How does a restaurant get the name, The Docks, in the Klein Karoo? Well, the owners always wanted a restaurant near the sea. When they did get around to buying a restaurant, which was unfortunately not near the sea, they decided to call it The Docks. The family joke is, “We are just waiting for high tide”. This stunning establishment belongs to Lawrence’s (Hermanator) family. He was kind (brave) enough to arrange that this establishment would host us for a “day ride”.
Larence's family
But wait I am getting way ahead of myself.
For the last half of the year I have been trying to put together an on-road ride. At first I tried to find a date that would also accommodate the off-road crowd. This led to one excuse after the other why this ride kept on being postponed. Finally I took the decision to arrange a ride on 16 December, with any luck a few people would be available to join us. The feedback was extremely positive. At one point I was even worried that too many people would be joining the ride for the limited seating.
The Docks
However, I should probably have been more worried about the rain – in mid December. It was reasonably clear that there would be “some” rain on Sunday. With some luck the weather forecasters might even have been right (for once), rain over night, clearing up in the morning. Yeah right! Obviously some club members are not as trusting of the weatherman. As I pulled in at Engen, I immediately recognized LMG, aka Abel. Abel has previously described himself as “Lang Maer Gat”. At 6 foot 10 inches (2,08m), and not over weight, he may well describe himself as LMG. I should also point out that he already did 120 km just to get to the starting point! Abel, nice to have met you. Hope to see you on more rides. Nine bikes, 10 people gathered at Engen.
Short, Medium, TALL
Parow to Paarl saw mild precipitation (translation, it never stopped raining). Half way up the pass the fun started. The cloud cover turned into thick mist, eventually Jane’s motorcycle head light just become a dim glimmer – she was only a few meters behind me.
The "friendly" man in pink
After the pass, a few riders (who will rather remain un-named) started having “fun”. Over a warm cup of coffee at the Shell outside Worcestor the culprits promised to behave themselves. Johan and Tracey now also joined us. The weather finally played along – for a few kilometers. We will have to go back to the Koo Valley when the weather is better. It is strange how such a rainy ride can still be a very positive experience.
Keisie in the rain
At The Docks some “liquid refreshment” helped to dispel the cold – from the inside. The waitress was an absolute star! Only a few minutes after we indicated what we wanted for lunch, the starters arrived. Lovely soup, followed by a carvery plate. Finally, ice cream with chocolate sauce.
Main course
Some of the riders left early, while we waited for another cup of coffee. The remaining 6 bikes went through the pass towards Ashton. We encountered a hoist that was busy recovering a Toyota. Fortunately we were only delayed for a very short period.
Tass "on a string"
While refilling in Ashton it was decided to do the Robertson Bonnievale route, since the weather had cleared up. As we got closer to Robertson, it was clear that Bonnievale was still experiencing heavy rain – thus we headed straight for Worcestor. Well, as straight as the traffic allowed – back roads via Rawsonville. After the weighbridge, my fellow riders again succumbed to the “need for speed”.
Looming rain
Greta and I pulled in at the Trout Farm, to relieve some pressure on the bladder. Imagine my surprise when we met up to group after only a few kilometers. Wolfgang had experienced a flat tyre. Fortunately we had a carpenter that wears a pink shirt and that loves to sniff glue and play with rubber in the group. We had almost finished the tyre repair when Stellenbosch Motorrad (Donford?) came past us. With a series of hand gestures they did confirm that we were sorted out before they carried on. Thanks Donford.
Pink mechanic
Just to round off a wet day, the rain came back in full force. Again visibility was a problem over the mountain. By the time we got back onto the N1 the rain was behind us. Now it was just a matter of negotiating the traffic. Yes, at Kraaifontein there was another motorcar accident. Again we had to stop while the ambulance made a U-turn on the N1. The freighting thing is the number of cars that drove without their lights on.
Conclusion. The weather did not play along for this day ride. Yet, everybody had a stunning time! Hopefully we will do this route again, soon – with better weather.