South Africa 2007

The Blackheath Lodge has arranged this great shuttle service to bring us to Stellenbosch. We don't like the idea of cycling through the Cape Town suburbs, so this is a very convenient way to get us out of the city.

It was midnight when we arrived in Cape Town, so we didn't see anything of the city on arrival. However, the highway leaving the city is lined on both sides with endless townships. To see this with our own eyes for the very first time certainly leaves a big impression.

We are dropped at the B&B we booked ahead - 5 Seasons - in Stellenbosch. The B&B has been around for a while, but recently got new owners. It was an OK place, but nothing special.

As soon as you leave Stellenbosch, you pick up the main road towards Franschhoek. Immediately you start with a climb out of Stellenbosch to the top of Helshoogte Pass - but it is certainly not as bad as the name suggests.

This is the view of the beautiful wine valleys from the top of Helshoogte Pass.

The whole area is pretty much one big vineyard with large estate-type wineries. Great area for wine-tasting!

Most of the main roads have great shoulders to ride on.