My first Club Annual Tour - What a 5* blast!!!!!!!! (Off road)

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
FRIDAY- Any excuse to force myself to take Friday off to ride with a bunch of friends old and new to SedgefieldFRIDAY- Any excuse to force myself to take Friday off to ride with a bunch of friends old and new to Sedgefield I had not ridden for four weeks and battled to settle down on the long trip traveling at the back with Niel and Andy for the slower and less experienced riders so they too could find their rythem. I think the rest had done something for Miss Layla my mistress who refused to keep her front wheel on the ground and slowly she healed me of the fast pace I live and slowly as the week end progressed I became more and more human. The hard core serious  "DIRTIES" Saturday out ride led by Geoff and NoeleneThe hard core serious "DIRTIES" Saturday out ride led by Geoff and NoeleneWhat a blast!!!!!!!!!!! The Nature of Spring was mind blowingly awesomeThe Nature of Spring was mind blowingly awesome Geoff Russell pulled pass after pass out of his sleeve which got better and better. Spectacular RidingGeoff Russell pulled pass after pass out of his sleeve which got better and better. Spectacular Riding The spring flora was everywhere, I often caught myself catching my breath in my helmet with the extreme beauty.The spring flora was everywhere, I often caught myself catching my breath in my helmet with the extreme beauty. Our mid morning break was in the middle of the Prince Albert Pass we laughed enjoying the company and the morning sun on our backsOur mid morning break was in the middle of the Prince Albert Pass we laughed enjoying the company and the morning sun on our backs Some of us had an absolute ball after our fab dinner and fine presentation by our chairman Johan. Well done Johan!!Some of us had an absolute ball after our fab dinner and fine presentation by our chairman Johan. Well done Johan!! SUNDAY-- The long road home Geoff style!!! 600km dirt, what bliss!!!SUNDAY-- The long road home Geoff style!!! 600km dirt, what bliss!!! Andyman the handyman You'll see why laterAndyman the handyman You'll see why later Russ Rathbone Alias - RUSTY doing a posed river crossing while Andy and Geoff do............Russ Rathbone Alias - RUSTY doing a posed river crossing while Andy and Geoff do............ The good Samaritan thing again, helping a guy and girl on a beaut Triumph with a dead battery. They were extreemly grateful.: Well done guys!!!!!!!!!!!!The good Samaritan thing again, helping a guy and girl on a beaut Triumph with a dead battery. They were extreemly grateful.: Well done guys!!!!!!!!!!!! Spectacular roadsSpectacular roads And sceneryAnd scenery Once again the trip facilitated great company and bonding of like minded people. I quote my new girl friend Anne - A bunch of alcoholics with a biking problem!!!!!! I thank everyone for sharing this awesome, hard, incredible, tough, exhilarating, wet (Charles and Julie), Dusty, etc, etc, trip..... THANKS GEOFF & NOELENE. The END- PS TO Charles the web master.... I will use spell check if its available. Sorry for the interum????!!!!@@###%%^ ^ Spelling was never my strong point!!!!!!!!!

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Henk's picture
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Joined: 2008/03/13
Hi Russ, thanx for sharing, nice pics. I'm green with envy. “Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

“Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007 0823335473 henkbekker@vodamail.co.za

Geoff Russell's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/25
Thanks Russell, I must say that I really enjoyed the riding and the route. The dirt sections in the George area on Sunday were very special as well as the new sections on the Oudtshoorn side of the R62. The riding seemed to all just fall into place for me the roads were great, offering something for everybody. The Scenery was in places spectacular and the odd river crossing just added that extra little touch. Having said this the route would have suited even the in-experienced riders. Now that gets me thinking about a beginners ride to this area, mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!

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JohandeJager's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/03
Geoff, I have to thank you for taking me over the Montagu Pass, it was truly amazing...it's been a dream for a long time to do that 1 and Tracey and I really enjoyed it. The pass outside Knysna to Uniondale (do not remember the name) between the forests was breathtaking. Thank you again. Like Russ said "Geoff where have you not been?" Johan de Jager "It's all about the ride, nothing else"

Johan de Jager "It's all about the ride, nothing else"

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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The company!!!!!!!! It's all about the rides company and camaraderie!!!! It makes my hart pump when I see your good wife Noelene, become a converted "town sissy slick" to an extreme outdoor adventure chick. Good on ya gal!!! To see riders like Anne who seemed to become one with her bike laughing and socializing after she found peace with her bike and the group is awesome. Many other newbies improved as we went along. A BIG well done to my new friend Peter O something?? Pete you just got better and better. See you soon on the next ride. Geoff the beginners ride sounds like a great idea and a good excuse. Could I assist you as I too need more reasons to escape from the fast pace I'm living and loving it. Once again Geoff and Noelene Thanks!!!! You guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!! GEOFF I LOVE THE PICTURE OF YOU IN YOUR NEW WILD COAST HELMET Rusty in the eye of adventure.
Geoff Russell's picture
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Just wish I knew who posted this picture??

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Charles Oertel's picture
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Joined: 2007/04/14
Geoff, do you want me to check the logs and dig out the culprit? Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

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christo's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/16
Thanks again to Johan and his team for a well organised annual tour. It just keeps on getting better and better! Even the weather turned out perfect. The roadies started our trip in the normal place with about ten odd bikes at the departure. It was good to see some good friends from previous trips again Roadies - The Start at Engen PlattekloofRoadies - The Start at Engen Plattekloof It was nice to see some familiar faces again.Roadies at the start on Friday morning: Brian's sister from Jhb.Roadies at the start on Friday morning: Brian's sister from Jhb. Roadies cont.: Jou bike lyk great Hennie!Roadies cont.: Jou bike lyk great Hennie! Friday 8.30am: Get readyFriday 8.30am: Get ready Roadies: Staggered formation please guys!Roadies: Staggered formation please guys!Barrydale: What is for lunch?Barrydale: What is for lunch? Barrydale: Snake on the menu?Barrydale: Snake on the menu?On route ...: Accomodation at Pine LakeOn route ...: Accomodation at Pine LakeBraai  - very well organisedBraai - very well organisedThe Friday night after partyThe Friday night after partyOp 'n meer ernstige noot....?Op 'n meer ernstige noot....?Sunday - on the way back - Vol MoedSunday - on the way back - Vol MoedWho is who in the zoo?: Tobie and Petro  on a legstretchWho is who in the zoo?: Tobie and Petro on a legstretchBreakfast and coffeeBreakfast and coffee We were back in Cape Town at about 4-45pm after soem more windy NI riding after the pass. Thanks to Emile, Ina Tobie and Theo for company all the wat home. Petro and I enjoyed it very much. By the way Petro is bringing out an new CD "loslappie" after her singing effort at the after party Friday night. If you are interested let me know. I am sure I will give it away - gratis en verniet!!!! Christo L

Christo L

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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The ROADIES They WON!! Hands down!!!!  the Karioki Singing competetion on Friday night: Well done to all the ROADIES if there was a prize to win you would have won it well done!!! You guys ROCK!!! Well done you had a ball!!!!!!!The ROADIES They WON!! Hands down!!!! the Karioki Singing competetion on Friday night: Well done to all the ROADIES if there was a prize to win you would have won it well done!!! You guys ROCK!!! Well done you had a ball!!!!!!! Rusty in the eye of adventure.
GeelKameel's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/21
Hi Geoff, is it possible that you can publish/show/describe the route(s) that the dirties took? Sounds like you guys did the DeVlugt (Plet to Avontuur) route as well? Besonder mooi daar deur! What is the condition of the Montagu Pass? Did you do the Seven Passes?
Daniel Nelson's picture
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Joined: 2008/02/08
All I'm going to say is ..... "Wish I was there"
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Joined: 2007/06/25
Johan,Geoff and Brian, Tx for the amazing weekend, I do lack the vocabulary to describe the enjoyment this trip brought forth, 'tis a long time since I saw Jean enjoy herself to this extent, Tx to Petro. In a nutshell: Good people,good routes, good venue and weather = FUN, tx, so much. Ignore opinions, heed facts. Feet on the pegs, always.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

Rony Desodt (not verified)
sounds like you guys had great fun, maybe its time for me to join the exodus next year, will force Jos to be here so we can enjoy it with you guys! Do it today, maybe there is no tomorrow! Die malletjie
Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22
Wherever we rode, there were works-in-progress: The weather was superb- around 22ºC , clear skiesWherever we rode, there were works-in-progress: The weather was superb- around 22ºC , clear skies We had to watch out for all the road works: during rain, these raods are treacleWe had to watch out for all the road works: during rain, these raods are treacle Rusty is clearly having funRusty is clearly having fun surging ahead of Rusty to get as good picture: I spent a few blissful hours riding wingman to Rusty at the back of the packsurging ahead of Rusty to get as good picture: I spent a few blissful hours riding wingman to Rusty at the back of the pack At 120 kph, on good road, steady hand we can record the moment: The companionship of riding together out in the cuds in close formations was really coolAt 120 kph, on good road, steady hand we can record the moment: The companionship of riding together out in the cuds in close formations was really cool Although I wasn't going to try this trick...: not at 20, thank you, nor at 40 and CERTAINLY not at 100kph!!Although I wasn't going to try this trick...: not at 20, thank you, nor at 40 and CERTAINLY not at 100kph!! Rusty coming up trailing a tail of dustRusty coming up trailing a tail of dust Annie was really enjoying the ride to Pine Lake Marina: Rusty was right, Annie had made peace with her bike and I hardly ever saw her.herAnnie was really enjoying the ride to Pine Lake Marina: Rusty was right, Annie had made peace with her bike and I hardly ever saw her.her Road works again!!: we were 12 bikes- three had pillions, everyone rode very well. there was a nice dynamicRoad works again!!: we were 12 bikes- three had pillions, everyone rode very well. there was a nice dynamic The harvest is coming in all over, lots of agricultural traffic: Allan & Danelle waiting for a wider patch of roadThe harvest is coming in all over, lots of agricultural traffic: Allan & Danelle waiting for a wider patch of road Labola and shaded, following someone else's dustLabola and shaded, following someone else's dust Labola & Shaded on the open road: it's so lekker sharing good company, no egos, just enjoying the lifetyle of adventure ridingLabola & Shaded on the open road: it's so lekker sharing good company, no egos, just enjoying the lifetyle of adventure riding L & S concentrating through the roadworks: I had to back off fast to leave room to moveL & S concentrating through the roadworks: I had to back off fast to leave room to move Charles and Julie bonding in dust: Julie seemed very relaxed- in fact she even fell asleepCharles and Julie bonding in dust: Julie seemed very relaxed- in fact she even fell asleep Charles n Julie, sloping along the gravel roads, lost in their own thoughts..Charles n Julie, sloping along the gravel roads, lost in their own thoughts.. Geoff n Nolene up on Kanetberg, oops he has his helmut on- the 5 second board has gone upGeoff n Nolene up on Kanetberg, oops he has his helmut on- the 5 second board has gone up See the rock on the left gate post. I missed it 'cos I was happy-snapping and got kakked out: I missed a 2nd one cos i was sleeping, listening to Cold Play, dreaming. Felt so stupid and rode back to close the gatesSee the rock on the left gate post. I missed it 'cos I was happy-snapping and got kakked out: I missed a 2nd one cos i was sleeping, listening to Cold Play, dreaming. Felt so stupid and rode back to close the gates a naughty face if ever there was one. Oh Oeter O' what are you up to?a naughty face if ever there was one. Oh Oeter O' what are you up to? all cleaned up, looking respectable and ready to enjoy the eveningall cleaned up, looking respectable and ready to enjoy the evening Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

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Thanks for the photos Andy! We really had tons of fun!
RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/04
Hey Andy Thanks a stack for the pictures and comments. Giz and I really enjoyed it. Andy's river crossing next to Charels and Julie??Andy's river crossing next to Charels and Julie?? UnidentifiableUnidentifiable Rusty in the eye of adventure.
Andyman's picture
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"Unidentified" is Peter O'Hanlon, Captain my captain Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
Andy, "Unidentified": you have wrong Captain on the wrong ship AND Jane is ready to keel-haul you.:-) Okay, perhaps not so bad a punishment then.:-)
Jane's picture
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Why does Neil have to display pink to be recognised? :-)
Charles Oertel's picture
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Andy Nice pictures of Julie and me - thanks. Unidentifiable is the only ivory-pearl-white GS1200 in the country, with pink tappet covers. In the river crossing, it is not me and Julie - the bike looks like a 1200 GSA. Could be Rusty or Olaf. Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

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Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
Charles Looking at the bow wave and helmet & kit, it is Halfjob, the bow wave of a 70 yr old rider would be MUCH smaller!:-):-) Rusty came in last ..alone.
Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22
Only Peter O and Neil T had soft luggage side panniers and top bag. ergo it is Neil. The color of his eyes and unshaven cheeks also give him away. Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

PeterO's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/11
Pity the pics are so small, they look as if they could be really good photos. But yes ... that was unidentifiably Niel's bow wave :-) ''If you can dream it you can do it!''

If you can dream it you can do it!

Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22
Annie will bring the pics on a memory stick to the meeting on the 30th. (I'll be in Italy so won't be there) The photos on ther 'stick' are high res and bigger Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

Andyman's picture
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Peter O'Hanlon at 125kph on the last dirt section before Barrydale: The road was in really good condition. The temp ±24ºC and a light wind took the dust wayaPeter O'Hanlon at 125kph on the last dirt section before Barrydale: The road was in really good condition. The temp ±24ºC and a light wind took the dust waya Peter O'hanlon at peace with his mount was eating up the miles in near solitude: Russ was God knows where (as usual) and so we were 'last' by some 2 kilos behind the next  riderPeter O'hanlon at peace with his mount was eating up the miles in near solitude: Russ was God knows where (as usual) and so we were 'last' by some 2 kilos behind the next rider Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

RUSTY- Russ Rathbone's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/04
BAD BOY EXAMPLE........... I forgot to reply to this Andy. Forget about Pete!!!!!!!!!!! It's you taking silly pictures at this speed that is NOT good for you bud. Giz, Annie and I are mad about you and we would hate for something to happen to you. Rusty in the eye of adventure.