Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Good Riding, Good Friends and Good Food... What a weekend. The anticipation started about a week ago, and with business going silly, I finally got a new tyre fitted to Herman on Thursday. This was also a really special occasion as our wives attended, albeit in the air-conditioned, leather cocooned luxury of the Merc. Despite a largish group setting off from Plattekloof, by Du Toits Kloof, the groups had already split up to enjoy the camaraderie experienced by smaller groups on a longish road trip. Our group of four, Cliff (1200Cruiser), James (R100RT), Wolfgang (R1150R) and me on the Herman (R1150RT), have a similar riding style when it comes to touring the long straights, whilst Wolfgang and I have a very similar style of riding when we see that little sign with a wiggle. It seemed to take forever for the new BT021 to bed in and despite the rear working well, the front just had no grip. Still, it eventually comes to temp and grip and then things really come to life. Despite the weight, the RT is incredibly nimble and despite the many rides and passes we've done, I'm still in awe of just how capable the bike is as a sports tourer. Friday was greatly enjoyed with stops at Ronnies and the Country Pumpkin, Ladismith and Calitzdorp. The sweltering heat had us gasping for something cold at every stop. The sight of a fellow BMW rider sporting only his scants before diving into the pond at Ronnies, was in such contrast to the city and I thought this must be the pool with the best view in the world. Dave had pre-warned our friends at the Country Pumpkin and each rider was greeted with a shot of Muscadel, before we wolfed down the most enormous and delicious burgers. The four of us made Oudtshoorn at about 15h45, where, within a few minutes, I was in the pool, washing away the fatigue and road dust. After a great BBQ on the Friday, made even more pleasant by the fact that our ladies were with us, on Saturday we geared up for a ride to slightly cooler climes. The ladies were intent on doing some plastic exercise in Knysna, while the four of us took off on the 328 to Mossel Bay, with the destination being the deck of the restaurant at the Knysna Heads. Wolfgang and I had a spirited ride where Wolfgang commented that he'd never seen his bike achieve "that" speed before. The new BT021's were working nicely and the passes were seen from some crazy angles. On one occasion, looking up at a baboon sitting on the Armco made me realise just how hard we were pushing. The two 1150's simply revelled in the ride which, by the time we made Mossel bay, the wear line had extended to the edge of the tyre. Shifting weight around the bike helped to hustle the big bike without anything touching down, despite a moment when in a tight "heavy G" turn, a sharp dip almost had the suspension at max compression. We swapped bikes between us for the motorway stretch and I had the cruiser till Sedgefield. Quite a bit of work to hang on with cornering being a style I have yet to master. :-) After a quick visit to the market and with an aunt in Sedgefield, we took off for Knysna. A secret little paved deck accompanies one of the two restaurants at the heads. The view is spectacular and a grand place to enjoy lunch. The ladies had arrived shortly before us and it was great to share the company and our stories of the ride. Leaving together, as soon as the twisties started, Wolfgang and I were off like rats up a drainpipe. The Outeniqua pass is unbelievable with a surface that reminded me of Alpine touring in Europe. Much of the ride was spent in the upper extremes of the bikes (and our) abilities and the 10km markers flashed by in rapid succession. Thanks to Dave and Cliff for organising the Saturday evening which we thoroughly enjoyed while sipping on James' bottle of wine for best dressed (and many other bottles) and the most delicious sweet potatoes. On Sunday, we left at approximately 9am with the plan to stop in Montague for lunch. Car packed and everyone under way, James and Cliff lead while, when the occasion presented itself, Wolfgang and I would take off for a more spirited ride through the twisty bits. On the last 50 km's before Ronnies, we were averaging 4 mins/10 km with the last 10 through the pass being less the 4 mins. The grins on our faces said it all. A quick beer at Ronnies and to regroup before Montague had Wolfgang and I leading with Cliff and James taking up station behind the fleeing Merc. I'm not sure who had the more white-knuckled ride, the riders or the car passengers. We came upon a few riders en route, and it was great to experience the waves and smiles as we passed each other, those riders evidently having enjoyed the weekend as much as us. We had lunch at my aunt’s restaurant, THE DOCKS in Montague, which had me eyeing out the pool all through my meal. Leaving the ladies still eyeing out the dessert menus, we saddled up for the final push home. WE took it easy, riding in formation for most of the way until Du Toits Kloof where the temptation for Wolfgang and I was too much and we took off for a low level flight over the pass. Several baboons were in the spectator stands as the BMW's hurtled past on their way down to Paarl. We split up as we neared Cape Town, the afternoon traffic making formation riding both difficult and dangerous. I had just finished washing the bike when wife arrived home. Both Theresa and I had an absolutely brilliant weekend. It is with pleasure that I can say Theresa, and I as I've not been able to enjoy her company at these events before. Thanks to James, Cliff and Wolfgang for your company on the road, and to the ladies for your company on the weekend. Big thanks to Dave who works tirelessly at creating these weekends for us, and also to the many other attendees who made the weekend great. Ride safe all and we'll definitely see you at the next event. Cheers Lawrence

We could only get out of Cape Town by 10:00 on Friday, just to late to ride with the group. Nothing to do, but make it a nice touring trip. Just after 12 we were in Cape Agulhas for lunch. Next to the stop sign (the only one!), there is a lovely “fish and chips” shop. After you order, they walk down to the beach, catch your fish, and then carefully prepare it. Almost 30 minute wait, but well worth it. No warmed up stuff here. Who is in for a lunch-run to get some of this perfect fish? Bredasdorp, onto Swellendam. As we approach the N2, we see the tail end of the cars just let through the “Stop-go”. Slow down, tap down a gear or two, turn and we are directly headed towards Swellendam. Swellendam, Heidelberg and then a re-fuel at Riversdal. Now the tour can start, left turn in the dip and my first trip through Garcia pass. Two or three nasty turns (with clear warning signs), then miles and miles of long sweepers. :) Unfortunately we are running behind schedule, no option but to enjoy the bends. This road joins the R62 just outside Ladismith. Yet another quick cool drink before we set of for the final straight. This time we missed out, a long stop in Nuwehuis pass. Now I am worried that we will be too late to get to the butchery before closing – more throttle. At Kleinplasie I had a quick shower and was ready for the Friday night party, just missing Brahman. With me running a little late Warren stepped in and got the fires going. He seemed to enjoy himself, so I was looking forward to a relaxing evening. Before long I heard that Niel was thinking about an outride to meet up with Jane and ride the last distance with her – Jane could not get of work earlier, so she left Cape Town after 16:00 and drove through all alone. No way I was letting a friend drive alone at night, so I got dressed and joined in. I concentrated so much on the furthest edge of the head light that I had absolutely no idea of the speedometer – surfice to say we did 120 km in less than an hour, including a fuel stop and two mountain passes lit up by the full moon. Back at the ranch my chalet was fast asleep, with way to little blood in my adrenaline stream I made my way to the party area. Many thanks to Tobie for braai-ing our meat while I was having fun. Those tjops were devine, almost 10 hours after lunch. Will post day 2 later. Would like to hear the other versions of what happened on Friday.

Dave and Di spent Saturday preparing the venue for the Saturday night function, thus Dave asked me to lead an on-road ride. Staying behind, to treat the club members. As Lawrence wrote, various other on-road rides also took place. We took a gentle ride through De Rust to Meirings Poort. I could not quite understand why the small group kept on stretching out so much, so we stopped in Meirings Poort to regroup. After a while we carried on through Meirings Poort towards Prince Albert. Three bikes pulled over again to take some photos. With the group stretching all the time we stayed below 120 km/h all the way, only doing 70 to 80 km/h inside Meirings Poort. Inside Prince Albert I stopped at the Lazy Lizzard. I was promptly asked why I was riding so fast, by a gentleman that has only had his bike for 5 weeks – thinking back to a certain trip in May I could only smile. However, I do find it very important to accommodate “newbies”. ( I will start a separate thread about accommodating new riders, no need to sidetrack this trip report) Although it was a bit early, we decided to order lunch. An hour later only three of us remained, sitting in a calm breeze in the shade of the trees. Jane tried every which way to twist my arm into a long ride, I insisted on resting out for Sunday. We were just getting ready to leave when Rene and Jean showed up. You should have seen Jane’s face when Rene invited her on a “little” ride to George and back. Just as they got up to leave, Pierre and Amanda joined us. Eventually we left, after three hours. Pierre and I had a gentle ride into Meirings Poort, stopping at the waterfall. We enjoyed a quiet cool drink, when “indigenous folk” strolled into the parking area with a tot in one hand and an almost empty bottle of Brahman’s favorite liquid refreshment. As they got more roudy, people started leaving. We stopped again further along Meirings Poort. When I checked my cell phone I went cold all over, Christo had sent me the following SMS: “Ons was in n ongeluk. Makeer niks. Bike is scrap.” Needless to say, no cell phone reception. So we headed into De Rust to get the proper story. You will have to for ChristoE to say what happened. Back at Kleinplasie it was almost time to get ready for the function. Stunning evening. By half past nine shalet 37 passed out again. By 4:00 on Sunday morning I was completely rested. After a long shower I got ready for the days ride. By 5:00 Christo and I were having coffee on the stoep, waiting for the daylight to displace the darkness. At 5:22 we handed in our key at reception. Unfortunately Christo’s bike was on the trailer, so they had to wait for the rest of the camp to wake up. Having had a rest day on Saturday, we headed to Cape Town via George. Breathtaking sunrise Halfway between Oudtshoorn and George, the sun started showing signs of rising. This is why I love these early morning rides. There is just no way that a photo can capture the “feeling”. After George we headed to Mosselbay to have a Wimpy breakfast at the Engen. With our tummies filled, I topped up the GreenMamba for a beautiful days ride. At Riversdal I pulled over and asked Greta if she was game for and extended run, the smile on her face said, “YES”. A right turn and again it was the Garcia pass. Unfortunately these long sweepers just do not feel good at a relaxing 120 km/h. Looong sweepers, oooh so nice. Nope, you guessed wrong, I was so relaxed I just kept it at 120 km/h for the whole day. As we turned onto Route 62 I saw the sign where Brahman and Padlangs stopped last year for some photos. Brahman, would you believe, your ostridge was there keeping a watchful eye on us. Brahman se voel in die agtergrond. A nice hot drink at Country Pumpkin helped to warm up the body, the stretch between George and Mosselbay was in stark contrast to the heat we had experienced on Friday. As the theme of the day was to have an extended run, we just had to do the Tradouw Pass to Swellendam. This also means that we have now done al five passes from Swellendam to George in one weekend. By now we saw more and more bikes coming from the rally in Worcester. Another 200 km of gentle cruising got us home safely, with fond memories of a lovely weekend. It took a couple of hours to get the bugs of my beloved GreenMamba. This weekend has again proven what a stunning touring bike the RT is. How about an on-road over-nighter early in December or mid January? (PM or email me if you are interested. Please state your prefered date and include your email adress.)

400GS in mirrorA most delightfull weekend.Thanks to ALL.The off-road up & to The Hell,the friendliness stood out strongly.The night ride with Chris toward Mossel-Bay to meet- up with Jane was a low & high light.The ride to the Robinson Pass - a low unclear road, unable to see if straight or veering left or right,but the pass well marked with cats-eyes a HIGH.Chris and I met Jane (one eyed car or bike) in a corner,as she passed:-bike,she doesnt need us,What Speed has she been doing? Chris and I turned we said hello with a hug ,then the pass again, SUBLIME the bike over low left and right,Jane and Chris following, the blue-white road lines in the HID beams, the orange-red cats-eyes snaking ahead and the growl of the bike as I dropped the brake and accelerated out of the corner,braking dropping the bike into the next .My thanks to Jane`s work for keeping her late! Sunday`s ride back:between Laingsburg and Riversdale a stone flew from my back tyre @140 to 160 hitting Jane`s screen breaking a golf ball sized hole and hitting her she`s ok.Riversdale visit her friends, then to Heidelburg via a detour to Barrydale ,lunch and home or so I thought.The detour`s tar became dirt for +- 25 km to the Tredoux Pass.Jane "no I want to try".So Cheesy and Padlangs perhaps you guys should start wearing PINK!Typing this has taken 2+hrs so photos will follow when I have found where they are hidden on my comp.Ride scarred 400GS1200GS being passed by the latest 400GS

Oudshoorn toer Oktober 2007 My first effort - please be patient! It was a start like the previous one - but with the difference that there was noticeably fewer bikes when we arrived just before nine on Friday morning. It soon became clear that it was mainly because of the fact that there was a big off-road contingent already on their way and that some of the other members could not wait so long and left on Thurday already!Engen Plattekloof Engen Start to Oudshoorn Engen Plattekloof to Oudshoorn 2007 We departed shortly after nine with a first stop planned for Ultra city at Worchester. More riders joined us here With a majority of RT’s leading the way (not often that we can claim this ahead of the GS’s) we took to the road after a longer than usual stop at the Shell in Worchester. On route 62 the group split up in smaller units of about 3 or 4 bikes with next planned stop Country Pumpkin in Barrydale. Don’t you just love that piece of road between Montagu and Barrydale? How is it possible to stay within the legal speed limit on this piece of road? I am sure if there was a speed check – most, if not all of us, would have arrived with a heavy fine in the bag at least - if not a date for a court appearance! But we did so responsibly - as responsible as my pillion allowed - reminding me ever so often with a little tap on the shoulder and a finger pointed in the direction of the speedometer. The County Pumpkin treated us to the normal hospitality and great food and off we went again. A surprised flash from the front just outside town made me turn around just to go and make sure that they got my picture properly. From here the average speed increased at the same rate as the outside temperature - moving steadily higher than 32 degrees Celsius on the RT’s display. Teen die tyd het Ma se sitplek soos ‘n klip begin voel en daar was baie minder protestering oor die spoed wat ons kon handhaaf. Met Dave aan die voorpunt het ons ‘n lekker spoed gehandhaaf ( Warren op die GT kon wragtie byhou – en om hom beter te laat voel het ons hom in die middel laat ry sodat hy nie agter kon raak nie) So gou soos nou seil ons Oudshoorn binne met ‘n groot dors vir iets koud in die keel af. Oudshoorn toer 2007 Very nice accommodation awaited us and a big thanks again for all the arrangements Dave and Kie. Under cove parking for the bikes - greatUnder cover parking Friday night’s “bring en braai” was made more special with Warren’s music box keeping the tired spirits up – and for some of us maybe even further than just up. The consequences were clear on Saturday morning – with some cloudy faces around (or was it just the weather?).Oudshoorn toer 2007 Warren - Braaiman en musiekmanSome of the Chris -to's - they like their RT''sHappy daysLT representation Net ‘n paar “moer ‘n babbelas” toorgoed later en ons was reg vir die Saterdag ride. Net Warren wat ‘n disappearing trick gedoen het omdat hy weer saam met die RT’s moes ry. Not to worry Warren – we shall wait for you again and phone you again. Just answer your phone next time! Warren missed out on more or less a 300 km trip taking us over Robertson pass onto Eight Bell’s Hotel on the coastal side. Creamsoda floats and Rooibos did it for us and we were on our way to Mosselbay in a flash.Nog 'n Chris op 'n RT We started of in 30 degrees and ended up top the pass at round about 21 degrees. Nice weather for riding with a very slight babbelas.Eight Bells & Creamsoda floats After a turn a the Point in Mosselbay we made our way back to “Die Dekke” next to the N2 near Klein or Groot Brak for a nice lunch and something for the throat. The service was really very bad until somebody made us aware of a big notice board with clear writing on it, indicating that it is a self-help point and that we need to order at the counter. From there the service was great. From there to Outoniqua pass - taking the back road via the George airport and passing Fancourt - to stay out of the Saturday traffic in the main road of George. Enough said about the pass already – but what a great ride! The Rugby final went the right way and after that the Saturday nigh function once again delivered something to remember. Saturday night fever.. Good food, great company and beautiful music. Many thanks for a great evening – once again! Oudshoorn toer 2007Oudshoorn Okt 2007 The lucky draw - well ....reminds me of a song 'Some guys have all the luck .....! Petro and I extended our stay and started the journey back on Monday morning – one pass still to do being the Tredoux pass. Took the route from George on the N2 and did most of the ride in rain.Oudshoorn toer 2007 At the turn-off it was pouring down and I think I took the right decision to stay on the N2. I will have to do so on another weekend. So many roads ……………. little time! The last part we did in typical CTown weather - sunchine and lots of wind starting just after Du toits Kloof pass. Home sweet home!Oudshoorn toer 2007 Oudshoorn Okt 2007 Once again thanks for a well organized weekend. Cannot wait for the next one.

Hel Freezes Over This is just a taste of some of the scenery we enjoyed with Geoff on the way to '''Die Hel'''. Notice how angry the sky became when the devil realized that Olaf wasn't going to stay!

Hoesit almal, ek is nou ook op die forum ;-)

Test Post deleted till we can upload pics properly. Hermanator - I don't understand. I have just uploaded the above, logged in as you. What did you do? Ah, it becomes clear. I created the same blank images as you did by doing the 'Click here to add images' thing with the picture icon below the text box. Then I clicked 'Upload new Image', and filled in a title. Then, it seems, '''you forgot to select a picture from your hard drive to upload'''. You clicked submit but had no image. So, how to fix: # Click on '''my account''' # Select the '''Track''' tab (top right) # Find the pictures that you uploaded, # Click on the link to them # Select the '''edit''' tab # In the '''Upload''' box near the top, click the button, go and find the picture, and upload it, then # Click '''submit''' HTH ;-) regards Charles

Welkom ou GUNTER !!!!!! Uiteindelik.... Keep it SAFE !!

I can only agree with Lawrence - what a week-end! As an older rider on an older bike (1983 vintage), I had had some misgivings re the length and distance to be travelled, but need not have worried. I must get the shocks softened up a bit though, as it is quite a firm ride as Wolfgang will agree. The bike purred along albeit a little slower than Lawrence and Wolfgang - alright - a lot slower, but it was great fun, and thanks to them for their patience in escorting us along at times until the temptation got too much. It was very special having the girls (particularly my wife) along and a big thanks to Yvonne for doing the driving. Also, a big thanks to Dave and Di for all the effort they put in to organizing the week-end.

Neil, I will have to ask "Bad Girl Allison" where Brahman bought her that sexy pink leather set. No, not THAT one - the biker kit. I think we need to put an article togther about Jane's rides. This must then be placed in the BMW magazine, asking why they refuse to build a "lower" bike - with an engine to suite Jane's exploits. VIVA Jane! :)

Agree agree - let's all stand together and get BMW to make us up a bike for our queen Jane !!! Keep it SAFE !!

I have yet to see 2 people enjoy biking more that my aging friend and Jane, It is always great to ride with you. Bum in the saddle, always.