Читать книгу Dirt Busters - Деон Мейер - Страница 18

The old Montagu Pass

It’s only 20 km from George to the N9 over the old Montagu Pass, but metre for metre this route may just be the most beautiful in the country.

In preparation for the media launch of the R1200 GS in 2004, I had the good fortune to help the BMW production team from Munich run in the bikes. I rode this pass every day for two weeks and I never grew tired of it.

The pass was named after John Montagu, the Cape Colonial Secretary. Built by prisoners, the pass was completed in 1847. In those days, it took three days by ox wagon to cross the Cradock Pass. The Montagu Pass shortened the journey to just one day. These days it is possible to cross it in half an hour on your big dog, should you be daring, and in a hurry.

By the way, the road engineer for the Montagu Pass was Australian Henry Fancourt White. Today, his name lives on in the famous Fancourt estate near George – and the small town of Blanco. Don’t forget to stop at the old tollhouse, where travellers paid tuppence per wheel and a penny for every pulling animal more than a century ago.

From George you take the N9 to Oudtshoorn. Just 3,5 km outside the town centre a road sign will indicate where you should turn right onto a gravel road. At first the road is wide and in good condition, but, when you’re up against the mountain’s flank, it becomes very narrow, with untold blind corners. Be careful – then you can also enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas.

We also recommend that when you rejoin the N9 you turn right again. Travel a mere 170 m further and you can take the Perdepoort gravel road to Oudtshoorn. It’s an easy and quick route that offers a different kind of beauty.

Route grading

2

Starting point

George town centre

Distance

From George to where you rejoin the N9 it’s 20,5 km (if you ride to Oudtshoorn via Perdepoort, it’s an additional 43,1 km, for a total of 63,6 km).

Duration

90 minutes for Montagu (this will give you enough time for photographs), and two and a half hours to Oudtshoorn via Perdepoort