Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

This trip was originally organised to help Frances get some more kms under her belt. In the end she opted to do the Intro Course with Leon, which was also a good thing. '''Riders''' Charles Oertel 1150GS (Mr Badger) Peter O'Hanlon 650Dakar Andy Connell 1150GSA Anne Connell F650GS The plan was to travel dirt all the way to Charles' Fijnbosch Farme (we had not yet accomplished this since we tried 1½ years ago). We met at the Swartland Engen on the N7 7am (ish), had breakfast and then headed off in search of dirt - a mere 14kms away. Turning left, we followed the train track, snaking its way through the Swartland. From that moment, we never sat down again, as the road was full of potholes, corrugations, ruts...and MANY water crossings. I tell you, I finally learnt to stand crossing water, except in 1 or 2 which were deep and slithery and tried to suck you down or wash you away with some currents.

This is the “inside” of the inside story of the Blonde, the Virgin and the Locked Gate. The Virgin uncovers all. Some time back, in the days of the old forum, Charles, or shall I say Brenda, invited any willing members to help him/her find an off-road route from Swartland Engen to Fijnbosch Farme on top of Sun Mountain (“near” Aurora). Andy eagerly jumped at the opportunity and roped me in, having just completed his 1st off-road course with Leon. I, however, had just completed my 1st on-road course with Max. Miss Padlangs and I were just beginning to feel settled on the tar - so I had serious misgivings.