LuckyStriker
Bachelor Dog
Riding up or down the N1?
Feeling worn out by the monotonous blacktop?
There is a short diversion that might get your blood flowing again: Dwyka Road
Location: Western Cape between Laingsburg and Prince Albert Road
Length: 36km
Duration: Anything from 60minutes to 150minutes depending on your skill level
Altitude: around 600m ASL
Cautions: Gates, corrugations, active rail crossings, river crossings, sand
From Laingsburg side the road starts with a hardpack twin track, with just a thin layer of sand over the top. Nothing to be concerned about. Look out for roaming sheep and tortoises.
There are several stream crossings which may be in flood at any time. Most of the crossings are rocky and firm but loosened rocks might catch out the inattentive rider.
The road disappears near the confluence of the Dwyka, Bads and Blood river. Here you will have to power through the fine gravel bed. If the river is in flood you are encouraged to walk it first because submerged obstacles can and probably will ruin your day.
The road doesn't improve and follows an unnamed stream. Incorrect tyre pressure might cause you to dig in but worst of all is the winding curves of the stream and the infrequent grassy tufts which are hard enough to flick your front wheel in a random direction.
At the time of our visit (end October 2010) somebody had illegally chained a gate. One presumes the farmer had had enough of people not closing gates behind them or coming in to poach their sheep. Since it is a regional route you are entitled to use it. We had to force the chain with a tyre lever but made sure the gate could still close properly afterwards, to prevent livestock from wandering onto the rail track.
Some of the things to look forward to are the three well preserved blockhouses, two of which are quite near each other on the banks of the Bloed- and Dwyka Rivers.
If you are ever in the area again, give it a try. It's a nice little road with some terrific sites. Well worth the detour
Please find a GPS track attached at the bottom of the post
Feeling worn out by the monotonous blacktop?
There is a short diversion that might get your blood flowing again: Dwyka Road
Location: Western Cape between Laingsburg and Prince Albert Road
Length: 36km
Duration: Anything from 60minutes to 150minutes depending on your skill level
Altitude: around 600m ASL
Cautions: Gates, corrugations, active rail crossings, river crossings, sand
From Laingsburg side the road starts with a hardpack twin track, with just a thin layer of sand over the top. Nothing to be concerned about. Look out for roaming sheep and tortoises.
There are several stream crossings which may be in flood at any time. Most of the crossings are rocky and firm but loosened rocks might catch out the inattentive rider.
The road disappears near the confluence of the Dwyka, Bads and Blood river. Here you will have to power through the fine gravel bed. If the river is in flood you are encouraged to walk it first because submerged obstacles can and probably will ruin your day.
The road doesn't improve and follows an unnamed stream. Incorrect tyre pressure might cause you to dig in but worst of all is the winding curves of the stream and the infrequent grassy tufts which are hard enough to flick your front wheel in a random direction.
At the time of our visit (end October 2010) somebody had illegally chained a gate. One presumes the farmer had had enough of people not closing gates behind them or coming in to poach their sheep. Since it is a regional route you are entitled to use it. We had to force the chain with a tyre lever but made sure the gate could still close properly afterwards, to prevent livestock from wandering onto the rail track.
Some of the things to look forward to are the three well preserved blockhouses, two of which are quite near each other on the banks of the Bloed- and Dwyka Rivers.
If you are ever in the area again, give it a try. It's a nice little road with some terrific sites. Well worth the detour
Please find a GPS track attached at the bottom of the post
