Bike
Biking around Rooiels offers a variety of experiences, from gentle village rides to more challenging road or mountain routes. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but riders should always be mindful of conditions and their own abilities.
🚵♂️Mountain Biking
Mountain biking from Rooiels can take you southwards via Porter Drive to Pringle Bay, crossing the R44, and then passing Van Zyl Farm to Betty’s Bay, using a mix of public gravel roads and veld paths before returning to the R44. These routes are mostly gravel and farm-style tracks, making them accessible to reasonably confident riders.
For those who prefer a more relaxed ride, a few residents enjoy simply cruising around the unpaved village streets, getting exercise while taking in the local scenery.
🛣️Road Biking
Road biking is popular from Rooiels northwards to Gordon’s Bay. The road is generally in good condition, but wind conditions can be strong and gusty, changing quickly over short distances. The northbound route is about 20 km one way, with four major climbs on the return trip, totalling roughly 500 m of ascent.
Heading south on the R44/Clarence Drive towards Pringle Bay, and further through Betty’s Bay to Kleinmond, is less hilly, though riders still need to be aware of the southeast winds, which can be gusty.
Temperatures are most comfortable in the morning, but can become hot around midday.
Traffic is another consideration – morning traffic heading north can be heavy, easing around noon, then picking up again in the evening as commuters return home. On weekends, extra traffic along the R44 requires vigilance, especially with speeding cars and motorbikes.
The narrowness of the R44/Clarence Drive on certain stretches demands high concentration, as there is limited room for vehicles to pass, especially if there is oncoming traffic.
Please respect nature in rooiels
🐒 BABOONS
If you don’t have visible food, they won’t be interested in you. Stay calm and treat them with respect.
🚗 Parking
Please park in a designated space on Anemone Road, near the shop and restaurants.
🚶♂️➡️ Stick To The Paths
Use only public roads and designated paths to minimise disturbance to wildlife and vegetation.
🚮 Don’t Litter
Please put your rubbish in the baboon proof bins provided, or even better, take it home with you.