Winter in Joburg hits different. The air bites, the mornings are dark, and your bed feels smug about it. But for the riders who don’t pack away their bikes at the first sign of frost, this season is golden. Quiet roads. Crisp light. And that sweet, sweet coffee at the end of a ride.
Whether you’re new to cycling in Johannesburg or just need some winter motivation, we’ve got the goods: tried-and-tested cycling routes, the best coffee stops in town and winter riding tips that’ll keep you rolling and warm. From base miles to banana bread, here’s how to own the cold.
Top Winter Cycling Routes in Johannesburg
1. Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve
Roughly 60 km south of Joburg, Suikerbosrand is a proper winter gem. Sweeping tar roads, rolling climbs, and views that go on forever. Less traffic, more nature. And the climbs will warm you up real quick. Perfect for a longer weekend mission when you need to clear your head (and legs).
2. Braamfontein Spruit Trail
This is the classic city escape. A winding greenbelt stretching northwards, it’s a flat-ish, mixed-surface route that weaves through suburbs and into Joburg’s quiet corners. Ideal for base miles or a solo spin to collect your thoughts. Bonus: lots of exit points if you’re running out of steam (or fingers).
3. Northern Farm
Gravel heaven. About an hour’s drive out, Northern Farm is worth the early wake-up. Choose your adventure — easy loops, tough climbs, or everything in between. Pack a few snacks, layer up, and enjoy the freedom of low-traffic riding. Just watch out for zebras. Seriously.
4. Cradle of Humankind (Muldersdrift)
About 50 km northwest of the city, the Cradle is a Joburg cycling staple, rolling hills, wide open roads, and that classic Highveld landscape that just hits right in winter. Crisp, dry air. Golden grass. Quiet roads. What more do you need?
This loop is a go-to for weekend warriors and weekday escape artists alike. Long tar stretches with gentle climbs make it ideal for base miles, but there’s enough gradient to keep the legs honest. Dedicated cycle lanes on some of the busier sections mean there’s space to breathe (and overtake). And while you might be tempted to slow down for the scenery, don’t be surprised if a local peloton flies past doing 40km/h, the Cradle is training ground territory.
Speaking of, this is Neo Hyphen’s stomping ground. Most of our product photography happens out here. If our cycling kits look like they were shot in a cycling daydream, that’s because they were. It’s the backdrop to our rides, our ideas, and a lot of our best cycling kit testing. The light hits different. The roads ride better. This place lives rent-free in our brand story.
On a good day, you’ll even find a sneaky coffee van just after the Sterkfontein Caves turn-off, the kind of gem only regulars know about. Grab a brew, nod at the other riders, tell them its freezing and roll on like you own the place. Because honestly? If you’re cycling here in winter, you kinda do.
This isn’t just one of the best cycling routes in Johannesburg, it’s arguably one of the best rides in the country. If you're into the hardcore road cycling scene in South Africa, or just enjoy casually biking around South Africa like a legend, the Cradle is your playground.
Best Coffee Stops for Cyclists in Jozi
Bidon Bistro (Muldersdrift)
Smack in the middle of Cradle territory. Big tables, great coffee, and warm food that tastes even better after a tough ride. Most riders exploring road cycling in Johannesburg have pulled in here at least once. It’s practically law. You'll find bike racks, quick service, and a solid crew of riders most mornings, just be ready to queue if you roll in after 9. Also they closed on Mondays so don't make that mistake, we learnt the hard way.
Neck & Deck (Rhino & Lion Reserve)
Coffee with a side of giraffe? You’re not dreaming. This spot offers great breakfasts, proper bushveld views and enough space for your entire group ride. If you’re out for a scenic spin with a slow-roll crew or a serious cycling club chasing mad PRs, this is your post-ride safari café.
The Ground (Driefontein Road)
A farm-style café with real food and relaxed vibes. Great for longer stops or post-ride breakfast missions. You can sit under the trees while your cycling kit air-dries and no one will judge if you order second coffee and a pastry the size of your face.
Avianto (Muldersdrift)
Bit of a posh one, but worth it. Avianto’s Café Cielo has good coffee, baked goods and plenty of space to sprawl. Whether you’ve just tackled tar or taken the gravel route, this estate stop adds a bit of class to your ride (and maybe a croissant or two).
Sterkfontein Caves Coffee Van
If you know, you know. Some mornings, especially in winter, you’ll find a sneaky little coffee van just after the caves turn-off. No sign, no branding. Just hot flat whites and happy cyclists. It's unofficial, unpredictable and exactly the kind of magic that makes cycling in Johannesburg a vibe.
Croft & Co (Parkview)
Back in the burbs, Croft is the early riser’s reward. Opens before dawn, pours a mean flat white and has all the charm of a corner café that’s seen one too many group rides loiter on the pavement. Neo Hyphen kits have been spotted defrosting here more than once.
Winter Riding Tips That Actually Help
Dress Like a Legend (Not a Marshmallow)
Start with a solid cycling baselayer, preferably one that doesn’t leave you drenched in your own sweat. Layer smart: think base, mid, outer. Neo Hyphen cycling baselayers are made for this exact vibe, warm enough for the start, breathable enough when you hit that first climb and it's suddenly 25ºC.
Be Seen
Winter mornings are gloomy and darker than dark. Lights aren’t optional, they’re survival gear. Reflective bits help too. Don’t ride like you’re invisible… unless you want a date with a bumper - no thank you!
Wear a Helmet. Always. No Exceptions.
There’s a reason we say, “No helmet, no ride” in South Africa. It’s not just about rules, it’s about respect. Whether you’re smashing fast downhill sections in the Cradle or nipping down the road for a quick flat white, your brain deserves better than a cracked pavement. No matter the distance, no helmet = no ride.
And if you see your mate riding without one? Say something. We’ve got to hold each other accountable. Especially in a country like ours where visibility is low and potholes are plenty, a good bike helmet in South Africa isn’t just gear, it’s religion.
Ride in a Group (or At Least Tell Someone)
We hate to sound like your mom, but safety is a real thing. Riding with mates makes everything better, plus there’s someone to blame when you get lost. Whether you're on a solo mission or rolling deep, it's just smarter to let someone know where you're headed. Biking in South Africa isn’t something to do completely off the grid.
Scope the Weather
Joburg’s winter doesn’t mess around. Layer up, check wind speed (especially if you’re heading into the Cradle) and avoid riding into a fog storm. Unless you’re into that sort of thing.
Why Winter Riding Builds Better Cyclists
Anyone can ride in spring. It takes guts to roll out at 6am when the frost is still hanging around and your fingers feel like frozen fish sticks. But that’s where the magic lives, in the discipline, the solitude, and the smug joy of knowing you’ve started the day properly.
Winter riding makes you tougher. It builds consistency. And honestly, it’s a vibe. No traffic. Quiet streets. Sunrise over the city. Trust us, the suffering fades, but the coffee at the end hits different.
Whether you’re riding for base miles, brain space or just to feel alive, winter cycling in South Africa separates the committed from the casual.
Final Word: Stay Warm, Stay Weird
Whether you're hitting Suikerbossie or just spinning to your local café and back, winter riding in Jozi is 100% doable and kind of addictive. You just need the right kit, a decent route and something hot to look forward to at the end.
From seasoned pros to new riders discovering how to use their bicycles in South Africa, or weekend warriors pushing pedals on a bicycle in Johannesburg, there’s no better time to build your riding grit.
Check out Neo Hyphen’s cycling baselayers that actually do the job and don’t turn you into a sad burrito. This winter, don’t hide. Ride.
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