The Beauty Of Cape Town’s Coastal Roads, And Iconic Chapman’s Peak

It’s hard to escape the absolute beauty of Cape Town’s coastal roads throughout the seasons in South Africa. Cape Town is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world as we show off the vibrant colours of the sea, mountains, and unbeatable views no matter the time of year. Which is partly why the Cape Town Cycle Tour (Old Cape Argus) is one of the highlights of the Capetonian cyclists race calendar. It certainly is a treat to join in, and this is why we wouldn’t want you to miss out if you are not able to make the March race date.

Image by: Cape Town Cycle Tour

People from across the world throng to the Cape every year in March, to join in on the cycling and fun, as supporters, family, friends, or marshals.  The ever-brave professional and some not so professional cyclists take ownership of these roads, even if just for one day. Imagine if cyclists ruled the glorious roads of Cape Town? The experience of the Argus is exactly that!

Positioned for victory in every possible way, the Cycle Tour route is marked out to purposefully hit as many of our most beautiful roads and views as possible. Each minute along the route points to fresh air in your lungs, and that freeing feeling of conquering great heights, both literally and figuratively. From the Kalk Bay, Simonstown to Smitswinkel Bay and Misty Cliffs coastal roads, all the way around and over the iconic Chapman’s Peak drive and then face to face encounters with our Cape Town giants, Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, the Twelve Apostles and many more.

So what is it about ‘Chappies’ that makes it so iconic?

Image by: Discover Africa

Its Iconic History: Chapman’s Peak, named after the Captain’s mate of a lowly English ship, John Chapman, finds its significance in many different reasons. The 9 km stretch with 114 curves and bends is filled with view and after glorious view of the vast Atlantic Ocean. It was, and is, historically used as a trading landmark, and a connection road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, built around a similar time as De Waal drive, which links Cape Town City with the Southern Suburbs.

Incredible Engineering: As you coast along the coastal route on your Cape Town Cycle Tour journey, you’ll find yourself aware of the great big mesh netting keeping loose rocks from falling down the mountain and cantilever bridges keeping you steadily on track. Not only is this rocky side of Chapman’s Peak a significant part of its magnificent structure, but if you look over your other shoulder, you’ll find a cliff as daunting and steep below you, as above! The road has been carved out of the mountainside to bring human life and enjoyment into its show off views, just like the rib removed from Adam’s body to form Eve.

Tourism, Picnic Spots, And Sunsets: There are many spots to enjoy the views overlooking Noordhoek beach and Hout Bay along the Chapman’s Peak drive through. Gather your family and friends and enjoy sunsets like nothing else in the world and picnics with the sound of amplified ocean waves beating on the slopes.

All in all, this breathtaking, crystal clear and calming, open experience of cycling through Chapman’s peak drive is one of the most awesome highlights of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.

Here is what one of the cyclists had to say about his favourite views of the 2019 Cape Argus Cycle Tour:

“Misty Cliffs was a real treat, I have never seen the water so turquoise blue, even without my polaroid lenses on. My third favourite view was cresting Suikerbossie just after coming through beautiful Chapman’s Peak drive, it was a real vibe and it was a reminder of the final stretch, the final downhill before the finish of yet another phenomenal ride!”

– Ian Walton

We hope that you’ve enjoyed a taste of the tour through this piece and we look forward to seeing you there next year for the 2020 Tour.

If you missed out the 2019 Cycle tour but you would still like to take in the beauty of the Cape on a bike, book a guided tour of the Cape Peninsula or visit the Bikes ‘N Wines shop in town to rent a bike to hit the streets with and receive a free 2 hour rental on any city cruiser rental bike.