Epic Road Rides reader Claude rode this route with the Cycling Zebra Bike Shop.
The route takes you along the coast road to Souillac. On the return, the route climbs from Baie du Cap to Chamarel, then down to Case Noyale and back to the Cycling Zebra bike shop in Black River.
Claude says, “The beauty of this ride is the diverse scenery, which ranges from coastal views to the tropical, lush mountains of Chamarel. Some sections of this ride have traffic, however, many stretches are quiet. You can expect a peaceful ride through sugarcane fields, forests and past seaside cliffs.”
Enjoy!
Claude is an avid cross-country skier and cyclist who is passionate about inspiring others to embrace a healthier lifestyle through sports. As a world traveller, he has enriched his experiences by participating in international skiing and cycling races across diverse cultures. Notably, he completed the Canadian Ski Marathon and several Worldloppet events between 1990 and 2000.
After a career with the UN and Canadian government, Claude shifted focus to the cycling industry. He has consulted for companies like Blade Carbon Wheels and Beet It, promoting their products in Canada and abroad. A pivotal moment came in 2006 when he completed l’Étape du Tour de France, igniting his passion for international road cycling.
Currently, Claude is an ambassador for Pactimo and is a contributor to Epic Road Rides. He is dedicated to discovering new cycling destinations and sharing his journey on social media, encouraging others to pursue their cycling passion.
Highlights
- The climb from Baie du Cap to Chamarel and descent to Case Noyale: The road climbs for several kilometres, weaving through lush forests with winding switchbacks. With each pedal stroke, you steadily gain altitude. Your effort is rewarded with a breathtaking descent, offering panoramic views of the west coast.
- Chamarel viewpoint: The Chamarel viewpoint offers a stunning perspective over the west coast and its landscape. It provides a rewarding stop after the challenging climb up to Chamarel and a scenic spot to take in Mauritius’ natural beauty.
Ride log
Black River to Souillac: 0 km – 44 km
This section takes you from Black River on road B9 to Souillac.
The initial portion of the route is a relatively flat ride along the coast with ocean breezes. Do not miss stopping at the Macondé viewpoint.
In Gris-Gris, you have dramatic cliffs where the waves crash against the rocks.
Zoza Pastry and Coffee Shop in Souillac provides tasty pastries and good coffee!
Souillac to Baie du Cap: 44 km – 63 km
You ride back from Souillac to Baie du Cap, near the beautiful coast.
This section of the ride includes rolling terrain along the untouched southern coast, passing through small fishing villages.
Baie du Cap to Chamarel: 63 km – 76 km
Be aware! This is where the road elevates for several kilometres on winding switchbacks through lush forests. You are gaining altitude with every pedal stroke. Some sections are steep, averaging between roughly 10%-11%. There are also some sharp turns. Be careful, especially if the road is wet.
The 13-kilometre climb up to Chamarel is challenging for intermediate to advanced cyclists and is perfect for those who enjoy long climbs and technical descents.
In Chamarel, there is a lookout where the view is spectacular!
Chamarel to Case Noyale: 76 km – 80 km
From Chamarel, you are rewarded with a thrilling four-kilometre descent boasting panoramic views of the west coast.
However, keep your eyes on the road since it is a fast, technical descent on the way down. There are a few very tight turns, so it is best to moderate your speed and take care.
Case Noyale to Black River: 80 – 87 km
From Case Noyale, you are back on road B9 and, after one last short climb, return to the Cycling Zebra Bike Shop in Black River.
Café stops
The Zoza Pastry and Coffee Shop in Souillac makes a nice stop for a quick refuel mid-ride.
Accommodation
In Black River, you can rent guest houses through your preferred platform.
Alternatively, for hotel options in the southwest of Mauritius, take a look at our Mauritius guide for more information.
Tips
I found that the road surface was very good on this ride.
The best time to ride in Mauritius is early in the morning, leaving at around 6:30 – 7:00 am (or earlier if you can!). For example, I found that on a Sunday morning at 7:00 am, the traffic was pretty non-existent.
Don’t be fooled by the golden sands and blue waters of Gris-Gris beach. Strong currents and big waves mean this is one of the only beaches on Mauritius where swimming is considered dangerous and strongly discouraged.
On Sunday, the start of the ride with the Cycling Zebra Bike Shop is at 7:00 am. It’s worth dropping the owner of the bike shop a message beforehand to let them know you are interested in joining it and double-check on timings and group availability.
Discover more useful tips in this guide to cycling in Mauritius.
Found this guide useful?
We hope you enjoyed Claude’s ride suggestion and are feeling inspired to give it a go if you ever visit Mauritius. We’d love to hear from you if you do – comment below or drop us a line.
Check out Claude’s other Mauritius rides for more inspiration:
- Black River loop via Case Noyale, Chamarel and Baie du Cap
- Tamarin loop via Chamouny, Black River Gorges National Park, Vacoas and Casella
- Mahébourg to Pointe aux Piments
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After a career with the UN and Canadian government, Claude shifted focus to the cycling industry. He has consulted for companies like Blade Carbon Wheels and Beet It, promoting their products in Canada and abroad. A pivotal moment came in 2006 when he completed l’Étape du Tour de France, igniting his passion for international road cycling.
Currently, Claude is an ambassador for Pactimo and is a contributor to Epic Road Rides. He is dedicated to discovering new cycling destinations and sharing his journey on social media, encouraging others to pursue their cycling passion.
All metrics in this article are approximate.
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