WESTCOAST CRAYFISH WEEKEND - 27th to 29th November 2009

WESTCOAST CRAYFISH WEEKEND ……from the perspective of a very new, lady rider! It all began very early at the Engen One stop on the N7. Geoff slipped into Sergeant major mode – riding etiquette, hydration and the day’s proceedings – he is a hard task master, moving us on with hardly a breather, no deviation from the “thumbs – up rules” or you were in serious trouble, sticking to the rigorous plan - it paid off, the weekend ran exactly to plan and was just awesome! The back up vehicle on Friday was "womanned" by very capable Annemarie and Noelene (Lynette took the plunge and pillioned with Geoff) – these ladies did a sterling job! Neels joined us on Friday evening, doing back up on Saturday and assisting on Sunday – they were invaluable!! The highlights on Friday’s ride was Ludwig the gatecrasher, opening a farmers gate at 90km whilst still on his bike and Hein managing to fly over his handlebars whist tackling the sand monster. André was the only casualty with a very sore ankle from a tumble in the dreaded sand. Friday’s dirt was taxing, with potholes, temperatures up to 41 degrees, and everything else that could be thrown at us! The views of the Engelsman se Berge were breathtaking, the soft scent of Chris’s pipe curling through the air added to the ambiance. The after lunch tar graveyard stretch between Vanrynsdorp and Bitterfontein proves how desolate the West Coast can be. The 7km - now who really knows how long this stretch is? – twee spoor sand to home had a few of us staking claim to plots – I think Shah is definitely won the property baron title. We were welcomed to JURG SE KAYA by Jurg and Buurman Boet – venue and food was 5 star, the hot water donkey puffing steam and ice cold beers. The evening was relaxing, good food, drinks and excellent company – thanks guys for sharing your tips and knowledge. Vernon and Russell kept the party going until 2.30am, while the rest of us were dreaming about the day’s adventures. Saturday some of us chilled, while 10 bikes did the ride to Garies. The guys came back elated! – Olaf whooping for joy with the exhilaration of the sand ride, and Tristan shouting mad at initiating his brand new bike on the turn into “Jurg’s se Kaya” (luckily Allison was not in sight). Saturday evening Paramedic Deep Pete was in true form, keeping us entertained with his chirps. We were all casualty to Geoff’s “straf doppe” with John and Tania showing us that even the youngsters struggle with man sized shots!! The dinner spread was mouth watering, Tania even managed to get the Chowder recipe out of Jurg! Sunday was back in the seat and the magnificent ride home that took us along the coast on twee spoor sand and dirt to Lutzville. Leon and his wife rode back up and were a great support through the trip with their assistance, invaluable advice, picking up bikes and doing repairs. After a true Sunday roast lunch at the Elandsbaai hotel we met up for a last farewell at the Vlak Vark Gat bush pub outside Langebaan. Dave put a round of Juggies together, Russell’s helmet interfered with his hearing and rushed off before he could have one, and Clayton was out of there like a flash before we could all hug and kiss him good bye. It was an exceptional weekend – I salute you all, and apologies if there were any of you that rode below my radar and missed out on a mention above, also if I got any of your names wrong. Last but not least to Dave, who kept a wary eye on me the entire weekend, he told me on Sunday evening that I am now on my own as far as riding goes – thank you for letting me share in your dream! What did I learn from the weekend? You don’t need red bull, West Coast “twee spoor” can give a GS 650 wings!!! I sure earned them!! Russell thanks, you helped tame the adrenalin and fear to get back on the sand, thanks to John for riding my bike through that sand patch and Annemarie, Noelene, Leon and your wife and Neels for picking me up! Thanks to all who were on the trip for your patience, tips and motivation – as a girl, I’d be honored to ride with you guys any day. And Geoff…… I am still whipping that horse…… Those of you who had the time to snap a few hurried shots.....please share them with us!