DAY 1: 01 JULY 2023
85KM & 45KM
Experience the enchanting Knysna Forest on Day 1 of the Knysna Cycle Tour. Ride through dense indigenous forest, surrounded by towering trees and lush ferns. Choose between a 85km or 45km loop, and embrace invigorating climbs and thrilling descents. Conquer gravel roads and navigate jeep tracks in this magical and captivating natural landscape.
All cyclists, including those with gravel bikes, MTBs, and E-bikes, are welcome.
DAY 1 GPX AND KLM DOWNLOADS
Download 45Km GPX File
Download 45Km Kml File
Download 85Km GPX File
Download 85Km Kml File
START & FINISH DETAILS
Both rides start at the base of Simola Hill on Old Cape Road. Please park at the designated area near Knysna High School Fields. If parking around the field is unavailable, you can find parking in other areas of town. It’s just a short 2km ride from the parking area to the starting line, serving as a great warm-up. The events begin with a delightful 2km climb to the summit of Simola.
After your invigorating morning ride through the captivating Knysna Forest, you’ll reach the Knysna High School Fields. There, you can enjoy refreshments and food. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax.
OPTION 1: 85KM MTB RIDE
DISTANCE: 85KM | ELEVATION: +-1,700M
START TIME: 08h00
START LINE: BOTTOM OF SIMOLA, OLD CAPE ROAD
FINISH: KNYSNA HIGH SCHOOL FIELDS
- Start at the bottom of the Simola Hill.
This routes takes you along the Concordia road that has stunning views of the Knysna lagoon and some undulating riding till you get to the Uniondale road. From this point you have continual climbing till past the Diepwalle Big Tree and Forest Station! Continuing past Kom se Pad for 4km and then right to R340 and then back to behind Buffelsnek. (Top of the main climb). - From Buffelsnek proceed to a turn west that tacks the riders back in the indigenous forest again till you get to the Rondebossie trail hut.
- Continue on interesting jeep (single track) to Kom se Pad. From here follow the 45km route down the Gouna Hill over the Gouna River and up the Gouna climb to the back to the finish at Knysna High School.
- NOTE ride has been remeasured and is nearer to 85kms – ebike riders please note !
OPTION 2: 45KM MTB RIDE
DISTANCE: 45KM | ELEVATION: 1,009m
START TIME: 08h10
START LINE: BOTTOM OF SIMOLA, OLD CAPE ROAD
FINISH: KNYSNA HIGH SCHOOL FIELDS
- Start at the bottom of the Simola Hill. This 45km route takes you along the Concordia Road which offers stunning views of the Knysna lagoon and some undulating riding until you get to Uniondale road. From this point, you have continual climbing until you pass the Diepwalle Big Tree and Forest Station. The 45km group turn left onto SANPARKS Kom se Pad.
- This gravel road ride is in virgin forest ….there is a chance of seeing a wild elephant! Ride to the peak at the Pimple and descend to the Forester’s Hut and then onto the Gouna road where you pass the Gouna pump station with a final short 2.6km climb to the top of Simola and then down into Knysna and finish on the High School field.