29 Jan 2012 - "Tulbagh" Breakfast Ride

John Geldenhuys's picture

What a day, from having to wait for participants of a cycling race, smoke and fire and really warm temperatures, we really had a good time.

Leaving this morning at just after 07h30, we had 22 riders on 14 bikes. The weather was nothing short of stunning, but we already know that whilst it was relatively cool still, that was going to change and boy did it change. Heading out from Plattekloof we made for BainsKloof pass via some back routes.

Closing in on Wellington the horizon started to get that lovely smell (sarcasm, not conveyed in writing properly!) of fire...
Stopping in Wellington, I decided to make a call to check where the fire was burning; Wellington and Swartland Depts. confirmed they were not aware of anything. So all seemed well… Whilst on the phone an array of Harleys came clinkering by, dropping parts and oil all over the road and generally go slow, they were heading for BainsKloof pass as well and we were screwed, 1st gear all the way, I could see it now!

But as fate would have it, moving up the pass it became clear that the smoke was "fresh" and coming from somewhere close. The Harleys were starting pulling up in viewing points, and few where coming down, not a good sign. At the last viewing point before hitting the top, we pulled in with Graeme heading ahead to look what is the story. The pass had now been closed; fires from the previous day had escalated. As a side note, have a look at http://afis.meraka.org.za it’s awesome site details info on fires in SA.

An alternate plan was hastily made and a new breakfast point was made, Festa (again) who kindly accommodated us.
Once breakfast was done, the group split, those heading home and those of us who wanted to suffer a little more in the heat. 6 of us took the route via Riebeek Kastel home, and man o man, we stopped for some H2O in Riebeek, at the numbers that where going around where in the region 38 degrees! Hell, I'm sure i could have made breakfast on the cylinder covers! From there it was homeward bound via the N7 where we passed the London to Cape World Rally group! Now Willie and Charmaine will I am sure post some pics, but what a sight! A Porsche with raised suspension, BMW X5, and old Merc 230 (old box shapes), Peugeot and some car that looked at place in Hendry Fords time, a Vauxhall OD 23/60 4L - made in the early 1920's...and it finished!. Today was there last day and after 29 gruelling days, I think they were happy to get to the end and sad in the same breath.

Thanks to all that joined us today, glad to see some new faces and as always to see the familiars!
Be on the lookout for the next tar ride that will be Dual Ride!!

Have a great week and safe riding
Ps: Let’s hope those Harleys got turned around on BainsKloof! ;-)

Cheers for now
John