If you’re not fussy and enjoy the simpler things in life then you will love a overnight bike trip to Genadendal as much as we did. If you’re wondering where the heck Genadendal is, it’s a little dorpie next to Greyton.

I phoned in advance and was told that the town was originally a missionary station and accommodation consisted of a back packers and a B & B.

I love riding inland where the roads offer sweeps and no traffic so the trip there was great. Heads up for cows and donkeys on the road as you approach Greyton as the animals seem to roam around with no regard to traffic. In fact don’t be surprised to see a cow standing next to you on the pavement restaurants in Greyton. Traveling on to Genadendal, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical cos you ride through the backstreets of nowhere to get to the centre of town. The coloured town is quaint, tiny and consists of a massive church, a few museums and a general dealer. Oh and there’s one petrol pump outside the shop and they don’t always have fuel and they close at 6p.m so don’t get caught. Genadendal was founded in the year toet and if you’re interested in finding out more about the history you need to get there before the museums close before lunch on Saturday. (Most museums dont even open on Saturdays.)

The four of us opted for the backbackers at R30 p/p and if you don’t wanna carry a sleeping bag it’s R15 p/p for bedding and an additional R25 / group for the key to the kitchen if you need it. How cheap is that?

The back packers turned out to be a huge old hostel and had a spookyness about it. The rooms were clean, bedding was crisp and we had the place to ourselves. We squeezed the bikes into the secure courtyard. There’s a pretty garden in the back with a braai area so we walked into town to get braai stuff and stocked up on booze. We also stocked up on candles since the electricity was off and after walking through the 300 year old graveyard we wanted to make sure we could find our way to the loo’s at night. The owners eventually realized that there was a problem with the electricity at the hostel so they promptly moved us into the adjoining B & B at no extra cost. We were very impressed although we would have been quite happy to stay where we were. Normal rates are R100 p/p (very cheap and worth it) and the place is furnished in antique furniture and you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. We even had the whole B & B to ourselves so I don’t think the town gets many guests through, although the guest book showed evidence of people from all over the country.

Next morning, before heading back, we stopped at Greyton for breakfast at the hotel called Barnards where we got chatting to the owner. He’s recently taken over the place and wanted ideas to make it biker friendly so definitely worth supporting him.

I’d recommend a trip to Genadendal and stay in the hostel if you don’t mind sharing a room with your friends or in the B&B if your prefer more comforts.

Originally posted by DEBBY