Internationale groepsreis Cape Town Cycle Tour Special (Cape Argus)

Awesome (new favourite word after this trip)

If you want to do a cycling sportive abroad that will in all likelihood, be one of the best things that you will ever do, then book this trip (but leave space for me as I want to go back!). Absolutely amazing

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Has to be actual cape Town Cycle Tour itself as I was on an absolute high all the way round (my cheekbones were hurting by the time I'd finished as I grinned for the whole 109km) and afterwards - wow. Everyone is out cheering you on, playing music, the atmosphere is electric. Other highlights were pretty much the rest of the trip - lying outside looking at the Milky Way, ride to Gordon's Bay, hill climb up to Signal Point and the views over Cape Town and the descents - awesome!

What did you think of your group leader?

Bevan - wonderful. He can certainly ride a bike which really helped with the training, very good organisational skills, his local knowledge of which wine to select is excellent, pretty nifty with the braai, one of the best guides I've had on an Exodus trip....what more can I say!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

take ear plugs as one of the places has very thin walls. Don't take more than one book as you won't read it, def need factor 30 as the sun was pretty strong, and take your own bike if at all possible (not a prob if you're direct with BA - around £120 return) - there is NO off road so your bike is safe!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go and do it - one of the best things you'll ever do!

Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour

A great 10-day trip through the stunning interior and dramatic coastal roads of South Africa. The cycling was testing but thoroughly enjoyable throughout. The trip was supposed to culminate with the Cape Argus 104km road race but nature intervened and wild fires meant the race was curtailed to a leisurely 47km.......no problems after a few 100km days in the saddle over the previous days. I will be back to do the whole race next year!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The coastal road from Hermanus to Gordon's Bay, followed by the optional 'Special K's' up to the top of a short, sharp hill. Gin and tonic never tasted so good!

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant. Peter and Andy were attentive and generous hosts, making sure each day was testing, informative, nutritious and fun. Peter was an excellent leader, thoroughly knowledgable and more than adept at imparting information regarding his country and its beautiful environment. Andy worked hard to ensure the bikes were serviceable and we were well fed. Both were fun to ride and relax with - thanks, fellas.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip is challenging but achievable if you have a reasonable level of fitness. The emphasis is on cycling rather than tourism, so be prepared to fall off the aeroplane, build your bike, strap on the Lycra and be half way to Cape Point a few hours after landing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were blessed with a small group, which was different from other Exodus Trips I have been on, but this worked very well indeed. The only reason I haven't rated this trip with 5* is the curtailed road race, but this was outwith the control of the tour leader. If Peter and Andy lead next year's trip then I'll definitely be back.

MSH - Cape Town Argus Cycling Tour

A fantastic break with great scenery, superb food & drink and most of all excellent cycling.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although the Argus was curtailed, due to Bush Fires, it represented a wonderful end to the Trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter Albert was probably the Best Guide I have been on with Exodus. He adapted the itinerary to cope with bush fires, heatwaves, high winds & rain. His knowledge and passion for the Area really shone through. He was ably assisted by the Driver Edny, who provided, friendly and efficient Service whenever required.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take clothing for all conditions, especially the strong sun as it catch you out. Also ride at your own pace, it's your Holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would definitely consider doing this Trip again, which is about the highest praise I could give it!

Cape Argus Cycle Tour

A fantastic road biking trip in a beautiful part of the world, providing an excellent balance between cycling and seeing and experiencing the fantastic scenery, culture and food that the Western Cape offers. Every day was different, with both coastal and rural cycling and a couple of mountain passes thrown in.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although the Cape Town fires meant that the Cycle Tour route was shortened and modified, it was still a fantastic experience to participate in this epic event.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader, Peter, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the places we visited. We were a small group of 4 and he really tailored the trip to suit our needs. On many of the days the itinerary was modified to incorporate extra miles on the bike and our interest in wine tasting was also adequately addressed!!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although not physically challenging, the weather was hot and some of the days were long (out and about for 12hrs +) because of everything we wanted to do - a trip to a winery, 90+km on the road and sampling the excellent local cuisine. For this reason a good level of fitness and stamina is required for this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cape Argus Cycle Tour

An excellent week of cycling in some stunning scenery, which is topped off with taking part in the Cape Argus Cycle Tour on the final Sunday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It has to be the Cape Argus Tour itself which is wonderfully supported on closed roads by thousands of local people. The Tour claims to be the largest timed cycle event in the world. Its well organised and the marshals and food stations were really helpful. But apart from the Tour, the day when you ride from Hermanus to Gordon's Bay along the Whale coast is one of the best roads I've ever cycled on - rolling, fast, and stunning views. It helps that was sunny too.

What did you think of your group leader?

Tallus was an experienced guide and made sure we were well looked after. He even organised an experienced local who had done the Tour before (his dad!) to come and chat about the event the night before we rode the Argus. There is also a support vehicle which you can use if you want to take a break from the bike anytime during the week.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are keen road cyclist already it is really worth taking your own bike out. The hire bikes were ok, but with such lovely smooth fast roads it was just such a pleasure to ride my favourite bike from home. The "Essential Info page" implies there is off road sections but there were none on our trip. A road bike was fine for this trip. The trip notes still say "wind is generally not too much of an issue during this time of year" - this is not true! The Cape can be very windy with strong sou'easter. But this didn't spoil the riding.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The week before the Tour was a great warm up for the legs (about 60 to 70Km a day) for those of us based in the cold UK during the winter (the Argus runs early March). The riding is well paced all week with plenty of stops. I met many people at the airport flying in with bikes to "do the Argus" on their 4th or 5th or xth year -now I know why, this event is addictive. I plan to go back again. This really should be on your bucket list of great places/events to ride in the world.

Cape Argus Cycle Tour

South Africa's Cape region is quite simply an incredible place for cycling, with great roads and the most spectacular scenery! This holiday combines this with the chance to ride what must be the greatest cycle event anywhere in the world. A superb trip!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Definitely the Cape Argus race itself. It was well organised and the route itself is just stunning. There was also lost of local support on the climbs which helped me get to the top on more than one occassion.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leader Talus was good and organised everything well, he gave us good support on the rides.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be put off by the idea of the event. There are some serious professional rider at the front but the majority of people are just up for the challenge of completing the 109km ride at their own pace. It is very much like the idea of something like the London marathon, but on bikes!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This really is a one in a lifetime experience, get signed up for the trip!