The equation is perfect. Scenic winelands in the middle distance, bikes, helmets and refreshments all laid out. Just add cycling enthusiasts. Every opportunity to introduce people to cycling should be embraced.
Today's wine taster is tomorrows urban commuter.
The 21km mountain bike trail advertised as the 'Adventure Route' notes that the course is indeed challenging. By mountain bike standards, there was little in the way of technical difficulty although an above average fitness was an asset on the hill climbs. Our motley crew of adventurers set off promptly at 8:30am from the centre of Cape Town. Not by bike, but initially by train.
The hour long MetroRail train ride to the Stellenbosch winelands was the perfect way to begin our carbon neutral bicycle tour. For many of the participants, both local and international, it was their first experience of South African public transport and the discussions in the carriage bore evidinces of a lack of understanding of what Cape Town was really about. The train was clean, our guides were very helpful, yet the realities of life for the the majority of citizens in the western cape clickity clacked past our window and could not be ignored.
Upon our arrival at Vlottenburg station we walked a short way to the bike shed, our tour was already well underway and I was glad for established banter and casual jeering as we were allocated bikes and helmets. I'm grateful to the guides who summed up my riding ability and matched me with a smaller more nimble bike. We received a short briefing on gearing and safety and, once assembled, we set off as 11 intrepid adventurers ready to be refreshed with water and wine.
As we set off from the first stop, my companion noticed that her bike had been moved from her original spot. She then noticed that her front tyre had been replaced on account of a slow leak discovered by the guide. Thorns.
While we were tasting, the guides were ensuring the bikes were ready for the next leg of the journey! In addition to assisting us in navigating both urban and natural landscapes, they had an even more challenging task. It appears that I was the only participant who interpreted the term 'challenging ride' to mean 'bring cycling shorts' in addition to eating a hearlty carb-meal the night before (..sorry Tim). At least 3 of our participants couldn't remember when last they had cycled. The guides were so gratious and encouraging, even as bikes were pushed and expletives voiced. Last nights wine drinker is todays cyclist.
Our final stop was a surprise.
The hills had ended, lunch was concluded and as we headed back to the shed to say our goodbyes, we came upon a distillery. I don't care much for brandy, but to have been beckoned into a building with such history and elegance was appeal enough. It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to new friends and sneak in a Charlotte Rhys tainted comfort break before stepping back onto Metrorail.
The train ride back to Cape Town saw naps taken and numbers shared. I had a chance to speak more with our guides about their personal journey into cycling. When a group such as Bikes n Wines cares about carbon neutrality, you're sure to find they are not neutral when it comes to other issues of community importance. When not busy with bike tours, our guides are involved with raising up youngsters in and through cycling. It was encouraging and heartning to know that the same love of cycling that had helped more privileged folks up a winelands hill is helping to raise the youth over more formidable obstacles.
Today's cyclist is tomorrows urban leader.
*Thanks to Quintin and the team at Bikes n Wines for allowing me the opportunity to enjoy the winelands from a saddle.
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