To Buffel or not to Buffel?

MeganV's picture

Trip to Buffelspoort – 19th to the 21st of March 2011.

I woke up very excited on Saturday the 19th of March – today I would go on my first off-road motorbike tour! I hurried down to the garage where my dad kitted me out in what felt like a transformers suit! Shortly after, my cousin, Craig, arrived at our house. I was grateful he was coming on the trip as I knew no one else yet, yet a bit sceptical too because he is my younger cousin and I worried about his safety. Me, Megan, and my cousin, Craig.Me, Megan, and my cousin, Craig.

When we arrived at the Engen just off the N1 I was met by a lot of faces I had never seen before – however; one by one I met each person, finally being able to put faces to the names I had heard my parents talking about.  Everyone was really welcoming and kind! There was Sean and Sandy, a really sweet young couple. There was Warren, the leader, and his pretty wife Natalie. There were two Heins, Hein, and Hillbilly Hein. There was Mike (Although I only found out what his name was a bit further into the trip), Chris, the Englishman, and Graham (The one who rode with the black Arai helmet.) There was Neils and his very sweet wife, Anna Marie. As well as Geoff, the sweeper of the trip, and his wife Noleen (who drove the back- up vehicle) and daughter, Megan. Natalie and Warren, the leader of this trip.Natalie and Warren, the leader of this trip. 

Geoff. The Sweeper for this trip.Geoff. The Sweeper for this trip.

After meeting all these friendly faces we had a short meeting held by the leader of the tour, “Captain Warren”, who briefed us about the trip and went over some last minute details.  As soon as we hit the road I could tell that the weather was going to be really hot! We then stopped for a quick leg rest and coffee in Ceres before heading off again.

When we stopped on the side of the road so that all the riders could adjust their wheel pressure and turn their abs off I knew this was where all the fun was about to begin!

After navigating the first stretch of gravel road we stopped in Touws River to have some yummy steers. We then set off for the longer stretch of the trip. The gravel road was exciting but nerve-wracking at the same time. I have never been a fan of loose gravel. However; all the riders made riding a bike in these conditions look really easy. We then entered a nature reserve called “Anysberg”. I was captivated by the sights around me – definitely not something I could have ever imagined. The terrain we were riding on (sand, rocks, protruding bushes) was something I had never experienced before but over this trip I have grown to love. So unpredictable and exhilarating.Trevor, Chris and Graham.Trevor, Chris and Graham. 

In the reserve we came close to an Eland, who, petrified of the bikes, took off running. It was quite a sight to see. I also have quite a nice photo of a big lizard we saw as well. Our little lizzard friend in the Anysberg Reserve.Our little lizzard friend in the Anysberg Reserve.

At the end of Anysberg, Graham realized his top box had fallen off! But when he saw the grin on Natalie’s face (who had been riding behind him) he realized she must have seen it. When Natalie took her helmet off she was laughing and told Graham his top box was with Noleen in the back up vehicle.

Shortly after this we all made our way to the Buffelspoort Campsite. It was such a stunning place to live for three days. It felt like we were in the heart of nature surrounded by gorgeous views and a serene dam. View from the Buffelspoort campsite.View from the Buffelspoort campsite.

When we arrived, everyone piled into the reservoir to swim, except me, as there was a swarm of bees hovering around the water. After pitching our tents and getting changed into our casual clothes we all sat exhausted around the fire. Warren had my sides hurting from all the funny stories he was telling and dinner consisted of a delicious braai. Shortly after this and all the strafdoppe – it was bedtime. The Campsite.The Campsite.

After my dad kept me, and half the other group members up with his snoring that night (after telling us all the night before “No, I don’t snore man!” ) I woke up on the second morning not feeling as refreshed as I could have been.  Most of the group members were already up and I told Warren, “Tonight, my dad gets a strafdop!”. Graham and Chris were also working out where to put their tents for the next night to avoid Trevor’s snoring!  After being given a nice choice of breakfast (Cornflakes, pronutro or weetbix) everyone hauled their gear on to prepare for the outride that day. Warren called together the team and told us the outride would be about 220 km long, which would also include a visit to an old house which was the sight of a bloody battle in 1901, as well as a swim in the Gamkaskloof dam – both sounded great!  It was another sweltering day but the ride was great. Being someone who is scared of both loose gravel and sand – I soon had to overcome my fear. After riding on a gravel road for a while Warren turned off onto another little side road. My eyes widened as a saw that this gravel road wasn’t nearly as stable as the last. “Here we go! Here comes my initiation” I thought.  After bouncing around on the rocks and holding on for dear life we soon hit a dry river bed consisting of – loose sand! I was very grateful to be over that patch but to exit the river bed there was quite a steep hill of – more rocks! Warren and Neils helped Natalie and Anna Marie by taking their bikes across for them and Neils thoughroughly enjoyed showing off while everyone was watching him come up the steep little hill of rocks, doing a little wheel spin here and there. Chris also took a little tumble over a rocky section, which he holds my cousin, Craig, responsible for.Sean and Sandy Hidden crossing the dry river bed.Sean and Sandy Hidden crossing the dry river bed. 

Soon afterwards, we arrived at an old looking, run-down house in a very remote area. We all welcomed the rest and enjoyed Warren’s storytelling about how this was the site of a battle in 1901 between the Boere and the “Khaki’s”. It was quite sad but very unbelievable that after 110 years the house was still standing. Being a history lover it was something I won’t ever forget. The old house which was the site of a bloody battle.The old house which was the site of a bloody battle.

After our little rest we were soon off again and when I heard that we were going back the same way we came- I was almost sure I wouldn’t survive a second sandy, dry riverbed crossing.   

On our way back Mike (Or “Kobus” as Graham had told me his name was!) got a bit stuck in the sand and Warren and Hillbilly Hein helped get him out. I got an awesome action photo of that! I was VERY pleased to touch ground after the second dry- river bed crossing. Phew! And I had also noticed how talented everyone was as a rider – especially the woman, Natalie and Anna Marie (Who would make any female proud with their riding abilities!). Warren and Hein helping Mike.Warren and Hein helping Mike.

Now we were back on the original gravel road again we had been on before and we headed towards the Gamkaskloof pass. Going down the pass was a beautiful experience. Not only was the gravel challenging and fun, but the views were absolutely breath-taking – nothing a camera could capture! Going down this pass I also realized I had over-come my utter fear of loose gravel. There was also a little water crossing on the pass. Everyone thoughroughly enjoyed this pass! When we reached the Gamkaskloof dam (After having to navigate over big loose rocks!) dust-covered and smiling, we all prepared ourselves to have a much needed swim. Natalie and I were convinced however; that there was very little chance of being able to put our riding gear on after taking it off!

The dam was one of the top experiences I have ever had. Not only was the water lovely and cool but the quietness and beauty of nature surrounding us was magical! When I was in the water I noticed that “Kobus” wasn’t in the water with us. “Kobus!” I shouted back to the shore line where he stood. No response. “Megan,” Warren began, “His name is Mike!” Blushing I now realized that so far everytime I spoke to Mike I had called him “Kobus”. “Kobus, look at the camera!” “Kobus, how are you?” So embarrassing! Graham then admitted that jokingly he had told me Mike’s name was Kobus. Strafdop! After reaching the shore again and navigating ourselves back into our gear we all climbed back onto the bikes, and following Warren’s lead, one by one each rider made their way back over the very rocky section. (Hein buying a plot of land twice!) The Gamkaskloof Dam we swam in-absolutely gorgeous!The Gamkaskloof Dam we swam in-absolutely gorgeous!

We then headed back up the pass which was even more beautiful the second time around. But nothing could have prepared me for the exciting stretch of road ahead – Seweweeks Poort. My dad told me I had most probably never seen such a view in all my life and he was right. Chris took his second tumble of the day on a sandy patch in Seweweeks Poort, because as he said, “He was restless and was playing with his Garmin”. Ai Chris! One thing was for sure on this trip, there was never a dull moment.

After winding around corners and bends through Seweweeks Poort we stopped for lunch in Ladismith at the Route 62 cafe. Lunch was delicious! And mostly everyone followed Geoff’s choice of lunch –being a yummy egg and cheese burger! Hein was always the first one off his bike to relax.Hein was always the first one off his bike to relax.

After lunch we took a slow, relaxing ride back to the campsite. One of the funniest moments of this little stretch was Hein buying a plot of land as he was standing still at a stop street.

That night at the campsite we had another delicious dinner prepared by Rudy, Neils and Marianne. Braai meat, salads and fresh bread. Who could ask for more after such a tiring, exciting day? While sitting together having dinner Warren entertained us all by telling us captivating stories. Loving when he scared me with his ghost stories. Then he brought out the Strafdoppe. The first strafdop went to- Trevor. However; not wanting the alcohol to only add to my father’s snoring, I pleaded to Warren to let me have it instead. He let me have it (Me thinking it was vodka) and once my throat was burning he turned around and gave my dad one anyway – by this time however; I was too busy try to finish a Fanta to get the taste away of what I now realized wasn’t vodka – But Witbitz. I still shiver when I think about the taste. The second strafdop went to Graham – for the whole “Mike” “Kobus” situation. Then Geoff was the proud owner of the third strafdop – for riding up the rocky section near the dam “Sonder a helmet and in flip-flops”. Rudy was awarded the fourth strafdop – Just because. “Ai nee, nie op ‘n leer mag nie!” was what he always said.  Some group time!Some group time!

Anna Marie at a group meeting.Anna Marie at a group meeting.

That night my dad was as dead as a rock and Mike was the proud winner of the snoring competition as well as the “Oak in the blue tent” – My cousin, Craig. Personally I found this really funny.  

The last day proved to be nothing less than the two previous days. After packing up camp and gearing up Geoff told the group that he was going to take the group out of the campsite a different way to the original way. Sensing it would be rocky and sandy I opted to sit in the back up vehicle for this stretch. Natalie, Anna Marie and Mike also went the less dangerous route and rode with the back-up vehicle. Unfortunately I heard that Sean had taken a tumble on this stretch and had hurt his ankle. But luckily it wasn’t too sore to not carry on and his wife was unharmed. When the bikes arrived  to where we were waiting I could see by the smiles on all the faces that they had had a blast!

Next we rode the gravel road to reach the “Ghost Railway line” and the Sambona Wildlife Nature Reserve. This road was quite technical and Graham took a tumble in quite a sandy section! I really developed my pillion riding skills very quickly over the third day.Craig, Warren, Andre and Trevor helping Graham to lift his bike back up.Craig, Warren, Andre and Trevor helping Graham to lift his bike back up.

Sean and Sandy, Natalie, Mike and Hein waiting to cross the tricky section.Sean and Sandy, Natalie, Mike and Hein waiting to cross the tricky section.


When we reached the “Ghost Railway line” it was all lose little grey rocks! EISH! I quickly surveyed the situation with the bikes riding before us and seeing how easy they made it look I calmed down a bit. We all made it across this section in one piece.

We were EXTREMELY fortunate to have been able to ride through the Sambona Wildlife Nature Reserve thanks to Andre who organized this for us. Myself and Geoff’s daughter Megan opted to ride in the Safari vehicle with the escort. I wanted to take as many pictures as I could. The park is home to 6 white lions, 6 cheetahs, 17 giraffes, 80 zebra, and some rhino’s. We came up close to 3 beautiful giraffes (see the photos!) as well as a few Zebra. The three giraffes we saw in the reserve- isn't this picture perfect.The three giraffes we saw in the reserve- isn't this picture perfect.

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity we were lucky enough to have been a part of and I think everyone will agree with that!Riding through the Sambone Wildlife Reserve.Riding through the Sambona Wildlife Reserve.

After a long ride through the reserve we said our goodbye’s to Andre and made our way to the nearest petrol station. Here everyone filled up and adjusted their tyre pressure. We all said our goodbye’s as this would be the last stop that we would all be together!    Another photo of the bikes in the reserve.Another photo of the bikes in the reserve.

Thank you to everyone who made this trip so special and a special thanks to Warren Ellwood for being the leader and organizer of this trip. Thank you Andre for giving us the amazing opportunity that you did. Thank you to Hein for letting me use his fancy camera when mine wouldn’t work and thank you Natalie for teaching me that the word “Arshole” can also be used as a term of endearment ;)Thanks also to Chris Dunn who stayed with my dad and I on our way back home when my dad's bike was giving him trouble!

On a more personal note I would like to thank my dad for giving me the opportunity to experience such a great trip, and for being the person he is. And I would like to congratulate my cousin Craig, on becoming such a brilliant rider.Trevor and Craig VersfeldTrevor and Craig Versfeld

I’m sure we will all be there same time, same place next year! It's truly an experience not to be missed!:)

Comments

Hayleyscomet's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/30

 

 

Great write up Megan

Cool Photo's

Well done you Guys

Wayne

Cool

 

 

Ride Like the Wind

Cool

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

What a great report about a great weekend Megan. We should employ you as the chief report writer......

Well done, it was great having you with us!

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GeelKameel's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/21

Great report! Thanks for sharing your (clearly very memorable) experiences in a most readable trip report. And thanks for the pictures - some really nice ones! I love pictures that show a train of bikes riding in a long line.  Hmmm, I think it is time for me to see a long line of bikes from the seat of my own bike  Laughing

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Joined: 2009/01/26

Great trip report Megan, you summed up a great weekend really well.... and for those of us that don't bother to take a camera with anymore, your photo's are a fantastic reminder to a great weekend...Smile

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

Nice work Megan - you made this trip come to life.

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Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22

Nice Megan and quick to publish... well done.

Thanks for the colourfull report that really will make people quick to join a ride in future.

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

Warren Ellwood's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/18

Well done and thank you very much Megan. Excellent report. I think I'll pay for your next trip so we can have our new budding journalist along with us. I am also very glad you enjoyed yourself.

PS.

Don't forget, when your Dad starts shopping for your own gear, tell him you like AlpinestarsCool.

"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, and does it improve on the silence?"

Cloudgazer Steven's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/03

Great report.

I'm not happy that I missed this trip.... your report doesn't make me feel any better.

There are so many problems in this world. Luckily there's a wristband available for almost all of them.
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Joined: 2008/01/28

Fantastic report.  I wish that I was there.

Tony's picture
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Joined: 2008/08/24

Well done Megan! Great trip report - now I know I should have gone with!

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

MeganV's picture
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Joined: 2011/03/23

Thanks for the comments everyone! As you can see I REALLY enjoyed my first trip and I am SO excited for the many more to come! Can't wait!!! :)

 

MeganV's picture
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Joined: 2011/03/23

Thank you Geoff! :)

MeganV's picture
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Joined: 2011/03/23

Thank you very much Warren I had a fantastic time! :)