Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

This 2009 event, althougb I have been biking for many a year, was my first, and no matter how many more in the future, one that I will always remember - especially within the context of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist. On Friday morning at approximately 06:45 at the Wineland's Engen, we, that is Morne, Lawrence and I, were approached by a chap introducing himself as Attie De Waal, a travelling colleague to the Buff. In Rawsonville we called at Chris and Suzette's home joining us en route to Worcester Shell to collect some Ullyses bikers from Worcester. The route, breakfast at the Country Pumpkin via Oudtshoorn and the Robinson Pass to Mossel Bay. Less than an hour later after leaving Worcester Attie died after sustaining serious injuries after losing his bike just beyond the Fort entering Montagu. So, what's this all about? As with Santiago, the Sheppard in The Alchemist, one tends to contemplate when one is witness to such, and the following events at the Buff when travelling the countryside. To Walter,Morne and Chris - thanks for the good ride, sharing and friendship; To Walter for the lead through the Sunday morning mist from Mossel Bay all the way to Swellendam and waiting for me when I had to lessen speed. To Dave and Mario - sharing the humor and laughs on Saturday at "breakfast" at The Heads; To Rene (my friend Piet) for the friendship and kind words of support (Piet will know) and the many other new friends made at the Buff. So, as the Santiago discovered in his journey, let us appreciate what we have, what we share, when we depart and when we arrive back in safety at home. Will I attend another Buff - in all probability yes, BUT, I will most definately not camp on the site, especially because of the many "happenings" taking place when normal tired bikers want to sleep, i.e., midnight burn-outs, doughnuts, valve-slapping, etc - however, it was something that I wanted to personally experience. Been there, seen it all, done it. Theo