tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77420675176939343632024-02-08T01:35:28.588+02:00Let's Ride!Join us on our storybikes as we write our story, mile for incredible mile.Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-67998809137631691512015-06-29T11:39:00.000+02:002015-06-29T11:39:02.336+02:0050th Birthday ride - May 20151 May is a public holiday, which makes the weekend around 1 May a perfect time for a long weekend ride. 1 May is also the birthdate of Magda, the other half of this partnership. This year, Magda turned 50 on 1 May and we decided to get a birthday ride together for her birthday. We invited some friends, all bikers, and decided to go for the Drakensberg Mountains. <a href="http://www.atkvresorts.co.za/drakensville-contact" target="_blank">Drakensville Resort</a> situated in the Central Burg area, would be the base for this trip.<br />
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Unfortunately, most of those invited could not join us, so come Thursday a small group departed. <br />
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Magda, birthday girl: BMW R1200GS LC<br />
André: BMW R1200GS LC<br />
Willie and Karen: BMW R1200GS<br />
Trish: BMW R1200R<br />
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We chose to use the long way round to get to the destination, so we avoided the logical N3 south which pretty much runs straight downhill from Johannesburg to Durban. We all met up at the Blockhouse Engen 1-stop just outside Alberton, had a cuppa and headed for the mountains.<br />
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Due to the long way round route we went through quite a few small towns in the Freestate Province. From the start we went past Sasolburg where Sasol fuel is made from coal. Then we reached the really small town of Heilbron, where we stopped for a breakfast. Some were hungry, it seems. We entered a small restaurant named OJ, for the old registration letters designating Heilbron. We had an awesome breakfast, as we so often experience at these "off the beaten track" places.<br />
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We spend some time here because the atmosphere was excellent and we were in no hurry. From Heilbron we travelled past Petrus Steyn and through Reitz. From Reitz to Kestell we took it slow due to some major construction to the road. Well, they are basically rebuilding the road completely. This is always nice to see. Soon to be new roads. Somewhere between Reitz and Kestell we stopped for a leg stretch and a chat.</div>
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After Kestell we headed, via Harrismith to the <a href="http://mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/78-van-reenen-s-pass,-drakensberg.html" target="_blank">Van Reenen's Pass</a>, which can be a problem due to high wind. Fortunately we arrived on a day when there was no wind whatsoever and the pass was a joy to ride. We crossed over the pass, leaving the Freestate Province behind as we entered the KwaZuluNatal Province.</div>
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After a quick hop through the town of Bergville, we arrived at Drakensville Resort. An interesting fact about this resort is that it used to be a normal construction town. The workers that build the Drakensberg Pumped Storage Power Station for power utility Eskom, stayed here. Once construction was completed, the town was bought by a resort owning company who converted this town to one of their crown jewel resorts.</div>
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We quickly booked in, unloaded and relaxed after a long, enjoyable ride. During the booking in procedure, Karen somehow arranged for the local cafeteria to bake a surprise birthday cake for Magda. This would be delivered to our house the next day, while we were out riding.</div>
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The next morning we made a quick run into Bergville to get some supplies for the rest of the weekend, went back to Drakensville to offload and then we hit the road into the mountains around us. Our first point of call was the well known waffle hut just outside Winterton. It is compulsory to stop here and feed yourself a waffle with one, or more of the many delicious fillings. Trust me, if ever in this area, do make the stop.</div>
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From here we took a ride to Monk's Cowl, high up in the mountain. After a leg stretch and some piccies, we rode back to Winterton, passed through Bergville, went past Drakensville and rode up the mountain via the <a href="http://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/kwazulu-natal/item/406-oliviershoek-pass-r74-kzn.html" target="_blank">Oliviershoek Pass</a>. While on this pass, you actually travel over the Eskom power station, which is, in totality, buried deep under the mountain. This area is beautiful, especially due to the mountains, but also due to the many dams in the area. The dams are all part of the Tugela-Vaal Water Transfer Scheme and the Eskom Pumped Storage Power Station. Water is collected from the Tugela River in various dams, such as Woodstock Dam and the Kilburn Dam. This water is then pumped up the mountain, over the crest and into dams such as the Driekloof Dam (Eskom power generation) and Sterkfontein Dam (water storage for later use in Gauteng).</div>
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The picture below is of Magda's and my bikes directly on top of the power station, the "roof" of which is about 50 stories below ground ... and us.</div>
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Karen and Willie's bike, with Karen looking out over the escarpment.</div>
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Magda's bike.<br />
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We rode back down the Oliviershoek Pass to Drakensville where we had a nice braai, some general chatter and a good night's rest. The surprise cake was delivered as promised. It was HUGE and the team ate cake for a few days and still left half behind when we left!</div>
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The next morning we decided to allow the bikes to rest as we took birthday girl, Magda to a spa (walking distance in the resort) for some serious pampering. It was hot rock massage, toes, nails, and all sorts of other things they do in spas.</div>
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The view from where we stayed was magnificent!</div>
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All to soon it was the final day and time for our return. This time we took the straight road back, in other words, the N3 highway all the way. This does take you across the beautiful Van Reenen's Pass, but after that it is pretty much one long, boring straight line home. Not much to say, except that it was very busy, but in excellent condition, so we cruised home without any incidents.</div>
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This was a nice, relaxed trip and we are all looking forward to another soon.</div>
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(Pics: Willie Pretorius)</div>
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Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-17079879011721611132015-06-28T18:50:00.000+02:002015-06-28T18:50:20.207+02:00We go to Sabie - May 2014A few of us decided to visit the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.<br />
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<u>Riders and bikes:</u><br />
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André: BMW R1200GS<br />
Magda: BMW R1200GS LC<br />
Garth: Honda Transalp<br />
Correen: Honda CBF600S<br />
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During Christmas Day 2013, the four of us got the idea for this ride, so we looked for a nice play to stay and chose the Sabie River Camp, which is situated in Sabie, on the banks of the Sabie River. The accommodation is permanently erected tents. We enjoyed the stay there and would, in future visit the camp again. <a href="http://www.sabierivercamp.co.za/sabierivercampframeset.html">http://www.sabierivercamp.co.za/sabierivercampframeset.html</a><br />
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On 1 May, a public holiday in South Africa we left for Mpumalanga, or ET (Eastern Transvaal) as it is collectively known by bikers. The first part of the route is unfortunately boring and straight, so from Bapsfontein, via Witbank and Middelburg to ET is a rather boring straight bit. We decided to avoid the highway as much as possible, but even then, still straight and boring.<br />
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As we left Middelburg for Belfast, about 10 kilometers out of Middelburg, the road disappeared. I kid you not. It was not that the road went bad, with plenty potholes. No, it turned into a dirt road with a patch of tar, here and there! The small group decided to go ahead instead of turning back. A very brave decision by Correen as she was on a road bike, with road tires. Thankfully this bit was only about 20 kilometers and we were soon rid of it, without any incidents.<br />
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Once we met up with a road again, we went through Belfast and on to Dullstroom, where we had a leg stretch and refueled. Dullstroom is a well known tourist town in the area, so we normally don't hang around longer than needed, but it is a very pretty town. <br />
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After Dullstroom, the nicer roads start and we meet up with the first twisties. Nothing serious yet, but a nice warm-up for the Long Tom Pass which is between Lydenburg and Sabie. The Long Tom Pass is named for the Long Tom canon monument at the apex of the pass. According to history this canon was taken from the English military by the local defenders and put to good use against the previous owners. <a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-the-long-tom-pass" target="_blank">Long Tom Pass</a><br />
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We arrived at the Sabie River Camp, booked in and made ourselves comfortable. As is the custom, that evening we made a fire and had a braai for supper. Something strange happened. For the first time in my life, I experience fire lighters that would not burn! No matter how hard we tried, no fire! It took some effort to overcome these magic fire lighters.<br />
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During the next two days we rode two loops in the area. ET is a favourite amongst bikers, because you can point the bike in any direction and find beautiful mountain passes. On Saturday we rode from Sabie to Graskop, via the Kowyn's Pass Pass to Hazyview. <br />
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Then we rode on the 22 back to Sabie. The 22 is the piece of road between Hazyview and Sabie, which starts at the Kiepersol turn-off. Is is 22 kilometers with something like 70 turns. A biker heaven. <br />
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The old folk then went for an afternoon nap while Garth took Correen's Honda for a workout up and down Long Tom Pass. That evening we did a braai again, this time I lost patience with the fire lighters not burning so I went to get some fire lighters that would burn. A great day was had by all.<br />
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Saturday we rode a nice loop via Pilgrim's rest.<br />
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After Pilgrim's Rest, we rode up Robber's Pass, via Ohrigstad through the Blude River Canyon. This route takes the rider via wonderful sights like the Bourke's Luck Potholes, Wonder View and God's Window. <br />
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<a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-bourkes-luck-potholes" target="_blank">Bourkes Luck Potholes</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-gods-window" target="_blank">God's Window</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g312628-d317758-i40500995-Blyde_River_Canyon-Mpumalanga.html" target="_blank">Wonder View</a><br />
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We arrived back in Sabie, tired but all smiles. It was a nice ride. <br />
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The Sabie River Camp is on the banks of the river, so every morning starts very misty. A picture does not do it justice.<br />
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Sunday came, all too soon and we headed home. From Sabie, back to Lydenburg takes the rider over the Long Tom Pass again and then between Lydenburg and Roossenekal, we rode my favourite piece of road in the world. Steenkampsberg Pass. It is just an awesome climb from the Lowveld to the Highveld. <a href="http://www.mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/mpumalanga/item/327-steenkampsberg-pas.html" target="_blank">Steenkampsberg Pass</a><br />
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After Steenkampsberg, the typical Gauteng Province conundrum starts. Long, straight, boring roads all the way home.<br />
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Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-15693061058413015072013-09-29T10:48:00.002+02:002013-09-29T10:48:19.186+02:00Sudwala Lodge - May 2013<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group of us visited ET (Mpumalanga Province) again during the last weekend of May this year. Danie managed to find great accommodation at the Sudwala Lodge, next to the well know Sudwala Caves. <a href="http://www.sudwala.com/" target="_blank">Our accommodation for the weekend.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As has become our custom for these short jaunts, we left Friday morning. Rode to the destination and unpacked. Saterday would then be a long loop ride in the area, while Sunday was used for a relaxed return ride. On this trip we were:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnkhFL9EMiFZgWLAqWflV2UR0iUoG8aMYeHpqhah94b8pxR14eQ3T3W9CilPOzm7pTegggl09ZrSvqwcUQN07BGcQ-CyXRj1ZWMEFdzMNkvpMbqahMxMGAA2UKp2_WyX9ioahRW1EqEXY/s1600/DSCN0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnkhFL9EMiFZgWLAqWflV2UR0iUoG8aMYeHpqhah94b8pxR14eQ3T3W9CilPOzm7pTegggl09ZrSvqwcUQN07BGcQ-CyXRj1ZWMEFdzMNkvpMbqahMxMGAA2UKp2_WyX9ioahRW1EqEXY/s200/DSCN0076.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">André: BMW R1200GS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Magda: BMW R1200GS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Danie and Marlize: BMW R1200GSA </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Karen: BMW F650GS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Trish: BMW R1200R</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Richard: Honda Varedero</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>FRIDAY:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The group, excluding Richard left Bapsfontein bright and early, heading for Sudwala the long way round. This was done to avoid toll gates and to incorporate some twisties in the ride. The sad part about living in Gauteng is the distinct lack of twisties, making us always hunt for them when on outrides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first 200km is what we bikers fear most. HIGHWAY! We went from Bapsfontein to Witbank via the N4. Sadly, this straight piece of highway is the only way to get to Witbank. At Witbank we left the highway behind using a backroad to get around the very expensive toll gate between Witbank and Middelburg. We did a quick pit stop in Witbank, before we continued to Middelburg where we joined the N4 again. Fortunately for only a short bit, before we could leave the highway behind heading to Dullstroom, via Belfast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We took another break at Dullstroom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The fun now started as the road to Lydenburg have some twisties. Not much, but enough to give us and the bikes notice that we were approaching the incredible Long Tom Pass. Finally! We were actually using the sides of our tires for a change. We regrouped at the turn-off to Nelspruit and may our way via Rosehaugh to Sudwala Lodge. We booked in to the lodge and while some of us shopped for groceries for the weekend, others rode to a small shopping centre next to the N4 to get liquid refreshments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After we were all together we started the braai and Richard arrived just in time to have supper with us. It was a great day of riding and fun was had by all. We swopped stories of the day, gave impromptu training sessions and sipped at what was on offer before we made our way to bed and the train to dreamland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>SATURDAY:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We left the lodge early (in our opinion), but not nearly early enough for Karen, a newby, who wanted to ride all night, if left to her own devices. I am sure she slept in her riding kit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first stint was from Sudwala Lodge to Montrose, back onto the N4 toward Johannesburg to Ngodwana where we left the N4 and made for Kaapsehoop. <a href="http://www.kaapsehoop.com/" target="_blank">Kaapsehoop</a> is a little village on top of the mountains and is famous for the feral horses and blue swallows that also make it their home. It is also one of our favourite places to visit. Not just the town, but getting there is one of the most beautiful roads in our country. We stopped here and enjoyed brunch. Remember, we were not in a hurry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We left Kaapsehoop after a great brunch and headed toward Witrivier, via Nelspruit. Nelspruit is a large, buzzing town and always very busy on Saturdays. Best is to get straight through without stopping and make for the hills, which we did. We enjoyed the twisties through Witrivier to Hazyview. Here we made a long stop, for no good reason, except to talk and have some ice cream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After the ice creams we made tracks over Kowyns Pass for the town of Graskop where we did a quick loop past <a href="http://www.southafrica.net/za/en/articles/entry/article-southafrica.net-gods-window" target="_blank">God's Window</a> and Wonder View. At Wonder View we did a piccie stop and a leg stretch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From here we went back to Graskop, enjoyed the beautiful road between Graskop and Sabie, before returning to Sudwala Lodge for another relaxed evening around the braai fire. Karen insisted on being the trip Chief Braaier and none of us felt the need to debate the issue with her, so she was promply left to do the braai, making fire and all. I must say, for a GUUUURL she did a great job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>SUNDAY:</u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yw3L8swGJ53ER6gplB_kPWS0PitFBR3ZjGj8jIdJTPPbUgRcqQSVOTf_aeX9X0wp2m_SyG6q1qCLDNXjcjTfLIdNnM7bUOIzzzye5WSRxXBF59Qkkf2txGIBe5M_WX2U11whLaJjtIIO/s1600/DSCN0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yw3L8swGJ53ER6gplB_kPWS0PitFBR3ZjGj8jIdJTPPbUgRcqQSVOTf_aeX9X0wp2m_SyG6q1qCLDNXjcjTfLIdNnM7bUOIzzzye5WSRxXBF59Qkkf2txGIBe5M_WX2U11whLaJjtIIO/s320/DSCN0108.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">Time to go home. First we had a great breakfast. As always the left overs from the weekend, warmed up, mixed up and enjoyed while reminising over the weekend's riding. The route home took us back to Long Tom, via Rosehaugh. We stopped at the Long Tom Canon at the top of the pass for a leg stretch, and piccie opportunity, as is almost mandatory.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDlpZvUQugvsxXnruz-RjOCPNxAhn5HfpS1C1SXUGPhqBPfzlHcTAmN5N1XauBIH0sl_HrEduWqFj4MY82g0TGlvSo1f1vLDXQaKtWOVbm44_281jp9FLhArZUgMp9kHhUG7T6xiKkitx/s1600/979901_10151718485684319_1465661118_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDlpZvUQugvsxXnruz-RjOCPNxAhn5HfpS1C1SXUGPhqBPfzlHcTAmN5N1XauBIH0sl_HrEduWqFj4MY82g0TGlvSo1f1vLDXQaKtWOVbm44_281jp9FLhArZUgMp9kHhUG7T6xiKkitx/s200/979901_10151718485684319_1465661118_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">We passed through Lydenburg where we filled up with some motion lotion before heading for my absolute favourite piece of road. The Steenkampsberg Pass between Lydenburg and Roossenekal. This is a bit of road that any biker must ride! There can be no doubt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From here we continued via Middelburg and Witbank back to our respective homes. It was an awesome weekend of riding and sharing with good friends. We will do so again soon. I am currently eyeing the KwaZulu Natal north coast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-62752329554380667362012-10-22T13:28:00.002+02:002012-10-22T13:28:51.937+02:00Journey of Hope (Breast Cancer Awareness Ride) - October 2012<u>The Think Bike Marshals:</u><br />
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<br /><em>André Maritz (AMZ)</em> on his BMW R1200GS who is still trying to successfully marshal a cow.<br />
<em>Jadd Harding (Jadd)</em> on his BMW R1200RT who successfully marshaled a cow, amongst other things.<br />
Kr<em>istine Smuts (Hover Ho’)</em> mostly on a Honda CBF1000FA and also on a Kawasaki Z1000 who successfully marshaled nothing while lying on her side next to her bike, coincidently also lying on its side.<br />
<em>Magda Maritz (Mags)</em> on her BMW R1200GS who stopped a 60 ton petrol browser purely with her stare. <br />
<em>Marius Marais (Phoenix)</em> on his Yamaha YFZR1, the official waker-upper for the CoB while on the road and the marshal who made a frog jump and does a burn-out that could be heard in heaven.<br />
<em>Richard Lewis (Ghosty)</em> on his BMW R1200GSA, for a short while till the clutch packed up, after which he rode whatever the uncles and aunties told him to ride.<br />
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The Think Bike Marshals.</div>
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<u>The Journey of Hope Riders:</u><br />
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Heleen Scholtz, Helena Nell, Julie Kemp, Kathy Malherbe, Zelda Erasmus and Loubser and Zelda du Plooy. Bikes used were Honda VT750S (Wheezy), Honda CBR600F (Sleepy), Honda NC700X, Honda NT700V (Dopey), BRP CanAm Spyder and a Kawasaki Z1000 (Dozy). All the Hondas were kindly supplied by Honda South Africa, while the Spyder and Kawa belonged to their riders, Helena and Loubser.<br />
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There were a few survivors who did not manage to meet the requirements to ride a bike, so they joined the convoy in a microbus. Some chose to ride pillion at times and I bet those who didn’t are still jealous.<br />
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<u>Friday 5 October:</u><br />
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All the participants gathered at Amanzingwe Lodge (http://www.amanzingwe.co.za/) in Broederstroom for the final send-off, briefings, loading of support vehicles and a good night of sleep. The Think Bike Marshals appreciate the effort made by the Think Bike Directors, Cindy with hubby in tow and Safron who attended and showed their support on the evening.<br />
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This was a truly hectic evening as some participants only arrived late from the airport and as such most were awake until midnight, loading and sorting luggage, branding shirts and so on. It was clear that all were in good spirit and looking forward to the ride that was to come. It was also nice to meet some of the people that we would spend the next week with. <br />
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Adolf and Riana, the paramedics who would follow us all the way and who were quickly renamed to our personal Dealers and “deal” they did. Adolf later earned the nickname Drainpipe. Kristine would be in a better position to explain why ….. <br />
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Our personal and private photographer, Karen who became Kat Burglar during the coming week. She fell in love with Think Bike and bikes. She will even get all excited and tell wild stories of riding pillion and speeds close to 119,99km/h!<br />
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Karl, the intrepid Master of Ceremonies, stand-up comic, singer, danger and general doer of dastardly deeds, now known as Heatwave.<br />
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Jenny, the event planner/organiser/shoulder to cry on/driver who never got out of trouble. We would meet the rest of her team in Bethlehem.<br />
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The trip journo, Annie. What a performer she was. Could wake up a sleeping crowd and with Karl; stir them up to party levels.<br />
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<u>Day 1, Saturday 6 October:</u><br />
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The route went from the very beautiful and stylish Amanzingwe Lodge in Broederstroom to Bethlehem. It would be 350km going via Heidelberg, Villiers, Frankfort, Reitz and finally Bethlehem. The procession left at 07:30 and we made our way out of the city, toward the calm of the Freestate. I rode lead and Kristine sweep. Jadd, Richard, Marius and Magda used the leapfrog technique to keep us safe.<br />
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At Amanzingwe, getting ready for departure.</div>
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The ride was not just a ride. It was the first time that we all rode together, bikes, cars and microbuses. It was a time to get to know each other, our riding capabilities, the method of operation of the Think Bike Marshals, etc. Pretty much a practice run for the rest of the journey.<br />
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I was very proud of the Think Bike Marshals as we passed by the Lanseria crossing as we met up with our team of marshals on cycle club duty. They stopped the cycles for our procession! Well done cycle club marshals! You did look great as you waved us through.<br />
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Our first stop was at the Caltex Star Stop in Midrand. Only 66km since the start, but we wanted to speak to the ladies to find out how they felt, discuss possible worries, fears, etc. There were none, so it was a quick stop. The next stop was at the Engen One Stop at Villiers where we refueled and had some refreshments. Up to now the ride was slowish, but the group was fast getting to know how to ride together and who slotted where and so on. It was clear that the riders were more relaxed and some excited chatter was heard. <br />
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After this break we headed for Frankfort and then Reitz, where we had a lunch stop. Lunch was sandwiches and some fruit, right there next to the road in the middle of the Freestate fields. We had a quick lunch before we departed on the last stretch for Bethlehem. Magda took over as sweep and we were in Bethlehem before we knew it.<br />
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In Bethlehem the Journey of Hope survivor team appeared at the Bethlehem Agricultural Show and from where I was standing, their appearance looked like a huge success. It was clear that the interest in the message was there. Even if they did not care, they could not ignore Karl and Annie doing their thing. These two could turn a group if hibernating bears into a riot in no time at all. <br />
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We parked the bikes at a guest house in Bethlehem as we made our way to Lions Rock where we stayed over for the night. Lions Rock (http://www.lionsrock.org/) is a well know lion sanctuary and well worth the visit. We had supper and dived for bed. All tired after a long day of riding and then appearing at the show grounds.<br />
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The rest of Jenny’s team joined us here. Gavin, Ollie, Tessa and Kaylin joined. These poor okes had the worst job of all. Packers, loaders and organisers of luggage. Keep in mind; these survivors are not bikers by nature. So, they each packed a suitcase that could easily swallow a 1200 BMW on a trailer …. with the tow vehicle attached. These guys had a heck of a job coming! Gavin was, with Jenny, the masters of our universe for the next few days. They directed the program ahead, including breakfast, lunch and supper, so we never gave them any grief or snotty nicknames. Nope! Even we TB Marshals know who not to look for trouble with!<br />
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<u>Day 2, Sunday 7 October</u><br />
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This was a short ride of just over 100km. Bethlehem to Ficksburg via Fouriesburg. The survivors had three appearances for the day. Two at churches in Fouriesburg and one in a small community outside Ficksburg on the way to Clocolan. The bike ride was over pretty quickly, but the sun nailed us at the churches in Fouriesburg. <br />
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After a nice sit down lunch in Ficksburg at the Imperani Restaurant and Guest House (http://www.imperaniguesthouse.co.za/) a rejuvenated team made their way to the small community on the way to Clocolan. Again the survivors with Karl and Annie did their thing, i.e. spreading the word that cancer, if found early can be beaten. <br />
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The Shoprite mobile soup kitchen (http://www.shoprite.co.za/pages/127416071/community-projects/Community/Soup-trucks.asp), which was at all the venues, again dished out soup and bread to all. It was wonderful to see Shoprite, not only sponsor the Journey of Hope, but also provide this mobile soup kitchen to support the Journey of Hope survivors in venues where poverty and hunger is definitely an issue. Hats off to Shoprite and especially the mobile soup kitchen staff. How they manage to feed all those people I have no idea, but feed they did. <br />
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After this visit we rode the bikes back to Ficksburg, where they would stay over in town again as our sleepover venue was out on a nasty dirt road. On the way back into town, I saw something that made me realize this would be an epic ride. Coming around a long sweep I saw, with my own eyes, our esteemed Head Marshal, looking stern, having successfully stopped …. not an Elephant Tank, not a 26 wheel fuel tanker, not a convoy of Johannesburg taxis. No! A WHEELBARROW! The poor wheelbarrow pusher stood there, frozen to the spot, eyes as big a saucers, to scared to breathe while our strict Head Marshal, green and red strobes flashing looked on in an evil “better not even think about moving” manner. <br />
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The rest of us laughed for a day or so. That is, excluding those who rode back to the overnight venue in a microbus with Kristine as the driver. If you never listen to me, ever, listen to this. Do not ride with Kristine in anything with wheels on a dirt road. We did arrive alive at the venue, which was a surprise of note and even Sarel van der Merwe would have been extremely impressed.<br />
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This particular venue provides oxwagons to sleep in. Yep! Oxwagons. No bedding. No towels. A great place to stay over if you like the really rustic type of places. I liked it, but I had a sleeping bag and riding pants to use for a pillow. Those who did not have a sleeping bag did not enjoy it as much. The food was great though. If you are the type who likes to go off the beaten track, you must visit Hoekfontein Oxwagon Camp Nature Reserve (http://www.oxwagon.co.za/) at least once.<br />
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<u>Day 3, Monday 8 October</u><br />
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We travelled from Hoekfontein Oxwagon Camp in the cages into Ficksburg. In Ficksburg we collected our bikes, hoping for some time off, to spend some time training our charges. Unfortunately, due to some issues, we spend two hours in an emergency meeting where the decision, “go”, “no go” had to be taken. Thankfully, the issues were resolved and it was “go”!<br />
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We left Ficksburg for a short ride to Clarens. It was again incredibly hot and we suffered in the Atgatt when not riding. There were two stops planned for Clarens. The first was at the Clarens Golf Club, where we had lunch as well. It was here that Karen, our photographer earned her new nick, Kat Burglar. She went to the toilet, did what she went there to do and on trying to leave, found that the stall door was comprehensively stuck! She called over the door and through the window to no avail, so she climbed out through said window, ergo … Kat Burglar!<br />
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The survivors did their talks and presentation at the golf club, before we departed to the Kgubetswana Community Hall where the survivors again did their thing. The Shoprite Soup Kitchen also joined up with us at this location. Wow! This was a busy stop with lots of people coming to listen to the message and get some soup and bread. Very busy!<br />
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The heat was almost unbearable and our MC, Karl actually keeled over from heat exhaustion. Thankfully the medics, Adolf and Riana were at hand and were able to look after Karl on the spot. He was taken to the hotel where Adolf and Riana cooed over him until they were sure he would be okay. Karl was promptly renamed Heatwave.<br />
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We booked into the Protea Hotel in Clarens (http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-clarens.html) with some time on our hands. After a quick chat we decided to take the biker survivors for some playtime and training on the road to Golden Gate. <br />
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We rode to the gate of the Golden Gate National Park where we stopped for a quick break and some training talk. We gave the noob riders some pointers and then Jadd led them back to town, showing the defensive lines. We tried to run at speeds where no braking was required. Karen the Kat Burglar pillioned with me on this ride and she loved it. Jadd led us all back to the gate to the park and after some more pointers we rode back to Clarens again. Kat Burglar Karen pillioned with Marius on the R1 this time round. I have heard that they touched 119,99 on this ride, but I must stress that this is only a rumour.<br />
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During the evening we had supper at the hotel and Tekkie Town (http://www.tekkietown.co.za/) presented all the Journey of Hope survivors with a pair of pretty nice tekkies. We had a good time chatting, laughing and in general being full of fun on the stoep of the hotel. All agreed that the ride to Golden Gate and back x 2 was awesome and we were looking forward to some more “playtime” on the route ahead. I am sure I saw some of the noob riders drooling ever so slightly …<br />
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<u>Day 4, Tuesday 9 October</u><br />
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Today we rode from Clarens to just inside the gate of the Golden Gate National Park for a strawberry picnic. After the short picnic the videographer and photographer wanted the riders to slowly ride through two lines of trees for some video and pics. Since it had rained earlier, we send Marius to check out the area for traction. <br />
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At the end of this Marius decided it was as good a time as any to do a bit of a burn-out, which he promptly did. Meanwhile, what Marius could not know, was that the survivors had started a short prayer meeting, so while they were in prayer, Marius did his, now for sure “heavenly” burn-out a couple of meters away! Five Marshals frantically showed the universal cut your engine sign by pulling our hands across our throats, but alas, to no avail. One can only hope that the Archangel Gabriel and heavenly colleagues all wore their earplugs on the day.<br />
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We departed for a nice ride through the Golden Gate twisties. Onward to Phuthaditjhaba, but not before Julie and her bike fell over on the grass. The bike was promptly named Sleepy, for falling asleep on the job. We were met by the traffic police and led into Phuthaditjhaba where we visited two schools and a shopping mall. As we departed the first school, I stood in awe as Hover fell off the Kawasaki Z1000. Not a sight I thought I would ever see, but heck, if Capt Grumpy can keel over, I suppose so could any of us. Today was clearly the turn of Kristine. The Kawa was renamed Dozy, also for falling asleep on the job.<br />
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We visited the second school and then departed for the mall. Utter chaos ensued as the traffic policeman directed us into a taxi rank. Only, once into it by some meters, did we realize we were going in the wrong direction, against the flow of one way taxi traffic. How we managed to lead the whole procession of 12 bikes and 6 cars through that rank and survived I do not know, but I do know this. The six TB Marshals who did the leading here are RANK (no chirping about smell will be tolerated) professionals and may well be called “The Elite” some day in the future, by other, awe struck marshals. Boy, oh boy ….<br />
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Lesson learnt, huge shopping centers in areas where 99% of the population do not have cars, do not have huge parking areas! They have huge taxi ranks. Never enter such a taxi rank, especially not against the flow of the traffic! Not having parking lots, but taxi ranks instead does make a lot of sense, once you think about it. Anyway, we found a nice spot across from a Spar and we could set up there for the survivors and Shoprite to do their thing.<br />
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Once completed, the traffic police led us out of Phuthaditjhaba and we were on our way to Harrismith. It was a nice ride and it had cooled down a bit, so the Atgatt wasn’t that uncomfortable. Coming into Harrismith two cop cars turned across our path and stopped us. They were there to lead us into town, which they did. This time the appearance was directly in front of Shoprite in Harrismith. Again the survivors did their thing, talking to people from the area, carrying their message of hope due to early detection.<br />
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Our accommodation was out of town, again on a dirt road, so the bikes were locked away in the garage of a guest house in town. We arrived at the Mount Everest Guest Farm (http://goeverest.co.za/) in the cages just as it was getting dark. We six marshals shared a chalet. This is a beautiful place, far into nature and the mountain. Our chalet was so far up the mountain, that I am sure I saw the barefoot tracks of my forefathers who trekked over there to get away from the dastardly Iengliesh! <br />
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Here at Everest, a few strange things happened.<br />
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• Jadd told a herd of Blouwildebest to wait at the side of the road as we passed and they did! I kid you not! I clearly have a long way to go in terms of learning marshaling skills.<br />
• Marius indicated to a frog to get off the road and out of our way and it did! Now, I am sure, I have seen it all in terms of marshaling technique and skill. <br />
• We had to walk from the dining hall to our chalet, straight up the side of the mountain!<br />
• Marius and I shared bunk beds. He was on top. This must be the first time in 40 odd years that I slept on a bunk bed. Stories by Ghosty on how Marius and I snored are greatly exaggerated.<br />
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We had a nice meal in the dining room. Then we kuiered until very late, found our four wheeled transport had packed up, so we could not drive back to our chalet and our own great trek started. The six marshals trundled up the side of the mountain. Again, I am pretty sure I saw Susanna Maritz and Deborah Retief’s barefoot footprints as we coughed and wheezed our way upward and onward. This was made 10 000 times more difficult by Ghosty insisting on shining his gazillion candle power torch in my eyes every time I had managed to get my night vision back. Just before we reached the chalet the medic arrived offering oxygen. Being hardened bikers, we declined the offer and coughed the last few meters to the chalet. On arrival, even my pack of cigarettes where wheezing with me!<br />
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We sat around exchanging stories and jokes till about 01:00 before we made a night of it.<br />
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<u>Day 5, Wednesday 10 October</u><br />
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We caged from Mount Everest back into town to get the bikes. We had to hang around Harrismith for a period as one of the cages needed a tire repaired and one of riders had lost her prescription sunglasses, so she needed to see an optometrist. During this wait we ordered some cake from a local Mugg and Bean and man alive! They delivered pieces of cake big enough to fill the right hand side pannier of a GSA! Sheeeez! We ate and ate and ate and gave up! This particular bit of waiting was well worth it.<br />
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We departed for Ladysmith on the N3. Kristine would lead and I would sweep. “Take the FIRST Ladysmith turn-off from the N3 Kristine”, I said. “Yes Master CoB” she replied and then promptly rode straight past it! This happened after the awesome twisties of Van Reenens Pass, so after initially blowing my blood pressure beyond what my pills could handle, I calmed down and enjoyed her being ragged to shreds by all and sundry. Wiminns!<br />
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We had lunch in the Spur in Ladysmith, after getting there via the SECOND Ladysmith turn-off from the N3. Those of us who know were watching the skies anxiously. It was getting that ominous dark colour which usually means you will get very wet, if you are lucky. If you are unlucky, you will get nailed by hail, while dodging lightning. Dundee was the next stop. The girls would make appearances at the Shoprite and the Spar in Dundee. <br />
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We rode on a wet road all the way there. Sort of, just behind the rain if you wish. Then! Just as we entered Dundee we caught up! There was no place to safely stop and don rain suits. It was just a steady drizzle, so with 4 kays to go, no safe place to stop, I decided to go for it. As soon as I went for it, the drizzle turned into a heavy shower of note. We all arrived at the Shoprite stop drenched to the bone. I do mean, drenched to the bone, soaking wet. The bloody heat wave that had us panting for air the past week, also suddenly disappeared, so we were all shaking from the cold as well. Nice. <br />
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We were okay, but I did feel very sorry for the Journey of Hope riders. They were pretty new to biking and have had no experience riding on wet roads while being soaked. We did manage to get them out of the second appearance at Spar and we made a beeline for our accommodation, Lalalapha Guest House (http://www.lalalapha.co.za/) in Glencoe, 9 kilometers away. We missed a hail storm by minutes, thanks to this really wise decision. Our speed back to Lalalapha got us in trouble with Kaylin as he tried to follow us and we left him behind. This made him so cross that he scratched a cross over his brand spanking new Think Bike bumper sticker on his bakkie. I have heard, but did not see this myself, that he scratched so hard that it went into the bakkie’s paintwork. Anyway, he eventually forgave us for leaving him behind and all is well that ends well.<br />
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Lalalapha put up a great meal for us, a braai in fact, which most of us enjoyed a lot. Due to weird sleeping arrangements I shared a double bed with Mag …. Magd …. Ma …. Marius!!! Mags was somewhere else sharing with Kristine. Eish! I do not want to talk about this anymore, except state that Marius was a true gentleman.<br />
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Before this strange sharing of beds, we had a good, long kuier in the bar area of Lalalapha. Some of us would be in dire need of the medic’s needle the next morning. He who did our medical stuff was renamed Drainpipe due to the size of some of his needles!<br />
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<u>Day 6, Thursday 11 October</u><br />
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Today would be a long ride. We would go from Glencoe via Dundee to Vryheid for tea with the mayor of Vryheid. The next appearance by the Journey of Hope people would be in Clifdale, a small community about 30 kilos outside Vryheid. So, we had breakfast in Glencoe and off we went. Thankfully we managed to get our kit dry during the night, mainly thanks to liberal use of the air cons in the rooms. We had a good and uneventful ride to Vryheid where we were met by the Vryheid traffic police for an escort to the mayor’s office.<br />
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Jadd and I chatted with the traffic policeman in charge and offered our services since they were just two cars. He did not seem keen, so we did not press the point. In town, it was clear they were not managing so our marshals swung into action. At the end of the day, when they left us in Clifdale, the traffic dude said: “I don’t know why you needed us. Your guys are great at this!” Of course we really appreciate such a compliment, especially when it comes from a traffic officer.<br />
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After tea and pics with the mayor we went for Clifdale. Almost there I finally saw a cow next to the road. This is important as all our marshals have had the opportunity to stop and sternly show a cow to stay put next to the road. All, but me and I was feeling left out and unqualified. So, I saw the cow, slithered to a halt and proudly lifted my hand indicating to the cow to stop and wait. While I watched the cow carefully to ensure she did not move, I noticed that she had huge horns and that she was now eyeing me. She may well be a he! <br />
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Anyway, as I watched her, or him, a cow from the other side of the road decided to come join us on this side and ran across the road, straight in front of the medical vehicle. How he missed her only he and all his guardian angels will know. It was certainly a close shave as we later saw by the marks on his bullbar that he had actually touched her, but worse, I am now known as the only marshal on Journey of Hope who could not stop a bloody cow! This is the material that makes a grown marshal cry! It will take some years before I hear the end of this story.<br />
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At Clifdale the crowds came as the ladies did their bit. It was shocking to see the levels of poverty in this area. I watched, almost in horror, as people grabbed slices of dry bread, wolfing it down before they even got their soup. So sad!<br />
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It is here where the Honda Deauville got its new name of Dopey as it fell asleep under its rider, lying down in the street! Shame on you Dopey! Shame I say!<br />
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We finished and hit the road for Louwsburg, Pongola and then on the N2 for Hluhluwe where we would sleep over in the Hluhluwe Safari Protea (http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-hluhluwe-safaris.html). We did a quick stop in Louwsburg to get some petrol and basically turned the little village upside down. People actually ran outside to come and watch the procession!<br />
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For those who know the area, you will know there are some awesome passes on that road. Playtime galore! At one point Marius, Kristine and I were far behind and we rode to catch up. Kristine was on the little Journey of Hope branded Honda VT750S and my eyes popped to see what she could do with it! Man alive! I am sure she would have impressed even Valentino or Casey as we swept through the mountains.<br />
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The N2 is a quick and easy ride, so we made good time to the hotel in Hluhluwe. We booked in and took time to relax a tad before supper. At supper the Journey of Hope people awarded all the marshals a gift for our hard work. It was a T-Shirt each on which they had each written a personal message with a marker and a huge pack of biltong. We all really appreciate the gesture and I will certainly treasure my shirt for many years to come.<br />
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Our charges, whom we called ducklings, were now riding so well that we promoted them to full chickens. At the rider briefing we announced that on the ride to Eshowe the next day, they would take turns riding lead and sweep and we would, with the exception of two scouting marshals, ride between them, effectively allowing them to marshal us. A new challenge for them.<br />
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Supper was great and the marshals and some riders had a good old kuier while due to a certain amount of partying with the MC, our medic was on thin ice with his wife and under room arrest so he sat on a chair at the door of his room, while the MC sat on a chair in his room and they continued with their party. Neither having left their respective rooms. Clever idea dudes! Clever indeed!<br />
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“Time is passing too fast” I thought as I fell asleep. <br />
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<u>Day 7, Friday 12 October</u><br />
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This was almost the final day, or so we thought. With all the riding and appearances, we sort of saw the end of this epic journey to be in Durban at Ushaka Marine World, forgetting that Johannesburg was still 600km away. <br />
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Today we would go from Hluhluwe to Kwasizabantu (http://www.kwasizabantu.com/) a mission station 50 kilometers inland from Stanger on the Greytown road. We would first stop over in Eshowe at the Eshowe Mall where the Journey of Hope people had an appearance booked. It would be an exciting ride as the Journey of Hope Chickens would be the Marshals between Hluhluwe and Dokodweni where we would leave the N2.<br />
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Kathy would lead the first 50km, with Julie sweeping. They swopped bibs with Jadd and Kristine and looked all to cool in the Marshal bibs. So, off we went under the leadership of our newest Marshal Kathy leading the procession. The TB Marshals, with the exception of the two forward scouts, rode in the procession as normal riders. After 50 or so k’s, we swopped Kathy to sweep and Julie to lead, while riding! Remember, these ladies were pretty noob and inexperienced a scant few days ago, so although such a swop on the fly seems like nothing to us, I was very proud to see how well they executed the maneuver.<br />
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After 100 kilometers we stopped for a quick leg stretch. At this point Zelda took the Marshal bib and lead while Helena on her Spyder took sweep. All to soon we were at the turn off to Eshowe where we exchanged roles and led the team up the awesome mountain pass to Eshowe. On arrival at the Eshowe Mall a security guard accosted me about parking. Unlike normal shopping malls and normal security guards, this dude excitedly explained he wanted all the bikes to enter the mall and park in the passage in front of some shops! I was still wondering about this when the mall manager arrived and expressed the same wish. We didn’t need a second invitation, so in we went bikes and all.<br />
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While the presentations were taking place the dark weather started moving in again and we all donned our sissy suits before we left. Just a word of advice, never try this with Ghosty nearby. That is, unless you have a urgent need to be face down on the floor with your sissy suit pants around your ankles. <br />
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As soon as we left, we rode into a slight drizzle. Not bad at all and we were all in sissy suits anyway, so we cruised to Stanger, filled up with fuel and made tracks up the pass to Kwasizabantu Mission. This is a truly awesome pass and I would love to ride it someday when I can actually see the pass. About halfway up the pass, the slight drizzle was joined by his two buddies, going dark and fog! Visibility was down to a few meters. This was a problem as there is no real safe place to stop the convoy and we couldn’t turn around. We just had to keep going at a snail's pace, feeling our way forward. It is not possible to overstress the difficulty level of this piece of the ride and that being said, I cannot sing to many praises to our charges. If we experienced riders were taking serious strain, we can only imagine what they were going through. These are brave girls!<br />
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In Eshowe, one of the cage bound survivors asked to pillion with me. I told her it would be cold and wet and unpleasant, but she insisted. She sat through all this on the back of my bike, never a peep. Although I often asked if she was okay, all I got every time was a small hand showing me a thumb up. You did pick your pillion ride badly Lorraine, but lots of respect to you to for handling these unpleasant circumstances. <br />
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Unfortunately, on this leg, one of the lady riders, Zelda went down after hitting a patch where the road crews were busy fixing a pothole. You have all seen them. A nice big square cut out of the tar, filled and compacted, waiting for new tar. Thankfully she wasn’t hurt to seriously and two of our marshals and the paramedic were on scene immediately to help her. It did mean that, due to a broken finger, she was out for the rest of the ride. <br />
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Then, the bike disappeared! Yep, the Honda NT700V decided to go AWOL. Thankfully, it wasn’t stolen, but put in safe guarding by a local farmer who saw it next to the road with a bakkie and four gents already waiting to load it up. We got it back from the benefactor the next day and although it showed some cosmetic damage, it was rideable.<br />
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We stayed over at the Kwasizabantu Mission for the night. This is an incredible place and they do great work, including owning and running a well known bottled water plant and supplying veggies to Woolies. They also run a rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol addicts. This meant, sadly so, no smoking or drinking anywhere on the premises. We smokers had to track half a mile up the road for every smoke break! Eina!<br />
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<u>Day 8, Saturday 13 October</u><br />
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We were now heading toward the climax of the Journey of Hope Breast Cancer Ride. In a few hours we would be at Ushaka Marine World (http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/) and it would all be over. <br />
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Jenny, the organiser cancelled two appearances due to the fact that we had to get to the police, sort the accident report and the bike and so on, so we left later than usual. It was an awesome ride down the pass that we could not see the previous evening. I must go back someday to ride this pass again.<br />
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It was a shortish ride to the Gateway Mall in Umhlanga where we would meet up with a group of bikers from the Durban area who would ride into Durban with us. The Metro Police escort would also meet us here. Things went reasonably according to plan, except for one Spyder now refusing to start when required to do so. Fortunately, the BRP dealer was open and into customer care so they quickly send a trailer to lift the lazy Spyder and take it to the workshop where they could weave their magic and get it going again.<br />
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In the meantime the patch wearing bikers arrived. The Metro Cops arrived, all three of them and we rolled exactly on time. I enjoyed the relaxed ride into town as we were now being marshaled by the KZN Biker Associations Road Captains and the Metro. I had Karen the Kat Burgling photographer with me, or a barrel of monkeys, I am not sure which, but what I am sure about is, the bouncing around on the back of my bike had me bobbing and weaving like a drunkard. The procession rode into Durban without incident and then we hit, what was the high point for me, the entrance to the shopping mall.<br />
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Riding your bike, with 50 or so other bikes, right through the center of a shopping mall, open for business is just downright awesome! Due to the bouncing on the back of my bike as Karen hopped around to get piccies, I almost killed a few shoppers, but with some deft handling, I managed to miss all. Through all this I was watching “our” chickens in my mirror all the way. Those tiles were rather slippery and I was hoping no one would slip and fall with this many spectators. I worried for no reason at all. They were, by now, fully qualified hairy arsed bikers and handled the ride without any hassle at all.<br />
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The procession made its way right to the end of the mall, next to the shark tanks where we parked our bikes and the Journey of Hope group swung into motion doing their awareness campaign. They are really good at this and with Karl and Annie on the public address system; they had a nice crowd pretty soon. We marshals ducked into Moyo’s for a bit of shade and a drink. Avoid this if you can, unless you reckon R17 for a glass of Coke is acceptable! Sjoe!<br />
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The Journey of Hope group finished their thing and we all had supper at the Upper Deck. Nice place, but a tad scary as you could easily get a little bit intoxicated, trip and fall down the throat of a waiting shark! Fortunately we all avoided this fate and made our way to the Protea Hotel Eduard (http://www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-edward-durban.html) on the beachfront to overnight.<br />
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A few of us booked in and after delivering our luggage to our rooms, went for a nightcap on the verandah of the hotel. We reminisced about the ride of the last few days for awhile, sipped our drinks and basically looked out to sea in a forlorn manner, realising that our epic Journey of Hope was basically a thing of the past. Yes, we had to ride home, but THE JOURNEY itself was over for 2012.<br />
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<u>Day 9, Sunday 14 October</u><br />
<br />
We left the hotel for Ushaka to go fetch the bikes, which stayed at Ushaka for the night. We then had a brêkkie at the Spur at Ushaka before getting ready to roll the rubber for Gauteng. Julie was frantically looking for her luggage as it seems the loading team may have mislaid it. CCTV footage at Ushaka later showed it being stolen from one of the vehicles. All her luggage for the week as well as her laptop went with the criminal.<br />
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Loubser and Esme (Kawa Z1000) decided to go ahead without us and so did Helena (Spyder) and her hubby (Honda VFR800) who came down from Johannesburg to ride back with her. As far as bikes went, we were now the six marshals and Kathy and Julie.<br />
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Our convoy filled with petrol and energetically made for the N3 back home. Problem! Durban was having its own 94.7 Cycle race, called the Amashova. Road closures galore, including the N3 outgoing side. We did not know this though. I dutyfully stopped, with the whole convoy in tow, at some cops explained about the convoy and asked for directions to the N3. Said cop gave me perfect directions right to the onramp onto the N3. He ommitted to tell me that the N3 was also closed! What a mess, it was. We landed up on a narrow street next to the N3, at least going in the right direction, but slow. Very slow. In fact, I can now confirm that at an ambient temperature of between 32 and 36 Celsius a 1200 Boxer motor will overheat after 1 hour and 15 minutes in first gear!<br />
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Thankfully, the overheating of the three boxer Beemers and one water cooled bakkie with a non-functional electric fan happened at a garage, so whe could pull off to wait for the Boxers to cool down and wire the bakkie’s fan to sidestep the thermostat and relay. We eventually left Durban at around 13:00 instead of 10:00! <br />
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Knowing we would not make home before dark, we arranged for accommodation in Harrismith. This was a good idea too as it started getting dark just as we arrived at the Bergsig Guesthouse (http://harrismith.co/bergsig-guesthouse) in Harrismith. We got some pizzas from town, had us a pizza party and went to bed. The cage bound survivors from Journey of Hope decided to drive through to Johannesburg, so our convoy would be down to the 8 bikes and two cages the next day. <br />
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We still had a long way to go tomorrow, yet the mood was good and a lot of laughs were shared. <br />
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<u>Day 10, Monday 15 October</u><br />
<br />The decision was that we would leave at 07:00, which we did including fixing a puncture on the rear tire of Marius’ R1. Our group, reduced in size made a beeline for a brêkkie spot just outside Harrismith where we had a quick brêkkie before nailing the N3 homeward bound. At the Engen One Stop at Villiers we took a short water break and met up with Colyvon who had decided to come to Villiers and ride in with us. After the short break we went home. Dropped the Hondas at Honda SA in Midrand, said our goodbyes and each went his own direction.<br />
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I know I am not alone when I say, I suddenly felt a void. I was at home and that was nice, but I was missing something. For me personally, the trip had two goals. Ride our bikes and spread the word about early detection of breast cancer saving lives. We did both and it was done well. Object achieved.<br />
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For 10 days, I had the opportunity to be part of something awesome, something epic, something very special and something I will never forget. It was a Journey of Hope! <br />
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<em>(Note: Images not all taken by myself. Most supplied by the photographer, Karen Smit)</em><br />
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<strong>Some general pictures from the journey:</strong></div>
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Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-10699883627638635532012-10-22T12:23:00.001+02:002012-10-22T12:23:58.062+02:00Oviston - August 2012<u>The Riders and Bikes:</u><br />
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André: BMW R1200GS<br />
The Moose: BMW R1200GSA<br />
Fox: BMW R1200GS Triple Black<br />
Dgener8: Truimph Tiger 1050<br />
Cycad: BMW R1200GSA<br />
Esiotrot: Aprilia Pegaso 650<br />
Mags: BMW R1200GS<br />
Vinkie: BMW R1200GSA<br />
Incorrigable: BMW R1200R<br />
Swallow: Harley Davidson 1200 Sport Custom<br />
Busafreak: Kawasaki ZX14<br />
Elouise: Kawasaki ER6F<br />
xBlommiex: Honda CB600 Hornet<br />
Desimaal: Yamaha XT1200 Super Ténéré<br />
Colyvon: Honda CBF600S<br />
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<u>Cagers and Cages:</u><br />
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747: Slow little cage of some description<br />
Aquaman: Fast little cage of some description<br />
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Kroonvaal Engen 1-Stop<br />
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Kroonstad Shell Ultra City</div>
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<u>Thursday, 9 August:</u> </div>
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We all left for Oviston, early the morning of Women’s Day. It was incredibly cold and would remain so all weekend long. Man alive, that we did not all freeze to the road must be some kind of miracle! So, the groups decending on Oviston were:<br />
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Fox and Moose: On their own mission via some other Freestate dorps.<br />
Swallow: All alone from Jeffreysbay.<br />
Cycad: All alone from East london area.<br />
The rest: All from the Grasmere Engen 1-Stop.<br />
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Did I mention it was cold?<br />
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Apart from freezing all our parts off, the ride was enjoyable. We made reasonably good time, except for waiting for a long … LOOOOOONG …. really, very long time for our breakfast at the Steers at the Kroonstad Shell Ultra City. By the time our breakfast arrived we could call it brunch! They had some excuse about a tour bus also arriving at the same time, but man alive, these guys turned a fast food joint into a slow food joint. By the time we left we must have lost at least an hour.<br />
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Did I mention the cold?<br />
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We remained in good spirit though. Typical bikers. We were all irritated by the long wait for breakfast. We were all suffering from the low temperature. We were all having fun riding and bragging about how cold exactly we were. I think Blommie won as he was riding with a summer jacket up to Kroonvaal, where 747 loaned him his winter jacket. He must have had the most fun freezing his stuff off.<br />
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The first time I saw double figures for the temperature was after noon and then for only a short time. I can easily say that this was the first time ever that I rode with my winter gloves on during the midday period. For most of this ride I thought may heated grips had packed up as I could not feel them working at all.<br />
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Did I mention the cold yet?<br />
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After a piccie stop on the Gariep Dam’s wall, we faced the last 50km or so to Oviston. We met up with Swallow close to town, found our accommodation. During booking in we were faced by a few surprises! What Siloam Village in Oviston describes as a bungalow, is in fact a dormitory containing many, many bunk beds, none with any bedding. We had somehow missed the fact, during the booking process that we were booking into a place that caters for school tours, i.e. no bedding, no towels and very little private accommodation. Fortunately some of us managed to get into the main house (call it teacher’s area) so we had private rooms and minimum bedding. The rest of the guys had to make do in a dorm. Some did bring bedding and towels, but mist never got that memo so we were without. The manager of the resort managed to loan some bedding in town and Aquaman drove into town where he bought a few towels. All in all, we were now sorted. Apart from this misunderstanding, Siloam Village is not at all a bad spot for a day or so and the food was beyond reproach. I enjoyed the stay here.<br />
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<em>Dgener8 and Desimaal's bikes at Gariep Power Station.</em></div>
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<em> Vinkie's GSA below the Gariep Dam wall.</em></div>
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<em>The group on the Gariep Dam wall.</em></div>
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<em> Our back up vehicle. Not much space, but at least it could keep up!</em></div>
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<em>Did I mention it was cold?</em></div>
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<em>Some of the team rubbing hands, discussing their frozen fingers.</em></div>
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<u>Friday, 10 August:</u></div>
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A group of us decided to go for a “round the dam” ride. Cycad decided to visit a friend in the area and Dgener8 and Swallow decided not to ride with. Dgener8 loaned his bike to Aquaman who joined us for the ride around the dam. We followed the R390 from Oviston, through Venterstad to Bethulie. On the way we crossed over the Gariep River via one of the longest road and rail cobined bridges I know off. It measure just over a kilometer. We stopped for a piccie opportunity on th ebridge before riding in Bethulie for a garage pie and Coke break.<br />
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We then followed the R701 from Bethulie back to the Gariep Dam’s wall. This time we did not cross the river on the dam wall, but rather lower down on the road bridge next to the Eskom Hydro Electrical Power Station. When you look at that dam wall, from this angle, it becomes almost scary, thinking about all the water that it holds back.<br />
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From here it was a short and enjoyable 50km run back to Oviston. The ride was very nice, but spoiled a tad by a severe wind that was building over the area. <br />
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<em>On the long road/rail bridge.</em></div>
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<em>Gariep Dam Wall from the road bridge directly downstream from the wall. </em></div>
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<u>Saturday, 11 August:</u></div>
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In fact, on Saturday we could not ride at all due to the powerful wind. One or two of us did brave the wind, but they did not go far. It was just to darn unpleasant and dangerous. This did not bug most of us as we enjoyed just hanging around chatting and getting to know each other better. <br />
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During the night the wind got worse and it started raining, so most of were wondering about the possibility of getting extra leave to stay longer. None felt like the ride home in that terrible weather.<br />
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<u>Sunday, 12 August:</u><br />
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Thankfully, the weather cleared up and on Sunday morning, time to hit the road back, the rain had stopped and the wind was down the manageable levels. We were all a bit sad as we packed, loaded and said our goodbyes. Fox, Swallow and Cycad went their way toward the Eastern Cape. Blommie made for Hartenbos and the remainder of us, aimed for Gauteng. It was a hard and difficult ride in the cold and the strong winds, but we all remained in good spririt as we rolled the rubber homeward bound.<br />
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All made their respective final destinations safely and soon the 2013 event was under discussion on the Think Bike forum. I will certainly do it again and I hope more Think Bike members will join up this time.<br />
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Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-42589351674353076682012-10-22T10:24:00.001+02:002012-10-22T10:24:30.759+02:00Memel again - September 2011<u>Riders and bikes: </u><br />
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André: BMW R1200GS<br />
Danie: BMW R1200GS<br />
Magda: BMW R1200GS<br />
Wellesley (The Think Bike teddy bear mascot): Pillion on one of the above<br />
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Yep, it seems like a mini GS Challenge if you look at that list!<br />
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The three of us decided a short weekend away was required, so we booked the Ronderus Guest House again. We have been there previously and fell in love with the place. Located high in the Drakensberg mountains, the view is awesome, but apart from that, the facilities are excellent. There is a rondawel that sleeps 6 and a chalet that sleeps 8. Both are equipped with all that is required. They have also build a entertainment area containing another, larger kitchen, braai facilities and so on. Ronderus is also located in the perfect spot for duelie riders, on the farm Louisa, who like to do the off road thing.<br />
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<u>Friday, 2 September:</u><br />
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We left on Friday late morning. The ride there is a tad boring as it is mainly on the long, straight roads through the Freestate. The fun usually starts at the turn-off to Ronderus from the main road between Vrede and Memel. This is a 20km dirt road ride and depending on the condition of the road, could be anywhere between fun, harrowing and sheer terror. Due to a seriously powerful wind blowing across the Freestate planes, today was a sheer terror day! We had to lean into the wind to prevent being blown off the road, yet the road was slippery and not conducive to leaning. Of course, it always feels a heck of a lot worse than it is and we all made it safely to Ronderus. <br />
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We unpacked and immediately started the braai. Or! Magda and Danie started the braai, while I removed my topbox to clean out two dozen, or so, eggs that had escaped their shells during the ride in! Blech! What a messy job! Next time, the eggs ride with someone else .....<br />
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<u>Saturday, 3 September:</u><br />
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Danie and I were itching for a ride, but Magda had just received her brand spanking new Kindle book reader from Amazon, so she was leaning towards a day of non-riding. She needed to test read her Kindle. Danie and decided to go for a short loop instead as we did not have Kindles!<br />
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We left Ronderus taking the S226 to the R34 (main road between Memel and Vrede). We then cruised down the R34 to Vrede to get some charcoal and other requirements for that evening's braai. From Vrede we used the R34 back to Memel for a few kilometers, turned right onto the S57. We followed the S57 to Verkykerskop. This is an awesome dirt road for those who enjoy off-road riding. Neither Danie or myself are competent off-roaders, but after a short period of terror, we started enjoying the ride. There are some really nice valleys, with beautiful scenery on the route.<br />
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At Verkykerskop we had a bite to eat and something cold to drink at the local Post Office/General Dealer/Restaurant/Sports Bar/just about everything else. If ever in the area, this little spot is well worth a stop, even to just have a Coke. <br />
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We then rode back to Ronderus on what Mapsource and Garmin show as a tarred road. It is not. It is tarred from Harrismith to Verkykerskop, but just out of Verkykerskop, the tar must have taken a hike as it is all dirt, all the way to Memel. That being said, it is still a nice ride and if you stay within reasonable speeds, not too bad at all.<br />
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We arrived back, both having enjoyed the ride in time to start the evening braai.<br />
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<u>Sunday, 4 September:</u><br />
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As with all these short weekend rides, this one came to an end way too soon. None of us enjoyed the packing and leaving for home, but sadly, unless filthy rich (none of us won the Lotto over the weekend), it was time to return to home and earning a living. The ride back was like the ride there. Sort of boring and straight.<br />
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All in all, we had a great weekend. See some of the images below.<br />
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<em>Danie, Magda and Wellesley during a break on the way to Ronderus.</em></div>
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<em>André and Wellesley at the entrance to Ronderus.</em></div>
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<em>The three Beemers at Ronderus.</em></div>
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<em>My bike on the road to Verkykerskop.</em></div>
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<em>The two bikes (Danie, André) at a turn-off to Verkykerskop.</em></div>
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<em>We found this small fountain just a few kilometers before Verkykerskop.</em></div>
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<em>Welleseley having a bit of a tan on some of the sandstone formations around the Ronderus property.</em></div>
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<em>The place to visit when in Verkykerskop.</em></div>
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<br />Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-67069409122713579542011-03-21T06:30:00.010+02:002011-05-01T06:52:35.862+02:00Five Beemers and a Kawasaki goes east - March 2011<span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Some pictures:<br /></em></span><br /><br />Magda's steed, ready<span style="font-size:85%;"> for the road.</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT2K7oGQWbGWE68w1OdfzmMmS-bP_dWZXmyWHLcEzijwsoGTPXdjbwu-4BEHc7OIbmsm7UJ8OWWetQu7-YH3n0yDrrOHjO9DdZ0U3eUxmXZEF2sTkD8VYU_9EQnqdjabWpnTmsYpF9q7V/s1600/KH7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586394040497203506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT2K7oGQWbGWE68w1OdfzmMmS-bP_dWZXmyWHLcEzijwsoGTPXdjbwu-4BEHc7OIbmsm7UJ8OWWetQu7-YH3n0yDrrOHjO9DdZ0U3eUxmXZEF2sTkD8VYU_9EQnqdjabWpnTmsYpF9q7V/s200/KH7.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="right"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">My storybike, on Steenkampsberg </span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:85%;">toward the end of the weekend.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjkIu6TjJr3NiG6f_usE0DA652QRybKeCNgIdO6eYHEmT67xyXUWg6yQuAcjfXDShXoUo2dZun-cWm8klFTnhr9xI6dfVrp_cxf-poiI9AlOg55EUhQ_HYA-lhp8leaIzWthEYzaHkMip/s1600/KH6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586394366061051010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjkIu6TjJr3NiG6f_usE0DA652QRybKeCNgIdO6eYHEmT67xyXUWg6yQuAcjfXDShXoUo2dZun-cWm8klFTnhr9xI6dfVrp_cxf-poiI9AlOg55EUhQ_HYA-lhp8leaIzWthEYzaHkMip/s200/KH6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">What does that yellow P with the line through it mean, Trish? "Er ... aaahhmmm, uh ... which yellow P?"<br /></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586394516278149330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJmcbhZ08jlFlc0EkEwACUzlbeUSMEF7xGD-rhBxYJx0mMD5XRFTSwe7Xe2qOHens2bYZdEsVrhkSQjBJh_f9wmf2wtso3p2AaI6AXZmyB4p4RkEzRZI9WhKl89lmwxSeEXVvokgzUqCQ/s200/KH1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Barry and Danie living their</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">childhood fantacy of being a</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">traffic cop hiding in the bushes. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-1UXmKnb3iJnVmaNosdT9rFi3x5GTUNrbDheNzVP7Yz6cGS3i0Umnz7lGposcCP1fR7xn5YOKZ6Z3fQ_hak3LY96QHT_vOPtoO6WjIgdN_cyP99VcmdaB82wN3VRSAUbQIaxrcJk8mF-/s1600/KH2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586394667667774290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-1UXmKnb3iJnVmaNosdT9rFi3x5GTUNrbDheNzVP7Yz6cGS3i0Umnz7lGposcCP1fR7xn5YOKZ6Z3fQ_hak3LY96QHT_vOPtoO6WjIgdN_cyP99VcmdaB82wN3VRSAUbQIaxrcJk8mF-/s200/KH2.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS57g1D5iEsN9W7TZDcZpPtVZblfmG4XVK2FFU6sfig4RAtaTGr03NP9LFNQ35o_MyqoEaniXHeM4sqB2908H81k3fMF5_V4m1eQ3m71G6780Gs4MBqo1vIYdIldwEr2ADSfEPSqK2otr/s1600/KH3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586394840320207682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS57g1D5iEsN9W7TZDcZpPtVZblfmG4XVK2FFU6sfig4RAtaTGr03NP9LFNQ35o_MyqoEaniXHeM4sqB2908H81k3fMF5_V4m1eQ3m71G6780Gs4MBqo1vIYdIldwEr2ADSfEPSqK2otr/s200/KH3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The road ahead. Rosehaugh</span></span>.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p align="right"><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">The chickens with Trish's ride.<br /></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586395042971759682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoObBKkihS0UsL17TBLsmcxOwjGg5HRjqlnDFtwRpr9kx46GRFxz1ynNwj8l7wJVnPbcfvJkd-UQmA5IPAX7oJ46a48exrvR2CAJdBjnMRLt_kVyAP0hu-EDeJ9iMyocZwo0cG7GO9zb8/s200/KH5.JPG" border="0" /><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">The riders and their scoots:</span><br /></em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">André: BMW R1200GS</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Barry: BMW R1200GSA</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Danie: BMW R1200GS</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Elouise: BMkaWasaki ER6F</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Magda: BMW R1200GS</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Trish: BMW F650GS (thumper)</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Friday:</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">The 6 of us started our ride at Halfway Cuppa, our normal Friday morning biker's coffee venue at Mr Bojangles in Midrand. We filled up on the normal Halfway Cuppa banter and jet fuel coffee before we hit the road at around 08:00 or so. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">From HC to Witbank we had an uneventful, even boring ride. That is what riding on a highway usually is. Boring and uneventful. In fact, it was so boring and uneventful that very few of the group even saw the two speed traps we passed. Fortunately, all six of us being law abiding citizens, no one was exceeding the posted speed limit. Just outside Witbank, there was a a roadblock and the coppers chose me to flash my license and stuff at them. The rest of the group waited for me and after I did the flashing stuff, satisfying the cop's curiosity, off we went.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">On the way to Hendrina, Elouise and her ER6F did an impromptu off road riding course and practise, due to some road works on our route. No problem. She rode the sand like a pro and possibly even slithered around less than the GS (Geen Sand) BMW's. We played dodge the pothole for about 50 k's. We were pretty successful at this as not one of us require new rims, tyres or teeth today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">After Carolina the straight and terrible roads disapeared in our mirrors as we headed into the twisties. I believe a lekker ride was had by all and by the time we got onto Kaapsche Hoop Road out of Nelspruit, we had shrugged off the city air and dust from our posteriors and could actually lean a bike again. Kaapsche Hoop Way, between Nelspruit and Kaapsche Hoop must be one of the best playgrounds for bikers in the country. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">We arrived at our accommodation at Kaapsche Hoop and after a quick hop into Ngodwana for groceries and stuff we, relaxed around the braai. What a ride that always is! From Kaapsche Hoop to Ngodwana is 11 kilometers, yet the the road drops by just over a kilometer. Amazing riding and scenery and well worth a visit, even in a cage (vehicle with doors and stuff).</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Some stories of the ride was exchanged and I believe Danie's story about the white Polo and him almost having an intimate moment, sort of took the cake.That having been said, the funniest thing I ever did see was Trish throwing a tennis ball for a dog. Unbelievealble, but she managed to miss all off Mphumalanga and hit the braai fire. This in itself was rather funny, but then the stupid dog went in after the ball, into the fire! Thankfully (although Danie as the braai master would disagree) the fire fell over and the dog and ball was saved. Of course, getting the fire back into the braai was rather interesting. We managed to borrow a spade as no one, including Trish, would volunteer their hands.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">So, the route for the day: Midrand, Bapsfontein, Delmas, Witbank, Hendrina, Carolina, Badplaas, Baberton, Nelspruit, Kaapsche Hoop. Just over 400k's for the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Saturday:</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">We did a really lazy 200 odd km loop through bits of ET (Mphumalanga). We left Kaapsche Hoop and went "straight" for Ngodwana. Then, Montrose, Sudwala, Rosehaugh, Sabie, Hazyview, White River, Nelspruit and back to Kaapsche Hoop. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">We played in the twisties, then played some more. Had a brunchie at Hazyview, which was sponsored by Barry. It was his penalty for taking soooooooooooo much time that morning to get ready. Man alive, I have seen 95 year old tannies get ready quicker than our Foxy friend. Worsdt part is, after all that "getting ready" he was still just another hairy arsed, ugly biker.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"> We popped into a mall in Nelspruit to do the Cansa Shavathion thing. All the guys walked out of there with almost no hair and some truly psychadelic biker chicks with them. Although not planned this way, this was the second time that we found ourselves in Nelspruit during this initiative to raise money by CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa). Being biker we always do what bikers do best. We support the cause and the guys all had their hair shaved off, and the chickens had their hair painted.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Cruised back to Kaapsche Hoop and braaid again. We managed to keep Trish, the ball and the dog away from the braai this time round.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Sunday:</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">We left, eventually, as none of us seemed in a "let us go home" mode. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">I think we eventually hit the road at 10:00 and this time we didn't wait for Barry to finish his make-up. We were just all in a "I wanna stay here mode". </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Kaapsche Hoop, Ngodwana, Montrose, Sudwala, Rosehaugh, Lydenburg, Roossenekal, Stoffberg, Middelburg, Witbank, Bronkhorstspruit and individual homes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Elouise and I played a bit on Long Tom Pass before we had a late brunch in Lydenburg. We spend a hour or two here as we watched the Proteas lose a World Cup cricket match against England. The *()&^&*%&) Proteas!!! We also waited for Barry who took a quick ride back to Sabie, from Long Tom, to go fill up with petrol. I thought those GSA's had humongous fuel tanks?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Then we hit my favourite pass, Steenkampsberg Pass, which was sadly also the last twisties for the weekend. Maybe a good thing as, by now. we have all being transformed into wannabe Rossis. Not a good thing, really, unless you are, in fact .... Valentino Rossi. A lot of fun was had by all. A lot!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">As usual, the road from Roossenekal to Stoffberg was actually a collection of potholes held together by small patches of tar. We negotiated this bit without incident and after a quick Coke 'n Smoke stop in Middelburg we headed fro Bronkhorstspruit, where goodbyes were said. We all went our different ways after about 420 km's for the day. We were all in agreement that this long weekend was about one week too short!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">We must do this again .... and soon!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></p>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-19957803823308983982010-12-05T15:59:00.023+02:002010-12-06T21:32:09.579+02:00Wellesley does Ficksburg! - November 2010<span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Date:</strong></span> <span style="font-family:Arial;">12 - 14 November 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Riders:</strong></span><br /><div><ul><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Danie: BMW R1200GS</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Mags: BMW F650GS (twin)</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">André: Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Very special pillion:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Wellesley, the bear. Wellesley, as you will see in the pics is a small teddy bear, donned in the typical Think Bike high visibilty vest and some really cool shades. Wellesley is the Think Bike mascot and has been all over South Africa as a pillion on a bike. In fact, he rode from Montagu, via the Garden Route and KwaZuluNatal the weeks prior to joining us on our ride. On 13 December we will hand him over to someone with whom he will tackle the long road back to Cape Town, where he will joing a group of bikers who will endeavour to ride nine Cape Mountian Passes in a single day. Wellesley has recently been in a bike accident, but that did not stiffle his love for touring the country, with the wind in his face. </span></div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><div></div><div><em></em></div><div><em>Wellesley was rather miffed when he realised that the "cherries" of Ficksburg were actually cherries and not females of the sexy kind.<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSylISIQAnfVlEawOSRPy7zzl_M1VGMcHE5xr82cKMesQnxTdpfMufbOJoD_hRn5mTpL84HuyavDH7xtJVz1lkNRHxurzAoXn9YJSj1rud-0oIxx1NmP0PMkuaXdLg87M7azZUhZWWgZ3j/s1600/Wells+Cherry.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547409307457139842" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSylISIQAnfVlEawOSRPy7zzl_M1VGMcHE5xr82cKMesQnxTdpfMufbOJoD_hRn5mTpL84HuyavDH7xtJVz1lkNRHxurzAoXn9YJSj1rud-0oIxx1NmP0PMkuaXdLg87M7azZUhZWWgZ3j/s320/Wells+Cherry.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong><p><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">T</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">he ride:</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This would be my last ride on the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom as my BMW R1200GS was already on order. It is difficult to describe the feeling as I was very excited about getting the BMW, but it would be a sad occasion to say goodbuy to the Strom. As I write this, the Strom is long gone and I am busy adapting to German technology. I digress.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Friday:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Bapsfontein, Benoni, Heidelburg, Deneysville, Heilbron, Petrus Steyn, Reitz, Bethlehem, Fouriesburg and on to our accommodation at Camelroc Guest Farm on the Caledon river, right next to Lesotho. In fact, the turn-off to Camelroc is at the border post.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Man alive, the wind blew us of our wheels for all of the 400 odd kms! It was certainly some of the worst wind I have ever ridden a bike in and we were all tired to the bone when we arrived at Cameroc. Why does the wind always blow from the side? It is a conspiracy, I tell you! All those car drivers stuck in peak hour traffic who wishes this on bikers when we zoot past. Yeah! Must be that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Camelroc is an awesome place to stay. It is wedged between the Little Caledon River, the Caledon River and the majestic Maluti Mountains. The name refers to a rock that looks like a Camel. We loved our stay there and will certainly return. The amzing thing is that they still have a "honesty bar". You help yourself and write whatever you use in the book. On departure, you pay for what you used. If you are ever in that area:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.camelroc.co.za/">http://www.camelroc.co.za/</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Saturday:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Camelroc, Fouriesburg, Ficksburg, Clocolan, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg, Clarens, Golden Gate, Clarens, Fouriesburg and of course, Camelroc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It was a lovely day for a ride. Beautful weather all the way. No wind. Not too hot, nor too cold. Perfect biking weather. Mags dragged us into a Cherry stall and when we departed, bikes were loaded to the brim with Cherry stuff, alcoholic and otherwise. Brunch at Clarens was spoiled by a Harley Davidson Club having taken over the town. One Harley sounds awesome, on occasion. Plenty Harleys, all morning long, is about as musical to behold as 60 000 Vuvuzelas at a soccer match. You have to be brain dead to think it, cool.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Sunday:</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Camelroc, Fouriesburg, Bethlehem, Reitz, Frankfort, Oranjeville, Deneysville, Heidelberg, Benoni and home. Some bits were windy again and especially between Bethlehem Reitz we really battled. Again, you guessed it, side on wind. Strewth!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We found the most incredibly little restaurant in Frankfort. Very nice and tide, friendly people all round and great food at surprisingly low prices.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Worth mentioning:</strong></span> </p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Camelroc is absolutely awesome. Well worth a visit if in the area. They have all sorts of chalets and a "Honesty" Pub with TV and DSTV and stuff. You write up what you take and pay when you leave. Accommodation is very neat and clean and the scenery robs you of your breath. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"></li><br /><li>Safari Restaurant in Frankfort. They build a truly lekker brêkkie at a very reasonable price. True Freestate hospitality. </li><br /><li>Road from Frankfort to Oranjeville: The first part you play "Dodge the Pothole". Then, from around Jim Fouché Resort to Oranjeville, it becomes "Pick a Pothole" as you can't avoid them anymore. You just sort of pick the one that looks the least menacing. </li><br /><li>Wellesley: He loved the ride and is a very well behaved little bear. A pleasure to have on a ride. He can join us again anytime. </li></ul></span><div><em>The camel shaped rock that lends its name to the resort of Camelroc.</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPZGVLNpvXrjJIC7pwtMUnB7KGnOqgUh5aWEke1s0BRpIj01Ta5ISazZHgigzs0q1-3RY-ax6MFPv9TU-Kg-cvT_2_NFD4r1rBpc_f71XCsJ8x9vfM9r2iPBzO3aVoasQFqkMNmefFcRh/s1600/blogg1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547203210248999378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPZGVLNpvXrjJIC7pwtMUnB7KGnOqgUh5aWEke1s0BRpIj01Ta5ISazZHgigzs0q1-3RY-ax6MFPv9TU-Kg-cvT_2_NFD4r1rBpc_f71XCsJ8x9vfM9r2iPBzO3aVoasQFqkMNmefFcRh/s400/blogg1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Wellesley and André, route planning.<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK9xZLAaI-Ya-WoPMmmZh9GaolHfLAV3XN2lw2VYhBPmYoI5XW1X1HZUXG54gHzU9XbDv42lNi4gGAFxMsMCBxv-sXMYXUSV5PWPE79PzFa2bncXlgadRCfp_Qu8QLVcelmH7EmdYX3Kd/s1600/Wells+Golden+Gate.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547409140250376978" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuK9xZLAaI-Ya-WoPMmmZh9GaolHfLAV3XN2lw2VYhBPmYoI5XW1X1HZUXG54gHzU9XbDv42lNi4gGAFxMsMCBxv-sXMYXUSV5PWPE79PzFa2bncXlgadRCfp_Qu8QLVcelmH7EmdYX3Kd/s320/Wells+Golden+Gate.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Our accommodation for the weekend. Super nice with an awesome view.</em></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XFqyNYJARS3YrnWRrJGuSavR_w28LOc9biy_rxYz6T-LUEeqNYNZraPiyb0dYnRHa7vKAqQzOz9V19dM57_2pa7Oj3K0PxTNfShc-K8lB28mi2c-2XD3_2wWUGqi2me1NYg6_nfrVo6U/s1600/Wells+camelroc.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547204036730854434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XFqyNYJARS3YrnWRrJGuSavR_w28LOc9biy_rxYz6T-LUEeqNYNZraPiyb0dYnRHa7vKAqQzOz9V19dM57_2pa7Oj3K0PxTNfShc-K8lB28mi2c-2XD3_2wWUGqi2me1NYg6_nfrVo6U/s400/Wells+camelroc.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-73845977661109453732010-08-21T08:43:00.023+02:002011-05-01T06:33:56.654+02:00ET again (A quick weekend ride) - August 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwpWz7i5BmiSX1-regsh0D1ZBYw8sSil3tv2j3aau5QljA3Hp_brI2cWfCuDobXqAXDB-3OMU-baVW5sTtN0mjSYLkAP_cB2fZqeXFA-V74EPhfRZJP087pP1ZS2Z8fHwQQ-OWGVQJ5hB/s1600/lt3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507759658835982018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwpWz7i5BmiSX1-regsh0D1ZBYw8sSil3tv2j3aau5QljA3Hp_brI2cWfCuDobXqAXDB-3OMU-baVW5sTtN0mjSYLkAP_cB2fZqeXFA-V74EPhfRZJP087pP1ZS2Z8fHwQQ-OWGVQJ5hB/s320/lt3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="right"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Mags' storybike at the Long Tom Monument between Lydenburg and Sabie.</span></em><br /></span></div><br /><strong>Riders:</strong> This time, just Mags and me.<br /><strong>Bikes:</strong> The Strom and the Beemer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, our rear ends were a-itchin' and we had to go. We decided to give the work off for the Friday, creating a three day weekend for ourselves and we hit the road. Destination, Graskop.<br /><br /><strong>Day 1: Home to Graskop.</strong><br /><br />We rode the 350 odd kilometers from Bapsfontein to Graskop at a nice easy pace, stopping often for to take pictures and admire the scenery. During one stop in Belfast, I chatted with a guy who owned at least 10 bikes and had a BMWS1000RR on order. As we left I noted that he was a car guard, dependent on tips for a living and realised the bikes and tales were in his imagination. Ah well, he was good company while Mags took a pee break. We all know that with Atgatt on, that can be a slow and cumbersome process.<br /><br />We found some thick mist on Long Tom and struggled a tad the first part. The road was wet and visibility somewhere between zero and nothing. Thankfully it cleared up after the Long Tom Canon Monument and we made good time from there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx5AGuIUJmPxNk42u0SLwFEXPAPzro7qx-JwNe7gwWqffDwqbTvuNKUGOGgRCylVYaVybmtgbfOEgaOY2SlcsMModQ_IfiZWXEXg5ZxZ54hdLReuLUQK8fyN9nr2lnDzra10b27AXjjW_/s1600/d+Graskop_33.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507760491977408402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx5AGuIUJmPxNk42u0SLwFEXPAPzro7qx-JwNe7gwWqffDwqbTvuNKUGOGgRCylVYaVybmtgbfOEgaOY2SlcsMModQ_IfiZWXEXg5ZxZ54hdLReuLUQK8fyN9nr2lnDzra10b27AXjjW_/s320/d+Graskop_33.JPG" border="0" /></a>Arrived in Graskop, booked into our log cabin and started freezing our butts off. A cold front from the Cape had arrived with us and, uninvited booked in with us.<br /><br /><strong>Day 2: Graskop to Graskop loop.</strong><br /><br />We explored the town on foot, as it was too misty to ride. Graskop is too small to ride in anyway. Unless you feel the need to make many u-turns. I was facinated by the silkworm farm and industry while Mags was facinated by their products. Can you believe they pull around 1500 meters of silk thread from a single cocoon. The kicker is, that it comes off neatly without ever turning into a complete, knotted mess? Amazing!<br /><br />Later in the day, the mist cleared up and we went for a short 100km loop ride via The Pinacle, God's Window, Wonder View and the potholes at Bourke's Luck. This is a truly beautful part of God's great earth. The roads are in excellent condition and condusive to a bit of hanging out in the bends. Luvverly!<br /><br /><strong>Day 3: Graskop to Bapsfontein</strong><br /><br />We took another route home. We went via Sabie, Sudwala Caves, Montrose and Machadodorp. Manage to ride into one of our beloved toll gates where I forked out R116 for the two bikes. Mags felt so sorry for me she promptly offered to buy breakfast at the next stop, which was at Millies just outside Machadodorp. These darned tollgates is a real issue for bikers. A double cab bakke with four people in it and four bikes on a trailer behind it pays the same as a single biker! Daylight and legalised robbery, if you ask me.<br /><br />We arrived at home, refreshed, full of beans and ready for another few weeks of keeping the bosses happy.<br /><br /><div><div><div><p align="left"></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Out accommodation for the weekend on a misty morning in Graskop.</span></em><br /></span><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507755379369382210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgkfCBjaPnHa4unVugfRCYN5g6Leez_DB4sDj0CtmnOKJ936AOxf5kEiT2faDxj2v-5ZvAqBQUNqN2oXvGH38V8u8VYSbbTYCu0HgX_v5zbyYi_71EBy7QgZUk5L28sx9JA7VYrOnq7rJ/s320/Copy+of+gk1.JPG" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>The incredible Bourke's Luck Potholes at the covergence of the Blyde (Glad) River and the Treur (Sad) River.</em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507755852639951986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtd8Asad-_d89tNnRnz2tJTKMn1jiLo_2znR5FUS4IHKhjJiOWRMtllPrZ5xKzfhsL9lOyYUxSnMNXn7gXF-xwMcaPKjBjXsLfr4H9dCCdlXsZcUBfq-8QoWWdV8tvlIJo8DaHn0aV1Lc/s320/bl1.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507755845203359890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASwIHG98bR9eW-X1K01QDh2tKXMMa6IRO8hC0KqUX2WnUZmv7_3fSBH0k-ixI7RnQAU2-7F79ZzPxrHgfjHJRNSJS6waXgLb9c4DhjxI-2jn3DOvNOlNci94ODgDO_ApElVommsx24DVS/s320/bl3.JPG" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507755838936241602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9-uBKxMa7njRrauOSKq1ozBBstBd6rZPJfu0SaPksv8r3AbQJBr4Duu9RDbWQp8Ze1fRXqdPUBMf0f6i358qQ93mBwZOEW6v95nf2CVoKYpggSSXknK2gtmG_80cJ5Ag_NhQ_T2SuAFg/s320/bl2.JPG" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>The view from God's Window.</em></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507756798938345586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpiNkEwib6TR9rf_7mB1S3ZrIrMQrlenMFX7itzJlpCqjzxOBzgr_R8rgMPrkz4jiMO8eTYlsbbOSb5xD8MnKwQNo4hQN83oo6AUzSm807bTS-oH4b55p7R1An6jvKhcAP64fWN5Husfm/s320/Copy+of+gw1.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507756808987325170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcsMea-ph-T79DiDz-ubpeqY4LU2fOzlJW9LJrbBIL3D4SzSH3hVmZIhp7pIcg9Jh4ZjrIpdKv8rIrSUgDsbwLTfqjv28hJ7I2D2ph_2aG9cICmrOaENi78SSwyhjf6ou29Lywnq1zG8o/s320/gw3.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>... and from Wonder View.</em></span><br /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507756811331512722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6KFmMYFGO1G1II7Cky_6o69ggDdewJK5eBbAKfXhFC6tcaU6XqGBcDDmzyDMv8b5ptqCcquY9zB0D-lssp-KqQmf8D2rag77s1ZgcUZOcAsfl_Obgixy46By50T_CQo3Syvo5sGNfeEa/s320/wv1.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Near achadodorp, on the way home.</em></span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507757630513739602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9plqyzpxBRgkU8wTDSvtc9UssO7trAMyMgSuv_bPaJmtOya1qK7vIIiWB2z9MIfCnqULmx8CBd9c8EgQYR5WVrybHNuO6HBEPhCW9GVgzwI1oVjygbqUjqq1e7v9qKkQfx89r-m0a_d8/s320/ton1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-22114385486208881262010-04-25T18:54:00.044+02:002010-04-27T08:44:17.660+02:00The Cape Tour - March 2010<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Mags, Danie, André and Jo ride ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0IPwSqYTfRmSaKIMC078hKS_E8LCa_ydQbo1Pc12RkRG1oa-qoDZ22LFAcH1DH-JUAyu8uWdk3GnHENikRoZIzQ9B9VSnQqR6Tj0OIaE-WdirkebeQFOYzM6rn6d2qE3O24UIWo1cBIc/s1600/Beemertjie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464507914231593842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0IPwSqYTfRmSaKIMC078hKS_E8LCa_ydQbo1Pc12RkRG1oa-qoDZ22LFAcH1DH-JUAyu8uWdk3GnHENikRoZIzQ9B9VSnQqR6Tj0OIaE-WdirkebeQFOYzM6rn6d2qE3O24UIWo1cBIc/s200/Beemertjie.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">... a few provinces ...</span></span></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kiAa6MQpx1ieg6GhqbAY9Ua7pe2xh7NRaTGXoXR9KaNRnvuhoGjkJ5gHvD1Wbw4A8JvnU5AmQdPm0CnFgxjdOQNYFaes5FdSaF3AUKyqTadZeG4CiMmmEvOAmWQgKHOawaQzf0_JFwUK/s1600/Yamie.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464508171136059714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 172px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kiAa6MQpx1ieg6GhqbAY9Ua7pe2xh7NRaTGXoXR9KaNRnvuhoGjkJ5gHvD1Wbw4A8JvnU5AmQdPm0CnFgxjdOQNYFaes5FdSaF3AUKyqTadZeG4CiMmmEvOAmWQgKHOawaQzf0_JFwUK/s200/Yamie.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">... a few passes ...</span><br /></span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MlPJTx0Q_OofvNv8oRlXBG0pNs14RPxpl2kRPYQOFLPJ18s6Y7hwrKrEMmz8aWJ2sT-ocsd9WP8V4k_4AksJmTBYeYsWLkPYDzVbU-coV-T2-c0yhuCxaYZ9_knqE-dEaOnXUFJ_5u_d/s1600/Strom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464508489055314098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MlPJTx0Q_OofvNv8oRlXBG0pNs14RPxpl2kRPYQOFLPJ18s6Y7hwrKrEMmz8aWJ2sT-ocsd9WP8V4k_4AksJmTBYeYsWLkPYDzVbU-coV-T2-c0yhuCxaYZ9_knqE-dEaOnXUFJ_5u_d/s200/Strom.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:130%;">... with a few glitches ...</span> </span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">... in a few weeks ...</span> </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd-cH3Y3oU8fCIWnZYLChgDQQYXaiZ7KGMI61Yc6LEbARo4hn4F6v1yfcQBOYqGXRqmnXR5g7xTLv53K9FfL2iHYFiFt4Wzw99Sh01EIY7ORtYjBrVSQmxvocn8IktCXfdFxn361oC3m2/s1600/BM.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464690526403298994" style="WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd-cH3Y3oU8fCIWnZYLChgDQQYXaiZ7KGMI61Yc6LEbARo4hn4F6v1yfcQBOYqGXRqmnXR5g7xTLv53K9FfL2iHYFiFt4Wzw99Sh01EIY7ORtYjBrVSQmxvocn8IktCXfdFxn361oC3m2/s200/BM.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">.... and have a heck of a lot of fun!</span> </span><br /></div></span><em><br /></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Day 1: Home - Colesberg</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">13 </span><span style="font-family:arial;">March eventually arrived. Mags and I were getting on our bikes in the semi-darkness of the 6am morning to start our trip. It was in the planning for just over a year. As I closed the gate behind us, I thought: "if all goes well, in three weeks, we will be back at this gate". We hit the road for the first stop at the Grasmere Engen One-Stop at Grasmere to meet up with Danie and Jo who would be joining us for what was, for us the longest trip ever. They arrived. Excitement was in the air as we all had a quick coffee before pointing the front wheels south. By the end of this journey, those ThinkBike bibs would not be quite as clean. </span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLyKJ8JzmAyre_e-JlqVkwAbUQWswT4jEdBaMtrg7PdCdTY2ylInBZawiW-9aHErKQgZNv5WVZeKQLVK-O6AeRYF2GzrSAh15KLYOve6KaDf1NM4NGusRf3tF9AQENf1C3cJZxIvQNRjd/s1600/vuilbibs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464394117811608674" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLyKJ8JzmAyre_e-JlqVkwAbUQWswT4jEdBaMtrg7PdCdTY2ylInBZawiW-9aHErKQgZNv5WVZeKQLVK-O6AeRYF2GzrSAh15KLYOve6KaDf1NM4NGusRf3tF9AQENf1C3cJZxIvQNRjd/s320/vuilbibs.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">From here, to Colesberg were rather uneventful. Not much scenery, not many cars, no cops, no twisties. Just endless straight bits of road. The monotony of the ride was only broken by a toll gate at regular intervals. Toll gates that were getting very expensive indeed. We stopped for a break and some sustenance at the Kroonvaal Engen One-Stop. We filled up a time or two and eventually put Bloemfontein behind us. For me, this is a huge milestone as I never feel I have left home, before Bloemfontein is behind me. I have no idea why, it just feels that way. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">It was on this bit between Grasmere and Bloemfontein that Glitch One appeared. Glitch One being the 1200GS developing a very naughty speedometer. At a fuel stop, Jo accosted poor Danie demanding to know why he was insisting on riding 80km/h. The rest of us frowned in wonderment as, although we were not going fast enough to make Rossi a worried man, we were not doing 80! It seems the Beemer's speedo had decided to go on a "go-slow" strike. It would remain erratic for the whole trip.<br /><br />From Bloem to Colesberg, the road gets even straighter, if at all possible. On this stretch, Danie also decided that rest <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9L7RXzy6UDFSC5U7iLrwfbpdxmrQmxrNgKc5ofuqa-0GJf-4mHwRYSm5Hus82O_uSLRMBR32D-Gza5gBC88X-axMmCeFS0sM80BtX0tTQhk_O0GmABFKrcN6SZmEm_oO6zUWzX64jNV3/s1600/damwal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464394391997329266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9L7RXzy6UDFSC5U7iLrwfbpdxmrQmxrNgKc5ofuqa-0GJf-4mHwRYSm5Hus82O_uSLRMBR32D-Gza5gBC88X-axMmCeFS0sM80BtX0tTQhk_O0GmABFKrcN6SZmEm_oO6zUWzX64jNV3/s200/damwal.jpg" border="0" /></a>stops and smoke breaks are for sissies. When he eventually stopped it was at road works near the Gariep Dam and the smokers amongst us were giving him the evil eye (very evil indeed). The "Stop/Go" didn't hold us up for too long, but it did give us a much needed break. We left as they allowed us to go and in a few minutes we were taking snaps of the Gariep Dam, with Danie getting jittery. His reason was that he wanted to get to our abode for the night in time to watch the Bulls maul some luckless Super14 team. I think it was just his alcoholic tapeworm expressing severe demands for a cold beer. Mine was.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyyGXBBB-hcM3oAhkaWaFXQbt9l5Or3mKXMV94n4zx5ugpdsb_tpFQKx0H5e8kxFX9LEoGM-VaEY-5OPuVVm7Z9Q1NSfS1Hz9jyhr4e0zxR81mPW3h2qwD73UPBdW73Tm5kLC7q9U-cev/s1600/safariprak.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464394643462616898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyyGXBBB-hcM3oAhkaWaFXQbt9l5Or3mKXMV94n4zx5ugpdsb_tpFQKx0H5e8kxFX9LEoGM-VaEY-5OPuVVm7Z9Q1NSfS1Hz9jyhr4e0zxR81mPW3h2qwD73UPBdW73Tm5kLC7q9U-cev/s200/safariprak.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">715km's later we arrived at the Safari Park Lodge, 25km past Colesberg. We undonned the *I&*^*&* super hot Atgatt, unloaded the bikes, leapt into a drink and settled down to watch the rugby. Safari Park, although out in the centre of nowhere have a neat little pub and restaurant, so we had supper and went to sleep soon after the rugby ended. No wild parties or other shenanigans.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This part of the route had very good roads. There are some road works just before Bloemfontein, but not a major issue. Some road works between Springfontein and the Orange River with "Stop/Go" control that may cost a bit of time, or give you a much needed leg stretch. The road between Gariep Dam and Colesberg is very bumpy with some awe inspiring potholes in places.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><strong>Day 2: Colesberg to Stellenbosch</strong><br /><br />We were up bright and early, ready for the Karoo. The previous week we watched the weather reports as we saw temps of 40+ for towns like Beaufort West, Laingsburg and Worcester. I was wondering if it is really and truly better to sweat rather than bleed and wear, or not wear the Atgatt. I never really found out because, can you believe it, it was cold!? Yep, by noon, between Beaufort West and Laingsburg, we were riding with our inners, in! I am not complaining, understand. Not at all. If I had to choose between being a tad cold or dying of dehydration, cold wins hands down, every time. One of the four of us, must have some great contacts with the gods of weather, I tell you.<br />The ride itself was pretty much the same as the previous day. Nothing of much interest up to De Doorns where the first twisties appear in the form of the Hexriver Pass and shortly after that the Hexriverpoort Pass. At De Doorns my mouth hung open. It wasn't too long ago that the community burnt tires, threw stones and made a general nuisance of them because they demanded a safe way across the N1. Now, the demanded pedestrian bridge only serves as shade for said pedestrians while they stroll across the N1 anyway. Sometimes I have to wonder about human beings being the "intelligent" species on this planet.<br /><br />A quick splash and dash and some serious drooling over a FJR1300 parked at the Shell Ultra City in Worcester, followed by a interesting ride through the Hugenot Tunnel and 722km's since Safari<br />Park, we arrived. </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GX5fFg84bW8BOHoqA5DFf0KLsgMt1SUKHlqvo0nWo6SJu18yS9sdwai12ESrttNteR15JRLWxAvmTO0YPhYckmGzVvWvEBZUxPxT006VGkNTTEFk5LFAKCaszdr370fKNqWyXBp4iD24/s1600/tonnel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464395111130001090" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GX5fFg84bW8BOHoqA5DFf0KLsgMt1SUKHlqvo0nWo6SJu18yS9sdwai12ESrttNteR15JRLWxAvmTO0YPhYckmGzVvWvEBZUxPxT006VGkNTTEFk5LFAKCaszdr370fKNqWyXBp4iD24/s320/tonnel.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>With great excitement, Mags could say hello to her Mom in Stellenbosch. This would be our base for the next few days.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Day 3: Stellenbosch</strong><br /><br />Rest day. We hung around and then hung around some more. Did I mention we hung around? It was a rest day, no argument from anyone.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 4: Stellenbosch area</strong><br /><br />We rode to Somerset West, Strand and Gordon's Bay, but then like Gautie sissies, snuck home quietly and hid from that Cape wind. Man alive, now I know how those Capies can brag about riding their chicken strips off. Easy ... on the day, I did it going in a straight line!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 5: Cape Town via Chapman's Peak</strong><br /><br />It seemed that the wind would give us some riding time, so off we went. Aimed for Kalkbay first as Danie and myself required breakfast and Jo wanted to visit some antique stores there. Mags elected to stay behind and visit with her Mom instead. After a lekker brêkkie and some antique shopping in Kalkbay we followed the coast, via Chapman's Peak into Cape Town.<br /><br />Bloody rip-off entrance fee for Cape Point prevented us from going all the way to the point though. Sheezzz! R70 per person and that is just to gain entrance to the Park.<br /><br />Our enjoyment of Chapman's Peak was marred by the Cape wind <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_JSbFu8o7Icxhs9fSCqj0ofnXkRHFe8oSdua6CJYMoxz0jJRPxMAlTMIfPbpjf4cZo5Vl1Kg5lY3uNFIeK16NvGEmYZ9th7rvLQkOZQ4fugZa3b_MMu1Q5s-H5boribeffJ8rw0vP4cw/s1600/chapman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464395450296986706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_JSbFu8o7Icxhs9fSCqj0ofnXkRHFe8oSdua6CJYMoxz0jJRPxMAlTMIfPbpjf4cZo5Vl1Kg5lY3uNFIeK16NvGEmYZ9th7rvLQkOZQ4fugZa3b_MMu1Q5s-H5boribeffJ8rw0vP4cw/s200/chapman.jpg" border="0" /></a>having found some new energy, blowing with vengeance again. If you think cagers hate bikers, that Cape wind does bear one heck of a grudge and then some, against us poor innocents on two wheels. Hey, what could we do, but ride now. No easy slink back home on the cards once you are in the middle of Chapman's Peak, so we pressed on the Waterfront in Cape Town. Had some munchies at the Waterfront and spend some time dragging Jo, kicking and screaming away from the jewelry shops. We took the N2 back to Stellenbosch. It was a nice enjoyable loop and to be fair, that must be one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Chapman's peak can not be unseen, once seen.<br /><br />Oh ... just so the Gautotties and Gautieties can see what I mean when I say "Cape wind". See below. Just the wind. No stupid human. No moronic taxi. No birdbrain cager. No staggering drunk. No idiot anywhere .... just the wind.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJE9B6lcOXPQ2RZU73lDtjArKkeI61kFNrh5l5Zy4cMsJ0FAWaAuXCXzCoNM4D1BkJk_w9wnulnYAn7_Gj4wIZq_OKLIa29JlHXBi74yA6VIZzai5Wi0Fz01TUt1s82zWKFRC1ERJVGqZ/s1600/omval.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464395690798552050" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJE9B6lcOXPQ2RZU73lDtjArKkeI61kFNrh5l5Zy4cMsJ0FAWaAuXCXzCoNM4D1BkJk_w9wnulnYAn7_Gj4wIZq_OKLIa29JlHXBi74yA6VIZzai5Wi0Fz01TUt1s82zWKFRC1ERJVGqZ/s320/omval.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><strong>Day 6: Stellenbosch area</strong><br /><br />We decided to infringe on the Capies idea, so we did a 5 passes in a couple of hours ride. Went over Helshoogte Pass, Franschoek Pass, Viljoens Pass, Sir Lowreys Pass and Steenbras Dam Pass. Got chased of Steenbras Dam Pass as some very secret, not to be mentioned car manufacturer (not VW) was shooting high speed (VW!???) footage for a new ad of some really secret car, yet to be launched (not a VW Touran). I offered to show them high speed, but the offer was declined.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 7: Stellenbosch to Kagga Kamma</strong><br /><br />Danie had booked us for a week at the Kagga Kamma Lodge. This lodge is 60km's on the nowhere side of Opdieberg. Opdieberg, which may once have been known as Bokfontein is 60km's or so into somewhere from Prince Alfred Hamlet about 30km's on the who the heck know's side of Ceres. It is just left of the Koue Bokkeveld and a bit right from Tankwa Karoo ... or something like that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGbF4ydcBDCbjlSZG4FEuxisaU6Y_17q-hvtQ7pox0tr7tTZLDR03WiXDNkXqxz_fGMdfmiYgRrBfmgXgjPdWBxz7I2oiYNfExTbE6jxfKnFNwK8qfy6jns1-ifghgqLw_VUVHrqprrGC/s1600/bains.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464395947585622146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 359px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGbF4ydcBDCbjlSZG4FEuxisaU6Y_17q-hvtQ7pox0tr7tTZLDR03WiXDNkXqxz_fGMdfmiYgRrBfmgXgjPdWBxz7I2oiYNfExTbE6jxfKnFNwK8qfy6jns1-ifghgqLw_VUVHrqprrGC/s200/bains.jpg" border="0" /></a>To get there we crossed the Bainskloof Pass. Michells Pass and the Gydo Pass. My word. What a ride. Bainskloof is not for the faint hearted as it is very narrow, quite busy with very little in terms of crash barriers and such. This awesome pass winds through a truly beautiful kloof. Go ride it, but do try not to take the long way down to the river. It will play havoc with you, your leathers and your boney. Trust me on that one.<br /><br />Michells Pass is basically the road into Ceres. Nice and wide, but very busy with lots of fruit trucks. We also met up with a Capie on a F800GS on his way to join some mates for some dirt riding up in the Tankwa Karoo. Friendly bloke. Led us to a very nice and quant brêkkie joint where we stood in awe (yeah, right) as we saw some well known soapie stars there. We had a lekker brêkkie and even better chat with the Capie. When we left we found that he had already paid our bill as well. Maybe he felt guilty because we did some whining because we found Cape biker a unfriendly lot ... that, or maybe he was just nice. Thanks Barry. Hope to find you on the roads again someday so we can return the compliment.<br /><br />On the way from Ceres to Opdieberg I found a pass that I fell in love with. It is right up there with Steenkampsberg on my favourite passes list. Gydo Pass. Wow! It is an awesome climb with some great twisties. A tad busy with fruit trucks, but with lots of visibility.We arrived at Opdieberg, or is that Bokfontein, filled up, turned right, rode 20km and then the nasty brown stuff started. Before us lay 40km's of dirt road.<br /><br />We again, just like in Memel, tackled the dirt. None of us really into dirt riding (that would certainly change). Not one of the bikes, set up for dirt either and one bike being a sport bike. On this piece, we found the Katbakkies Pass.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc-wpqi64pvxC9HFtf5yq6e21HKRvc217vsFvbRD0xmFWUZFAPnQQCpABmYVR5M8fXRDjiO7P9aIoMO0bFQAzD7ej_2MGtyKcz5JnID7bUE98pzGxkKSusUsBf38_5LPVYigRvSCsBJnn/s1600/katbakkies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464396276778481202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc-wpqi64pvxC9HFtf5yq6e21HKRvc217vsFvbRD0xmFWUZFAPnQQCpABmYVR5M8fXRDjiO7P9aIoMO0bFQAzD7ej_2MGtyKcz5JnID7bUE98pzGxkKSusUsBf38_5LPVYigRvSCsBJnn/s320/katbakkies.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>This is a very narrow, incredibly steep pass with awesome nature and rock formations. Thankfully it is tarred for the worst part. Oh, by the way, we also found some really loose stones and thick sand.<br /><br />We arrived at the Kagga Kamma resort without incident, unless you count two of us keeling over, bike and all in the thick sand as incidents. In the interest of my health and safety, I will not mention any names here. I must however mention that both bikes that went down were made in Bavaria. Fortunately no harm came to the riders, or the bikes (nothing that could not be repaired with a bit of brute force and ignorance anyway) and the only injury suffered was to the egos of said, unidentified riders. I, very carefully and in my normal subtle manner, enquired about the sanity of riding 40km dirt and then falling over with 200m to go. I received a reply, but can not, for the sake of our children, record it on this family Blogg. Suffice to say that that hardened sailors from all over the world are clamoring for language courses with the person who replied.<br /><br />We booked in and found that Kagga Kamma's claim to fame was that there was excellent lodging and nothing else. Yep, I did mean to say nothing. No cell phone coverage, YEAH! No groceries, OOPS! Huge oops as the closest shop of any value was now 60km back and those of you who has been reading this with the proper attention, will know 40km of that is dirt .... and there is that Katbakkies Pass as well! And then that 10km bit of loose stones .... and the piece with the thick sand ....<br /><br />We off loaded, got comfortable in our chalet and pondered this grocery conundrum.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 8 to Day 13: Kagga Kamma</strong><br /><br />We spend a full timeshare (Friday to Friday) week at Kagga Kamma, with no riding, well except for the ride back to Opdieberg with a grocery list drawn up for the two of us who drew the short straw and won, as first prize, a ride to the Spar in Opdieberg. No prizes for guessing who that would be. Somehow, the task fell to Danie and myself. Thankfully Jo was in a giving mood and allowed Danie to use her GS, rather than his own FJ, which is a really nice bike, but a tad bumpy on this type of road surface.<br /><br />We also had to get some oil to try and sort Glitch Two that had developed. Before the trip, Vinkie forked out R4k to have his bike serviced. This included replacing the fork seals which was leaking a little bit on the left fork. It went back after the service to fix the, now leaking really badly (on both sides) forks. After the bumpy ride into Kagga Kamma it was, well, urinating oil from the forks. Although it pretty much stopped leaking once empty.<br /><br />At Opdieberg, Danie also informed me of Glitch Three. The 1200GS had developed a badly slipping clutch. This was way more than a glitch and I was worried as I, in my mind, upgraded Glitch Three to Problem One. Note, this was a problem, not a challenge and I was very worried. Then, as Danie tried to get somthing that showed some resemblance to fork oil from the local Kooperasie, I noted that the hand guard had moved and was preventing the clutch lever from fully extending. I fixed it and Problem One turned into Glitch Three and Glitch Three was resolved on the spot. Thank goodness.<br /><br />As for the buying of the required groceries, it's a long story and the debate still rages as to whether the grocery list was incomplete, or whether we didn't buy everything on the list. This little oversight would see us short of groceries later in the week and wouldmake things like eating and drinking a very interesting challenge.<br /><br />Glitch Two, the FJ forks were sorted with the only oil we could find, some manufacturer's SAE40 car oil (any oil is better than no oil). I will not bore you with the details, but the repairs involved a borrowed Allan Key, a Waterpomptang, an assortment of screw drivers, a hammer a roll of toilet paper and the FJ being hoisted skyward with a tie down.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_IrPNE1SdVgtsjDWdW8C7b9pJoyrE3TNiDwjvl8y1GlF7oEFxql6GOts6FBQAVnxwCuZhjHhzFTDd2DW9cA-0YwyawltDxauq_L9lzhDOqw04uwx-OW2VZqFYZsAjSILm6tiHBh-2ki/s1600/fj.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464396967344174770" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG_IrPNE1SdVgtsjDWdW8C7b9pJoyrE3TNiDwjvl8y1GlF7oEFxql6GOts6FBQAVnxwCuZhjHhzFTDd2DW9cA-0YwyawltDxauq_L9lzhDOqw04uwx-OW2VZqFYZsAjSILm6tiHBh-2ki/s320/fj.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Since we didn't know how much oil was required and getting oil in was a nasty job, we filled the forks till they overflowed, closed them up and then drained oil bit by bit, until Danie declared the suspension "setting" and travel a-okay. I would be blatantly lying if I did not admit that all of the above required a certain amount of alcoholic beverages, some choice words learnt during some years in the military and a lot of giggling (mostly by the ladies). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSVzeyg6Qhe-doEFvYQV3Lepj2UM-ZnpRSJhZBOad7O-jlHUgQ3N4Q5FBCrbOVhtky8oc5WZ-ruOv8I2_RVuXCb31kXMLAGLZA8B49fb-u9Wv6jKLiNkVG91FBHdMtr4S_kCi3twEE2W0/s1600/walkies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464396636064725202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSVzeyg6Qhe-doEFvYQV3Lepj2UM-ZnpRSJhZBOad7O-jlHUgQ3N4Q5FBCrbOVhtky8oc5WZ-ruOv8I2_RVuXCb31kXMLAGLZA8B49fb-u9Wv6jKLiNkVG91FBHdMtr4S_kCi3twEE2W0/s200/walkies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The rest of the time at Kagga Kamma we basically chilled. Mags enjoyed some swimming, we read, some strange people in our group went on hiking trials. Bikers that walk!? SIES!<br /><br />The rest of the time there was rather interesting. We ran out of stuff to drink. We ran out of stuff to eat. The last night, we braaid slices of bread with bacon and cheese. Ah yes, those braaid sarmies tasted great. They did. Oh, we also took lots of pictures of the awesome place with the incredible rock formations.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyOQMYYDEHiqkIxi3Z00Z7PI0xPjP_9VkXY0JsdF5S5k6PsLnOMmkxPZUD4AQPDFt2dwRE4FSpUk0Q3N_sLgExGgVtKyduHY1VAUNHJqh-7aMSvr4Kk3LeV0h-80T0UqXgiJ5yd2aZplg/s1600/rotse1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464397510724057362" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyOQMYYDEHiqkIxi3Z00Z7PI0xPjP_9VkXY0JsdF5S5k6PsLnOMmkxPZUD4AQPDFt2dwRE4FSpUk0Q3N_sLgExGgVtKyduHY1VAUNHJqh-7aMSvr4Kk3LeV0h-80T0UqXgiJ5yd2aZplg/s320/rotse1.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VQKtR8XT_OpZf2XshxJYfIcMYuOJAnnxyup2UurEA4lKOt8n6Pau9JqUs9kDrhFTCgTj4HmGZHsNjDPu7hGSGXNaFHQpZfXxqCTOFUEOOOduCG4jXVUV1Yyb4Quc4ACpnTNKAeHstUAI/s1600/rotse3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464398058138287650" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VQKtR8XT_OpZf2XshxJYfIcMYuOJAnnxyup2UurEA4lKOt8n6Pau9JqUs9kDrhFTCgTj4HmGZHsNjDPu7hGSGXNaFHQpZfXxqCTOFUEOOOduCG4jXVUV1Yyb4Quc4ACpnTNKAeHstUAI/s320/rotse3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />All too soon it was time to depart. The plan was to take it easy back to the tar, fly down the Gydo Pass, through Ceres and Michells Pass, via some more passes, through Malmesbury and back to Stellenbosch where we would abuse Mags' Mom's washing machine and tumble drier for a day, before we continued up the west coast to Lambert's Bay. All this would change rather dramatically as Glitch Four reared its ugly head.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 14: Kagga Kamma to Stellenbosch</strong><br /><br />Friday arrived and we loaded up, preparing to shake the dust of Kagga Kamma from our Anakees. We departed. Some with some trepidation. Me, I was hot and bothered. After playing with the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nbLVtD7pVLhBd_-TZP4L8GFvgG1OitJOhaZ74-zLvUueYUEqctmzIKgLyYjyJ9qpt4kzNRcfmykcbTOyR1LAf2Tx-ZPzWsdMGdfvwLjrdJHZq3IUO4-bw1AowozgZIcVQVSzVmY3QpXy/s1600/m+grond.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464398584554517666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 165px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nbLVtD7pVLhBd_-TZP4L8GFvgG1OitJOhaZ74-zLvUueYUEqctmzIKgLyYjyJ9qpt4kzNRcfmykcbTOyR1LAf2Tx-ZPzWsdMGdfvwLjrdJHZq3IUO4-bw1AowozgZIcVQVSzVmY3QpXy/s200/m+grond.jpg" border="0" /></a>Strom's suspension setting and tire pressures I could now fly on dirt and even liked it. My fellow riders were not at all that sure about the "fly on dirt" bit. The 40km's out followed a nice routine. Mags and Jo would go ahead. I would wait for Danie. Then I would blast of like a experienced dirt rider to catch up to the chickens and wait for Danie, while they carried on. At first I could catch up with the chickens by walking, but pretty soon they got the hang of it, their confidence up me catching them became hairier and way more interesting ... for me anyway.<br /><br />The Strom, the dirt and I had finally found each other. It was fun and I am so proud of myself, actually getting up enough speed to kick up some dust! Wow, look at me now!<br /><br /><p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjATO7FNWHzMQsaWV74krRrnvTq4F1QqqzjpDVJiLyXPgYVukt9qCbU8XlXH9clTt0pP1k2Ocx52Ah3SA2yl76xdFV7nCgn2i6e3hvszrzWC3bYYLHlYunuubtjLpfYxdC7AgHSRqcGCF/s1600/stromstof.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464399684763683634" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjATO7FNWHzMQsaWV74krRrnvTq4F1QqqzjpDVJiLyXPgYVukt9qCbU8XlXH9clTt0pP1k2Ocx52Ah3SA2yl76xdFV7nCgn2i6e3hvszrzWC3bYYLHlYunuubtjLpfYxdC7AgHSRqcGCF/s320/stromstof.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;">I did have one oops moment, but thankfully that was over before I had the chance to do anything stupid. We waited for Danie where the tar started and as he arrived the FJ died on us. Glitch Four had arrived and arrived well. His alternator had retired and promptly upon retirement, died a quiet, yet incredibly untimeous death. He disconnected his yellow spot lights, switched of everything else and we push started him. Obviously this cramped our plans and we decided to take the shortest route back to Stellenbosch.He actually made it to 20 or so k's past Ceres before the battery finally gasped a last breath. To cut a long story short, we learned: </span> <ul><br /><li><span style="font-family:arial;">A 1200GS can not be jump started. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88vIbibvja0UO9z9oy7UsLt4ChNjEjd3GuXo0xVNj6L22n37WiQxlNdFfHTlo6_C95HRPg8C_2D6jyF0pEPrtPqTKtRIfMJcs2mOBwt4EConsKnpe9bnHOueK1elF5Rw5b_IB9VMOJohd/s1600/moedeloos.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464703404739462674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 158px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88vIbibvja0UO9z9oy7UsLt4ChNjEjd3GuXo0xVNj6L22n37WiQxlNdFfHTlo6_C95HRPg8C_2D6jyF0pEPrtPqTKtRIfMJcs2mOBwt4EConsKnpe9bnHOueK1elF5Rw5b_IB9VMOJohd/s320/moedeloos.JPG" border="0" /></a></li><li><div align="justify">A FJ1200 battery is too high to fit under the seat of a DL1000. </div></li><li><div align="justify">A 650GS (twin's) battery is better hidden than that of the old thumper.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Using one bike to charge the battery of another will give you another 40 - 50km's of riding. </div></li><li><div align="justify">Just when you think it can't worse a FJ fuel pump can stop working for a while and then start working again, all by itself, just to ruin a ruined day even more.</div></li><li><div align="justify">No amount of leaning on a bike and looking utterly gatvol and dejected , will charge a battery or miraculously fix an alternator. </div></li></ul></span><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Using some more choice words, a certain amount of McGyvering and possibly even a prayer or two, we eventually made it back to Stellenbosch on four bikes, albeit the FJ sounding very sick and sad. While Danie and myself did our "let's look like sad puppies" trick, the chickens had already, via cellphone and Mags' Mom's mechanic's friend's friend found someone who may be able to help. He eventually did, but not after some really strange happenings. It seemed that Satan himself and most of his cohorts, did not want that FJ to continue with the journey. The story of having that FJ up and running will take a week to tell, never mind write down, but had a happy ending when the bike was finally back to its purring self, some days later.</span><br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 15: Stellenbosch to Kleinbaai</strong><br /><br />We decided, that waiting for the FJ to be repaired was a waste of valuable riding time so we departed for our next stop in Kleinbaai, about 160km's away. Danie rides the GS1200 with Jo as passenger on her own bike. Jos luggage joins me, my luggage joins Mags, Danies luggage joins Jo. Well half. The other half is left behind. The idea is that Jo and Danie will ride back to Stellenbosch on Tuesday, fix the bike and join Mags and me in Sedgefield.<br /><br />Kleinbaai is a beautiful village just the other side of Gansbaai which is just the other side of Hermanus which is just ... I am sure you get the message. To get there you ride the absolutely beautiful R44 through lovely little places like Rooiels, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond. Our intrepid foursome on a threesome of bikes arrived in Kleinbaai after a very enjoyable ride. We had dinner in a very nice and quint bistro on the harbour. I can recommend the oxtail, but if your drop your keys there, I suggest you dribble it around the corner before bending to pick it up.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Day 16: Kleinbaai to Sedgefield</strong><br /><br />We all depart for Sedgefield, making phone calls regarding the FJ's alternator at every smoke break. The news from Stellenbosch is bad. It will take a week to rewire the alternator. The news from Jo'ies is better. Our friend Avon found an alternator and will overnight courier is down to Stellenbosch. Danie and Jo decide (a mere 180 or km's from Stellenbosch on the N2) to go to Sedgefield with us and return the next day.<br /><br />The ride from Kleinbaai to Sedgefield was very nice, albeit cramped with four of us sharing the three bikes. The N2 is in a great condition and there are many nice town and lots of twisties to keep the discerning biker occupied and happy. During one of our fuel stops I got into chatting with a very English couple in a rental Renault of sorts. Mags joined us and as she removed her helmet, the very English wife said in a very English accent: "Oooh, look, it's a lady!" Me? I would have though the pink bib is a dead give away, but hey ... the English may be different.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 17: Sedgefield</strong><br /><br />Mags and I had plans to explore, possibly ride the Outeniqua Pass while Danie and Jo returned to Stellenbosch for the FJ. They did return to Stellenbosch, about 500km away, found that the alternator have arrived form Johannesburg due to "overnight" apparantly not meaning "overnight" for the SA Post Office. Fortunately, the managed to source another, fitted it to the bike and returned to Sedgefield the same day. This was almost a 1000km round trip!<br /><br />Meanwhile, our stay-behind plans went down the toilet as Glitch Five appeared with a ban ... or rather, the lack thereof! The arrival of these glitches was becoming rather monotonous by now. The Strom's alternator stopped charging. Yes, before you ask, that same V-Strom that had its stator rewired, rectifier and battery replaced only a week before the start of the trip.<br /><br />So, while Danie and Jo were doing their mini Iron Butt, Mags and I visited Knysna looking for aid. This was sadly lacking at the first place we went to. Motolek in Knysna refused to help. Even trying to jump start my bike after, dejectedly leaving the shop, we struggled as the owner refused help. What a super sized chop! Unlike Forest Gump, I have a lot say about this person, but general good manners prevents me. I trust karma will get him someday. Lots and lots of karma.<br /><br />Due to the kind help of one of his employees, we made our way to Wildwind Motorcycles where we received exactly the opposite treatment. Grant, mate. I owe you one. Grant tried his utmost to help, but the best we could figure out, excluding a week long wait for parts from Suzuki, SA that for some reason had to be routed via a Suzuki dealer in either Cape Town or Port Elizabeth was to disconnect my headlights, ad some electrical charging power from Midas Spares and a spare battery. Ah well, all's well that ends well.<br /></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PJWrrLz3-m1lmffZHIZ657mlZBuer5rMAeFQSVZaEvXyF96Pl_KgCSWfujVLjAG2EAaFgQIflYGBUHLU3wUcolDCEQ6GEDcRA8W7cuQvlOag5-MPpkRlEmP_kVLY31h0afwM7_ExaBqq/s1600/tjorts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464400895443258802" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PJWrrLz3-m1lmffZHIZ657mlZBuer5rMAeFQSVZaEvXyF96Pl_KgCSWfujVLjAG2EAaFgQIflYGBUHLU3wUcolDCEQ6GEDcRA8W7cuQvlOag5-MPpkRlEmP_kVLY31h0afwM7_ExaBqq/s320/tjorts.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Danie and Jo were back safely from their impromptu mini Iron Butt, the FJ was purring like a tiger, the 1200GS still had a handicapped speedo, but who cares about that and I had what I needed to keep my bike going and managed to fit it into a already packed topbox. Tomorrow we would ride again as a group. Cape Saint Francis via Grootriver Pass and Bloukrans Pass ... here we come.<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Day 18: Sedgefield to Cape Saint Francis</strong><br /><br />We dawdled a tad in leaving Sedgefield, stopped 20km later in Knysna for a late morning brêkkie and headed out for Cape Saint Francis. It was a short ride at only 240km but would include the Grootriver Pass and the Bloukrantz Pass as we were travelling on the R102 instead of the N2. Sadly, our plans were once again thwarted. Both passes were closed due to the fact that R102 was under major construction in the passes. This forced us onto the N2 and another inflated fee at a toll gate.We enjoyed the short ride to Cape St Francis and loved it there. It is a truly beautiful place with a great atmosphere. We also arrived on 1 April, in time for the official launch of the local new pub and they had an April Fools Menu for the day. Drinks and food were dirt cheap. It was certainly nice there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBU3_LKwfEfeF7HdZkgnWEuzcOWS3dlg4KEtXiX3biz4PCj0cxHWOA9XCjgCCpudgoaBJfJ7Z-PSIQxjkIsVRr9ztd7rziqq_kpV84fCBhz9hNFLbXpziWlnNotoLjv15XA95ytgKCqLc/s1600/pe.jpg"></a><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUq2vZT5TNVuTAU_xlVBXrjCTqNSG97YbIpE2uP45lSHnqXNHBCbub9VxioGfhEVtlBumB2bo6cdNFb5TgSPybw8_baShO4ItsUTmFur7WEKm3k3qx5Gxsi6ls1qus7BkqUM8mvcjz4HE6/s1600/francis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464697174090268690" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUq2vZT5TNVuTAU_xlVBXrjCTqNSG97YbIpE2uP45lSHnqXNHBCbub9VxioGfhEVtlBumB2bo6cdNFb5TgSPybw8_baShO4ItsUTmFur7WEKm3k3qx5Gxsi6ls1qus7BkqUM8mvcjz4HE6/s320/francis.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><strong>Day 18: Cape Saint Francis to Grahamstown</strong><br /><br />Another short hop of around 230km. Why Grahamstown and not Port Alfred? One of our party wanted to "experience" Grahamstown. The ride was awesome as we first enjoyed the Gamtoos Valley and then Van Staden's Pass just before Port Elizabeth back on the R102 again.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtivN4NPYDul5lvFx0hgZ9kzSLpsEjBZPphRVDVXKa6wcYvuwb2YygKzCqNnyqSTPgdzVglxBzhG8999_HVugafI5DK-CBFgI1y7xM_UtupNviLX2wWe8qLt8uomOc66uGtjWeZK6MeYN/s1600/pe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464688894644641250" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtivN4NPYDul5lvFx0hgZ9kzSLpsEjBZPphRVDVXKa6wcYvuwb2YygKzCqNnyqSTPgdzVglxBzhG8999_HVugafI5DK-CBFgI1y7xM_UtupNviLX2wWe8qLt8uomOc66uGtjWeZK6MeYN/s320/pe.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">After PE, it was that awesome piece or tarmac between PE and Grahamstown. Man alive, this bit must be a close to bikers heaven as one can get while not in heaven yet. The road is in great condition with lots of twisties and great visibility as well. Experiencing Grahamstown was a complete let down. The town has fallen apart, is dirty and run down, with herds of cattle, goats and donkeys feasting on the lawns of once, well kept pavements and in dustbins. Truly sad to find this, once beautiful town, in complete shambles.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 19: Grahamstown to Bloemfontein</strong><br /><br />This was one of our longer rides in a day at just over 620km. From Grahamstown to Queenstown you cross the Ecca Pass as well as the Nico Malan Pass. Both awesome to ride. The road is dead quiet and the scenery beautiful. It was on the Nico Malan Pass that we lost Jo. Or did she lose us? She swears she never exceeded 140. Danie swears he did 180 and couldn't catch her. I would hate to say either one is lying, so let us just ascribe this discrepancy to the extremely lazy speedo on that GS. *nudge nudge wink wink*<br /><br />From Queenstown to Aliwal north we saw the last of the twisties on the Penhoek Pass. At Aliwal North you cross the bridge into the Freestate. The "free" in Freestate must definitely refer to the fact that it is free of twisties and mountains. So, basically Aliwal North to Bloemfontein and Glen Country Lodge where we stayed over was uneventful and quiet, just like the start of the trip three weeks prior. Small towns like Rouxville, Smithfield and Reddersburg flashed past and pretty soon, we were having a cold one on the stoep at Glen Country Lodge. I liked this place as they serve dinner and even wine, beer and stuff in the chalets! Yes man, that is what I call service. Excellent service, in fact. Reasonable prices as well.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Day 20: Bloemfontein to Home</strong><br /><br />We were all a tad sad as we hit the road for home. We had enjoyed three weeks of incredible riding, even though glitches and stuff tried to thwart our holiday. Bloemfontein to Gauteng is just the same as always. Straight with expensive tolls and boring. We did have a moment of excitement when Danie lost his valuables at 130 and all his money and cards went flying across the road. We actually managed to find his bank cards, driver's license and most of his money, so no real harm done and we appreciated the good luck.<br /><br />As we took a smoke break at the Kroonvaal Toll Plaza Glitch number ... sheeez, I can't count that far, appeared. The last bike of the lot, Mags' F650GS had sprung leaking forks! It does seem that the FJ's leaking forks and alternator issues may well have been contagious! Strewth!<br /><br />Anyway, we made it home, safe and sound and planning the next ride. What a ride!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Some info:</strong><br /><br /><em>Basic route:</em> JHB, Bloem, Colesberg, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Ceres, Hermanus, Knysna, PE, Queenstown, Aliwal North, Bloem, JHB.<br /><em>Distance:</em> Just over 5000km's for Mags and me. Ad about 1000 to that for Danie and Jo.<br />Bike glitches: 6 ... I think.<br /><em>Fines:</em> None in person. Can't guarantee anything about cameras.<br /><em>Run -ins with cops:</em> None, except one huge aunty cop who frantically indicated to me to switch my headlights on. Can you believe this? Less than 2km's after disconnecting them in Knysna. She didn't stop me though as she had a bigger fish to fry. A Greyhound bus.<br /><em>Irritating drivers other than ourselves:</em> Not many. Mainly a few tailgaters in the Cape area.<br /><em>Great service from places we stayed:</em> Safari Park, Colesberg. Nells B&B, Kleinbaai. Bald Chickens, Sedgefield. Cormorant Cottage, Cape St Francis, Eagles Nest B&B, Grahamstown. Glen Country Lodge, Bloemfontein.<br /><em>Not so good service from places we stayed:</em> Kagga Kamma Lodge<br /><em>Great service from other service providers</em>: Donford BMW, Stellenbosch. Wildwind Motorcycles, Knysna.<br /><em>Crappy service from other service providers:</em> Motolek, Knysna.<br /><br />As soon as Danie and I can bring ourselves to do so, we will thank the two Beemer owners for saving our sorry, Jappie scrappie arses from a lot of walking.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ah yes ... where to next .... I wonder ....</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Eastern Cape ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Northern Cape ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Limpopo ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">???</span>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-88118847081432664552010-04-25T17:58:00.014+02:002010-04-25T18:45:22.770+02:00Memel - October 2009<span style="font-family:arial;">The Ronderus weekend which we later dubbed, the FJ Challenge in a shameless rip-off of the well known BMW GS Challenge.<br /><br />So, our friend Danie decided to arrange a "surprise" ride for the female authoritative figure in his life. The plan was that Jo and Mags (my better half) would not know about each other being on the ride, nor where we were going. It took some logistics, but Danie pulled it off. </span><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Basically, at departure time the information setup looked a little like this: </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><br />Danie: He arranged it all, he knew it all.<br />Myself: As I had to make the scam work I had some inside info.<br />Mags: Knew very little.<br />Jo: Knew nothing. </div><div><br /></div><div>We met at Heidelberg. Great surprise was expressed and the chickens tried to trick us into letting slip the final destination. We didn't and they kept trying. In fact, every time we stopped at a robot or stop sign, Mags yelled a town name at me, hoping I would slip up and let the cat out of the bag.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_wK1Xk8dv5SBGv1XHcdtUGBMaNfgVasLbOhn6NjX5ZigNA81F8UJaQSmFAK5FXEeCsAqmFVSES3AoNZF3IQKZm6fhgk-m6Zyitme43lDnhULgfIstBoEVMLQ-c2jlKaCAoRZYh9ktMg1/s1600/spietcop.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464109714264033666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_wK1Xk8dv5SBGv1XHcdtUGBMaNfgVasLbOhn6NjX5ZigNA81F8UJaQSmFAK5FXEeCsAqmFVSES3AoNZF3IQKZm6fhgk-m6Zyitme43lDnhULgfIstBoEVMLQ-c2jlKaCAoRZYh9ktMg1/s200/spietcop.JPG" border="0" /></a>We left Heidelberg, past Balfour and Greylingstad to Standerton where we filled up with motion lotion. Straight road, not too busy and rather uneventful, except for a beastly speed cop who managed to pick the one rider without a license on the body, to stop and ask for a license. How the heck did he do that? A red phone connected to Madame Zarkowaniskowfski? Karma? We left Balfour, with Mags a nice, round R500,00 poorer. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>From Standerton to Vrede we did a bit or rain riding, but the thunder shower was going in the opposite direction, so we soon parted ways. We pulled into Memel to stock up on goodies and groceries and stuff. I must say, that F650GS twin looks on fire with a bag of charcoal strapped onto the pillion seat! </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>This is sort of where our weekend ride turned into a bit of a challenge. The R722 was chopped up and turned into the D??? or S???, or something that means, dirt road. It came as a surprise to us all, but Jo smiled. She likes dirt roads and have some experience, especially after the 2009 Eco Challenge. The rest of us put on a brave face and off we went. Heck, it was bumpy!</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>About 30 k's later we arrived at Ronderus Guesthouse. Man alive! What an awesome place. Situated on the side of a mountain between all sorts of weird rock formations, the setting is truly awesome. They can accommodate 12 people in a rondawel and a hut. Therer is a great lapa and at R150 per person per night, won't have the bank manager in tears. This place is a MUST VISIT for the duelie dudes and dudettes amongst us. Great setting and plenty km's of dirt roads and mountains and stuff.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday we nipped into Vrede for a brêkkie at Ou Hout. Jo scratched around in some antique shops and then we returned to Ronderus to be lazy. Very lazy.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday we came home. The same route as Friday, but in reverse and without the cops. We made it home in time to see Mr Spies become the World Champion.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Danie, a FJ (sport bike for those who don’t know) rider arranged it all and I thank my lucky stars he doesn't ride a 1200GSA. If he picks this much dirt while riding a FJ, one can only imagine what his route selection from a GSA would be! Great ride Danie. Thanks.</div><div></div><div align="center"><em>Parked at the final destination, Ronderus Guesthouse:<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHm5tTCdl-QRwsMlZLJfInG2EIY_PxT-rPwORzrMvYm6sYDlUgka9zcRLhFtw-rF3QRW71OV7YHlzocIveRssjyVXtfu_azzaV14NKnjvqxJbtu6Yo8e1Nh2AVM5NIXlDdQ2JVk39aYDH/s1600/parked.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464110976243200050" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHm5tTCdl-QRwsMlZLJfInG2EIY_PxT-rPwORzrMvYm6sYDlUgka9zcRLhFtw-rF3QRW71OV7YHlzocIveRssjyVXtfu_azzaV14NKnjvqxJbtu6Yo8e1Nh2AVM5NIXlDdQ2JVk39aYDH/s320/parked.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>The rondawel. This sleeps 7 people: </em><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJOWgCBvgc8YhcHEG3-k5jTluHjcZFhSkdbJH0qgLHCf1vYIYLbVA0K52YaK4mGRI4_DN0a8knfWszE-VbJ8TXItjqy1-0RHojg1PlOJQ0ofqSa2OmbigDsrB4zHpLIz54QkfpEqmmuJD/s1600/rondavel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464111155216328178" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJOWgCBvgc8YhcHEG3-k5jTluHjcZFhSkdbJH0qgLHCf1vYIYLbVA0K52YaK4mGRI4_DN0a8knfWszE-VbJ8TXItjqy1-0RHojg1PlOJQ0ofqSa2OmbigDsrB4zHpLIz54QkfpEqmmuJD/s320/rondavel.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>The view from the rondawel:<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9oDMrdNXjmQCl1lozvTtbo6qGLFA9zDCXjX_TimeaT1AKv0q7i1Rg2MRz2g9m8lXqONNlen8ZzY7PpUW90xLllRjGUHOT0nbskByl248bzCwTeSC86uZbxGFSSHgtPjXVFhAE8gNDgEJ/s1600/view+from+rondawel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464111382689495714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9oDMrdNXjmQCl1lozvTtbo6qGLFA9zDCXjX_TimeaT1AKv0q7i1Rg2MRz2g9m8lXqONNlen8ZzY7PpUW90xLllRjGUHOT0nbskByl248bzCwTeSC86uZbxGFSSHgtPjXVFhAE8gNDgEJ/s320/view+from+rondawel.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><em>Mags gaining valuable experience, fast! </em></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnBtiYrmzgjel8LwZ2W4xGdqftd8l9zJ5gH9U8YKsJigd2ygNuM8C4JoIlMqDOCOqfDhhOnecFu7VsyDVOd7XccDRdnCKzCJ_r0Jt_dp7eIFaNf3PRdXf1kL2us97I-59QOQaMIeJfKnR/s1600/m+op+gron.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464110463416346002" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnBtiYrmzgjel8LwZ2W4xGdqftd8l9zJ5gH9U8YKsJigd2ygNuM8C4JoIlMqDOCOqfDhhOnecFu7VsyDVOd7XccDRdnCKzCJ_r0Jt_dp7eIFaNf3PRdXf1kL2us97I-59QOQaMIeJfKnR/s320/m+op+gron.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em>Mags showing us the only bit of road in the area without potholes!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaV_bri7k5PHE66ltDyuh87a3uDLFix4MWBmzwpuzu_aZBKoGQ4hppUoTRXdzhu3MbsTp9aceaJdcZ8XZ9jq2Bt_Oj3CBlp6ErykZouqg4t36F1CARXyeqMvJuS2SSrc21xfqIID5ah12/s1600/m+wys.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464110624818141394" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaV_bri7k5PHE66ltDyuh87a3uDLFix4MWBmzwpuzu_aZBKoGQ4hppUoTRXdzhu3MbsTp9aceaJdcZ8XZ9jq2Bt_Oj3CBlp6ErykZouqg4t36F1CARXyeqMvJuS2SSrc21xfqIID5ah12/s320/m+wys.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div></em><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>Vinkie enjoying the ride, playing at being a GS Adventure rider. Take that Beemers! ;-)<br /></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-xd4BR7kpwHWk3gCxvBvGagBVzRbi2E6Ad0kfqpynGYYgfC0GeZ9bgtYDCZ2PS7MbylMHJa2IIDpqUmbUEiFIOdiMic7dUpsvbd_EQGi5SLYqxDmaBU11i4K7aQO84NLmz4ObIwDLx1j/s1600/d+op+grond.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464109936059931554" style="WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-xd4BR7kpwHWk3gCxvBvGagBVzRbi2E6Ad0kfqpynGYYgfC0GeZ9bgtYDCZ2PS7MbylMHJa2IIDpqUmbUEiFIOdiMic7dUpsvbd_EQGi5SLYqxDmaBU11i4K7aQO84NLmz4ObIwDLx1j/s320/d+op+grond.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><em>Ronderus entrance:</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD4A420nyx_K62HzQoCXQ8wA9TwOyXKefLuLkIdbHBickG8q2IAFLSeBjnlIgUnyqfTRKT4uM03H5tNgKt_e_MkgNhlTKS-YmDi0Y6I2xoAT7KbEVINNt75NY59h5oUimzkyh0NlzVlDb/s1600/dl+by+hek.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464110311709548386" style="WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD4A420nyx_K62HzQoCXQ8wA9TwOyXKefLuLkIdbHBickG8q2IAFLSeBjnlIgUnyqfTRKT4uM03H5tNgKt_e_MkgNhlTKS-YmDi0Y6I2xoAT7KbEVINNt75NY59h5oUimzkyh0NlzVlDb/s320/dl+by+hek.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center">OuHout (Old Wood). Doesn't look like much from outside but the inside is a different story. You can get a mean brêkkie there for only R38.00.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lxFCOPVu1GrB7J3xRzHK-fVzeNcPY9DpvNLbuzquB2nbkEabfic_OspgkL6Da60kAUpP_N6YJI4lVwGqQsWRLk3JA0blwczZ2K8KsGsCPXSeTxmt5YDzoCOwotE63bDvRIGG91NJAVTH/s1600/ouhout.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464110806924646962" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lxFCOPVu1GrB7J3xRzHK-fVzeNcPY9DpvNLbuzquB2nbkEabfic_OspgkL6Da60kAUpP_N6YJI4lVwGqQsWRLk3JA0blwczZ2K8KsGsCPXSeTxmt5YDzoCOwotE63bDvRIGG91NJAVTH/s320/ouhout.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div align="left">Once again we enjoyed a great ride. I wonder? Cape Town can really not be that far and we do have some time in March next year .....</div></span></div>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-35862866812756262042010-04-25T16:53:00.024+02:002010-04-25T17:51:30.803+02:00Down by the sea - August 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX1nBH8ORl1LMVLn1lLR3wntofq6ilVOa41nevv7vRKB1vej1IfP9ofV8kNIJW70F4NMSIFsvsygAiPlCSGFuNbalTtwUaRioTGPQjZ4zhsK6jxlrpI4lAUCID60LryKthgKPSFsJ7Nwv/s1600/see1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464094320695718530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX1nBH8ORl1LMVLn1lLR3wntofq6ilVOa41nevv7vRKB1vej1IfP9ofV8kNIJW70F4NMSIFsvsygAiPlCSGFuNbalTtwUaRioTGPQjZ4zhsK6jxlrpI4lAUCID60LryKthgKPSFsJ7Nwv/s200/see1.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;">22 August arrived so, Mags and I grabbed our stuff and our bikes and off we went. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">The plan was to do the long way down to the South Coast, so on <strong>Day 1</strong> we rode from Bapsfontein via:</span> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Heidelberg (R23):</em> </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The road is in good condition and early in the morning wasn't too busy. We worried that we may hit Saturday shopper traffic, but it seems that the Benoni/Brakpan shoppers were all still sniffing fart under the blankets. A big negative is that the speed limit from Bapsies almost all the way to Heidelberg is 80 or 100.</span></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8njTr689q7Xw-rr2nEfXL1KR_-JV1oAu84WLwmgpm5BaKUj8ktcXnfCmWnlQL3N5JG9p0c76-drKtTgSoKX3_oe1aBLDoLj5RvkhqXeChm0CfV6YcpEFOh-BE0edERjzGLbxn3PApm4pO/s1600/see2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464096787207038354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8njTr689q7Xw-rr2nEfXL1KR_-JV1oAu84WLwmgpm5BaKUj8ktcXnfCmWnlQL3N5JG9p0c76-drKtTgSoKX3_oe1aBLDoLj5RvkhqXeChm0CfV6YcpEFOh-BE0edERjzGLbxn3PApm4pO/s200/see2.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Deneysville (R549):</em></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The road in a good condition, but this stretch was bloody cold. The Beemer constantly flashed a little warning light explaining to Mags about the freezing cold. Awesome bikes these Beemers. On the Zook I have to figure out for myself that I am freezing my cojones off. The Beemer tells you! Strange people these Germans.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Heilbron (R549/R57):</em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Usable road. Not bad at all. In Heilbron, while sippin' a cuppa, we met up with the local biker gang. The first oke arrived with a 1979 Gold Wing with a twin set of two into buggerall exhausts. Friendly chap and still plastered from the previous night's party. Then a few more mates arrived. One had my mouth hanging open. An early 80's Zook GS1000G with a full Honda Gold Wing type fairing. The rider wearing a piss pot helmet and little else. I did not even think, about his lack of Atgatt. All I could do was eye that Beemer's instrument panel that constantly whinged about it being 0 degrees! Clearly, the zero degrees were only applicable to German bike builders and sissies from Gauteng! Strange people these Heilbronians.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Bethlehem (R57, R707, S902, R26):</em></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Most of the road is okay, except the piece between Petrus Steyn and Reitz where they are building a new road and you are diverted onto a S-road. It was tarred sometime just before Queen Victoria was born. It is ridable, but I saw weed (before you get excited, veld weeds) growing in some of the potholes. In Bethlehem we chowed a brunchie in the Wimpy. This must be the quickest, most professional Wimpy I have ever been in. Awesome service.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Clarens and Golden Gate:</em></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a7zN1hcTF5hHcKVCeXM2TvXkMkqBMOL1liKHwzAFnZEIXTmG7c6wot5I17SYskduXSUOqkR6U9va_Njk36GGKGcNCefRWRrVzi7nfWbZmS8GjXnDYzaQtYercWNB1XI_TaoqBWSsfp1G/s1600/see3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464097445674621522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7a7zN1hcTF5hHcKVCeXM2TvXkMkqBMOL1liKHwzAFnZEIXTmG7c6wot5I17SYskduXSUOqkR6U9va_Njk36GGKGcNCefRWRrVzi7nfWbZmS8GjXnDYzaQtYercWNB1XI_TaoqBWSsfp1G/s200/see3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">What can one say about this bit? Except maybe .... awesome, awesome, awesome!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Bergville, Estcourt (R711, R712, R74):</em></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This road takes you through the Oliviershoek Pass over and past the massive underground power station. Yep. A 1000Mw power station, in totality 50 stories underground. The road is fine except directly after the turn-off from the Harrismith/Qwa-Qwa road where there are some potholes. Huge ones. Don't fall in. You will never be seen again.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><em></em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Mooirivier, Rosetta (R103):</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The road is fine, but very busy between Estcourt and Mooiriver. Just a few kays out of Mooiriver is a small village, named Rosetta, where we slept over. The total ride was exactly 600km. At Rosetta we stayed over in a wooden hut at the Midlands Cozy Cabins. The Mooiriver Wimpy must be the only one in the world without a smokers section, not even outside! Strange people, these Mooiriverians.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mjzT8g58VS7GImxpYBs8DOllROTSWLqaTuFcZTItHl01vf67Lso24piVtpJalg0tQFvbqQuZs95YSjnbTI-BYvyz4DizVkcLCmMuqWeJuyr4e2qD6fOLFE_CuGk2cRq4_FKr3rQc5GUw/s1600/see4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464094871528681314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mjzT8g58VS7GImxpYBs8DOllROTSWLqaTuFcZTItHl01vf67Lso24piVtpJalg0tQFvbqQuZs95YSjnbTI-BYvyz4DizVkcLCmMuqWeJuyr4e2qD6fOLFE_CuGk2cRq4_FKr3rQc5GUw/s200/see4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Day 2:</strong></span></div><div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The following day, man it was freezing, we left for the sea. Fortunately, as soon as the sun appeared, it became nice and warm, quickly and we could ride in comfort. Man alive, the R103 from Rosetta to Howick is one awesome piece of road. Well worth riding ... a few times. Lots and lots of twisties and great scenery to boot. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">We met up with all the Durbun biker dudes on brêkkie runs. They zipped past, thingies to the wall, knees a-scraping, but those who could spare a moment waved and the rest nodded as they went past. At Midmar, on a smoke break, we were passed by a huge gaggle of thundering Harleys. They waved and blew their hooters in greeting. Strange people these Natalians. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></div><div></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxnaYNhCzSfv1YUqpg24kbu6Yxmt74Ph-vmt98bpjO5JaRMBvsVCdmucTZHxg69Pjdk2nT0jdQ2hJ73DBxw3GcehW10el_Map449O2eVNXhBX3Tk9UMZQOv_U4ZIV18pZ9NcPrAk6ooZm/s1600/see5.JPG"></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div></span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </div></div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxnaYNhCzSfv1YUqpg24kbu6Yxmt74Ph-vmt98bpjO5JaRMBvsVCdmucTZHxg69Pjdk2nT0jdQ2hJ73DBxw3GcehW10el_Map449O2eVNXhBX3Tk9UMZQOv_U4ZIV18pZ9NcPrAk6ooZm/s1600/see5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464095150857078914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 62px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxnaYNhCzSfv1YUqpg24kbu6Yxmt74Ph-vmt98bpjO5JaRMBvsVCdmucTZHxg69Pjdk2nT0jdQ2hJ73DBxw3GcehW10el_Map449O2eVNXhBX3Tk9UMZQOv_U4ZIV18pZ9NcPrAk6ooZm/s200/see5.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div>After the mandatory pics at Howick Waterfall we hopped on the N3, then N2 to our final destination at Bazley Beach and Waterwood Cottage. The total trip was 220km. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">We did a quick hop into Hibberdene for some goodies and groceries and just hung around for the rest of the day. We ended the day with a dop and chop on the porch of the chalet. Happy puppies, we were.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Day 3:</strong></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhua9AyuNFPT-3-YcrHQRKvX1aBUQadTG4uHBQomzeqAd4KfyVpTzsrIUXHV4n7Yn__LH_bYD-6fVz5rkudXtblW0OoI1X-qXyQmHRH4cIAYGH4TO6JPpt_dRDye4jq6eXsq950aau9-waL/s1600/see8.JPG"></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIusM2G1gOSP9zkCau5GjC9aVl4M6Ll99qRsDYvgoCOLEBwcz2CcQAW-dUfx6GZbFS-Oml9Sa75PywI4SRYFbNFcmUam6hAwy8p35UlOXjkqVjDB5gWOIHLA4JHLcwhNBnC8ETyTwWvlS9/s1600/see7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464095772208658690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIusM2G1gOSP9zkCau5GjC9aVl4M6Ll99qRsDYvgoCOLEBwcz2CcQAW-dUfx6GZbFS-Oml9Sa75PywI4SRYFbNFcmUam6hAwy8p35UlOXjkqVjDB5gWOIHLA4JHLcwhNBnC8ETyTwWvlS9/s200/see7.JPG" border="0" /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The weather wasn't all that great, but we managed a walk on </span><span style="font-family:arial;">the beach and we got watch some bottlenose dolphins at play. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">We did another short ride on the twisties of the R102 running parallel to the N2 in that area. It is mostly in a ridable condition, but care must be taken as some corners are very tight and there may just be a parked taxi, a pothole or a local aunty pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with the furniture from a six bedroom house, directly around the bend. Strange people these Zulu aunties.<br /><br /><strong>Day 4:</strong></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Sadly, as with all these trips, home was the destination. This time we stuck to the N3 and grudgingly forked out the mandatory R150 each in toll fees. The most irritating is that there are very few areas where they are not working on the road and it's reduced to one lane. We still made good time and after a humongous hamburger for brunch at Midway Stop between Mooiriver and Estcourt we made tracks for Gauteng. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">It was great up to Harrismith and then the long, straight and boring bit home.It was also on this bit that I finally found something more dangerous, aggressive and reckless on our roads than a 20-something blond chick in a Tazz. Indian chappies in souped up 3-series Beemers! Holy cow! We can only hope and pray that a Gauteng blond in a Tazz and a Duhbin Indian in a 3-Series NEVER, EVER produce offspring! Our roads would make a nuclear explosion look like a Sunday school picnic. Strange people, these youngsters.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">All in all, great fun was had. I wonder .... Cape Town isn't that far, is it ........</span> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-38382352390682858022010-04-24T23:48:00.000+02:002010-04-24T23:58:52.318+02:00Kaapsche Hoop - March 2009<span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Bikes:</strong> FJ1200, RT1200, DL1000, F650GS x 3.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Bikers:</strong> Danie</span><span style="font-family:arial;">, Avon, André, Jo, Trish, Mags.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Pillion:</strong> Elsa, Avon's better half.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Distance:</strong> Approximately 1250km </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Day 1:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At around 07:00 on 5 March our group of six bikes (7 peeps) left Bapsfontein for the twisties of the Eastern Transvaal. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We made a short dash to the Steers at the Total stop on the N14, just short of Witbank. The service in the Steers is rather slow and most irritating for a biker in a hurry to hit the road for the mountains, but it was nice of Jasper and mate to stop by and say hi. They and their rides (Versys and WeeStrom) were on their merry way to Sabie.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We departed the area and soon left the long, boring straights behind as we got a taste of twisties between Carolina and Badplaas and then some more serious twist and turns between Badplaas and Baberton. The pass between Baberton and Nelspruit is receiving a serious working overt, but is more than passable. We endured a STOP-WAIT in one area, but we were in good spirits and actually enjoyed the unplanned stop. Jo dazzled the truck driver, first in line to go, with a smile and he allowed us all to go ahead of him. Nice of her. Nice of him.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">From here it was a quick hop via Nelspruit to Kaapsche Hoop. A note on Nelspruit drivers. It seems they hate bikes, or just don't give a damn, but we all agreed that commuting in Johannesburg for a week was safer than a day in Nelspruit. Man alive! They will happily shove you of the road in that town!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We arrived in Kaapsche Hoop, booked in to the Backpackers, emptied the top boxes and a few of us hit the road for Ngodwana to get some goodies and groceries for the weekend. T-Bone steak comes at a measly R93/kg in Ngodwana, if anyone of you might be anti-bargain hunting, thisis the place to shop. We returned just in time to hide from the storm that moved in at the speed of white light! Great day with great riding! Yes Siree! That it was.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Day 2:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Friday morning early, the group (without Avon and Elsa) departed for the day's riding. Elsa had managed to earn herself six stitches by cutting her hand quite badly on a broken glass in the sink. They decided to take the day off so that her hand can rest and that Avon could go into town to fetch the prescribed meds. It wasn't their day as Avon picked up a puncture and had to detour to the BMW dealer for help. After some searching they found the tyre of his choice at a Suzuki dealer. BMW bought it out and fitted it for Avon. He seems happy, but every time you ask him what it cost he gets a strange far away look in his eyes and goes dead quiet! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The rest of us risked life and limb to follow the N4 through the center of Nelspruit and onward toward Mozambique. At Kaapmuiden we made a right and a quick right again. Through the boom gates we went into one of the most beautiful rides I have ever experienced. This is a teensy tarred road, twisting over the Mpageni (Also known as the Boulders) Pass in a complete tranquil, natural area. We returned to Nelspruit for a brunchie and then back to Kaapsche Hoop for some rest, relaxation, bragging and stuff bikers do when not riding.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Day 3:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We were at the Riverside Mall in Nelspruit early for the Cansa hair thing. Here we found some Nelspruiters who didn't hate bikes. The Mall makes provision for free parking by bikes, with bike parking right next to the mall security. In fact, they are so nice, that when we parked a bit away, security came and asked us to park in the spot where they are capable of seeing the bikes! Wow!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We did the hair mutilation drive for the Cansa Shavathon, representing Halfway Cuppa quite a longway from halfway. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Directly after having our hair disfigured for this noble cause, we hit the road past White River to Hazyview where we chowed down on some pizza, before making tracks through The 22. I hammered it through the 22 and I believe I broke Dave Peterson's record, but I can find no confirmation that he ever walked the 22! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Up Long Tom Pass for a bit, hung a left toward Nelspruit and then a right toward Sudwala Caves. The bit down to Sudwala, and then back to the N4 is truly awesome and we all had a great cruise down this piece of road. Magic! Back at the N4 we did a bit of the N4 back to Ngodwana and up the mountain we went to the Backpackers at Kaapsche Hoop. From Ndogwana to Kaapsche Hoop is an incredible 1000m climb in just 11 kilos! Some lovely twisties as well. I enjoyed every second of this ride and really loved the bit riding Danie's FJ1200. Man alive! What a bike. They certainly build then good 20 years ago.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>Day 4:</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">All too soon, it was time to return to the salt mines of Gauteng. We were all very reluctant to leave and some great excuses were thought up to stay. Some may well have worked!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We went down to Ngodwana, over Montrose and Sudwala back to Long Tom to do the rest of the pass. We stopped for a brunchie in Lydenburg, before we took off over the Steenkampsberg Pass for Roossenekal. Steenkampsberg Pass is my absolute favourite pass and I can not get enough of riding over it. As usual it was an awesome ride over the pass. Lovely, LOVELY, I say!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">During our post-Steenkampsberg smoke break, Jo took Danie's FJ for a ride. Her first turn of the throttle resulted in a angry bark by the FJ, which was promply dubbed <strong>F</strong>ast <strong>J</strong>o! She gave it gas and off they went. Sadly, that was basically also the end of the ride as the rest of the road is just another ride home. In Middelburg the cops pulled our advance guard (Danie and Jo) over, but they let them go even though one of then did not have a driver's license on hand. It seems it was safely stowed away at home. As they expected the rest of us, we were just waved through with a friendly wave.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The last bit went uneventful, apart from a small rain shower that tried to ruin our ride, but didn't really bug any of us.This was a great long weekend biking with great people. In there somewhere I even got to ride Avon's RT for a bit. I am sure he will tell all and post the pics to prove, beyond all doubt, that I actually had a ride on, what he calls, a decent bike.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Money! I need more money ..... and time ...</span>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-85173875843552756802010-04-24T23:12:00.001+02:002010-04-25T00:50:52.084+02:00Kaapsche Hoop CMA ride - December 2008<span style="font-family:arial;">Mags and I and a group from the CMA, Menlyn Chapter did a loop through parts of the Eastern Transvaal this past weekend. </span><br /><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463815755777650338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkk84FWFDwivQfzyyMW3cWrUiruLTK_6aFCZA-Q8MjiPBKzqQ5j5AnEvNMCYBs1oipaGjocUCSmZkxzsmW9_KsmA9DAGb2fyQ3reSovM201AmTNJ0SGCGT2fJinjcYFGzYzmHsMq4cQwX/s320/kh1.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><strong>Saturday:</strong></em><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Bapsfontein ... Delmas ... Witbank ... Hendrina ... Carolina ... Badplaas ... Baberton ... Nelspruit ... Kaapsche Hoop. 396km.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSSUI8GFB1vKl9kz9oxuSRklYwIO03EkvnhqAfeXioEVA6ApVAm1Az6KzoYg2B66ABiLHrKT5hFhZY80yL6Li6VZbm2TwT_hwXvsDYoTSvhxq8PQzVoW-mbnQrjmJwkAqhFt0FIbQ-uve/s1600/kh3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463816313220212706" style="WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSSUI8GFB1vKl9kz9oxuSRklYwIO03EkvnhqAfeXioEVA6ApVAm1Az6KzoYg2B66ABiLHrKT5hFhZY80yL6Li6VZbm2TwT_hwXvsDYoTSvhxq8PQzVoW-mbnQrjmJwkAqhFt0FIbQ-uve/s320/kh3.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Mainly nice roads, but some potholes encountered. The road between Baberton and Nelspruit is under construction, but ride able at reasonable speeds. Kaapsche Hoop Road between Nelspruit and Kaapsche Hoop is awesome to ride and in a great condition.<br /><br />When getting closer to Kaapsche Hoop, slow down and look out for the wild horses that may be on the road. They are part of the only pack of wild horses in South Africa and one of only two in Africa, possibly the world.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczEd2dsnOsqXtfk4nXEBvV0fH6gWAKOMYsoOv6yR5xeAsVjV90AYcgCdPtTNvAXNjJor38OtSUiFMfznw772DAyT3mPH7leVkFWMosAN9cAVNDShTW79kKkobrpqW_CBkVl4mWTC-IQM_/s1600/kh2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463816878500353378" style="WIDTH: 387px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczEd2dsnOsqXtfk4nXEBvV0fH6gWAKOMYsoOv6yR5xeAsVjV90AYcgCdPtTNvAXNjJor38OtSUiFMfznw772DAyT3mPH7leVkFWMosAN9cAVNDShTW79kKkobrpqW_CBkVl4mWTC-IQM_/s320/kh2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><strong><em>Sunday:</em></strong><br /><br />Kaapsche Hoop ... Nelspruit ... Sabie ... Lydenburg ... Roossenekal ... Stoffberg .. Groblersdal ... Bronkhorstspruit ... Bapsfontein. 440km.<br /><br />Very nice ride, but extremely hot and sweaty. Long Tom Pass and Steenkampsberg Pass, as always a jol. Avoid Groblersdal and the road from Groblersdal to Bronkhorstspruit. The town and the road, both are just crappy.<br /><br />I wonder if I have any leave time left .... hmmm ....</span>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-61762159610623105992010-04-24T22:50:00.008+02:002010-04-25T00:49:50.576+02:00The Drakensburg - November 2008<span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Riders:</strong> Danie, Mags, André<br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Bikes:</strong> Yamaha FJ1200, BMW F650GS, Suzuki DL1000</span><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Day 1:<br /></span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LuhSis9inwnx2j8xVUEcbXjxfJYIINdmnw0FU_OYJOKq2W_UGAKOhLcBmBWYzinLiS7zegly9qsNQXOi_VV5PosM-ve_we1YCl19xUQXwg0wlUCM4-XB6vlYM-dAA2dnA-GmqrKGi_63/s1600/berg1.bmp"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463832646882352274" style="WIDTH: 367px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LuhSis9inwnx2j8xVUEcbXjxfJYIINdmnw0FU_OYJOKq2W_UGAKOhLcBmBWYzinLiS7zegly9qsNQXOi_VV5PosM-ve_we1YCl19xUQXwg0wlUCM4-XB6vlYM-dAA2dnA-GmqrKGi_63/s320/berg1.bmp" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">31 October, the three of us left for the Drakensburg. We followed the N3 southward through Heidelberg, Expensive Toll Gate, Villiers, Expensive Tollgate, Warden, Harrismith. Swinburne and the Van Reenen to our destination. We would stay at the beautful Wyford Farm on Van Reenen's Pass. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The ride was uneventful, except for those *(^&%)( toll gates who, in South Africa rip us off charging the same as for a car. Van Reenen's Pass is always a jou to ride, even though the speed limit is low, it is usually pretty busy with traffic and speed traps are like fleas on a very mangy dog's back.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">After arriving at Wyford Farm, Danie and I did a quick ride to get the required goodies and groceries for the weekend. To our disgust (yeah, right), Van Reenen did not have anything available. Neither did Swinburne, so we had to ride all the way back to Harrismith, in the process crossing the Van Reenen's Pass. Obviously, from Harrismith back to Wyford Farm, we had to do it again. What a bummer ...... such a bummer ....</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Wyford Farm is a guesthouse, but also a working farm with a history that stretched back many years. It also played a pivotal role during the Anglo-Boer War with the owner at the time having been charged with high treason twice! Once by the English and once by the Boers. High treason being a death penalty crime, it is amazing that he somehow escaped the firing squad twice. He must have had good connections, extremely high up. Even higher than the King of England or General Jan Smuts. Even higher than President Paul Kruger. Much .... much higher.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQXTkj9aKjMQa5ue59JvdRZnAJ0xWuvLt1dMc0xfWk2t4jmDT8TFWgSE0gbJ7Ok8dXm1Mo8vBa7g0Esds6Lo8liav48Y34PPhYImYWTpcp1LyYgGPHqXrvvk2WhcC8ITomWpAR849bZpv/s1600/berg2.bmp"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463835741222391042" style="WIDTH: 405px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQXTkj9aKjMQa5ue59JvdRZnAJ0xWuvLt1dMc0xfWk2t4jmDT8TFWgSE0gbJ7Ok8dXm1Mo8vBa7g0Esds6Lo8liav48Y34PPhYImYWTpcp1LyYgGPHqXrvvk2WhcC8ITomWpAR849bZpv/s320/berg2.bmp" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Day 2:</span></em><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We rode a nice loop through the Drakensberg visiting places such as:</span><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Extremely Expensive Toll Gate</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Spioenkop Dam</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Winterton</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Champagne Castle</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Bergville</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Little Switserland</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Oliviershoek Pass</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">Sterkfontein Dam</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev3kbSb3Cc2jfwULMsfPx3y0O4D4Ee5ck4dk9u6CURvNYR4eMlp4TRS_QbORD33_qlmLqpxfjyjtso4MXmdkMI2UdtbixCsjtyHz2pMvqAfovPgcFl9eT5LOt_YrIvuNR9P3Eazq7lZ5A/s1600/berg3.bmp"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463836656938592002" style="WIDTH: 371px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev3kbSb3Cc2jfwULMsfPx3y0O4D4Ee5ck4dk9u6CURvNYR4eMlp4TRS_QbORD33_qlmLqpxfjyjtso4MXmdkMI2UdtbixCsjtyHz2pMvqAfovPgcFl9eT5LOt_YrIvuNR9P3Eazq7lZ5A/s320/berg3.bmp" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzL9Y-IsWN029HaNUCNdNQ49zanENgHGNfgB0Xvx2jIr6kTYWfkLbMVzGTUYbbkXZrfk3LecR6_jVSCqF1MAa6ccqXPMonE_WdCCr4lfLn_UicF-UVNuV3_jzA2iKQt0tX8WD5ztoSAIx/s1600/berg4.bmp"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463837194014643858" style="WIDTH: 369px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzL9Y-IsWN029HaNUCNdNQ49zanENgHGNfgB0Xvx2jIr6kTYWfkLbMVzGTUYbbkXZrfk3LecR6_jVSCqF1MAa6ccqXPMonE_WdCCr4lfLn_UicF-UVNuV3_jzA2iKQt0tX8WD5ztoSAIx/s320/berg4.bmp" border="0" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We returned to Wyford Farm for a nice braai and a rest.</span><br /><br /><p><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Day 3:</span></em></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Time certainly flies when you are having fun, so before we knew it, it was time to go home. We planned to ride through the Golden Gate and Clarens, but due to extreme wind, chose to avoid that bit. We also decided to avoid the Extremel Expensive Toll Gates and used back roads instead. They led us through Kestell, Reitz, Heilbron, Vereeniging and home.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This was Mags' second long ride and she did extremely well. We must go on a third soon .... maybe to the sea. Everyone likes going to the sea ......</span>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-5266438827151923582008-07-14T12:34:00.002+02:002010-04-25T00:14:59.300+02:00The first tour - August 2008<span style="font-family:arial;">It is Friday morning, 29 August 2008. What's special about that, you may ask. Well, our long awaited "first tour" with the bikes will start in a few minutes. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Mags and I bought the bike to tour. That was the primary reason. Yes, commuting is a huge added advantage and weekend brêkkie runs a definate bonus, but touring was the main plan. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I had booked this weekend months previously, after guessing how long it would take Mags to get to a riding level that would make her safe on a long weekend ride. We were both very excited and a tad nervous as we waited at the Bapsfontein BP for Neil and Jolie to join us. They were on their way to Fick's Memorial Run (a fellow biker who passed away in a horrific accident) and we had decided to ride together. The more the merrier type of thing. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">They arrived and we were off. A quick Coke 'n smoke stop at the Middelburg Ultra City, a really nice lunch in Dullstroom and all too soon we bode them goodbye as they continued on to Sabie and we booked in at Klitz Gras Chalets in Lydenburg. Time certainly flies when you are having fun. The ride for the day was 270km.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Saturday morning Mags and I hit the road. There was no fixed route plan in my head, but had some ideas of where we should go. Obviously, Long Tom was first on the agenda. Mags was very nervous and to be truthful, so was I. Many, many years had passed since I screamed up and down Long Tom on a howling two stroke. There was no reason though. Pretty soon we were taking a break at the Long Tom canon that lend its name to the pass and both of us were smiling from ear to ear. This was fun! </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Brunch was had in Sabie at the ThinkBike Pancake place. My! What a nice touch, them bringing the visor cleaning stuff.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">With the bellies look after, I aimed us at Hazyview and the "22". What a ride! I had to smile when I saw the markings on the road from the Auto Alpina Chickens weekend a while back. That Tazzman dude must be a seriously meticulous sort of chap. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">At Hazyview we turned for Graskop and a quick jaunt over Kowyns. On this bit I had to laugh as two gents on superbikes were enjoying Kowyns as well. One is obviously a bit of a learner as he went through a bend, hanging of the side of the bike to a lean level (body) that would have Rossi and Bayliss applauding in awe. Only problem is, Mags and I were catching him from behind and so was a taxi!!! Since we are both nice people, we didn't overtake the poor guy and hung back, allowing him the opportunity to disappear in a howl of Gizzer exhaust noise, once back on the straight.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We had a Coke 'n smoke in Graskop before diving down a very twisty road to Pilgrims Rest. Some more Cokes and smokes and stuff in Pilgrims before we hit the Robbers Pass and back to Lydenburg. We did just on 215km for the day. The pace was leisurely and I could see how Mags was building confidence. </span>
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<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEVtO-bbMi5nslNGtvhUOhumFt1fQuAVjbtITtSprk1MB-o7Q_x3CgE74RMdZ11I2i2hkdKLOCQXtI0AuVl7kT1Xc4fVPXWHfwgBp6oHF6xuZbFgA95zPoWkV_OJIWdc_M-Xsvhb5WhQt/s1600/map.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463819677032283186" style="WIDTH: 401px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEVtO-bbMi5nslNGtvhUOhumFt1fQuAVjbtITtSprk1MB-o7Q_x3CgE74RMdZ11I2i2hkdKLOCQXtI0AuVl7kT1Xc4fVPXWHfwgBp6oHF6xuZbFgA95zPoWkV_OJIWdc_M-Xsvhb5WhQt/s320/map.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Sunday arrived all too soon and it was time to point the bikes homeward. We decided to go via Roossenekal, i.e. negotiate the Steenkampsberg Pass. What an awesome mountain pass. It was designed for old farts who think they can still ride like a demon. It will definitely see me again. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The rest of the ride home was a bloody nightmare from Middelburg onward. By now the wind was blowing at "blast all bikers to kingdom come" velocities and we battled a side wind for the 40k's that was no fun at all. Wow! Another 270 odd k's behind us.The total distance for the weekend was about 750 or so k's and every meter of it was fun filled. The best is, before my very eyes I saw Mags develop from being a NOOB to being a BIKER.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I wonder .... where is my route planer?</span>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-37206762155381849092008-06-08T12:21:00.001+02:002008-12-13T05:54:16.075+02:00Ommie Dam Brêkkie - 30 May 2008<strong>The Route:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqPECUR6IKEPJgMcP72Iw6IC2FNz-DoAMV1D-vG_bKOI0eIizWL08GHCC74wHiL5F1lzTW4jfqbGmMNbV-1nV0LvmPnXJw4fPbPqZHLTfIyV9knSfnsi_NlgDLmvQM_v_Izo3uZ1Fsx_y/s1600-h/ommiedamkaart.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqPECUR6IKEPJgMcP72Iw6IC2FNz-DoAMV1D-vG_bKOI0eIizWL08GHCC74wHiL5F1lzTW4jfqbGmMNbV-1nV0LvmPnXJw4fPbPqZHLTfIyV9knSfnsi_NlgDLmvQM_v_Izo3uZ1Fsx_y/s400/ommiedamkaart.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209454022794487986" /></a><br /><br />Date: 30 May 2008<br />Route: R21N Engen One Stop to Harties and back to Midrand.<br />Distance: 151km<br />Riders: André M, Avon, Carl, Craig, Daan, André W and Jan.<br />Bikes: DL1000, RT1200, CBR1000RR, GSXR6, GSF650, KLR650 and KLR650.<br /><br />A few weeks ago some deviant got the idea that the guys with bikes at work should go for a "smoke break" at Harties. Over time the idea developed (we are an IT company after all and we develop, it's what we do) to a breakfast at the Hartebeespoort Dam.<br /><br />So, we made our excuses (some good and some even true) to our bosses and it was game on!<br /><br />This morning at 06:30 I left the house in Bapsfontein and met up with the RT and the CBR at the R21N Engen One Stop about 20 kilometers up the road. After a quick hello and a smoke, we hit the road via the R21 highway and the N14W highway to the Total Petroport just short of the R512 to Lanseria Airport. The ride was busy as we were in Pretoria peak traffic, but still enjoyable and sort of, uneventful. No deviant cars or irritating cops anywhere.<br /><br />At the garage we met up with the GSXR6. We shivered together for a few minutes before we left again. We were seriously freezing our important parts off now. In fact, at one point one of the guys seemed to be doing some really immoral stuff with the Fireblade's Acropovic exhaust. This I was told was purely to get some heat into his frozen hands. At every opportunity, I made a grab for the RT's heated grips. <br /><br />A few kilos past Lanseria Airport, at the Home of the Chicken Pie we picked up (nope, not a chicken pie!) the GSF650. We did the last bit through Wakkerstroom with some nice twisties. In this area some cager in a Golf tried to pack Avon into his grill, but Avon managed to avoid the Golf and its, less than careful driver. This bloke was 66% over the barrier line in a corner on a blind rise. <br /><br />We rode on to the Wimpy where we joined the two KLR650's already there. Their owners looking all bright eyed and bushy tailed, due to the fact that they have already poured some warm coffee into their bodies. I was ready to dunk my feet in some coffee! <em>Memo to self: Self! GET BOOTS!!!! (Got them at AMID the next day!)</em><br /><br />We wasted no time and poured coffee down our throats by the gallon. Thank the great god of fast food for Wimpy's amazing foresight in having MEGACOFFEE on the menu! We all had a lekker Wimpy brêkkie before we hit the road again. The group now consisted of seven riders, all from the same employer doing the "On Any Sunday" thing on a Friday. <br /><br />We briefly stopped on the dam wall for a phodie opportunity (see Avon's pics at the end of the ride report), sniffed the Harties Dam Water (I have smelt sweeter smelling sewerage farms) and ducked through the tunnel. We then headed back to work enjoying an awesome, ride. <br /><br /><strong>The Blade, the Strom and the RT with the KLR's in the background, arriving at the salt mines. <em>(Photo: Karen Smit)</em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-0DbKjUQnCuo6CxSEB_xMmu7rm4pvYUGKtWfFFbILSwMp4oQfNSrk8T9LuWEIQB6aNOhocD9vPkb02VruHeJjzK65O7pqRdcEgKgMue08NDXbiRXPwTSrrxTteS_yWpRj-SskDgq48Rw/s1600-h/ommoedambikers1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-0DbKjUQnCuo6CxSEB_xMmu7rm4pvYUGKtWfFFbILSwMp4oQfNSrk8T9LuWEIQB6aNOhocD9vPkb02VruHeJjzK65O7pqRdcEgKgMue08NDXbiRXPwTSrrxTteS_yWpRj-SskDgq48Rw/s400/ommoedambikers1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209454593020058642" /></a><br /><br /><strong>So much for productivity. Who cares about productivity when the old farts are on the prowl!? <em>(Photo - Karen Smit)</em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu5Ac_QIYBDSNdg2mRN9zRQpFDzGM_pXymAejHoKLNg2UmgM_aqV-ZkSDDifLsvaoIhcmO7d9V_J-MPi9pyf7ey02Tc2IdQm5mC7SUHz9znjBhdg87g8b7kYZMX5qz_uXGsDBlvKpDqTZ/s1600-h/ommoedambikers2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyu5Ac_QIYBDSNdg2mRN9zRQpFDzGM_pXymAejHoKLNg2UmgM_aqV-ZkSDDifLsvaoIhcmO7d9V_J-MPi9pyf7ey02Tc2IdQm5mC7SUHz9znjBhdg87g8b7kYZMX5qz_uXGsDBlvKpDqTZ/s400/ommoedambikers2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209458514823348130" /></a><br /><br />Great fun was had by all on what could also be called the "Stokkiesdraai" Ride! <strong>WHOOOHOOO! AAI LAAIK BAAIK!</strong><br /><br />Thanks to Avon Vosloo for the following pics:<br /><br /><strong>C....c....c.....c....cold!</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5qvc3abRoviPYA1lFr0NU0KbkRQxC3sZY53Zycuj4I4KClKxZKlJp-pGWmJ7gTwfK7Wi7ICOlYDWuQt9f5axP90M-yEJGOFwSjPC-CFW9KvDhsYT89JFD2gvgp43BPEJA74uTITEjbbr/s1600-h/akoud.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5qvc3abRoviPYA1lFr0NU0KbkRQxC3sZY53Zycuj4I4KClKxZKlJp-pGWmJ7gTwfK7Wi7ICOlYDWuQt9f5axP90M-yEJGOFwSjPC-CFW9KvDhsYT89JFD2gvgp43BPEJA74uTITEjbbr/s400/akoud.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209459687245062914" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Carl getting close and personal with the Blade's exhaust</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGDQGHJgXgN-ECVwxefnKYmOf8aNsnerBeZwL4qIqytzo5qzv32wIG2m_0hdTj0WJ7HKAJ0GOW5L9HIhQluz4iWPsjA2Sfm3JEaxJOe4mwnCf50A7KXWPzO7S_5XptPP7GXEsIJQgdB8T/s1600-h/bcarlblade.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGDQGHJgXgN-ECVwxefnKYmOf8aNsnerBeZwL4qIqytzo5qzv32wIG2m_0hdTj0WJ7HKAJ0GOW5L9HIhQluz4iWPsjA2Sfm3JEaxJOe4mwnCf50A7KXWPzO7S_5XptPP7GXEsIJQgdB8T/s400/bcarlblade.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209460228237804050" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Ah!? So that's how you mount a top box.</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu9rhYbWk0tUqdd69fnGeNNr4vIdneNpuq5Zq4sLrhjhxeH8mF7NbQ95Xm59i3wH0bqaelYEvplekKkrpf3UAUVryZRa3Ns2OyyUC3qIZK4Grm25SN2k1ke9_oF379jrg1_KCu2OoHsI2/s1600-h/cstudytopbox.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvu9rhYbWk0tUqdd69fnGeNNr4vIdneNpuq5Zq4sLrhjhxeH8mF7NbQ95Xm59i3wH0bqaelYEvplekKkrpf3UAUVryZRa3Ns2OyyUC3qIZK4Grm25SN2k1ke9_oF379jrg1_KCu2OoHsI2/s400/cstudytopbox.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209461473300931522" /></a><br /><br /><strong>A nice silhouette on the Hartebeestpoort Dam's wall:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv_v_IHZxP7YOjUrjqNjUXuGIF62putyQwB4FY_zUyYLdYaZtxUR6f_syRLXQe7Vmfahh92viSzz_ICKZ0kth_wSitPnrgibVKK_0VEV4kHm_Ef7J6PtATQejbTeBHLZB8Jq6Rv15JsZx/s1600-h/doppiedam1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv_v_IHZxP7YOjUrjqNjUXuGIF62putyQwB4FY_zUyYLdYaZtxUR6f_syRLXQe7Vmfahh92viSzz_ICKZ0kth_wSitPnrgibVKK_0VEV4kHm_Ef7J6PtATQejbTeBHLZB8Jq6Rv15JsZx/s400/doppiedam1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209461820826346642" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Craig decides that although the view is great, the smell of the filthy water is the just the motivation to get back to work:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70HKgCxXkHGSQqkT0WeEnBJxd1vP7r8gt6ckk1Nld4r5oDfPl5IwArTbCJ5VPZJ8D4obb2jOfYa3fH9rnFplvwd6h1AaqHvf_HxbpBOlbSKOT2YpbLvt5v0fMQi97mq_yjk5w3gGnddJ6/s1600-h/doppiedam2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70HKgCxXkHGSQqkT0WeEnBJxd1vP7r8gt6ckk1Nld4r5oDfPl5IwArTbCJ5VPZJ8D4obb2jOfYa3fH9rnFplvwd6h1AaqHvf_HxbpBOlbSKOT2YpbLvt5v0fMQi97mq_yjk5w3gGnddJ6/s400/doppiedam2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209462312710923474" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Avon and his BMW RT1200 arriving back at the salt mines:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1a7CORchXs8yNb88YLw1FZ8FbjafL9oHknCF9G_nSBiIci8lCwUrRfqyulNGxHJRmSzpVrFS0iwkZ1q1g4RDcvUMHxhgm7mc-lzDrlyOK69O1A47wvwknuuQwelm1yzlYgu9YJ5mYXIb/s1600-h/avon.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1a7CORchXs8yNb88YLw1FZ8FbjafL9oHknCF9G_nSBiIci8lCwUrRfqyulNGxHJRmSzpVrFS0iwkZ1q1g4RDcvUMHxhgm7mc-lzDrlyOK69O1A47wvwknuuQwelm1yzlYgu9YJ5mYXIb/s400/avon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209463278819775938" /></a>Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-51771482343266548602008-06-08T07:38:00.000+02:002008-12-13T05:54:16.788+02:00CMA Ladies Breakfast Run - 25 May 2008<strong>The Route:</strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSaY1NYRTIRqRY4m3qPRvfvo5bsXKulWfrS5tmCsNNLtqu1tna_yrTpkjfP_AW5NJRcJ9P99Ez70eeFiz_YDnigFgqLT23N1MgadggbJ-gvwRxyJVL-4unziaenJHXLGduM1xdvAfDXFA/s1600-h/theroute.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSaY1NYRTIRqRY4m3qPRvfvo5bsXKulWfrS5tmCsNNLtqu1tna_yrTpkjfP_AW5NJRcJ9P99Ez70eeFiz_YDnigFgqLT23N1MgadggbJ-gvwRxyJVL-4unziaenJHXLGduM1xdvAfDXFA/s400/theroute.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209382817505352994" /></a><br /><br />Mags was invited, by the lady whose bike she had bought, to join them on a Ladies Breakfast Run from Menlyn Square in Pretoria to the Biker's Church in Midrand. The "go/no go" decision was discussed and due to her being a brand new biker she was understandably unsure about going. Mags is however a very determined person and accepted the invitation.<br /><br />So, Sunday 25 May we hit the road again. <br /><br />This route can be divided into three separate rides.<br /><br /><em>Ride 1: Bapsfontein to Menlyn Square Shopping Center.</em> <br /><br />Just Mags and me. She led and I followed, watching carefully. It was becoming clear to me that she was turning into a biker by the kilometer. Although she was on a steep learning curve and often concerned herself over little things, it was evident to me that her natural ability was developing by the kilometer.<br /><br />I delivered her to the ladies at Menlyn Square and left with the husbands and boyfriends on a ride to Cullinan where we had breakfast. This is not about us though, so no further mention of the guys.<br /><br /><strong>At Menlyn Square:</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_4Ld18Oh7oyorz3UUl5qNxX8LquFe4GoUEVr_3ubCq2Lheokc7BY-6uSeRqhaaekmfTJffbaq9ZrWXGGenM6lbYt8EhvFq-k9aoXsIRJmeEPp3dqVCXIqtmboUSs5UJPv0nqDuIFExB4/s1600-h/pic1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_4Ld18Oh7oyorz3UUl5qNxX8LquFe4GoUEVr_3ubCq2Lheokc7BY-6uSeRqhaaekmfTJffbaq9ZrWXGGenM6lbYt8EhvFq-k9aoXsIRJmeEPp3dqVCXIqtmboUSs5UJPv0nqDuIFExB4/s400/pic1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209382542598819138" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5SeUDYczmSom9RZ92ocDhRMyteZhX3Bn9FlHSTo_7iX9OKEwlFeY3ExEXQDDRT_34ZhSfmE2eI0TQwFmsKxLGWlZT4T-3ZAl2TNvloonXIkJFOIy2kshlIChUbTjjx08BEcwklMh-eJB/s1600-h/pic2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5SeUDYczmSom9RZ92ocDhRMyteZhX3Bn9FlHSTo_7iX9OKEwlFeY3ExEXQDDRT_34ZhSfmE2eI0TQwFmsKxLGWlZT4T-3ZAl2TNvloonXIkJFOIy2kshlIChUbTjjx08BEcwklMh-eJB/s400/pic2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209382217841768466" /></a><br /><br /><em>Ride 2: Menlyn Square Shopping Center to Midrand.</em> <br /><br />The group of ladies departed from the Menlyn Square Shopping Center for the Biker's Church in Midrand where a breakfast was waiting for them. At the Biker's Church they were treated to a breakfast and a talk. Mags tells me she enjoyed the ride very much although she was worried at first as this was her first ride without me keeping an eye out. It was also her first ride with other riders in a group. According to her it was a great ride, enjoyed by all involved.<br /><br /><em>Ride 3: Midrand to Bapsfontein.</em><br /><br />At the end of their brêkkie it was time to ride home. The ever so brave Mags decided not to call me to come fetch her and she hit the road all by herself. She made it all the way home riding alone for the first time ever. To make matters more "interesting" it had started raining! This mean that she did her first solo ride in the rain! Yep. How's that for going from beginner novice to hardened (albeit wet) biker in one quick morning. <br /><br />There is only one prouder than she is and that is me. What a wife! (Must remember to hang on to her!) <br /><br />She is dragging me, kicking and screaming to AMID (Bike Expo and I don't like expos) this weekend and is already putting pressure on me to make bookings for a weekend ride to Lydenburg, Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim's Rest. <br /><br />I think I may have created a monster!Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7742067517693934363.post-47485483700729097532008-06-07T13:59:00.000+02:002008-06-10T11:08:19.138+02:00Baby Steps Ride - 17 May 2008<strong>The Route:</strong><br /><a href="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/BabyStepsRide.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/BabyStepsRide.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Date: 17 May 2008<br />Route: Bapsfontein to Middelburg Ultra City and back<br />Distance: 229,5km<br />Riders: Mags and myself<br />Bikes: F650GS and DL1000<br /><br />Today was only the second time Mags left our property on her bike (any bike for that matter) to venture into the big, wide world. Her previous rides were just on our property, circulating the house and a short 50km road trip between the rural towns of Bapsfontein and Bredell. <br /><br /><strong>Almost ready to leave:</strong><br /><a href="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />She was clearly extremely nervous and the the 30 odd kilometers from Bapsfontein to Bronkhorstspruit seemed like it took ages as she, initially seldomly exceeded 80km/h. As time and tar went by the speed lifted to a more speedy 100km/h and then the speed limit of 120km/h. <br /><br />As soon as we hit the N4 highway at Bronkies, she insisted on a smoke stop. Her hands shook so much she never needed to shake the ashes of the ciggie! She was very determined to continue though .... and we did. <br /><br /><strong>Paying our share of a palace with gold crappers in Dubai:</strong><br /><a href="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We hit the N4 for Witbank and the speed was now a respectable 120 all the way. We turned into Witbank to find a Wimpy or Steers. This was a mistake. The traffic was utter chaos and the shopping center parking areas even worse. Witbank drivers do not like each other! We decided to get out of there and we made a beeline for the Middelburg Ultra City. This meant we would be out of the crazy Witbank suicide traffic and have more freeway, but get ripped of at the tollgate twice! So, ZAR66 later we were on the Ultra City side of the tollgate. Crossed over the N4 at the Middelburg turn-off and made our way back to the Ultra City on the homeward bound side.<br /><br />I dug into a Hero Roll with chips while Mags nibbled on a toasted sarmi. While there, some old bloke felt it is civil and Christian duty to come tell us all about some biker who splattered himself all over the back of a truck just up the road. Mags was back to shaking and stopped nibbling on the sarmi. After lunch we left, forked another ZAR66 at the tollgate and headed for home. By the time we made Bronkhorspruit I was seeing 130 on my speedo and I wasn't catching up to her.<br /><br /><em><strong>A note to the Minister of Transport:</strong> Why do they seem intend on ripping bikers off at toll roads? Passing through this toll gate with a double cab bakkie, towing a trailer containing 4 bikes and 4 riders will set you back ZAR33. The same 4 guys on their bikes would cost a neat <strong>ZAR132!</strong></em> Go figure???<br /><br /><strong>Just arriving at the Middelburg Ultra City:</strong><br /><a href="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Kit in a wall at the Ultra City Steers</strong><br /><a href="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t71/Roanokee/bikes/MBurgRide4.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We arrived home safely at around 14:00 and Mags is like an oil sheik in the Northern Hemisphere winter. All smiles and hooked. <br /><br />We will see what tomorrow brings ....Andre and Magshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891622736714659013noreply@blogger.com0