Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

I have discovered that club trips and their success are not only measured by the intense organization that takes place behind the scenes – but is largely dependent on the people that come together and experience the trip as a team.

 

 

 

 

This past weekend was one of those trips that came together seamlessly. It was a vibrant mix of 24 bikes, different people, “heerlike” plaas kos, and an abundance of dirt, dust and adrenaline to go around.

 

But instead of focusing purely on the trip and all it’s amazing ‘parts’ , I also want this trip report to be about the members who went on the trip, their personalities and the contribution they had to making the trip the enjoyable one it was.

 

 

I seldom see a grumpy face on any motorbike trip.

 

 

 Saturday was a mixture of tar and off road riding as we made our way to the magical Boegoeberg – the temperature was of course soaring above 30 degrees most of the time so each stop along the way was accompanied by tearing off anything that resembles hot motorbike gear. There were two new members who also came along on this trip - Hennie and Henk Kleynhans. There is nothing better than watching a father and son enjoy a hobby together. I think you will agree? We had two pairs of them on the trip this weekend

 

 

Father and Son - Adie and Mike.

 

 

Father and Son - Hennie and Henk

 

Boegoeerg is wonderlike oase net buite Citrusdal. Buiten die ongelooflike 4x4 roetes wat ons op die motorfietse kan geniet, is die kampeerterein een wat nie maklik geklop kan word nie.

 

When we arrived at the campsite after a few sandy and slippery moments on the trail leading into the farm, we were greeted by the ever famous Boegoeberg snoek, fresh, hot bread and jam. Plates were full but tummies were fuller. It was the first time we were able to relax as a group for the day - we also met Sian Versfeld, Megan Kotzee and Dawn McClaren there, who all opted to drive up together in a 4x4.

 

On that note, Megan Kotzee sacrificed her riding experience this weekend so that husband Henk, whose 1200 is currently being fixed, could ride. It was mentioned around the campfire that evening, that had she not, we would have had a "sulking toddler" on our hands. Thank you Megan

 

 

Happy Henk

 

For those of you who don't know Carel and "Shmarel" (aka. Zack) they are best friends who started the sport together and are always making people laugh, whether it is unintentionally by speaking their very Afrikaans Engels, or by cracking jokes, mostly inappropriate and intentional.  I've never seen either of them sad, and they are a reminder of how great a friendship can be.

 

 

Happy Campers

 

After lunch we all geared up for an out ride to the Heerenlogement Cave – an amazing national monument situated just off the R364.

 

Originally the cave was  used by indigenous San (also known as Bushmen) and Khoi peoples and later discovered by Simon Van der Stel and his party on his way north in search of copper in 1685 and again on 29 October 1712. The best “hotel” as it was known for miles was popular overnight stop for travellers, soldiers, hunters and traders between 1665 and 1682.

 

There are over 170 absolutely perfectly preserved names and dates with little evidence of vandalism of the colonial graffiti.

 

 

A small hike to get to the cave (situated in top right hand corner)

 

 

Perfectly preserved.

 

 

Can anybody see Gary?

 

This next photo always makes me smile.

 

 

Got a little Captain in you?

 

After our history lesson from Warren Ellwood, and Tony Schlee's death stares in his direction regarding the sandy patches on the out ride, it was time to get back onto the bikes and make our way back to the campsite where cold drinks, beers and an inviting pool WITH floating tubes was waiting for us.

 

 

Mike giving Jasper, the three-legged Jack Russel of Boegoeberg, some love.

 

That evening we were spoilt to a traditional spit-braai with all the trimmings. There were also a few strafdops to be handed out for various transgressions.

 

 

Graham Montgomery received the most Jack Daniels

 

 

That evening, live entertainment had also been arranged for us. Graham and Gary decided to let loose and promptly did just that and skinny dipped in the pool. After watching Graham preform the butterfly in this state I decided my innocence was now lost forever.

 

Na 'n goeie nagrus, was ons die oggend heerlike verras met 'n vol ontbyt van eiers, warm tuisgebakte brood en verskye lekkernye. Die perfekte manier om 'n lang dag in die saal te begin.

 

The trip home was much like the day before. Breath-taking views, valleys, passes, twists and turns.

 

We stopped for lunch at the Oasis in the Cederberg where we all had burgers, swam and relaxed in the shade.

 

If you haven't stopped there on a bike trip yet - you are missing out!

 

 

Gary with the signature Oasis smiley face.

 

 

Something wrong with your noodle Tony?

 

I thought just to add a little spice to this trip report that I would write down a word or small phrase that I think of when I think of each rider on the trip this weekend.

 

Warren Ellwood - "Kaptein"

 

Natalie Ellwood - "Oh eh eh"

 

Gary Phipson - "Ian"

 

Kevin van Blerk - "Cross Country"

 

Kevin Charleston - "Determination"

 

Trevor Versfeld - "Director"

 

Mike Adendorff - "Adrenaline Junkie"

 

Adie Adenforff - "Wise"

 

Graham Montgomery - "Birthday Suit"

 

Tony Schlee - "Pantomath" (This will require a dictionary)

 

Hein Elhers - "Wild"

 

Cindy Roussouw - "Miss Sertao"

 

Leon Lee - "Slow and Steady"

 

Francious - "Energetic"

 

Craig Corvin - "Enthusiastic"

 

Carel van der Merwe - "Fudge"

 

Henk Kleynhans - "Calm and Cautious"

 

Hennie Kleynhans - "Happy"

 

 Zack Burger - "Schmarel"

 

Henk Kotzee - "Mischievious"

 

Eric McClaren - "?"

 

Johan and Tammi - "Happy-go-lucky"

 

John and Andrea - "Adventurous"

 

  

 

Motorbike riding as described above is addictive. It is a lifestyle that you can't get enough of.

 

Thank you Warren for another "award-winning" trip. Thank you Pam and Biance for driving the back up vehicle - it gives everyone piece of mind.

 

And I just want to say thank you to everyone on the trip for making it such a memorable one for me. I think you are all fantastic.