Calitzdorp

After weeks of scouring the web for suitable routes and countless hours spent tweaking the selected route on Mapsource - I wanted to find a route that avoided the N1, N2 and R62 yet was suitable for a "solo" ride - Adrienne and I finally set off on Friday morning enroute to Wilderness.

Why is it that its always about the people? 

 

• 18 comments
• Read more

Oudtshoorn Dual Ride : Advanced group : Geoff

The Burn Out

Bikes : 18

====My Biking experience====

All things come from nothing, so too this trip report. After last year’s annual tour , where it would have been , in a number of ways, better to have stayed in bed, this year’s got off to an amazing start…,we left Milnerton on time!!!, at 08h01 on Friday morning….a good omen.( Incredible actually):-) The ride in the morning traffic was not too bad, I expect the cars to make some unexpected moves – they didn’t disappoint! Our first stop was the Engen 1 Stop on the N1, René & Jean were departing as we arrived to fill up. At the start of Du Toit's Kloof Pass

The annual George car show took place over the last weekend of January and I went down by bike to see the show, visit friends and ride the Tradouw pass, a Thomas Bain pass that I had heard so much about, but which I had never seen. Fluids and tyre pressures are all checked the day before, but not the fuel tank since it was still pretty full. Since I was riding alone, I could fill up whenever I needed and use the chance to stretch the legs. 1. An early start I get an early start and head out of Kleinmond at first light. Cool air, not a breath of wind and just the occasional car, prima! By the time I get past Caledon, the sun is up but the air stays cool, the road stays quiet and the wind stays away.

===Day 1: Cape Town – Bonnievale=== We set out late Monday afternoon for Bonnievale at 17h00. The weather was good…..that is no pumping cape doctor, “anything else is good in my book”, but once we hit the R60 to Robertson the cape doctor gave us a woes snot klap making it difficult to maintain 140km/h. We were packed reasonably light, only the absolute essentials for a one night camp out, no rain gear, a cell phone to use for any major repairs, and a basic supper of noodles with tinned tuna. (The rest of our meals were to be had on route.) Our first night was with friends on their wine farm on the Breede River. After a really good braai and good wine it was off to bed before many dusty back roads to tomorrows destination….Die Hel!

Thursday 1 May Discussions the previous evening when luggage was dropped off, already earmarked fellow riders and labeled some as the “slow” group and others as the “fast” group. Bright and early we set off to the Winelands Engen 1 Stop. The “slow” group would hit the road 30 minutes earlier than the “faster” 1150 group consisting of Ian Steyn 1150 GSA, Johan Burger 1150 GS, Arra van Zyl 1150 GS and HD 1200 GS. Ralph Teulings R80 GS (Mildred), Charles Melck on a Trans Alp and Brendan on a 1150 GS decided to meet the group in Touwsriver.Touwsriver The “slow” group departed at 07h00 at a steady 120km/h. We were faced with very cold conditions at Over Hex with the temperature not climbing above 8.5 degrees. Departing times worked out well as both groups met up in Touwsriver at the same time. After completing disclaimer forms and a short rider/pillion briefing by JR, Johan Mocke was asked to do a prayer for the safety of the group. Excitement and nervousness was evident as the guys deflated their tyres, ready to start the Knysna trip.Entrance to Anysberg Nature ReserveAnysberg coffee stop

Only 1 days leave necessary, yipppeeee!!!!!!!!! Have not been so excited about a route for a long time. This ride should offer everybody what they are looking for in an off road ride and is very "Pillion" friendly. So no excuses guys and girls bring your partners along. Yes I know it is directly after the Anysberg weekend however it is the only 4 day gap I have in some time. The route will be as follows (approximately): Thursday 1st May (Workers day): Depart CT for Ceres via some dirt sections. Then to Op Die Berg over Katbakkies Pass to the Calvinia road and on to Sutherland where we overnight.

This has taken some time to compile and another week has flashed past with still some wonderful memories lingering in our heads. Once again, fantastic routes and even more fantastic people. '''Friday, 26 October 2007 - Cape Town to Kleinplaas, an interesting way round''' Our trip started from the normal location Swartland Engen on the N7 with breakfast at 7am. At this point we were 11 bikes with 15 people. Swarland meeting point 3 bikes (4 people) from the Helderberg left the Lord Charles Hotel together at 7.30 pm to meet up with the others in Wellington at 8.30am. We saw some interesting sights on the way. Check out this early morning delivery!