Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Leaning the bike into the wind, I wondered about Alvin's phone earlier call asking whether the ride would go on in the heavy wind. A smattering of the regular faces is always a pleasure, but more pleasingly are the constant new faces. Today we had two new members (please introduce yourselves on the forum). The bikes varied to include 1200GS/A's, 1200RT, 1200S, 650GS, 800GS, 800ST, K1200GT and 1200C. The ride took us towards the sea on the Plattekloof Road where the traffic lights were totally out of sync stopping us every time. We stopped to regroup 4 times, the last being as we turned on the M13 towards Durbanville. As we regrouped, we toured along at an easy 89-90kmh until we reached the end of the M13 as we entered Durbanville. Again, we realised a portion of the group were missing and hung about to regroup. PeteO took a run back along the M13 to find the strays, only for us to get a phone call to say they were at a filling station rund the corner. We take off again and, as we come to the filling station, we see everyone joining the road, so continue on the road towards Wellington. Taking the Fisantekraal turn, I look to see the glowing figure of Jeremy who has today taken the role of sweeper, and I'm pleased the whole crew is together. We trundle along at a modest 90-100kmh and the wind does its best rip man and machine apart. The disciplined staggered formation of the crew is only upset by the gentle weaving as the riders give inputs to counter the gusts. Turning onto the R44 , the wind is a bit better as it's head on. A short while later, we're turning left onto the Fairview Road which, although bumpy is a really nice stretch with panoramic views of Du Toits Kloof and the Franschoek Mountains. We drop down and turn left to Paarl. The main road is quiet this morning. Suppose there are quite a few cyclists in Paarl participating in the Argus. For some reason, I get a glimpse of bikes turning off and think we may have had some other riders riding with us for a while. After a scenic ride through Paarl, we turn right onto the R301. A bit tricky as one needs to know the route or have a GPS. Dual carriageway narrows to single lane roads and the scenery really improves. The R301 takes you through magnificent wooded farmland and the past the Paarl Golf Club. We pass the Windemeul place, which is supposedly a pleasant family club for picnics at the lake, must stop there sometime. We continue and pass the Groot Drakenstein Prison. At first, it looked like a really nice military camp, at least better than 10 Artillery where I was stationed. Just makes you wonder who's better off (mmm). We reach the intersection of the R45 and turn left towards Franschoek. The GPS starts to shout it's demanding instructions and we find Goederust on the right hand side of the road. As we walk into the restaurant, there's Dave and Brian and their lovely wives waiting. (Remember we mentioned seeing someone turn off - puzzled). Breakfast at Goederust is brilliant. R50 gets you a platefull of sausage, bacon, eggs, tomatoe, muchrooms and toast, all washed down with bottomless cups of coffee and orange juice. They really make you feel at home in the transquil surrounds. Conversation at our table drifts through subjects of Dept of Transport inadequacies to touring and the franchise industry and the impact of the financial downturn on this market. A good stimulating debate which wakes the mind up, considering I'd been up since 4.30am putting bikes on the Argus route. After breakfast, a small group take off for the Franshoek pass, while others all make their individual way home. I enjoy a pleasant ride with Alvin over the Hellshoogte Pass, then home via the R44 and the R101. Pleasant company is complemented by excellent scenery and a delicious meal. The next ride is on Sunday the 22nd to Riebeeck Kasteel, so rise early, the breakfasts in RK are normally a winner.