Western Cape Mountain Passes - Franschhoek Pass скачать в хорошем качестве

Western Cape Mountain Passes - Franschhoek Pass

The Western Cape has well over 100 mountain passes. Some of them I get to ride frequently, others I am hoping to ride soon. This is a short series trying to showcase the passes I have been able to ride. Third in line is another close-to-home pass I get to ride often when traveling to the Overberg region. The Franschhoek Pass (R45), or Lambrechts Road, is a scenic, historic route in the Western Cape, South Africa, originally established along an old elephant migration path known as Olifantspad. Completed in 1825, it was the country’s first properly engineered road, featuring the oldest stone arch bridge in South Africa, the Jan Joubertsgat Bridge. History and Origins Original Route: The route was known as Olifantshoek (Elephants’ Corner) or Olifantspad, based on paths taken by migrating elephants to the valley. Catspad (1819): SJ Cats attempted to make the route passable for wagons, creating a narrow, steep path known as "Cats se Pad". Engineered Pass (1825): Governor Lord Charles Somerset commissioned 150 men of the Royal African Corps under Major Holloway to build a proper road for accessing hunting grounds in the Overberg. Modernization: The modern, tarred road was completed around 1933, with further improvements in the 1960s. Key Facts and Features Location: Connects Franschhoek to Villiersdorp, traversing the Franschhoek Mountains.Oldest Bridge: The Jan Joubertsgat Bridge, built in 1825, is still in use and remains the oldest in South Africa. Terrain: Known for being long and steep with a general grade of 1:15. Views & Tourism: The pass offers dramatic, panoramic views of the Franschhoek Valley, vineyards, and mountain ranges. Popular Activities: Popular with tourists, cyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists, offering various, viewpoints such as near the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.Safety: The road is known for being windy and steep, and requires cautious driving, particularly after heavy rain, which has previously caused soil instability. 00:00 - Intro 00:24 - Route 01:07 - Riding the pass 04:41 - Jan Joubert's Gat Bridge 06:06 - Up next...