Port Elizabeth to Knysna 3-Day Cycle Tour

Starting at Port Elizabeth’s picturesque beachfront on Wednesday morning, 2nd July 2008, a small group of leisure cyclists set off on a 3-Day cycle ride to Knysna, arriving at the Knysna Cycle Tour Expo early on Friday afternoon.

A rather cool and blustery morning greeted the group of riders as they set out on the first stage of their cycle tour.  The route followed the picturesque coastline around the bay before turning inland over a few trying climbs.  It was with sighs of relief that the riders turned into the Elephant Walk Country Village to enjoy a much deserved lunchtime snack.

With renewed energy and enthusiasm, but also a much stronger headwind, the group once again set off for their final destination of the first day's ride - Jeffreys Bay.  This famous holiday town, renowned for its top international surfing competitions, was a welcome site for the weary cyclists as they finished the 120km day's ride after weaving their way along the undulating roads through the scenic Sunshine Coast countryside.

A hearty breakfast and stunning weather set the tone for another day in the saddle as the riders headed out from Jeffreys Bay along the old R102 road to Storms River.  With perfect cycling conditions and a relatively flat ride after the first few rolling hills, the group were soon enjoying what leisure cycling is all about - the awesome scenery!  This 90km cycle along the base of the mountains and through the magnificent Tsitsikamma Forest in beautiful sunshine was topped off with lunch overlooking the Storms River Gorge.  Then it was into the back-up vehicles for a short transfer through the roadworks to the overnight stop at the stunningly beautiful Storms River Mouth Resort, right on the beach in the Tsitsikamma National Park. 

The next morning saw the small group of riders with their weary legs, happily learning that the two passes along the final day's route were closed to trafic.  This meant a much easier 90km ride along the main N2 highway through to their final destination - Knysna.  With pleasant weather conditions and a wide shoulder of the road to ride along, the group made good speed through the picturesque holiday town of Plettenberg Bay and were soon cruising down into Knysna.

After 3 days in the saddle, the group were happy to reach their destination and spend some time taking in the atmosphere of the Knysna Oyster Festival, before taking part in the weeekends cycling events.