Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Mini All Passes Tour to Oudsthoorn - 22/23 November 2014: Departure Point - N2

Ready to go...

What a ride!!  After a very filling breakfast at Engen False Bay on the N2, the group took off and travelled through the beautiful Gordon's Bay mountainside.  Traffic was at a minimum but the wind was at a maximum!!  Most of the group did what they do best on the passes and the rest - me - brought up the rear....   The rest of the morning passed with some awesome roads and passes but the wind did not let up and so by the time we stopped for lunch I, for one, was pretty tired. 

Country Pumpkin: Special of the day - Burgers!

As usual, the Country Pumpkin did not disappoint with most of the group enjoying the special "Bacon and Egg burger".  Those of us not up to the challenge enjoyed nice fresh salads.  Tried out the Flying Fish Lemon Beer for the first time - very nice indeed!

As always -excited to get back on the road.  The next pass - Garcia - was a little scary as they had done some tar overlay.  It messed a bit with my head because it looked slippery but I thought I was being overly paranoid.  I took my speed down just in case.  Glad I did as all of the group proclaimed that it was in fact quite slippery and it had resulted in a bit of tar build up on our tires too.    I hear Deon did test the gravel on the side of the road as well...

At about 15h00 I though we were never going to reach our "secret destination" and that we would be riding into the sunset forever....  At that point I was convinced we were going to Mosselbay.  Others guessed George and Knysna.  We were all wrong. 

At 16h30 we pulled into the gorgeous Eight Bells Mountain Inn outside Oudsthoorn on the Robinson Pass (R328).  What a little gem!  Good find Geoff!!  In no time we had checked in, freshened up and congregated in the old bar for some cold ones.  Always such fun to discuss the route that was....

After a very good dinner served with the kind of "motherly service" notorious in these parts of the world, it was off to bed for some.  For news on what the others did - you are going to have to read their posts!! 

After resurrecting in the morning, I was perturbed to see the cold and wet weather so often experienced in these parts.  To distract myself, I enjoyed a delicious breakfast - served by the very same staff!  These guys work hard...  Excellent ostrich sausage.  Very fresh!! 

By 08h30 everyone was packed and ready to ride out.  And we were off - straight onto a wet and misty mountain pass!  Conrad has footage of me riding through mist so thick I could hardly see my dials.  He says I am exaggerating!  Not for long though and in no time we were on the long roads in beautiful cool and cloudy conditions.

The only mishap on the trip took place this morning as we were on the pass just past Calitzdorp.  Willem - unfortunately had a fall.  He very bravely got back on his bike and travelled all the way onwards to Cape Town.  We heard after that his collar bone was broken so it could not have been an easy ride.  Willem - we wish you a speedy recovery!!

The mood of the group - as is always the case after an incident - was a little subdued but I think all still enjoyed the beautiful ride homewards.  Most of the group started splitting off at this point.  Conrad, John, Gerhardus and myself stuck together with a nice coffee break at Country Pumpkin and the Worcester 1-Stop. 

Despite the aching arse, bones, muscles and everything else, it is amazing how one looks back on a ride as a wonderful adventure and you cannot wait for the next one - everytime!!!

Thank you Geoff for arranging a fantastic trip.  You are the best! 

Jacqui