Breaking Travel News Investigates: Cape Sidecar Adventures | Focus
I always had a recurring fantasy about donning leather, going back in time and sitting in the sidecar of a motorcycle next to glasses with a leather-clad 60s movie star riding away to distant shores on an unknown but thrilling adventure, but who would have thought that this fantasy could become partially reality with the help of Cape Sidecar Adventures in Cape Town who over the past 20 years has been providing unforgettable trips for tourists hungry for adventure and wanting to see the glory of Cape Town in a totally unique way.
Whether you want to enjoy the breathtaking coastline, marvel at the abundant fauna and flora of one of the most pristine places on earth, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, or marvel at the majesty of Table Mountain, what better way to see all this and more from the comfort of a sidecar via a chauffeur-driven vintage motorcycle.
Cape Sidecar Adventures offer tours ranging from 2-hour city tours to full-day excursions, as well as tailor-made itineraries on request, and bikes carry the driver and up to 2 passengers.
There were three of us in our party, all from Great Britain, in our sixties with an adventurous and carefree spirit, eager to experience Cape Town at its best. Located in Woodstock, Cape Sidecar Adventures’ headquarters are extremely easy to get to and impossible not to notice. We were all blown away not only by the impressive fleet of over 50 colorful, uniquely named motorcycles and sidecars, but also by the welcoming and vintage atmosphere of the area plus a top-notch cafe to refresh us before our journey.
We were equipped with helmets that were supposed to fit more tightly rather than loosely, goggles, a complimentary bandana and very comfortable retro leather jackets from a choice of all colors and sizes.
As we walked out fully clothed and passed the vintage poster of Steve McQueen’s legs astride a 1961 Triumph TR6, we all channeled our inner wild side in anticipation that this would indeed be an experience to remember.
Two of us jumped into the well-padded sidecars attached to two brightly colored bicycles, a canary yellow model CJ750 called Ivy and a cobalt blue model called Roxy, also a CJ750, both models, we were told, from Russia and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The third member of our party sat in the back and sat on a comfortable seat cushion behind the driver. Bandanas on, goggles on, engine running and we’re off.
Our 3 hour journey took us through the city, overlooked by the azure sky and Table Mountain. We bypassed the historic and vibrant Bo-Kaap district, along the Atlantic coastline and arrived at the Clifton Beach viewpoint, where we stopped for a photo opportunity capturing the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles Mountains and paradise coastline as a perfect backdrop.
We continue via the prime real estate location and popular tourist spot Camps Bay to Noordhoek, where we took a refreshment break at the popular local hangout The Farm Village, with eateries, an ice cream, juice bar, arts and crafts stalls and gift shops to delight tourists like us and locals alike.
families alike.
Well refreshed, we climbed back aboard our now beloved bikes and rode along Chapman’s Peak Drive into the nature reserve, entrance fee having been paid in advance. As we meandered through the reserve, admiring the steep cliffs and taking in the dramatic ocean views often visited by common, dusky and heaviside dolphins, we breathed in the sweet aromas of the fynbos trees, hoping to transfer the sensations to city life back home.
Our 3 hours ended all too quickly as we headed back to the main office where we met the owner, Tim Clarke, who matched our enthusiasm and euphoria as we reluctantly stripped down, knowing we had just had a true vintage experience like no other.
Interview with owner Tim Clarke at WTM Africa
More information
If you also want to go vintage and experience Cape Town in a completely different and awe-inspiring way, check out https://www.sidecars.co.za/ and book a tour of your choice.
Text, photos and video: Sally Bowness and Mark Hakansson
