Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

This was a very enjoyable relaxed ride.  The weather gods played their part and gave us good weather on Sunday between the rain on Saturday and today.

Seven riders on seven bikes pitched up at the Winelands One Stop on the N1 for coffee and breakfast at 07:30.  I already knew Bob Goode and Barry Hobson but Eric Pretorius, Llewellyn Truter, Derrick Geary, and Leon Silverfox (sorry Leon I don’t remember your surname) were new to me.

Breakfast was a leisurely affair while getting to know one another - we did not have far to travel and time was not an issue.

We set off from the One Stop along the N1, turned onto the Malmesbury road and then immediately right onto gravel. From there on it was an easy ride through the farms roads to Hermon. Only one farm gate to be opened and closed.  The sun was rising, the scenery was beautiful and life was good.  The roads were a little wet but we did not encounter any slippery stuff.

We were a disciplined bunch and, although there were many twists and turns in order to keep on gravel, no one was left behind. This was of particular importance to me as I was the sweeper.

At Hermon we stopped for coffee at a farm stall called Du Vlei. This was a welcome stop because the temperature had not yet risen and our hands were cold. Although we only had tea and coffee, I could see from the attitude of the owners that that the food is certain to be good. They were friendly, took an interest in their customers and took pride in what they did. I will definitely return for a meal.

After coffee we crossed the R44/R46 and rode parallel to the mountains as far as Wellington. We passed the Rough and Ready training area which brought back memories of sand and sweat and fun. There was a bit of mud on this stretch but nothing to worry about.

From Wellington we rode to Paarl and then onto the scenic route on the slopes of Paarl Rock.  This is a marvellous ride which I last did with PeterO a number of years ago when he still had a black Dakar and I had just started on my off road riding. The views were just as spectacular as then.

We descended from Paarl Rock and ended up at La Grapperia on the Spice Route Farm, Suider Paarl for lunch. We sat outside as the temperature had increased to pleasant levels and had a jolly fine time chatting, eating, drinking and looking at the stunning views. We got on very well as a group and I would like to ride with these guys again.

The Spice Route Farm is an interesting place. Apart from the restaurant, there is a micro-brewery and chocolate factory. Derrick sampled the beer and pronounced it good. I bought Jane some chocolate and she pronounced it excellent. My shares are up for a short while. And everyone was happy with the food. This is a place to visit again.

After lunch we cut across country until just before the N7 where we said our goodbyes at around 14:00, I think.

The route was about 200km long, well planned with no time pressure and would not be taxing for beginners, although I am not sure that there were any beginners on this ride. It didn’t look like it.

I didn’t take any pics but it would be appreciated if anyone who did could upload them.

Well done Bob for arranging a very pleasant outing.