I used to have a recurring fantasy about donning leathers, going back in time and sitting in the sidecar of a motorbike next to a goggle wearing leather clad 1960’s movie star riding away to distant shores on an un-known but exciting adventure but who would have thought that this fantasy could partially become a reality with the help of Cape Town’s Cape Sidecar Adventures who for the past 20 years have been providing unforgettable tours for adventure-hungry tourists who want to see the glories of Cape Town in a totally unique way.
Whether you want to soak up the breathtaking coastline, marvel at the plentiful fauna and flora of one of the most unspoiled places on earth, Cape Point Nature Reserve, or wonder at the majesty of Table Moun-tain, how better to see all of this and more from the comfort of a side-car via a chauffeur driven vintage motorbike.
Cape Sidecar Adventures offer tours ranging from 2 hour city tours to full-day outings as well as bespoke itineraries on request and bikes carry the driver and up to 2 passengers.
There were 3 of us in our party, all from the UK, in our 60’s with an adventurous and carefree spirit, eager to experience Cape Town at its best. Located in Woodstock, Cape Sidecar Adventures HQ is ex-tremely easy to reach and impossible not to notice. We were all blown away not only by the impressive fleet of over 50 uniquely named col-ourful motorbikes and sidecars, but by the welcoming and vintage feel of the surroundings plus a top notch cafe to refresh us before our journey.
We were kitted out with helmets that had to fit more on the tight side rather than loose, goggles, a complimentary bandana and very comfort-able retro leather jackets from a choice of all colours and sizes.
As we strode out fully-cladded, passing the vintage poster of Steve McQueen legs astride a 1961 Triumph TR6, we were all channeling our inner wild side anticipating that this was indeed going to be an experience to remember.
Two of us jumped in the well-padded sidecars attached to two brightly painted bikes, one canary yellow model CJ750 called Ivy and a cobalt blue model called Roxy, also a CJ750, both models, we were told, origi-nating from Russia and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The 3rd member of our party rode pillion, settling himself on a comfortable seat pad behind the driver. Bandanas up, goggles on, motor running and off we set.
Our 3 hour trip took us through the city, overlooked by azure skies and Table Mountain, we by-passed the historic and vibrant Bo-Kaap neigh-bourhood, moving along the coastline of the Atlantic Seaboard, arriving at Clifton Beach look out point where we stopped for a photo opportuni-ty capturing the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles Mountain range and the paradisiacal coastline as a picture perfect backdrop.
Moving on through the prime real estate location and hot tourist spot Camps Bay to Noordhoek, where we took a refreshment break at the popular local hang-out, The Farm Village, with eateries, an ice-cream, juice bar, arts and crafts stalls, and gift shops to delight tourists like ourselves and local
families alike.
Well-refreshed we climbed back aboard our now much loved bikes and rode along Chapman’s Peak Drive into the Nature Reserve, the entrance fee pre-paid. Meandering through the reserve, admiring the sheer cliffs, absorbing the dramatic ocean views frequented by Common, Dusky and Heaviside dolphins, we breathed in the sweet aromas of the fynbos trees hoping we could transport the sensations to urban life back home.
Our 3 hours ended way too soon as we headed back to HQ where we met the owner, Tim Clarke, who matched our enthusiasm and euphoria as we reluctantly disrobed knowing we’d just had a truly vintage experi-ence like no other.
Interview with the owner Tim Clarke at WTM Africa
More Information
If you also want to go vintage and experience Cape Town in a totally different and awe-inspiring way go to https://www.sidecars.co.za/ and book a tour of your choice.
Words, Pics and Video : Sally Bowness and Mark Hakansson
