Bikes: FJ1200, RT1200, DL1000, F650GS x 3.
Bikers: Danie, Avon, André, Jo, Trish, Mags.
Pillion: Elsa, Avon's better half.
Distance: Approximately 1250km
Day 1:
At around 07:00 on 5 March our group of six bikes (7 peeps) left Bapsfontein for the twisties of the Eastern Transvaal.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Day 2:
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!
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.
Day 3:
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!
We did the hair mutilation drive for the Cansa Shavathon, representing Halfway Cuppa quite a longway from halfway. 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!
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.
Day 4:
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!
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!
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 Fast Jo! 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.
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.
Money! I need more money ..... and time ...
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Kaapsche Hoop CMA ride - December 2008
Mags and I and a group from the CMA, Menlyn Chapter did a loop through parts of the Eastern Transvaal this past weekend.
Bapsfontein ... Delmas ... Witbank ... Hendrina ... Carolina ... Badplaas ... Baberton ... Nelspruit ... Kaapsche Hoop. 396km.
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.
Sunday:
Kaapsche Hoop ... Nelspruit ... Sabie ... Lydenburg ... Roossenekal ... Stoffberg .. Groblersdal ... Bronkhorstspruit ... Bapsfontein. 440km.
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.
I wonder if I have any leave time left .... hmmm ....
Bapsfontein ... Delmas ... Witbank ... Hendrina ... Carolina ... Badplaas ... Baberton ... Nelspruit ... Kaapsche Hoop. 396km.
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.
Sunday:
Kaapsche Hoop ... Nelspruit ... Sabie ... Lydenburg ... Roossenekal ... Stoffberg .. Groblersdal ... Bronkhorstspruit ... Bapsfontein. 440km.
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.
I wonder if I have any leave time left .... hmmm ....
The Drakensburg - November 2008
Riders: Danie, Mags, André
Bikes: Yamaha FJ1200, BMW F650GS, Suzuki DL1000
Day 1:
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.
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.
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 ....
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.
Day 2:
We rode a nice loop through the Drakensberg visiting places such as:
We returned to Wyford Farm for a nice braai and a rest.
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 ......
Bikes: Yamaha FJ1200, BMW F650GS, Suzuki DL1000
Day 1:
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.
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.
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 ....
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.
Day 2:
We rode a nice loop through the Drakensberg visiting places such as:
- Extremely Expensive Toll Gate
- Spioenkop Dam
- Winterton
- Champagne Castle
- Bergville
- Little Switserland
- Oliviershoek Pass
- Sterkfontein Dam
We returned to Wyford Farm for a nice braai and a rest.
Day 3:
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.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 ......
Monday, July 14, 2008
The first tour - August 2008
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. 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.
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.
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.
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!
Brunch was had in Sabie at the ThinkBike Pancake place. My! What a nice touch, them bringing the visor cleaning stuff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I wonder .... where is my route planer?
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.
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.
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!
Brunch was had in Sabie at the ThinkBike Pancake place. My! What a nice touch, them bringing the visor cleaning stuff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I wonder .... where is my route planer?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Ommie Dam Brêkkie - 30 May 2008
The Route:
Date: 30 May 2008
Route: R21N Engen One Stop to Harties and back to Midrand.
Distance: 151km
Riders: André M, Avon, Carl, Craig, Daan, André W and Jan.
Bikes: DL1000, RT1200, CBR1000RR, GSXR6, GSF650, KLR650 and KLR650.
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.
So, we made our excuses (some good and some even true) to our bosses and it was game on!
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.
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.
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.
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! Memo to self: Self! GET BOOTS!!!! (Got them at AMID the next day!)
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.
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.
The Blade, the Strom and the RT with the KLR's in the background, arriving at the salt mines. (Photo: Karen Smit)
So much for productivity. Who cares about productivity when the old farts are on the prowl!? (Photo - Karen Smit)
Great fun was had by all on what could also be called the "Stokkiesdraai" Ride! WHOOOHOOO! AAI LAAIK BAAIK!
Thanks to Avon Vosloo for the following pics:
C....c....c.....c....cold!
Carl getting close and personal with the Blade's exhaust
Ah!? So that's how you mount a top box.
A nice silhouette on the Hartebeestpoort Dam's wall:
Craig decides that although the view is great, the smell of the filthy water is the just the motivation to get back to work:
Avon and his BMW RT1200 arriving back at the salt mines:
Date: 30 May 2008
Route: R21N Engen One Stop to Harties and back to Midrand.
Distance: 151km
Riders: André M, Avon, Carl, Craig, Daan, André W and Jan.
Bikes: DL1000, RT1200, CBR1000RR, GSXR6, GSF650, KLR650 and KLR650.
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.
So, we made our excuses (some good and some even true) to our bosses and it was game on!
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.
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.
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.
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! Memo to self: Self! GET BOOTS!!!! (Got them at AMID the next day!)
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.
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.
The Blade, the Strom and the RT with the KLR's in the background, arriving at the salt mines. (Photo: Karen Smit)
So much for productivity. Who cares about productivity when the old farts are on the prowl!? (Photo - Karen Smit)
Great fun was had by all on what could also be called the "Stokkiesdraai" Ride! WHOOOHOOO! AAI LAAIK BAAIK!
Thanks to Avon Vosloo for the following pics:
C....c....c.....c....cold!
Carl getting close and personal with the Blade's exhaust
Ah!? So that's how you mount a top box.
A nice silhouette on the Hartebeestpoort Dam's wall:
Craig decides that although the view is great, the smell of the filthy water is the just the motivation to get back to work:
Avon and his BMW RT1200 arriving back at the salt mines:
CMA Ladies Breakfast Run - 25 May 2008
The Route:
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.
So, Sunday 25 May we hit the road again.
This route can be divided into three separate rides.
Ride 1: Bapsfontein to Menlyn Square Shopping Center.
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.
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.
At Menlyn Square:
Ride 2: Menlyn Square Shopping Center to Midrand.
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.
Ride 3: Midrand to Bapsfontein.
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.
There is only one prouder than she is and that is me. What a wife! (Must remember to hang on to her!)
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.
I think I may have created a monster!
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.
So, Sunday 25 May we hit the road again.
This route can be divided into three separate rides.
Ride 1: Bapsfontein to Menlyn Square Shopping Center.
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.
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.
At Menlyn Square:
Ride 2: Menlyn Square Shopping Center to Midrand.
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.
Ride 3: Midrand to Bapsfontein.
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.
There is only one prouder than she is and that is me. What a wife! (Must remember to hang on to her!)
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.
I think I may have created a monster!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Baby Steps Ride - 17 May 2008
The Route:
Date: 17 May 2008
Route: Bapsfontein to Middelburg Ultra City and back
Distance: 229,5km
Riders: Mags and myself
Bikes: F650GS and DL1000
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.
Almost ready to leave:
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.
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.
Paying our share of a palace with gold crappers in Dubai:
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.
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.
A note to the Minister of Transport: 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 ZAR132! Go figure???
Just arriving at the Middelburg Ultra City:
Kit in a wall at the Ultra City Steers
We arrived home safely at around 14:00 and Mags is like an oil sheik in the Northern Hemisphere winter. All smiles and hooked.
We will see what tomorrow brings ....
Date: 17 May 2008
Route: Bapsfontein to Middelburg Ultra City and back
Distance: 229,5km
Riders: Mags and myself
Bikes: F650GS and DL1000
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.
Almost ready to leave:
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.
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.
Paying our share of a palace with gold crappers in Dubai:
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.
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.
A note to the Minister of Transport: 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 ZAR132! Go figure???
Just arriving at the Middelburg Ultra City:
Kit in a wall at the Ultra City Steers
We arrived home safely at around 14:00 and Mags is like an oil sheik in the Northern Hemisphere winter. All smiles and hooked.
We will see what tomorrow brings ....
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