Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

While Charles is engrossed with Mr. Badger and Matthew (my handsome rider) is writing sup's at UCT (well, at least he is handsome and kind...), I thought I would get something off my chest. ===The Scene=== Nelson's Creek in February 2007. Charles had owned me for just over a year, and had done the 'Intro to Offroad' day course just 6 months ago. He was still such a novice. From the 'unh unh unh' noises when he pushed me out of the garage, to the nervous apprehension in the parking lot, and the pathetic display of riding ability on the Anysberg Trip (I mean, put two grains of sand together in the road and he is all over the place). It was getting to me - you'd swear I was a fat beast the way he struggled with me. That was when I overheard some bikes talking about the Nelson's Creek gathering in February of 2007. Unfortunately bikes are not allowed to register, but I made sure that when I was finished on Charles' PC at night I would leave the browser open on the discussion about the event. Eventually, he decided to give it a try as a means of learning how to pack camping gear on his bike on a short trip where mistakes would be easy to rectify. ===The Plan=== Once at Nelson's Creek, I overheard the announcer talking about the 'Skills Challenge'. Now there was something that might ''ruk die ou reg'': # the course is '''bike friendly''', which is perfect for a girl like me # the skills required are the '''basic introductory off-road skills''' that are taught on the intro course As you can imagine, Charles was more than slightly apprehensive about competing in the event. His fragile ego was worried that he would look a fool if he came last. So I colluded with some of my girlfriends in the parking lot. One girl was especially keen to help me - she was an escort, a 'girl for hire' if you know what I mean ;-). A dakar. She was used to abuse and agreed to throw her rider off during the event so that Charles would think we couldn't possibly come last. A few of the other girls agreed to help too. ===The Plan in Action=== The Dakar made good on her promise. Within the first few meters of the event, with Charles and Julie watching, she dived to the side and sent her rider sprawling. Then, on a short climb over a dam wall, she jumped into the air like a crazy thing and made her rider look so bad he gave up. I could see Charles thinking he couldn't possibly be as bad as this. Some of the other girls made their riders look clumsy too, and I could see Charles feeling more and more at ease about competing. I think he moved to the competitors' area straight after seeing a man with a prosthetic arm complete the course. ===The Skills Challenge=== As we wait for our turn, Charles does the 'frightened bunny' bit. Panting inside his helmet (and we hadn't even started). He must have had a dry mouth because I could hear him swallowing hard. The girls tell me it happens to their riders too. The course is all slow stuff - tight turns while balancing, stopping and going, and a little stunt where Charles had to pick up a rope tied around a pole and, while holding it, ride around the pole. I was so proud when he made it! Anyway, lovies, Charles did quite well for a rank beginner - 15th out of about thirty. The top ten went through to the next round. This was the start of Charles finally learning how to ride me. He had a new purpose - to be able to control me like he saw the finalists do in the skills challenge. Mr. Badger tells me that Charles now rides into the parking garage at work standing up, at slow speed, and takes out his security card and swipes it and waits for the boom to open, all standing up and balancing. So, all I can say is that you should get your rider to [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/nelsons-creek-2009-registration go to Nelson's Creek] and we will make a plan to get them to compete in developing their skills in a safe and friendly environment amongst friends. Leave [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/nelsons-creek-2009-registration this link lying around for them to register on] ... ;) [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/nelsons-creek-2009 more information about the event ...]