Attractions

To any cyclist, especially to mountain bikers, the Worcester area is perfect. There are routes for every type of cyclist. Short routes for families with children, scenic routes that will keep you cycling all day long, as well as routes challenging every inch of muscle in your body.

The fact that the Absa Cape Epic has visited Worcester as a host town no less than 4 times in the history of the event, is testimony enough and should already give riders a good indication of what to expect.

Riders need a permit to cycle on the various mountain bike routes. Permits are available from one of the following venues: (a) Manic Cycles in High Streets; or (b) the venues where the various routes start. The cost of a permit is R30.00 per day, or R250 per year.

Visitors can choose from one of the following routes:

1. The Golf course-Casino route (13km very easy loop, minimal climbing)

(Permits available at ManiC Cycles)

The Golf course route was developed with the whole family in mind. Families can ride one of three circular routes, choosing between 2.5 km, 5 or 13 km. Members of the Worcester Wheelers Cycling Club meet each other every 1st Monday evening of the month at 17:00 at the parking lot in front of the Golf clubhouse for a monthly timed time trail.

2. Apiesklip route (Challenging 14km loop, with over 400m of ascent)

(Permits available at ManiC Cycles)

This is a recent edition to all the stunning trails in the area, funded by donations from the Pedal Power Association. Portions built specifically to host stages 4 & 5 of the 2015 Absa Cape Epic; this is a tough and challenging route for more experienced riders. Starting close to the well-known Damas restaurant outside town and finishing at the gates of the Fairy Glen game reserve. This is a proper test for any mountain bike and should only be attempted by experienced riders.

3. The Heatlie-farm route, also known as the “Heuweltjie” route.

(Permits available at ManiC Cycles)

The Heatlie-farm route became famous due to the beautiful television footage shown during the time trials of the 2010 & 2011 Absa Cape Epics, and again during stage 4 of the 2015 edition. There is huge variety of single tracks in the hills and riders can create their own routes as they go along, or follow the routed marked by the local Worcester Wheelers cycling club (again thanks to funds from PPA). See whether you can reach the windmill at the top of the hill without walking. The view of the Brandwacht valley is breathtakingly beautiful.

4. The Nuy-on-the-hill route

The 25 kilometre marked route at Nuy-on-the-hill, is basically the same route followed by the annual Computer Mania-Willowcreek M.T.B. race. Cyclists need a permit to ride at Willowcreek and can use the same permit as the one used for the Heatlie-farm and the other routes mentioned below. Permits can be bought from the (a) Worcester Tourist Office; (b) Manic Cycles and (c) at Nuy-on-the-hill itself.

5. The Olyfberg route

The Olyfberg route is currently under construction and should be completed soon. Different routes varying in distance is being planned, marked and constructed. These routes are situated in the beautiful Eilandia area, in the hills and mountains adjacent to the Breede River. Buy your permit at (a) the Worcester Tourism Office and (b) Manic Cycles.

6. De Wet cellar route

A new edition to the area. A beautiful trip into the mountains behind De Wet wine cellar. 21km with some sublime single track and one really tough challenging climb.

7. The Slanghoek Wine Cellar route

The wheels of many an Epic bicycle have been tried and tested on the 30 km marked route at Slanghoek. This route, situated in the beautiful Slanghoek valley, should be a challenge to any cyclist. Ride along green vineyards, across dam walls, beneath cliffs and on single tracks snaking through indigenous fynbos. Enjoy the fresh air and unbelievable beauty of the Slanghoek valley. Permits may be obtained from Slanghoek Wine Cellar.

8. Du Toitskloof – Goudyn – Stettynskloof

Thanks to a new event on the 3day mountain bike calendar, THE GRAVEL & GRAPE MTB, 3 stunning routes all in the Breedekloof area incorporating rides in the Slanghoek, Goudyn and Stettynskloof areas, some truly awesome single track sections have been purpose built for the event, mostly thanks to the hard working farmers & willing farm hands from the area. Portions of these routes have been opened to the public. Contact Breedekloof tourism for more information (023) 349179

Every first Saturday of the month, the Groenstoor in Brandwacht (Grape Depo for the Brandwacht Table Grape Farmers), serves as the home of Pure Boland Market. With the most spectacular view over the Brandwacht vineyards and mountains, this is the perfect spot for your early morning cup of coffee, or stay for delicious ‘roosterkoek’ straight from the fire. Various local small producers display and sell their products at the market. You will find a variety of the following at this unique market: fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables from the area, delicious jams, preserves, olives, wines, pastries, biscuits, koeksisters, cakes, pestos, quiche, cupcakes, hertzoggies, pies, locally roasted coffee, artisan wood fired oven breads, croissants, sundried fruit, arts & crafts and much more…