Seeing as my new year’s resolution was to participate in as many activities in and around Stanford as possible I recently read about the new fat bikes at Mosaic and was keen to spend a Sunday with my 11 year old son to give this a try.  It was fabulous!  Not being much of a bike person I viewed this as a daunting adventure and sincerely hoped I could have a decent run without having to involve the paramedics.  I was pleasantly surprised!

Meeting our fatbikes

The Fat Bikes can be likened to the Rolls Royce of mountain bikes – its fat wheels cushion shock and are made to deal with particularly sandy conditions, check and as a result the ride was a lot less bumpy than riding on a normal mountain bike.

Big Fat Daddy

Even though they look quite intimidating they are easy to steer and ride, and my 11 year old had no problem propelling himself around at high speeds and tut-tutting at me pushing the bike up the steeper parts of the road (they aren’t steep – I’m just incredibly unfit).

Enjoying the views

Upon arrival we were met by Mosaic’s manager, Marcelino, who patiently fitted our helmets and explained the best routes to ride and where everything on the bike was – including a puncture kit.  (In the end I just took his phone number and said that I’d call him for help if needed as I am incapable of fixing anything more complicated than a sandwich).  And then we were on our way.  We rode out towards the beach, about 5km away.  First on a dirt road and then into the Walker Bay Marine reserve where a comfortable sandy path led us towards the beach.  The road was easy to follow and the natural beauty was magnificent – and I had plenty of time to admire the flowers and the mountains because I had to stop to rest quite often (to the great disgust of my son).

Fire bursting from the scorched earth

We passed an area where it recently burnt and from the scorched earth burst most beautiful blood red flowers.  Once we reached the beach we climbed up and over the huge dune and had a swim in the sea and took a short walk on the vast Walker Bay beach that stretches from Hermanus to Gansbaai.  Other guests from Mosaic were already there on a game drive and offered us cold refreshments from the Mosaic cooler box.  It was heaven!

The lovely Walker Bay Beach

After a decent rest and a small picnic, it was time to get back.  By now it was sweltering hot but somehow the road back was easier than the road in – except for my backside getting a bit sore.  Once we got back to Mosaic Lagoon Lodge we stopped for a snack and a cold drink in the shade of the thick milkwood trees and it was blissful.

Cool shade of the Milkwoods

We returned home exhausted and agreed that we had the most fantastic adventure and a lovely bonding session.  There is nothing like doing something outdoorsy and physical with your child!  I highly recommend this adventure and am certainly keen to do it again as soon as possible.

Points to note:

• Remember to put sun lotion on your hands, arms, neck and shoulders. The back of my hands and my neck got terribly burnt because I forgot about these areas!
• Ask them to help you adjust the bike to your height before you pull off – I was too impatient to get out there and didn’t have my seat adjusted. As a result it was too high and I got neck-ache from looking up all the time.  Rather take the time and have a more comfortable ride.
• Wear a swimming costume or take one along for a dip in the sea