The R355 is South Africa’s most famous gravel road. Or most infamous rather. Famed for shredding the tyres of pilgrims on their way to Africa Burn, or those of motorcycle adventurers seeking isolation in the heart of the Tankwa Karoo. For cyclists it holds a special attraction. It is the longest uninterrupted gravel road in [...]
A vast network of gravel roads criss-crosses the Bergrivier Tourism Region and Swartland surrounds. From the economic hub of Piketberg cyclists can explore the mountain bike mecca of Piket-Bo-Berg or grind along district road and jeep tracks to towns like Aurora, Goedverwacht and Redelinghuys. Accommodation option abound too, as do cyclist friendly restaurants, farm stalls [...]
Is there a more Eastern Cape phrase than “Hell’s Teeth”? It also happens to accurately describe the inaugural Maloti 100. It was without a doubt the toughest day I’ve ever spent on a bike. But it was still incredible and I’ll definitely be back in 2020. Truly Unique What makes the Maloti 100 so special [...]
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” – Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows. Certainly. And who am I to argue with Grahame’s legendary Ratty? But I will present, as a close second, bicycles. To subvert one of the [...]
It is not just the end of the event name which sees a change for the 2019 edition of the Chas Everitt Around The Pot - Overberg 100Miler - Presented by SEESA. The final five kilometres of the route has been updated too. The changes will bring the arduous but rewarding ride to a more [...]
Over the Easter long weekend Seamus Allardice joined former pro cyclist Jaco Pelser on a bikepacking adventure through the Western Cape. Their four day trip took in nearly 400km of riding, four iconic towns and over 200km of spectacular gravel road. The pair were joined on the final day by fellow cycling adventure seeker Mynardt [...]
Entries to the third edition of the Chas Everitt Around the Pot, Overberg 100-Miler, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 20 July 2019 are now open. Alongside the flagship 100-mile, or 160 kilometres, event riders less inclined towards a long day in the saddle can choose to enter the 60-miler (97 kilometres) or [...]
The second edition of the Chas Everitt Around the Pot, Overberg 100-Miler, takes place on Saturday the 21st of July from Swellendam, in the heart of the Overberg. Limited entries to the race, which also offers 60 and 25 mile distances, are still available for riders looking to experience the splendour of the region for [...]
All bicycles are adventure bicycles, but some just prove to be more adventurous. How steel, aluminium, carbon and rubber can combine into a machine which appears to have a wanderlust I can’t explain, but the Specialized Diverge certainly does. The Basics Bike: Specialized Diverge 2016 Model Frame: Aluminium Fork: Carbon Wheels: Alex Elite Disc Tyres: [...]
In May 2018 Seamus Allardice joined Zane Schmahl, Jacques Marais and a group of fellow cycling adventure enthusiasts on the recce ride for the Bikamino – a three day tour through the arid Northern Cape Province. From the once booming mining outpost of O’kiep to the icy waters of the Atlantic Oceanside village of Hondeklipbaai, [...]
