BMW Bike Fest 2010 ADVENTURE or was that BMW BIKE FEAST 2010.

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture

Why is it that its always about the people? Foot in mouth

 what a days riding to remember with new and old friendswhat a days riding to remember with new and old friends

 Nothing like a personized sign to stop you for supportNothing like a personized sign to stop you for support

 

Our medics in the club and route planners and sweepers made our club name "the best": Andy, Pete, Brendan, Geoff, Anne, and and if I forgot you I'm sorryOur medics in the club and route planners and sweepers made our club name "the best": Andy, Pete, Brendan, Geoff, Anne, and and if I forgot you I'm sorry

 Gizzy was cracking up because of the age appropriate eye propblem we have checking out the map book.: Gizzy, Rodger and Peter (I think)Gizzy was cracking up because of the age appropriate eye propblem we have checking out the map book.: Gizzy, Rodger and Peter (I think)

 

This is a typical shot of the Eastern Cape hills and vegitation with an Alow in the fore frontThis is a typical shot of the Eastern Cape hills and vegitation with an Alow in the fore front

 

My roomies Charles and Julie, thanks guys you were great.My roomies Charles and Julie, thanks guys you were great.

 

 

For your information I have just lost the whole site somehow???? I continue on...........

 

 

Saturdays lunch stop before our oyster shooter stop in Knysna: Gizzy throwing back her head with laughter enjoying Charls good sense of humour. Saturdays lunch stop before our oyster shooter stop in Knysna: Gizzy throwing back her head with laughter enjoying Charls good sense of humour.  

 

 Swartberg Pass looking towards Prince Albert

 

 

This beaut pic was taken by a foreigner on the top of the Union Dale pass to Knysna before oysters.: Geoff and Riaan were still on their way as Geoff was the sweeper for us this day so we all took full advantage of his good nature. Well done Geoff!!

This beaut pic was taken by a foreigner on the top of the Union Dale pass to Knysna before oysters.

Geoff and Riaan were still on their way as Geoff was the sweeper for us this day so we all took full advantage of his good nature. Well done Geoff!!

 

On Saturday evening there was great KKNK music legends playing great Afrikaans music, just don't pin me down on details.: We were around 450 BMW  guests and the food and entertainment was great. Food was done by Yes, wait for it, KOBUS SE GAT, I only hope the gat was washed properly before the gat prepped any food.On Saturday evening there was great KKNK music legends playing great Afrikaans music, just don't pin me down on details.: We were around 450 BMW guests and the food and entertainment was great. Food was done by Yes, wait for it, KOBUS SE GAT, I only hope the gat was washed properly before the gat prepped any food.

To hell and gone-- Russ and Charles for real.: It sure was HOT ENOUGH

 

To hell and gone-- Russ and Charles for real.:

It sure was HOT ENOUGH

 

So hot they all swam

So hot they all swam

 

Then came Pete with a hurried dress to look like Spartan or Doctor Spoc

Then came the Pete with a hurried dress code to look like Spartan or Doctor Spoc.

 

On Sunday evening we were bussed into "Die Dans Kraal" to a stunning evening of good food, entertaiment and beverages

 

On Sunday evening we were bussed into "Die Dans Kraal" to a stunning evening of good food, entertaiment and beverages

And then the party began and even though Geoff was not with us he was always in our thoughts. Out came the Jagger bombs.: Here are our new friends from Jhb Deena and Tilo who added to our group dynamics of the week end.

And then the party began and even though Geoff was not with us he was always in our thoughts. Out came the Jagger bombs.: Here are our new friends from Jhb Deena and Tilo who added to our group dynamics of the week end.

Thanks guys we found you like a breath of fresh air.

Moo .. tifulMoo .. tiful

 

Deena doing the honours of pouring the Jaggers: I did however get very nervy when Deeno crushed the cap and threw it on the floor. Um I thought, this man is brave doing that at our table. Deena doing the honours of pouring the Jaggers: I did however get very nervy when Deeno crushed the cap and threw it on the floor. Um I thought, this man is brave doing that at our table.

 

 

Comments

Charles Oertel's picture
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Joined: 2007/04/14

Ja Rusty,

Those Jaegermeisters at the last feast led to some interesting speech impediments Wink.

For those that didn't go, all I can say is Sorry for you!  The title of my ride report if I got around to writing one would be: Mr.Badger and the Best Ride Ever.  Just imagine this in one day:

  • Stunning scenery along interesting dirt roads
  • Awe-inspiring gravel passes
  • The nicest small group of people
  • Some interesting new blood from Gauteng
  • Adventure and excitement crossing a river bed
  • Lunch in the most eclectic eatery in all of Uniondale, possibly South Africa and perhaps even Africa
  • More stunning passes through de Vlugt
  • Oysters and drinks at the Knysna waterfront with live music
  • A dash home at sunset over the Outeniqua pass with a glowing sunset, smoke from a fire, and a pass that was obviously designed by a biker.
  • A warm evening ride back to Oudtshoorn.

I am still smiling, and Julie is still smiling.

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

Hayleyscomet's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/30

 

Looks Like Fun...true what you siad about the Buff Russ

Now post all those pics you took Cool

Ride Like the Wind

Cool

PeterO's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/11

Have to agree ... the rides were great and I especially enjoyed meeting the Jo'burg guys.

Oudtshoorn is a great venue with tons of rides for all kinds of levels and as the Mayoress said ... no crime and only hospitality.

The venue for the function, "Mooi", was outstanding!

Thanks Charles for leading our group.  (I shall refrain from commenting on oysters and thorns).  Sealed

If you can dream it you can do it!

Geoff Russell's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/25

What an event.

What fantastic people.

What great rides.

Fantastic camaraderie.

What great mates.

What unbelievable organisation.

Why must I wait 12 months for the next one.

You missed one of the best "bike" events ever.

Committee: Ride Captain

KarinP's picture
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Joined: 2009/04/30

Hear hear! Have some nice pics; at this stage my 'working title' for a trip report is something along the lines of "A Kid in a Candy Store" Laughing 

Awesome gravel, awesome people, lekker food, etc etc etc.

And it's VERY difficult to get any enthusiasm going for being at work today...

zzmelayu's picture
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Joined: 2009/05/17

Wow! What a RUSH!  I am still trying to come down from such a high...Trip report in the works.

 

P.S. For those keeping count, I staked another plot while crossing the riverbed Charles mentioned above. He he he!

 

zzmelayu's picture
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Joined: 2009/05/17

Oops!

Thanks Charles for leading the ride on Saturday. It was AWESOME!

Thanks Rusty for the oysters in the funny little glasses.  The live band was not so bad either.

Tony's picture
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Joined: 2008/08/24

What an event!

Friday - a leisurely ride up the R62 on Friday afternoon. Russell and Gisela  bumped into us at Cafe Fresh in Montague and we rode together until Barrydale. The Rathbone's met up with Andy & co and we decided to push on to Oudtshoorn.

Saturday - off to De Rust - Uniondale and back to Oudtshoorn through stunning countryside. A nice easy gravel route (rated 1.0-1.5). I took a wrong turn on some twee-spoor (have'nt quite got the hang of keeping the bike upright and navigating at the same time). After about 10 minutes and 3 water crossings I realised that this was not quite a 1.0 rating. A quick check on the GPS confirmed this - the actual track was on the RHS of the screen and my position on the LHS. So back we went along the twee-spoor. Fortunately Adrienne was not too concerned re: my general lack of navigation/riding skills. Back on the correct route we soon found the section rated at 1.5 difficulty. A dry riverbed crossing - 50-60m of thick soft sand followed by 10-15m of really soft mud. A special thanks to the guys from Malmesbury and Stellenbosch (Eric, Tertius and their friend whose name I can't remember) who waited for me and provided much needed encouragement (and some muscle power) to help me across.

Riverbed - sandRiverbed - sand

Riverbed - mudRiverbed - mud

A beautiful (but thankfully unevenful) ride through the mountains took us  back to Oudtshoorn. The day was ended with a superb dinner by Kobus se Gat together with some 500 BMW riders. Kobus - a most interesting individual - probably deserves a complete post on his own.

Sunday - a leisurely ride through Meiringspoort to the Lazy Lizard in Prince Albert for coffee and apple pie. This was followed by a great ride across the Swartberg mountains - absolutely stunning views.

Swartberg Pass looking towards Prince AlbertSwartberg Pass looking towards Prince Albert

The evening dinner at Jam Street was once again excellent. Lots of different food to choose from, good music and camaraderie among newfound friends.

Monday - depart from Kleinplaas at 08h00 to Prince Albert via Meiringspoort. Both the pass and the apple pie are definitely worth a second "helping". A short ride to the N1 and soon we were in Worcester. A quick cooldrink and then home to D'ville via Bainskloof .

A brilliant event. Well done to all involved the organisation.

Will we be back next year? - try and stop us!

A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn. ~Author Unknown

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Joined: 2007/06/25

Jean and I were in the fortunate position to be able to ride with Ian, my son and daughter in law, Karin to and from the BMW bike fest, it was/is such a privilege to share this time with them.

The only additional  comment I can make to the pervious are:  To those that missed it,  place it on the to do list before you die, it was such a blast. Thank you Celia & Co.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/04

Amen Rene

 

What a privilage. Well done. May you have many more.

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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This is the Saturdays river crossing we did where we officially met Deena and Thilo, our new Jhb mates. Deeno had a BIG OFF before the river and I picked him up and dusted him off before the dust settled.

Riverbed - sand

Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22

Memories of Bike Fest 2010 in a nutshell

Fantatsic, 100% professional orgnaisation that inspired the 520 person (490 bike) attendance (previous ABBG's = 350)

Less STAFF to contribute to as opposed to Motorrad BBG's in the past

Good pricing -real and level.

Excellent catering no one can complain about.

Great routes. Great groups of riders.

Awesome part of the world to get such great people together for a jol.

Great that no bikes were terminally hurt and no one was injured beyond the few einas picked up in little incidents.

Awesome people, we made many new friends.

But on the downside......

What a pity BMW Motorrad did not send someone credible along. They sent a Rob someone or other, who apart from not having the decency to get name pronounciation correct, seemed to have so many "I's" ME's and not a single "US" or "WE" in his speech.

Why not Barnsey with his charisma or someone who actually likes the customers and has a personality.

If someone know who he is mention to the BMW leadership he seriously needs to go get skilled in servant leadership, manners and what makes the BMW bike riders such great people.

It's an us thing not a ME thing, HULLO!!!!!!!

But even that could not dampen a splendid weekend for long.

And hey, how was the awesome cool riding home weather we had.

Celia and David and their team certainly deserve a huge accolade for their extremely professional attention to detail, organisation and control.

To me the whole secret in getting such support for the event was how they managed it from 4 months out to the days after.

They gave the event credibility & a good feel long before anyone ever arrived on site.

You guys ROCK!!!

Watch out Bikefest 2011 here we call come... back again for more.

And this time I read every bit of dope the organisers send me to ensure I do not miss any fun.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

rynet's picture
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Joined: 2008/03/17

Thanks for posting the pics Rusty , one gets the idea that fun was had at the Festival , great for you guys , and see you there next year Wink

n/a
Rhian's picture
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Joined: 2009/10/29

What a stunning weekend!  Surreal ride home on Saturday evening, left my head spinning.  Fantastic setting for a party on Sunday night set the scene for a moooi-tiful evening! Great food, music and company.  Meeting new friends, crazy Deena and calming influence Thilo.

I agree with Andy, Celia and Co did not get a quarter of the praise they deserved.  I honestly don't know how she gets by on so little sleep as she would answer emails almost instantly at 11pm and then again at 5am or earlier, I suspect strong drugs! Smile

Next time I need to leave the sleeping bag at home so that I can fit the wine in on the return journey!

Tony, was it your group that marked the deep mud on the far bank with that stick in a VERY deep tyre track?  (refer pictures above) Looked like manual labour was needed to retrieve the bike! Surprised

I think we going to have to be quick to get in for 2011

 

 

 

 

 

PeterO's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/11

Rhian you owe me BIG TIME!!!

I lugged your wine all the way back just for you!  (To say nothing about taking up ALL my space on the way back from the function!)

Let me know how I can get the wine to you - better be soon or there won't be much left :-)

If you can dream it you can do it!

MarkS's picture
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Joined: 2009/01/01

Hayleyscomet wrote:

Looks Like Fun...true what you siad about the Buff Russ

What did Russ say about the Buff?

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Joined: 2007/06/25

SmileWell Andy Let me give you my side of the story,

I "know" Rob for some time and we met per chance at the next breakfast table. Our table of 4 chatted with him about the challenges facing the biking industry in general. His side of the conversation was about us and we at BMW and what a great team they are.  I am giving credit where credit is due, the other side of the coin.  Smile

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22

Thanks Rene,

Appreciate your comments and I'm glad you have this experience.

and thanks for the name, Holder, now I can engage one-on-one.

I'm sorry the Robs were not more accessible to us bike owners, and  I also know that introducing all BMW office staff will be done at future events.

One should not play the player, but the ball, but those were my candid comments form returning from a really great weekend.

I sent you a mail off forum.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???