This Sunday will see 35,000 cyclists head off around the Cape Peninsula for the 36th Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour. For some, it’s an important timed event and every second is crucial.
But for others – including our beloved Restaurant Ed, Cath Shone – it’s a fun way to spend a Sunday and a great excuse for a party afterwards.
Well, why wait till afterwards is what I say! If time isn’t an issue, there are plenty of wonderful opportunities for a ‘stop n dop’ on the way round.
Take in some of the sites, enjoy some great wines and beers and do the Argus in style. Here are my recommendations of the best places to stop.
1. Leaving town – there is a dearth of good drinking holes on the first section of the race unless you want to make a slight detour and check out the Forresters Arms in Newlands. I’d recommend you push on through the M3 section until you reach…
2. Toad on the Road. Located at the foot of Boyes Drive, this is an excellent spot to quench your thirst with a nice pint of beer – they have 13 on tap. I’d recommend some Jack Black or Guinness to give you strength here.
3. The Brass Bell. Moving on round to Kalk Bay, you can’t do better than a swift pint at the Brass Bell. It’s got a nicely elevated deck so you can pick your moment to re-enter the race as well.
4. The Black Marlin. Alert, alert – Smitswinkel ahead! This deceptive climb is a killer on the legs so fortify yourself in advance by a little drinks stop and possibly a light snack at this popular fish restaurant.
5. Camel Rock Restaurant. It’s a nice flat section from the top of Smitswinkel through Cape Point, so take it easy and have a little snifter at this restaurant en route.
6. Imhoff Farm. Unless you’re one of the camels loitering outside this farm stall and restaurants and have your own refreshment on board, you’re probably quite thirsty by now. There’s a great wine shop at Imhoff so a glass of Sauvignon Blanc would probably go down very well at this stage.
7. Cape Point Vineyards. Okay, this is a slight detour from the main route but the views and the wine are worth it. Snack platters are also available if you’re feeling peckish and the Splattered Toad Sauvignon (R40 from most retailers) will get you on your way again swiftly.
8. Noordhoek Farm Village. Gird your loins – Chapman’s Peak is ahead! Plenty of refreshment options here – Café Roux, Foodbarn, Toad in the Village – so take it all onboard and go for it.
9. Chapman’s Peak Hotel. You made it over Chappies!! Stopping here is a no-brainer – look what you just did! A cheeky beer and a plate of calamari are totally well-deserved.
10. Pirates Hout Bay – why not join every awesome supporter in the Greater Hout Bay area for a dop at this extremely popular pub.
11. Camps Bay. There is many a rider who makes it this far and never gets over the finish line! The choice of venues is awesome so take your pick, although a pub crawl at this stage may not be wise!
12. Winchester Mansions. Craft beers, excellent wines, interesting cocktails and only metres to go. You might as well stop here for a final one – it’s actually quite rude not to.
There you go – my dirty dozen stops on the road to Argus glory. If you have any more to suggest, we’d love to hear them and best of luck to all riders for Sunday!