Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Merweville had become a point of discussion between Wayne and myself for quite some time now and when a last min opportunity arose for Wayne to join a club ride to there, he jumped at it.

 Ever since his return from this ride he just wouldn’t stop about how great the ride was and we should go there soon.

 Since it doesn’t take much to convince me to explore new places I agreed at the first chance I could. We agreed that Wayne would put the ride together this time.

Well, let me take this early opportunity to that Wayne and I differ greatly in this area. I tend to choose a destination then find the most indirect way of getting there but out all the small insignificant detail like what will we be eating or what the rooms look like etc.

Were as Wayne planned this trip right down to the along the way excursions as well as who would sleep in what room.

A week before the trip we were asked to pre order our drinks so that they would be ready and chilled in the fridge on our arrival.

If you are the kind of person that does not enjoy surprises or need to know all the detail of where you are going then let Wayne organize a trip for you.

Wow man, you are good with these details.

We all got together at the Engine Winelands on Saturday morning 7.00am to leave at 7.30am

On my arrival of 7.05am as expected Wayne was there to meet everyone as the arrived. Also already there was Hendrik on a 2010 1200GSA, Kurt (Lone Rider) on an 1150GS who had ridden through from Hermanus the night before so that he could do his first group ride from the starting point. Pieter was also there on his KTM/AfricanTwin or was it a Dakar/AfricanTwin? Either way it is an awesome looking bike. Garth on a 1200GS, Louis on an 1150GSA and James on a tall KTM990 then also joined us for Wayne’s “there are no rules, just have fun” speech and we were off by 7.30am. I elected to “take up the rear” as it was known or ride sweeper by any other day.

Our first stop was at the toll gates of the tunnel because the pass was closed as a result of fires on the days before. The temperature entering the tunnel was 18’c

Which peaked at 35’c I was told. May I just say that I dislike using that tunnel when I’m in my car let alone on a bike having to suck in hot exhaust fumes for 5mins or more.

Out of the tunnel into fresh morning air we made a quick sprint to the Rawsonville turnoff where Wayne had a surprise waiting for us.

We found ourselves waiting in line to go to prison, Bradvei prison to be exact. Ever wonder what Brandvlei means? Well we were about to find out as Wayne led us down to a hot spring within the prison grounds. Now when I said hot I meant 65’c hot and coming out of the ground we were standing on. This really makes one wonder what is going on underfoot that heats water to bathroom geezer temperatures. 

All lean right, or is that left at Brandvlei

After Wayne had expressed his frustration of the guards at the gate always making his entry to this wonderful freak of nature unpleasant, he pointed out that we would not be leaving through the front gate but would be slipping out the back door so to speak as he knew of a road leading out the back. Yes, I did take this opportunity to point out to him that this idea could be linked to them being difficult with him at the main gate J

We came out through the back way bordering on the Klipbokkop training area but fortunately not near the sand training area.

Some more gravel met us as we made our way to Robertson after which we had to endure tar to Montague. Here Die Kloof was our next port of call where an awesome breakfast in a garden setting awaited us. We were invited to park the bikes right under the nose of the restaurant owner where GPS’s etc. were well looked after.

Our breakfast stop

Being a group of different branded bikes the guys parked as such and the bikes stood all over the place unlike us conformed BMW riders. J

Breakfast was a good break from the road to make some work/home calls for the day before we ventured into Ouberg pass behind Montague where this road lead us to just short of Ladismith. As those of you that have ridden with Wayne before will know the ride was not without many photo opportunities and some group photo stops. I think these group photos are just a way for Wayne to get a quick hug since his girls aren’t there to dish them out to him.

Garth on the R1200GSLouis on the R1150GSAPieter on the African Twin cleaning dust off his teen (must be a Honda thing)

Hendrik on the R1200GSA with helmet cam.

 Kurt on the R1150GS (from Hermanus)

James on the tall KTM 990(James)

Myself "taking up the rear" on my R1150GS

Another group hug, I mean shot

At one of these group photos on abridge we were harassed by three well fed idiots in a low slug rattled apart 5 series BMW that wanted compensation for their now cracked windscreen. I must add that it was quite amusing considering the condition of the rest of the car. As none of us were prepared to part with any cash they left dragging their exhaust over the middle manitjie.

Did you throw up that stone?

Passing Anysberg Hendrik stopped to pick up some items in the road which turned out to be Waynes camera and some clothing. While looking around he spotted Waynes top-box lying at the bottom of a ravine next to the road. By the time I got there Hendrik had gathered up everything that could be seen but we decided to wait there for Wayne’s return incase something was hiding in the bushes.

Coming out of the bend

Last stop was Laingsburg for fuel for the bikes and I washed down a Red Bull with some juice, sweeping isn’t something you do with to little sleep the night before. Pieter and some of the guys decided to grab a takeaway Wimpy burger so we extended our stop for a few minuets more.

After enduring some more tar we were met by some more awesome gravel surrounded by a beautifully green central Karoo. The low afternoon sun slowed down the pace of some riders as we pushed on to our destination.

Last stop

Last bit of road ahead

 There are few things as welcoming at the steeple of a magnificent old church in a small Karoo town miles from any ware and we soon pulled up in front of Springbok Lodge.

At last

Church steeple

After a short welcome from the couple running the lodge we were taken inside and shown around. Needless to say nobody paid any attention and before I knew it my room was taken already, I humbly looked for another room only to find that the only other room infact had a double bed and on-suite bathroom. Now how is that for “blessed are the humble.”

Watching some sport

We were treated to braai packs, salad, toasties and roles that we were left to braai ourselves while munching on potato chips that Wayne had ordered. Sure enough the fridge was packed and chilling our drinks ordered before hand.

The bikes were even catered for

Some of us set about making the fire while others set off to get photos of the already setting sun.

Louis and Kurt braaing the meat

Wayne's awesome photo skills

Day 2 to follow.....