18 November 2008 - 7:59am — Annie
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.