Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Warren and Natalie setup their second "4x4" weekends away, this time close to home in the Agterkliphoogte Valley outside Robertson. As I'm trying to get as much riding in as possible, I eagerly jumped on board (especially after their last Buffelspoort trip was such a success). I signed up my wife Sandy, without our her consultation although she didnt complain when I told her she was booking the weekend off and coming with me.

We started on Saturday morning very early on a cold autumn day at the Engen on the N1. Always good to see familiar faces - its just what I need to get the juices flowing ready for a good trip.

Engen

Sunrise: What a way to start the trip!

After the mandatory briefing by Warren, we set out on the N1 through the chill of the Paarl valley and up and over Du Toits. We were expecting a warm day but all that lay ahead of us was clouds. Lots of them.

We took the Slanghoek Valley pass through to Ceres where we briefly stopped for a pit break and to get some much needed warm Coffee! It was here that Du Toit (DTV) realised that somewhere along the line from leaving home to getting to Ceres he and his wallet had parted ways (you know the saying? ) So unfortunately DTV raced home to cancel cards and get an affidavid from the Police allowing him to ride without a license.

Just outside Ceres (about 11km's) we turned right onto a dirt road. Dust doesnt describe what was kicked up on this short stretch of road. For 31 km's we travelled in the wake of Warren's dust from the front until finally we hit the R46 where we pulled over and "freshened up". 

The day was still cold and warmth was the first thing most people were talking about... and then obviosuly the dust. Tyres got deflated and we were off again (speeding bullets we were!).

We veered off onto the R356 (a place I will never forget! This was the scene were I overtook Rony! Admittedly he was riding a Big Boy scooter in full ATTGAT but I'm not one for details ). This road was bumpy and sh*te but we pushed through and past the Eskom works.

Warren organised a beautiful round trip so we ended up on a huge loop and came down into Touwsrivier - my head was hurting at this point because I know Touwsrivier as UP away from CT and yet we arrived coming DOWN. Head just did not compute this. Steers helped fill the bellies and we were ready to rock. After Touwsrivier we ended up in Montagu where we decided to push through to Robertson and our home for the evening. I dont understand but certain female members of the Ellwood clan were really looking forward to a beer at this stage of the day.

The Prins family setup a great camp site for us. They certain stock up enough wood for Warren and his merry men (and women).

Fireplace: This was the start of the fire. Not BIG enough at this stage!

The firewood

As I just bought the new Uvex Carbon helmet I had to have a play. 

Playing

I was only joined by one brave soul!

Madison

Madison was having a jol on her quad going up and down the bumps.

"Camping": No expense spared for my camping-challenged wife

Food was finally in order along with some drinks and refreshments.

GIMME FOOD

Toilet

The Shower

Long Day: Not sure who was holding who up here!

Cheers

We settled down after nightfall to some great braai meat and meat. Sleep was very much in order but I heard that some members of the crew sat up talking to the sound of Bells long into the night.

The morning saw us visit the farm house for much needed coffee, tea and muffins - home baked and delicious!!

We were treated then to a "Never-believe-Warren-when-he-says-its-a-easy-trip-around-the-farm". Our intrepid 12 year old girl guide riding her 4x4 quad were no match for what lay ahead. 2 Wheels and pillions did not necessarily agree with her choice in route though.

First stage - nice steep uphill with LOTS of rocks.

Uphill: I'm sure Richard was telling Warren off ;)

The group split and some decided to head up the hill whilst others took the less treacherous way around the koppie. No later had we met up with each other were we presented with a dry river crossing complete with bigass rocks. Sandy screamed "NO!" - I certainly didnt need my Interphone system to hear that one. Her visions of us bouncing along the river crossing at Buffelspoort flashed back and she jumped off the back of that bike faster than I've seen her move in a long time! Tony wasnt having the greatest of days and so asked me to bring his bike over on his behalf. Extremely grateful to do the crossing again, I was also lucky that Sandy was ont eh side and managed to get a great action pic.

River Crossing

Whilst most of us thought that it couldnt get any tougher, we were about to be taken through a baby sand monster and then a hill-from-hell where erosion had cuased washaways and rocks to be perfectly presented to cause immense headache. Needless to say most of us at this stage were removing all warm clothing as adrenaline had taken over and was fulfilling its role nicely.

We pulled off the farm glad to be on flat road again. Murphy's law had it that as I tried to put my foot down as we stopped, my pants got stuck on my peg and I couldnt get my foot onto the ground. There we were - after finishing seriously tough terrain - on our side laughing at ourselves. We also gave our 12 year old girl guide on helluva laugh - she even swore!

After we got back to camp, the admin side of the weekend started and packing had to be done.

Not all was lost though and we were given a private tour of the wine cellar.

Wandsbeck Wyne

So off home we headed. Ashton would be our next stop - to refuel before saying our goodbyes.

En route we heard the sad news that Francois' Dakar's gearbox had given up. No more she cried! Whilst some helpful members put the bike on the trailer, those of us that were waiting at the turning up ahead found some local "delicacies" to enjoy

Pot ho's: They're the best kind of ho's

Luckily for Open_Plains, the BMW club came to the rescue to assist with his puncture.

Open_Plains: At first we just stood and watched. Very African style of us

Open_Plains 2: Then we decided to help!

The only other incident we had on the whole trip was Jeff's read tyre that ended up with so many snotties in it, the tyre looked lik it sh*t itself!

Snotties - Yumm

And that dear friends was the end of a great weekend. Sandy and I met up with our daughters for a lekka pizza and then promptly passed out. A great weekend! 

HUGE thanks to Warren who always puts in so much effort in planning his trips as well as all of those who assisted (Heidi for the backup vehicle, the Pins family for their hospitality, Natalie for putting up with me , and most of all to Sandy for coming with me! Love having my wife on board!)