If you’re into thrill and adrenaline, –you could need to expertise the Mom Metropolis, in all her glory, on a motorbike.
The journeys featured right here take you alongside our scenic coastal roads, from the Atlantic Seaboard to False Bay, and throughout the metropolis. That can assist you navigate the perfect motorcycle-friendly routes and hotspots, Gerhard Van Zyl from West Coast Bikes shares every part you must learn about hiring a motorbike and the scenic Cape City routes so as to add to your must-do actions:
Hiring a Bike
If you’re considering hiring a motorbike within the metropolis, listed below are the necessities:
- You have to be 25 years or older.
- A sound bike license and at the very least 2 years of using expertise.
- Present a duplicate of your ID doc or passport.
- Submit proof of handle or lodging.
- A holding deposit is required for insurance coverage functions.
- Each day charges range relying on the mannequin.
Bike Routes
If a scenic drive is what you’re after, listed below are a few of our suggestions:
Chapman’s Peak Drive
As you wind alongside the cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, this route affords sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. This exhilarating experience includes a postcard postcard-perfect backdrop of mountains and seashores. Cease alongside the path to take every part in.
Cape Peninsula Route
The Cape Peninsula Route results in a few of our beloved points of interest locations, together with the Cape of Good Hope and Simon’s City. The roads alongside the Peninsula boast coastal vistas, sandy seashores, and quaint eateries the place you possibly can seize a chunk to eat.
West Coast
The R27 route alongside the West Coast Highway is a relaxed experience excellent for many who take pleasure in coastal landscapes and small-town attraction. This route takes motorcyclists in direction of coastal cities like Langebaan and Velddrif. Cease at one in every of their seafood eating places and seashores alongside the best way.
Route 62 Route
Route 62 is understood for its winding roads and serene landscapes. As you experience by way of charming cities resembling Robertson, Montagu and Oudtshoorn, expertise the rolling vineyards and mountain backdrops.
Bainskloof Move
In the event you’re in search of a thrill, Bainskloof Move affords an exhilarating experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. The pure magnificence greater than makes up for the problem. Make a number of stops alongside the best way to understand the panorama.
West Coast
The R27 route alongside the West Coast Highway is a relaxed experience excellent for many who take pleasure in coastal landscapes and small-town attraction. This route takes motorcyclists in direction of coastal cities like Langebaan and Velddrif. Cease at one in every of their seafood eating places and seashores alongside the best way.
Security Ideas
Earlier than You Experience
- Select a good rental company: Hire solely from licensed, well-reviewed corporations that keep their bikes and provide insurance coverage choices.
- Examine the bike: Test for seen injury, tyre put on, and the situation of brakes, lights, and indicators earlier than leaving the rental facility. Doc any current injury with pictures.
- Put on correct gear: Even on heat days, put on a full helmet, jacket, gloves, lengthy trousers, and closed-toe sneakers to considerably scale back the danger of harm.
- Perceive the insurance coverage protection: Guarantee readability on what the insurance coverage covers, together with third-party legal responsibility, injury, and theft.
- Know the native visitors guidelines: In South Africa, motorists drive on the left-hand aspect of the highway. Familiarise your self with different native visitors rules earlier than using.
In the course of the Experience
- Be seen and alert: Make sure you stay seen to different drivers and keep vigilant, particularly at intersections the place accidents are frequent.
- Hold velocity in test: Adhere to hurry limits, which generally vary from 60 km/h in city areas to 80–100 km/h in rural areas. At all times experience at a velocity you’re feeling snug with.
- Look ahead to wildlife and pedestrians: In rural and mountainous areas, you could encounter Decelerate in these areas and be ready to cease if wildlife or pedestrians are on the highway.
- Plan for altering climate: Cape City’s climate can change right away, particularly close to the coast. Be conscious of sudden rain or robust winds that will have an effect on using circumstances.
- Keep away from peak visitors hours: Cape City’s rush hours (6:30am–9am and three:30pm–6pm) may be congested, rising the danger of accidents. Plan rides exterior these occasions if attainable.
Dos and Don’ts for Driving a Bike in Cape City
Do’s:
- Do carry your license: Guarantee you’ve got a global driver’s license or bike endorsement, as required.
- Hold a protected following distance: Permit further area between you and the car forward, particularly on windy roads.
- GPS is a should: Cape City has many winding roads; a GPS or offline map will allow you to keep on observe.
- Take breaks: Driving lengthy distances may be exhausting. Plan stops alongside the best way to stay alert and hydrated.
- Get complete insurance coverage: Ensure the rental contains choices for third-party legal responsibility and injury, particularly for high-value bikes.
Don’ts:
- Don’t experience below the affect: South Africa has strict legal guidelines in opposition to consuming and using.
- Don’t assume proper of manner: Be ready for sudden lane adjustments and keep away from assuming different drivers will yield.
- Don’t experience in unlit areas at night time: Poorly lit roads can improve the danger, particularly with animals doubtlessly crossing the highway.
- Don’t velocity: Many routes round Desk Mountain and Chapman’s Peak have sharp turns. Rushing will increase the danger of accidents.
West Coast Bikes
West Coast Bikes affords single or multi-day leases and guided excursions. You may select to lease a motorbike – together with journey bikes – or go on a chauffeur-driven expertise with one in every of their guides.
For additional info, go to westcoastmotorcycles.co.za/