Bicycle Day is fast approaching & my husband Rory who has always been an avid mountain biker eventually persuaded me (OK bribed me) to join him on a day outing in the Cradle of Humankind.

As I am a girl up for a challenge I went out and bought myself a mountain bike, cycling shorts and helmet. You have to look the part don’t you. (But more about that next time! ) Would have preferred a pretty pink one with a wicked basket and maybe a bell… I could imagine a French loaf and bottle of bubbly fitting nicely in there, but no such luck.

Don’t get overly excited, my intentions don’t stretch further than 5km in and around the Cradle of Humankind.  So while I am clearly not part of the 94.7 cycling brigade, I do recognise a good outing when I see one and of course this one was in celebration of Bicycle day on 19 April.

I must admit, being in the Cradle of Humankind on a mountain bike is right up there with great things to do over a weekend. I do tend to work on a rewards system and therefore clearly planned my cycling route from venue to bistro to restaurant to spa and perhaps back. Cycling is hard work after all.

So my suggested route includes:
A cappuccino at Oevermeer Bistro at Kloofzicht Lodge and Spa where a only the view was better than my cuppa. A caffeine kick start was a necessity.You could then take the long way around (for the serious riders, off course)
which totals about 43km on the Cradle cycle route.
Or my version would be to  turn left coming out of Kloofzicht Lodge and Spa and cycle  to Glenburn Lodge and Spa.
Take a left and carry on for another kilometer to the main Glenburn Lodge gate. The lodge has two tracks on the property, both less than 5km each. The circular routes start and finish at the rugby field close to Glenburn’s entrance. The beginners route is for cyclists of all ages and levels, while the advanced route is a technical ride with several up-and downhills with rocky stretches.Whether you are enjoying one of the Glenburn routes or a race in the area, do pop into the Glenburn Spa for their Cyclists Spa treat, for the most divine Spa package especially made for cyclists:
30 min steam room session
30 min back neck & shoulder massage
60 minute leg treatment
…all for only R850-00

Spa Manager, Samantha explains the  leg treatment in more detail: “The specialised foot and leg treatment uses manual lymphatic drainage techniques: The feet and legs are wrapped in a circulation-booster gel, followed by a hydrating body lotion. A perfect treatment to help relax and relieve tired or aching legs and a definite for anyone who participated in the 947 cycle challenge or does weekend races or leisure rides.”
Now doesn’t that sound like the perfect training session? I will be on the lookout for other kindred spirits on the route – and I still have no idea what cleats are…Guest Blogger
Melaney Rose