Cradle Ride Sat 09 – Fri 15 Sept 2023

Patensie to Wilderness
Patensie – Steytlerville – Willomore – Uniondale – Knysna – Wilderness

Day 1 Meet PE – PRE-TOUR 0 km

We meet at PE airport, then transfer Patensie, where we split between 4 establishments and
prep for the first stage, which is PROPER and we suggest a relatively sedate evening
together if you’re to survive…. Yeah right!! ●

Day 2 Patensie to Steytlerville 92 km/ 1906 m ascent

Today is THE day. We start climbing shortly after leaving town and the main challenge comes
in the form of the Grootrivier Pass, with most of the climbing happening in the first 50km (at
least when your legs are fresh…). After that it’s flattish along the plateau, then downhill to
home at the Royal Hotel in Steytlerville, with overflow nearby.
http://www.steytlervilleaccommodation.co.za/

Day 3 Steytlerville to Willomore 108.6km/ 910m ascent

This is the longest day of the tour. We are now on the famous ‘Spine of the Dragon’ cycle
route which starts in Beit Bridge and ends at Cape Point. It is seemingly relatively flat and
easy riding…whereas in reality it is one slow, steady climb, following the course of the Groot
Rivier. There are some lovely poorts and the occasional hill, and the ride is flanked by rugged
Karoo mountains along the way. Finally, we duck out along the Kraai Rivier through the
Trompetterspoort but alas, still gently up for the last 10km into town. We spend the night at
The Willows Hotel, where they are well used to hosting cyclists, since they are a support
station for Freedom Challenge. www.willowguesthouse.co.za

Day 4 Willomore to Uniondale 93.7km/ 964m ascent

Today we start our journey roughly along the first 30km of the Trans Baviaans Mtb Race
route but instead of heading down that valley we tack back across Karoo veld back towards
the ocean. This is where Jan Smuts and his Commandos ventured in their attempt to disrupt
the British forces in 1902. Denys Reitz was trying to catch them up on foot having lost his
mount and hopefully we can take comfort in the fact that we can ride our bikes without
threat of ambush or attack. We’re still rolling up & down a lot until we drop into the
Kammanassie Valley and follow the river of the same name into the town of Uniondale,
where we split between 2 establishments – Uniondale Manor & Alwyn Guest House.
Day 5 Uniondale to Knysna 90.3km/ 1669m ascent
Riding out of town we head uphill through the Uniondale Poort, still famous for the
legend of the hitchhiker ghost in the white dress. Wisdom suggests that she doesn’t
stick out her thumb for travellers on bicycles. We pass through the hamlet of
Avontuur and climb for 5km before a breath-taking 12km descent into De Vlugt,
where Thomas Bain lived whilst building this pass. This is indeed the Karoo2Coast
route. It is a challenging, with some proper climbs, but the rewards are lekker
downhills and stunning cycling through the Knysna Forest past Gouna. As we
approach Knysna, those fabulous views of the lagoon and the Heads open up. We
spend the night directly on the water at the Kynsna Quays Hotel.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/grjqu-protea-hotel-knysna-quays/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-
1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

Day 6 Knysna to Wilderness 70.7km/1019m ascent

Wilderness Beach here we come! But not before climbing the 7 Passes Road starting
with the Phantom Pass just after the red bridge. The surface changes alternately
from tar to dirt all day as we climb and descend the passes through indigenous forest
and farmlands. We have a notable coffee stop at the Garden Route Trail Park and a
fair amount of tar towards the end. The final descent down Whites Road is sublime
with the views across the lakes and estuary to the Indian Ocean.
www.wildernesshotel.co.za
Day 7 Airport Transfer 0 km
After breakfast, we head to the airport in George, just 20 mins away

INCLUDES:

- Accommodation for 6 nights (as laid out above)

- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- *Group airport shuttles on Days 1 & 7, as required
- Vehicle back-up on all riding days, shuttles as required.
- Transfer of bicycles & luggage
- Drinks & snacks en route daily
- Back up, driver/guides
- 2 massage therapists accompany the group (while their expenses are covered in the tour
cost, massage fees are for own account)

EXCLUDES:

- All items of a personal nature, e.g., tel calls, laundry, massage, etc.
- All drinks not dispensed at the roadside, including bottled water, soft drinks, fancy coffees &
all alcoholic beverages
- Bicycle rental (bring your own bike)
- All optional excursions, entrance fees, tastings, etc.
- Airfares
- Courier fees
- *Any shuttles outside of the group transfer times
- Gratuities, except for meals
- Anything not mentioned above

NOTE: There are no discounts for joining the tour late or leaving early.
One bike per person please.