Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

The Dusty Bunch! Into the Cederberg we did ride With plenty of spirit and BMW pride…… Written by Alison Riley - Tristan's pillion. 4 ladies on their own bikes 6 men bikers with female pillions 0 female bikers with male pillions !! 4 men doing it on their own 3 men doing it with their partners traveling on 4 wheels As we rode into the One-Stop on the N1, I saw biking couples, as well as several ladies on their own bikes! The significant female factor was definitely going to add an interesting and pleasant dynamic to the trip. Geoff had specifically planned this weekend to encourage more ladies (pillions and/or partners) to come along and enjoy the getaway whether exploring the area expansively along gravel roads on a motorbike, relaxing on the stoep or around the pool, visiting the famous bushman caves with Gerrit or just enjoying some “me” time in a beautiful spot. One reason we enjoy riding motorbikes is to cruise through traffic congestion. That’s exactly what we did on the N1 trying to get to the Klapmuts turnoff in bumper to bumper dead slow traffic due to road works. Once off the N1 we could take a deep relaxing breath, get comfortable for a good stretch of tar road, enjoy the views and a decent travelling speed. There’s nothing better than heading off to a beautiful place, on a Friday, on a motorbike, knowing that most of one’s work colleagues are still at work. An added bonus on the prep for this trip was not having to do a food and booze plan and/or shop for the weekend, or worrying about carrying everything on the bike. Backup vehicles not only relieve us of our luggage on the bike, but more importantly the drivers and passengers always prove to be great company too. This proved to be true again on this trip. The heat on Friday afternoon peaked at 40 C and by the time we got to Ceres, drinking a whole liter of water was no problem. Definitely time for me to get a more air-vented jacket for extreme summer conditions, especially as a pillion where air flow is restricted by one’s bike partner’s shoulder width and height. It was a welcome relief to arrive at Cederberg Oasis just before dark. Bikes at Cerderberg Oasis 1 Bikes at Cederberg Oasis 2Road into Cederberg Oasis We had a quick session of pitching a tent or finding a cottage or a room, before relaxing around the pool in the cool of the evening and socialising in the pub area. But the important thing to mention is that Geoff really found us such a good spot – the natural beauty as well as plenty of home comforts, was really appreciated by all. Worrying about putting on weight must be the least of one’s worries when staying at Cederberg Oasis. We really enjoyed the excellent home cooked meals and appreciated having no kitchen duties for the weekend. Those T-bone steaks on Friday night exceptionally delicious and quite a sight Prepared by Chantal just perfectly right The bikers enjoyed every bite. Chantal chef extraordinaire & Gerrit the host. There’s something quite novel about waking up in an orchard with a chorus of chirping birds, baa-ing sheep, panoramic views and good weather. Camp in orchard Camp in orchard Our friendly neighbours Riders and pillions on Saturday morning were all looking forward to the day’s round trip via Algeria, ClanWillian, Whupperthal, Eselbank and then “home”. Some ladies were also just more than happy to have some “time out” and, later in the day, reported back on having had a very interesting visit to the Stadsaal caves with Gerrit who is an excellently informed tour guide on the area. 1st stop to re-group before Uitkyk passRe-group stop After Clanwilliam @ Englishman's Grave The day, for those of us on motorbikes, was quite eventful. By that I mean a day full of interest, enjoyment, energy and riding challenges, as well as a couple of mishaps. Two riders converted to pillions 40-50km from the end, so their bikes had to be temporarily left behind, but once we were all back at the Oasis, four of the guys, on two bikes, went back to fetch the abandoned two. Last re-group before Cederberg Oasis View from last re-group spot Boris and Peter were the “lucky” two to experience biking “from behind” (from a pillion’s perspective). Once back from the bike collection, it was very amusing and funny listening to them describing their ride on the back with Geoff and Colin. They obviously were not aware of what a “powershake” workout a fast trip on gravel can be for a pillion, as well as the strength and balancing skills required when standing, to prevent one from getting too intimate with the rider ! We all agreed, amongst plenty of laughter, that that specific four man ride on late Saturday afternoon would be called “Broke Bike Mountain”!! Broke bike pillion Boris Broke bike pillion Peter Some of us pillions were impressed to hear a couple of regular good riders acknowledging the skills and core strength required to be a high-flying top notch pillion. It’s not just about “parking off” on the back for a relaxing scenic ride (of course it can be if that’s your thing). But if doing a fast and/or tough off-road ride, major muscle work is required. It’s definitely a good sport to improve and tone arm, back, stomach, buttock, and thigh muscles. And the added bonus is that one is having fun at the same time – not doing the tedious thing in the gym. On a more serious note, (getting back to the mishaps mentioned above), Pieter challenged the middle mannetjie in the sand road, just before Eselbank, at a very respectable speed and GS, rider and pillion took a spectacular tumble (arms, legs, dust, GS, THUMP!!). Pieter & Carien moments before challenging the middle Mannetjie. Carien took quite a knock because afterwards she had no memory of what happened. She managed incredibly well to get back on the bike with her one arm strapped with ducktape! She also had a bit of a black/blue eye and genuinely managed to enjoy the rest of the weekend with her beautiful smile and laughter. Monday’s visit to the doctor, revealed that our suspected muscle shoulder sprain was in fact a broken arm! Assessing damage back at Cederberg Oasis. Sunday started with another dose of good coffee and breakfast, a quick pack up and then the start of the trip home. Geoffs final briefing before leaving Cederberg Oasis Yes sir, 3 bags full.....as you command ;-) Cederberg Oasis entrance Some decided just to head directly back, but Geoff offered a little detour to a beautiful dam for others who wanted to spend a bit longer enjoying the route home. What a spot ! Just absolutely picturesque in the middle of nowhere (a quick little section of gravel road just before Op-Die-Berg little town). The dam was a perfect little rest stop to enjoy and some enjoyed the opportunity to shed the layers and have a dip. Bikes @ dam Bikes @ dam again The group @ the dam enjoying a communal bottle of apple schnapps Dam view! What happened to a good skinny dip? Chicken! Our next stop was Ceres via the Gydo Pass where some had the chance to test their cornering skills to the full, leaving some of their boot rubber on the tar. The group got a little smaller when some more headed home – the die hards headed to the Bain’s Kloof bush pub. Where are the bikers? In the pub of course! Geoff & Noelene....is that a Creme Soda & Captain Morgan?? You have to be tough to drink one of those ;-) Pieter & Carien....Yes...She is still smiling. Respect! KTM Couple....Ok, Ok....he used to own a BMW......where did it all go wrong? Happy times at the bush pub. Thanks to everyone who made this trip memorable. The stronger than normal female factor added a good dimension - it would be nice to see more of this on future trips. Special thanks to Geoff and Noelene for conceptualising, organising and adding to the vibe.