Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

During the week leading up to this particular course some wet weather was predicted, however nothing could dampen my eagerness to attend the course and judging by the friendly faces I greeted at Nelsons Creek I knew it would be a splendid day. We all assembled for some coffee and muffins, the usual banter and getting to know fellow course attendees at one of the many wonderful facilities offered by Nelsons Creek, what a great venue for motorcycle training. Parked bikes at Nelsons Creek ..........Our instructors for the day, Leon and Johan quickly got us all settled in and down to business. We were given an introductory talk and demonstration on safety gear and given advice on applicability. The static motorcycle posture demonstrations mostly facilitated by Johan was of tremendous value and we soon got to practice these techniques ourselves while doing various cone exercises. Probably one of the most important techniques to learn is how to correctly pickup your motorcycle. With tongue in cheek I must admit that the Cape Town way of picking up a motorcycle is defiantly easier and better on your back as apposed to the Gauteng way. Johan showed us the technique on shuffling backwards with you back to the motorcycle and utilising a straight back while picking up your motorcycle as apposed to grabbing it by the handle bar and jerking the motorcycle up. Johan and Leon Johan showing us how it's done ............The cone exercises taught us how to utilise balance and weight shifting for easier maneuverability and it become very apparent on one of the many short rides on the farm. The short rides also kept the day exciting and it was a wonderful opportunity to view the Nelsons Creek farm. Cones being packed out ..............The crowning of the day was to pass the emergency stop on gravel by using your front wheel and a locked back wheel. Yes it sounds daunting but I can assure you that you will appreciate the skill gained! Both instructors where extremely patient and even the people that didn't pass most certainly benefited from the tuition. All in all this course is well worth the money and in my view a must for every single enduro motorcycle owner. You will feel so much more comfortable with your motorcycle and appreciate it's capabilities in off road conditions. I have already booked my place for the rider/pillion training with CountryTrax. A big thanks to CountryTrax, Nelsons Creek and the instructors, Leon and Johan. Keep up the good work! Corné doing his Ninja moves becaus he passed :-)