Cyclist's paradise in Durbanville
Mountain biking and road cycling are arguably the most popular outdoor sports in South Africa with the majestic trails of Durbanville ranking right up there as some of the most beautiful in the world.
"As a resident of Durbanville and cyclist you can't ask for more," says avid cyclist and estate agent Dirk Engelbrecht of RED Properties. "Whether you stay in Aurora, Kenridge, Pinehurst or Uitzicht, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to both mountain and road cycling routes. These roads cater for everyone, from shorter family-friendly routes to more technical trails suitable for international races such as the annual Cape Epic."
According to Dirk, he has seen a significant increase in cyclists in the area with almost every second home he visits for valuations boasting a couple of bicycles in the garage. "From 05:30 it sure feels like the 'cycling highway' when you leave home. Wellington road towards the outskirts of Durbanville is safe with a wide shoulder, while you can gain quick access to farm routes if you're into mountain biking. Once you have climbed any of the hills, you have a magnificent view over Table Mountain and the ocean. There is nothing quite as exhilarating as standing on a 'koppie' enjoying the view with the cool breeze on your dusty face."
"Durbanville really offers best of both worlds with comfortable city-living accompanied by a relaxed country-side atmosphere," says Erna Sciocatti, Owner/Principal of RED Properties. "Beautiful vineyards and wine farms with top restaurants, funky coffee shops and a variety of hiking and cycling routes are right on your doorstep. The top schools in the area as well as the new independent university opening in 2022 are also big drawcards."
Both cycling and nature-lovers have easy access to farms, mountains and the rich bird life in the area. Over weekends, many of these routes come complete with pop up coffee shops between the corn and canola fields, vineyards, bees and cows! The farming community is extremely accommodating allowing cyclists and hikers, while the latter respects the land owners' property - not to mention the snakes that can give you quite a scare!
Property prices
Prices in Durbanville start at about R870 000 to R2 million for entry-level homes for first-time buyers, ranging from flats and freestanding homes to residences in security estates and retirement villages. Young couples wanting to expand as their families are growing can expect to pay between R1,45 million and R3,25 million. For the buyer looking for something more exclusive and who doesn't mind paying for it, homes in high end estates and freestanding properties start at R4,5 million and upwards.
"Through the years Durbanville has shown very good year-on-year growth and investors are always looking for a good buy in the area to expand their property portfolio and retirement plan," says Erna.
Popular areas particularly for cyclists include neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Durbanville such as Graanendal Estate, Pinehurst, Aurora, Durbanville Hills, Kenridge, Vierlanden and the relatively new Clara Anna Fontein Estate. These areas are also close to schools with easy access to the airport, Cape Town city centre, Bloubergstrand and the wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Join the club
To gain access to 21 farms in the majestic Durbanville area including Bloemendal, Hillcrest, Contermanskloof, Hoogekraal, Welvergenoegd, Faircape, Meerendal, Majik Forest and all the linking corridors, join the Tygerberg MTB Club https://www.tygerbergmtb.co.za/. Main membership cost R885 per year and a family membership R1765. Pensioners only pay R340 per year and students R525.
For the little ones, Biosport Bike Park at Bloemendal https://www.biosport.co.za is a must. The pump track is suitable for all ages and a day permit costs R40 for kids (if you're not a member of the Tygerberg MTB Club).
For the adventurous, pop in at the recently upgraded Leatt Skills Park at Hoogekraal Farm https://www.hoogekraalfarm.co.za/, catering for all types of skills. R60 at the trail centre honesty box (non-members).
NOTE If you are not a member of the Tygerberg MTB Club, day passes and honesty boxes are available at most farms.
Grab a bite - and a beer!
Fuel up at any of these popular restaurants on the MTB routes:
Carlucci's https://carluccis.co.za/ at Meerendal
Bon Amis https://bloemendalestate.co.za/restaurants/bon-amis/
or the Biosport Trail Park https://www.biosport.co.za/ at Bloemendal
Bike Shop https://www.hoogekraalfarm.co.za/ at Hoogekraal
The Dairy Shed https://www.facebook.com/TheDairyShed1/ and the recently opened Starke Brews https://www.facebook.com/Starke-Brews-154564622004292 at Contermanskloof
Tables https://nitida.co.za/tables-at-nitida-restaurant-menus/ at Ntida
Hillcrest restaurant https://www.hillcrestfarm.co.za/restaurant/ at Hillcrest
