our motorbikes on a Sunday morn-
ing breakfast run, countless wagons
creaked and trundled their way to the
diamond and gold fields to seek their
fortune.
Today, Bain’s Kloof Pass is a Na-
tional Monument. This well-travelled
route offers magnificent vistas, indig-
enous fynbos unique to the region,
crystal-clear natural rock pools, camp
sites and hiking trails.
The road itself is any rider’s dream.
With a collection of 101 horse shoe
bends, curves and sharp corners the
route has a reputation for danger.
Chiseled from the natural rock, the
road hugs the mountain side closely
to keep riders safe from the precari-
ous (and fatal) drop into the kloof far
below. The only protection is a row of
large strategically placed rocks that
frame the route. The asphalt is sur-
prisingly perfect and even the most
cautious rider will enjoy leaning their
trusty steed around each bend.
Then, all of a sudden, you get to
the last bit of the rise. The vegetation
opens up to the most staggering view
all the way back to the city. There are
a few perfectly positioned rest areas
and I guarantee that you won’t resist
stopping for the obligatory selfie op-
portunity. Be warned, there are often
troops of baboons and they’ll be quick
to grab your snack right from your
hand if you are not paying attention.
By the time you reach the summit, you
would have climbed a total altitude of
549 metres and you won’t even realise
that you were going up.
Just after the summit, you will pass
through a little village that is not more
than a handful of houses to the side
of the road. Then, you are suddenly
thrust into more bending road with
rocky cliffs hugging up and down to
each side. As you carve your way down,
you will possibly see some cascading
waterfalls spitting out of the mountain
side. You most likely won’t see much
more than the road though. It really is
a tight route with cars having to pull
over to pass each other. About half
TRAVERSE
45