Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

The first breakfast run of the summer, well actually not, or was it? The first summer ride was scheduled for 7 October. As it turned out, the winter was not quite done, yet. More to the point the ride on 7 October had to be cancelled due to a proper winter storm – at the start of the summer. So the Greyton ride on 27 October was to be the first summer ride – that actually took place. Guess what? After 30 degrees on Saturday, the cloud cover and wind on Sunday morning was very representative of the general mood on this Sunday morning. After the compulsory celebrations that accompanied the rugby finals – well, suffice to say not many people spoke loudly. Drivers briefing 10 minutes before the starting time there were only 5 or 6 bikes at Engen. 15 minutes later there were about 18 bikes and more than 30 people. Although everybody spoke in a hushed tone, you could feel there was “something” in the air. Dave eventually managed to get the whole group together for the drivers briefing. We were promptly informed that this was going to be a scenic drive. N1, Klapmuts, Franschoek, Villiersdorp, Dassiesfontein and then onto Greyton. Franschoek pass On the N1 I got very worried. Oom Rene was idling along at barely 120 km/h, with the group passing him one by one. As the sweeper I had to hang back and see if he had a problem, fortunately we caught up to the group at the Klapmuts turn off. The typical Sunday morning traffic slowed down the group just enough that Oom Rene and myself could just keep in touch. Slow crawl through Franschoek and with the pass in sight every thing was back to normal. With afterburners on, Cheezy shot past the group. Fortunately Niel Terry was kind enough to hang onto Cheezy’s bumper (somebody had to make sure that he was safe). Just maybe it is still too early to say “oom”. Halfway up the climb of the pass, the mist was so thick that you could not see past the next turn. There was just something poetic about the partial view. As soon as we went over the pass we were met by a completely different weather pattern. No wind and a clear sky. On the way down the other side of the pass I pulled over to take some photos of the “BMW snake”. Dam wall Now I had the very pleasant task of catching up to the group. Surfice to say that the GreenMamba is still capable of a “top end run”. At the T-junction by the dam Christo Engelbreght and Chris van der Westhuizen joined the group, each with a pillion. Almost forgot to say, Cheezy made up so much time over the pass, he was standing next to his bike when the group eventually got to the dam. A gentle drive to Villiersdorp and then a right turn towards the N2. A few kilometers further I again stopped to take photographs of the group as they passed over the dam wall. Man-O-man, what fun it is to catch up to the group. Ian Steyn later pointed out that this only happened because my “speed control” was not on the back of the bike. There is no answer to this that won’t dig me in even deeper. Final straight (and twisties) to Greyton At the N2 turn towards Greyton Dave stopped the group to call-in that we are en route, and to please get the coffee ready. Now that is the sign of an experienced chairman. Thanks Dave. I drove on a short distance to get some photos of the group, from the front. Now we started moving back into the cloud cover. The road from the N2 to Genadendal is in mint condition and has the one sweeper after the other. Almost one loooong mountain pass, without any real elevation changes. Here I forgot all about my duties as sweeper and just had some fun. Oooops Cafe Herbert 25 bikes and about 38 people is probably more than Café Herbert serves at a time. They put up a valiant effort. The two owners were always about and followed up immediately if something was missing. I am not sure if it is all the hard work I did playing Rossi through all the twisties, but I surely did enjoy the food. When we visited this establishment last year the new owners had only been there a few months. It is reassuring to see how much they accomplished in one year. There is a gallary at the back of the premises, this now also doubles as a chapel for small weddings. The “stoep” at the back had been enlarged and got a roof. A braai place had also been added. Apparently a bar is the next to be added. All they need now is some more toilets. Almost forgot to mention the stunning garden. A rose for the two ladies that keeps this club going - many thanks The return trip again beconed small groups into different directions. A certain birthday girl only wanted to get home to catch up on some lost sleep – apparently stayed up late watching men running around fighting about an oval ball. Four RT’s headed out to Botrivier, eventually two RT’s turned left and did the Rooi Els route. I heard somewhere that it is illegal to the Rooi Els route without stopping at Drummond Arms – viva Brahman. At Drummond Arms we met up with Pierre, another RT rider. After some refreshments we continued around the mountain. A quick wave as the other RT’s turned of in Gordons Bay and finally I am on my way back to Bellville via Stellenbosch, 340 kilometers later. Thanks to one and all for a stunning ride. Welcome back to those that took their bikes out after the winter for this ride. Also a heartfelt welcome to those that joined us today for the first time – see you soon at the next breakfast run.