Pedal Power: Take a ride, take a look

19 November 2014 - 02:37 By Adél Groenewald
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SWITCHED ON: Mohid Reid gets a different view of the city cycling through the Company's Garden on a motorised bicycle
SWITCHED ON: Mohid Reid gets a different view of the city cycling through the Company's Garden on a motorised bicycle
Image: ESA ALEXANDER

When you live in Cape Town it is easy to grow used to that which makes the city special.

Bree Street easily becomes nothing more than a way to avoid Buitengracht in peak traffic. We get irritated when camera-toting groups stop abruptly in the Bo-Kaap to photograph a bunch of painted houses.

Yet, if we no longer see what 1.8million annual visitors do, perhaps we should take a new look. It's time to tour the city on two wheels, but in a sleeker and less sweaty fashion than the single speeds possible on the Promenade. Enter electric bicycle tours organised by Cycology.

Based at the Mount Nelson, the German-designed A2B Octave bicycles are much more robust than a bicycle that has simply been motorised. Merely turning a throttle on the handlebar sends it forward.

Pedalling helps with balance when pulling away, but is not vital as the tyres are thick and stable. The cushioned seats keep even broader bums comfortable.

There are three options - a city tour, a scenic tour and a Saturday morning ride to the Old Biscuit Mill.

The city tour starts with a cruise on Government Avenue. Notice the shadows trees make, dodge adorable squirrels and listen to the guide explain the historical significance of the Company's Garden. Look out for the South African Museum, National Gallery, Holocaust Museum and Slave Lodge - chances are you haven't noticed them since visiting in primary school.

From here the tour heads up Wale Street to the Bo-Kaap Museum for a reminder that there's more to the area than its signature houses. Back down again to Greenmarket Square and the Old Town House before cruising through the Company's Garden once more and ending at the Mount Nelson.

The scenic tour is more about looking. Up Wale Street, down characterful Bree Street and a chance to finally make use of its bicycle lane. Follow the Fan Walk to the stadium and cruise all the way to Mouille Point to appreciate the lighthouse before becoming the trendiest group hitting the Promenade on two wheels.

A pancake, coffee and a splash of ocean spray before the ride back and a contented realisation that you can call this city home.

  • Tours cost R450 and take 60 to 90 minutes. www.cycology.biz
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