Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Some think it folly, others madness, even dangerous and few are in agreement, to take long bike trips by oneself is the ultimate riding experience.

Is it not lonely, boring or intimidating are often the responses to hearing about such a trip?  Well it is actually wonderfully selfish.  You go, start and stop when or wherever you want.  Travel at a speed that suites yourself.  The Route can be changed on a whim and places explored without considering anybody else.

This is my account of our Eastern Cape Eight Passes Adventure. I didn't keep any notes, so everything is from my somewhat faulty memory and my skewed perspective. I'll try to write a piece every evening.

 

I bought a 1200GS just less than two years ago. I had started riding road bikes again after a gap of about 30 years but after 2 years on tar and watching Long Way Round I felt that there must be more to motorcycling than tar.

Route Map The directional inspiration, for such a trip, came about while visiting with Chris (aka Padlangs) and Greta (Neil and I were invited to their new house, for a braai)…they had done a trip to St. Lucia. I had planned leave to do a trip, but up until this point, had no idea which direction to follow. After hearing Chris and Greta’s description of their trip, and seeing their photos, THIS WAS IT! Initially, I felt that I would like to follow the exact route taken by Chris and Greta… across to St. Lucia…but René had other plans for me. :-)