706 m.

97 km loop from Gordon's Bay past coastal towns in Western Cape, South Africa with 706 m climbing.

Starting at Gordon's Bay at sea level, this 97.4 km loop heads along the coast through Rooiels at 20.2 km, Mooiuitsig at 29.9 km, and Sunny Seas at 37.3 km before reaching Kleinmond at 44.6 km and Betty's Bay at 56.7 km. The route continues past Silver Sands at 66.7 km and Pringle Bay at 70.6 km, returning to Gordon's Bay. Climbing totals 706 m, with the highest point reaching 109 m at 88.6 km near Boskloofpiek and finished with gentle gradients. The ride is mostly on paved roads, 97% surfaced, mainly main roads (85%, 81 km total) including 76 km on the R44, though all main roads lack cycle lanes. Fast roads with posted speeds of 80 km/h or more cover 40 km of the route. Climbing includes four short ascents: starting at 5 km (2.1 km climb, 4% avg), 19.5 km (1.7 km, 4.2%), 70.4 km (2.2 km, 2.2%), and 86.6 km (2 km, 3.3%). The longest descent is 2.3 km dropping 47 m starting near 18 km. There is a small stretch of unpaved track near 2.4 km total gravel/unpaved. Food and drink are available near the start/end at Gordon's Bay with several restaurants and bars including The Thirsty Oyster and GB's Grill & Lounge. Other cafes and restaurants are present at Raoiiels, Betty's Bay, and along the route, but there is one long stretch without cafes, shops, or water for 31.6 km between 64.4 km and the finish. Toilets can be found multiple times, including near 34 km, 48 km, and 96 km. Petrol is available near 60 km. Peaks Elephant Rock and Rooielsberg lie near the road along the coast.

Highlights

  • Climbs with max gradient 8.5% near 20 km
  • Highest point 109 m by Boskloofpiek 88.6 km
  • Coastal towns: Rooiels, Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay
  • Long descent of 2.3 km dropping 47 m from 17.7 km

Along the route

Measured from the recorded track and OpenStreetMap.

Places passed

  1. Rooiels 20.2 km
  2. Mooiuitsig 29.9 km
  3. Sunny Seas 37.3 km
  4. Kleinmond 44.6 km
  5. Betty's Bay 56.7 km
  6. Silver Sands 66.7 km
  7. Pringle Bay 70.6 km

Climbs

ClimbStarts atLengthGainAverageMaxTop
—5.1 km2.1 km82 m4 %6.5 %106 m
—19.5 km1.7 km72 m4.2 %8.5 %89 m
—70.4 km2.2 km48 m2.2 %3.5 %62 m
—86.6 km2 km65 m3.3 %5.4 %109 m

High point 109 m at 88.6 km; low point 7 m. Passes beneath Elephant Rock, Rooielsberg, Boskloofpiek.

What this ride is like

Measured from OpenStreetMap along the track and the elevation profile.

Roads
85% main road · 10% quiet street · 3% minor road · 2% path
Main roads
81.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
Fast roads
39.6 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
Main roads used
R44 (76 km), Main Road (5 km)
Surface
Paved throughout
Gradient
17% climbing · 19% descending · 64% flat
Steep sections
1.9 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 7.9% at 20.7 km
Longest descent
2.3 km from 17.7 km, dropping 47 m

Along the way

Within a few hundred metres of the track, from OpenStreetMap. Opening hours change — treat this as where to look, not a promise.

Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 32 km, from 64 km to 96 km.

Food, water and shops

  1. 0 kmThe Thirsty Oyster · restaurant · 40 m off route
  2. 5.1 kmPitstop Grille Shack · restaurant · 40 m off route
  3. 20.2 kmSomething Els · restaurant · 50 m off route
  4. 20.2 kmRooi Els Shop · convenience store · 80 m off route
  5. 34.2 kmToilets · 90 m off route
  6. 34.6 kmSea Biscuit · restaurant · 80 m off route
  7. 45 kmThe Sandpiper Restaurant · restaurant · on the route
  8. 48 kmToilets · 60 m off route
  9. 55.6 kmCoffee, on clarence · café · 30 m off route
  10. 55.6 kmPenguin Place Superette · supermarket · 40 m off route
  11. 58.1 kmToilets · 70 m off route
  12. 60.2 kmAstron Energy · petrol station · 50 m off route
  13. 62.2 kmToilets · 80 m off route
  14. 62.2 kmBettiesbaai Oord / Mooihawens · hospital · 280 m off route
  15. 64.3 kmSmile & Wave Courtyard Cafe · café · 60 m off route
  16. 96 kmGB's Grill & Lounge · restaurant · on the route
  17. 96 kmToilets · 40 m off route

Worth a stop

  • 0.1 km — Bikini Beach (attraction)
  • 58.1 km — Dawidskraal (picnic site)
  • 62.2 km — Stony point pentium (viewpoint)
  • 94.9 km — Suikerbossie (viewpoint)

At the start and finish

  • The Thirsty Oyster · restaurant · 40 m
  • GB's Grill & Lounge · restaurant · 80 m
  • Thirsty Oyster Tavern · bar · 50 m

Practical information

Surface
Paved
Route shape
Loop
Riding time
3½–5 hours riding
Season
March with recorded temperatures around 27 °C.
Best months
Oct to May — daily highs of 20–27 °C in those months

Know before you go

  • 31.6 km longest stretch without café, shop or water from km 64.4
  • 81.3 km on main roads without cycle lanes
  • 39.6 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limit
  • 2% gravel or unpaved sections

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.

6 photographs from the road