Noukrans Bikepacking

Submitted by:
Jan George Steytler
@janthenomad

Difficulty:
7/10

Most suited to:
Mountain Biking, Gravel/ MTB Biking

Where is your MicroAdventure located? 
Hessequa District, Western Cape

How long is the MicroAdventure in total, out and back? 
165km loop, starting and finishing near Stilbaai (Blombos)

Give the people a short description of your MicroAdventure.

The diversity in the Overberg's landscapes and the scenery is astounding, especially if you traverse inland from the relatively flat coastal region to the majestic Cape fold mountains.

The overnight bikepack trip took me from the Blombos coast through Riversdal to the Langeberg's foothills near Grootvadersbosch, and passing trough Slangrivier and Vermaaklikheid on the way back. The route of 165km is almost entirely gravel, with a mere 10km of asphalt.
Most of the gravel roads are well maintained, with one or two corrugated sections. Perfectly suited for a gravel-specific bike setup.

Day 1: Blombos to Noukrans Boskamp via Riversdale; 97km with 1840m elevation gain.

The first couple of kilometres from Blombos starts with open rolling hills, giving way to a long (20km) false flat section that takes you to Riversdale. A coffee stop at the Old Jail coffee house is a must.

After leaving Riversdal the route hugs the foothills of the Langeberg, passing the Korintepoort dam. You will struggle to find a flat road section, with frequent steep ups and downs. The views and downhill sections are worth all the climbing!
Noukrans Boskamp is situated on a working dairy farm bordering the Grootvadersbosch Nature reserve. The campsite is located beneath old oak trees on the banks of the Duiwenhoksriver.
The campsite is well maintained with good ablution facilities.

Day 2: Noukrans Boskamp to Blombos via Slangrivier; 68 km with 880m elevation gain.

After crossing the low water bridge over the Duiwenhoksrivier, a steady climb will take you to the highest point of the day. After which it is all downhill to the next low water bridge over the Duiwenhoksriver, some 40km further downstream.
The climb out of Vermaaklikheid is deceivingly long, especially if it is hot. The last couple of kilometres is easy rolling hills.

How do you get to the start? Please share some directions. 
Start here, near Blomboschfontein Nature Reserve

How much did it cost (per person)? 
R251 - R500 per person

Best time to go?
October - March

A quick note about safety. Can you do it solo? Do you need a crew? 
Perfectly safe to do it solo.

Do you need any special permissions / permits? 
No

3 pro tips for people wanting to do this:

1. You can start/end the loop in Stilbaai.
2. Fill up with water (and coffee) before leaving Riversdale.
3. Order a fresh farm loaf, butter and jam with your camping reservation.

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