Page 32 - LHR Biker September 2025
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Road conditions & the reality of is ideal. Big heavy cruisers can
riding here manage the tar but become
The Wild Coast is famous for not exhausting on long dirt sections. If
being famous for smooth roads. in doubt, rent an adventure bike
You’ll encounter a mix: good tar locally.
on the R61 and parts of the N2, - Tyres & spare parts: Fit tyres
broken, pothole-riddled country that handle both tar and gravel
roads, long gravel and beach (all-terrain or dual-sport tyres).
approaches, and short, sharp Carry a puncture repair kit, a
sandy river mouth crossings. collapsible pump, tyre levers and
R a i n wi l l turn p re vi ousl y a compact spare tube or plug kit.
manageable gravel into greasy Know how to change a tyre by
clay; tides and surf can alter sand yourself — phone reception is
firmness. patchy.
- Fuel & range: Fuel stations get
Locals and tourism guides sparse between major towns. Top
strongly advise riding in daylight up whenever you can and carry at
hours only and at sensible speeds least 3–5 litres of emergency fuel
— unexpected animals, unfenced for long west-east stretches.
roads, and sudden potholes are Keep a simple tool kit and basic
real hazards. If you’re not spares (fuses, bulbs, chain links,
comfortable on dirt, either ride clutch/cable spares).
with a guide or limit yourself to tar - Ride daylight, ride steady: The
sections and reserve the dirt for a coast is best ridden in daylight for
second visit. visibility and because many dirt
Where to stop (highlights) tracks become sketchy in wet
Port St Johns — A dramatic river conditions; night-time is when
mouth town, with cliff-top views, stray livestock and potholes
market stalls and easy rider- become most dangerous. Wild
friendly guesthouses. Great base Coast guides and local tips
for exploring northern Wild Coast repeatedly recommend avoiding
coves. night travel.
- Weather & seasons: Summer
Coffee Bay & the Hole in the brings heat and showers; rain
Wall — Possibly the most iconic turns some roads to mud. Winter
seascape on the coast; walking can be gusty and cooler,
the headland and watching the especially at dawn. Always check
surf punch through the geological the forecast and adjust plans. If
arch is unforgettable. There are heavy rain is forecast, delay
several small guesthouses and coastal dirt legs.
community run camps. - Respect local communities:
The Wild Coast is home to close-
Mdumbi / Hluleka — World- knit Xhosa communities. Ride
class quiet beaches, forested respectfully, slow down through
trails and small reserves — ideal s e t t l e m e n t s , a s k b e f o r e
for an off-day to stretch legs and photographing people, and
hike. Hidden bays & river mouths support local businesses and
— Hop off to find empty beaches, homestays.
especially early morning. Bring - Communications: Carry at
swim trunks, but watch currents least one power bank, a bike-
— lifeguards are not guaranteed. mounted phone charger if
possible, and a small SIM from a
Rider tips — kit, bike prep & on- local provider with data; still, don’t
the-road safety rely solely on mobile networks.
- Choose the right bike: An Consider a satellite messenger
adventure or dual-sport with for solo rides in remote zones.
decent suspension, spoked - Emergency: Have emergency
wheels (if you expect gravel contacts noted — local police and
repeatedly), and crash protection ambulance numbers, and the
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LHR Biker Magazine October 2025
