Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Introduction to gravel roads day ride into the Overberg - GREYTON Sunday 7^th April 2019

Hi there to all riders, rusty on riding gravel or new to riding on gravel.

Gravel riding is what adventure biking is all about, exploring places close to Cape Town that beckon you back for more.

The BMWMCC has organised another enjoyable club gravel road ride.

70% of the ride on gravel roads

30% of the ride on good old familiar tar roads.

Autumn has arrived allows you to answer that yearning for adventure, the Lucerne and canola has been planted.

The Sout and Klein rivers are now a mere late summer trickle of their former vibrant chuckling selves and even the mighty Riversonderend waters are in much need of fresh rain.

This ride is a fantasia of color and smells and far horizons.

If you have recently done the off-road training, this is a must ride event.

This ride is suited to riders new to gravel roads and is pillion friendly.

This is a beginners ride; we will not ride fast.

Total distance is 280 kilometers.

Back home at 17H00.

Fuel & lunch for own account.

DATE     : Sunday 7^th April 2019

Costs     : no charge for paid up BMW MCCC members.

                 R50.oo fee for non club members. (club dues not paid or not registered).

Where   :  meet at 08H00 – the BP on the N2 on the far side of Somerset West.

Booking:  Book online here

Any dual sport bike 650cc or larger welcome.

At 08H20, riders briefing, route plan and departure at 08H40.

We will split into groups of 10 riders, with experienced riders leading and sweeping.

Some of you have done this before and now when you do it again, you will be surprised how some 'dicey' parts that scared you seem so tame the next time round.

We will ride- irrespective of the weather.

Join us to build up kilometres under the belt or just to enjoy our exquisite back yard.

We ride N2 up Sir Lowry’s pass bypassing Grabouw & Elgin.

Over the Houwhoek Pass through Bot Rivier and then hook right through Caledon.

All on tar.  There will not be a back up vehicle.

Now we descend into the Hemel en Aarde Vallei turning left onto the gravel- Terslaarsdal road.

We adjust tire pressure and suspension for gravel and an off-road briefing

We will split into groups of 10 bikes to keep us manageable, and increase rider enjoyment.

It’s a magnificent road and a very beautiful ride which pillions will just love as they are feasted to brilliant vistas of the rich spring colors of the bread-bin of the Southern Cape.

PILLIONS TO PLEASE USE CAMERAS!!!

After snaking up to the N2 we cross and head up to lunch stop in Greyton.

After a relaxed lunch we ride out West on tar to Genadendal, then gravel road.

6km further we turn right at Middelplaas on good gravel, past Helderstroom prison at Sunnyside, tar over Eselsjag pass and L to gravel and the Draaiberg road to Botriver via Van der Stel pass.

Top up, say goodbyes in Botriver and then run for home.

Plenty stops to adjust gear, bikes as needed to make your ride more comfortable and photograph the awesome scenery.

Mountain passes on the route

Sir Lowry’s pass- tar  http://mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/western-cape/item/160-sir-lowry-s-pass-n2.html

Houwhoek pass- tar  http://mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/western-cape/item/93-houw-hoek-pass,-n2.html

Eselsjag pass- tar (not yet on this website)

Van der Stel pass – gravel  http://mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za/find-a-pass/western-cape/item/268-van-der-stel-pass.html

Make use of the many short stops to check adjustments to your clothing, gear and even your bike.

There is a lot to be said for ‘tuning’ yourself and your bike into good riding trim to make it a more enjoyable and comfortable outing.