Out and About - Cape Town to Tankwa roadtrip

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Beserker

Grey Hound
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Skelmbosch
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Scouting for the Tankwa Offroad, (https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=220947.msg4079252#msg4079252 ) I was again in awe of the sheer country right on our doorstep (if you have a bike)

Compared to my wild camping more often than not without a tent - staying at Rooiputs with it’s Tequila Tree, waking up in the morning, having a cup of coffee knowing full well that all you need to do today is ride your bike - very little beats that feeling.

Rooiputs serves as race HQ for the long weekend in September, and it cooks !
https://wilddog.net.za/forum/index.php?topic=212784.msg3917592#msg3917592

It can also serve as a great jump off point to explore the Tankwa, Ou Berg and Ganagap pass, passing through the Tankwa Park.

What makes it particularly appealing is a matter of logistics – 60km from Calvinia, down the R355 means that you can make it from Cape Town before dark should you leave after lunch, the next day, after coffee it is a matter of getting on your bike and riding gravel, no dreary slog to get there.

From Rooiputs, should you go in a clockwise direction, you are, through the Tankwa Park, 60 km from the foot of Ganagap Pass

I would suggest you head down the R355 to Tankwa padstal (105 km) for breakfast.
From there, West and then North over Ouberg Pass to Middlepos (97 km) where you can refuel if need be.
From Middelpos to Ganagap Lodge, and lunch at the pub it is 23 km.
Ganagap Lodge to your base at Rooiputs, it is 70 km, a total of approx. 390 km.

I reckon the route with it’s many stops, and the fact that you are working from a base and can ride luggage free, makes it a very pillion friendly trip.

To make it even easier, you can pre book and arrange for braaipacks etc etc from the owners = They are also part of Calvinia Vleisfees organising committee, you do get value for money. 
Just keep in mind, they are 60km away from Calvinia – you can’t phone up on a Friday and tell them you are on our way and expect to be able to order – but – they are very helpful. 
Their website:  https://rooiputs.co.za/

If you are up to it, you can even arrange for clay pigeon shooting and some other stuff.

On Sunday you can head back to the big smoke either via Calvinia, or to spice things up, via the Old Postal Route or Biedouw valley to Oasis for lunch…. Choices, choices, choices.

Rooiputs and other random pics from past trips:


 

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