The Cape winter is perfect for a weekend getaway, particularly one that involves a gravel adventure. With the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d as our weapon of choice we planned an overnight trip to Greyton and a gravel ride back to Franschhoek via the magnificent Franschhoek Pass.
We kicked the trip off with a coffee at Franschhoek caffeine institution, De Hoek, before loading up bikes and bags and hitting the pass, in suitably moody winter conditions.
The clouds lifted in time for us to catch the spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley from the top of the pass, and enjoy the sweeping corners on offer. The rain also left the dirt road towards Greyton in perfect condition, both for riding and driving.
Nestled beneath the towering Riviersonderend mountains, Greyton is a popular weekend destination known for its quaint character and natural beauty. It offers exceptional mountain biking and a network of gravel roads that cater to cyclists of all levels. We made it to our accommodation in time to catch sunset, and headed out for a relaxed dinner.
The beauty of winter riding is there is no call for a 4AM alarm to catch sunrise. After fuelling up with coffee and breakfast at the Hub and Spoke we hit the road to Franschhoek.
We were graced with near perfect conditions: blue skies, no wind, and perfect, undulating gravel. Once we hit the tar past Theewaterskloof Dam, and the traffic volume increased, the backup vehicle became increasingly useful. It’s also worth noting that there are no obvious refuelling points on the route so having extra water and snacks is imperative.
Franschhoek Pass climb and descent was a fittingly impressive end to breathtaking day out, and we took the Robertsvlei gravel road behind Franschhoek to finish at Hey Joe Brewery.
You can view our route on STRAVA here. Be aware that Franschhoek Pass has no shoulder and many blind corners, so always ride in single file, take care and be vigilant.
About the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d AMG
The Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d boasts the following standout features that make it perfect for transporting bikes and riders in style and comfort:
- Adaptive Suspension: Provides a comfortable and stable ride on both rough and smooth surfaces.
- All-Wheel Drive: Enhances traction and control, ensuring safe travel on gravel paths.
- Spacious Interior: Offers ample cargo space for bags and gear. Adding roof mounted Thule racks made transporting the bikes a cinch.
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: Includes features like Active Brake Assist, Attention Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring for enhanced safety.
- High Ground Clearance: Allows easy travel over uneven terrain, making it versatile for various road conditions.
To learn more about the Mercedes-Benz GLA check it out here.
