Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Darling Breakfast Ride - 2 October 2011
Ride Captain: John Geldenhuys
Sweeper: Warren Ellwood 
Bikes: 14
Bikes with Pillions: 4
Total Attendance: 22 

The weather building up to the weekend was rather precarious to say the least. Weather reports said anything from thunderstorms, rain, sunny and windy, the only thing they got right was the windy part!!

07h30 Sunday morning and I arrive at the Engen garage with a 4 bikes waiting for me! I am already hoping that this isn’t the only people arriving!! The wind was making it’s presence know to all and those coming from the southern suburbs had a little rain coming to the meet. By 07h15 we had 18 bikes and 22 people (semi) ready to enjoy a day out on the bikes.

We made our way out towards Malmesbury via some back tar back roads, only to be greeted by some roadwork’s. Luckily the delay wasn’t very long and off we set again. At this point, I have to mention the sun had come out and the wind even dropped off, really turning into a lovely day!

Roadworks near Malmesberry

Reaching Brigs barn in Darling, we had a to squeeze the bikes into a “small” parking lot! I was most impressed with the larger tourer bikes, the guys getting them parked with precision!
For those who have not been to Brigs barn, I can recommend it!! We sat on the porch, enjoying some sun, and loads of percolator coffee! Just what we needed! Breakfast itself was delicious and by the looks of things, Mike really enjoyed the toast! Conversation over breakfast varied and all in all good laughs, jokes, stories and friendly banter was enjoyed by all. But as with all things, we needed to set off again.

Breakfast at Brigs Barn

Mike and Family

3 Brothers riding together - I got the looks!

The Roadies headed off towards the R27 at warp speed by the sounds of things! Was great to have you along!! The Dirties headed towards the start of “Good” gravel….oh and stopping for fuel, since I again forgot to fill up at the Engen… really got to work on that! 

Now, I did say good dirt road, but when we turned off onto the dirt, my heart missed a beat when I say the lack of gravel and abundance of as our Chairman Warren would say, a lite sprinkling of sand. We stopped, ABS off, TC off, and here we go!! The “sand” didn’t get better and the first 20km was all sandy gravel! When we stopped at the first turn to take stock, our group had dropped down by 2 bikes, who decided that today was not day for this road! Vanessa, who after her “little” accident joined us today, was a little tense! But she mastered the first section like a true champ!

When we reached the tar inter-connect, 2 more bikes called it day and headed off home, leaving 8 bikes remaining. From here we burned throw Malmesbury and towards Riebeek Castle. Our sweeper, decided to take a different route and not follow the group, his punishment was an assault of miggies that resulted in a rather swollen eye! After a minor group “re-alignment” and establishing who is leading the ride and who is sweeping and what his role is, we were off again!!    

Riding the back road, the Gravel was what I had said it would be, mike on his Dakar was steaming ahead and Trevor with Sian as Pillion wasn’t taking it easy either, the 800GS powering it’s way with ease leaving poor Natalie in the dust!

Our Gravel stop was next to a crop duster! Now never having been next to one, it’s definitely bigger than what I thought it would be! Mike at this point took Warren’s 800GS for a ride…. Now we all know what happens when you do that…you buy one!! Mike was impressed…Christmas present?

Trevor and John

Mike testing his new bike

We are all one big family!

From here, we set of back to Durbanville and home.

I would like to say big thank you to everyone that supported the ride and to those who rode the initial 20km’s through tough conditions like champs! I take my hat of you!
To the roadies, what a great bunch of guys and ladies! Apparently I have a job as a waiter as well if IT doesn’t turn out to good! All jokes aside, you guys can be sure I will be riding with you guys again!

Enjoy the week further and till next time, stay safe out there!

John Geldenhuys
a.k.a
DarkWing Duck