How it came about:
Sitting at work early in September, my eye caught the red number 24 on my calendar. Ahhhh, public holiday. I remembered that it was Heritage Day and also National Braai day that day. Seeing that it was in the middle of the week, I thought it would be nice to put in some leave the Thursday and Friday and have a long weekend. A quick e-mail to the boss to get permission to take some leave was granted in minutes.
A phone call to the wife confirmed that there was no way that she can take leave that time but maybe only a half-day on the Friday.
So came about the plan to do a solo trip to Citrusdal and surrounds. A quick phone call to Charlotte at The Baths confirmed that they are fully booked because of the school holidays. Argh!! But there is place for me on the 24th and 25th. Not a problem, I paid the deposit to secure the campsite. Now, what about the 26th and 27th? On advice from Charlotte I phoned the tourism bureau in Citrusdal and there Sonja gave me some numbers of possible places but also recommended one place in particular because she had been there herself and described it as beautiful. I phoned some of the numbers Sonja had given me and looked at some of the websites but most was fully booked already and I started to get worried that this will indeed not be a long weekend for me.
The one place Sonja recommended was Grootfontein campsite. I phoned and spoke to Petrusa van der Merwe. Petrusa was very friendly and explained that Grootfontein was a new campsite but that it was not officially open yet. With the recent flooding of the Olifants river some parts of the campsite had to be repaired. I explained to her that I had accommodation for Wednesday and Thursday nights but that all other campsites were fully booked for the weekend. And then the unexpected happened, Petrusa invited me and my family to come and camp at Grootfontein, free of charge. I was dumbstruck. What great news. Now the wife, skoonma and brother-in-law could join me over the weekend with the car and the bigger tent. I was feeling a bit guilty for leaving every one else behind, but now at least they will join me for 2 out of the 4 days.
The Planning:
The planning began and I must thank the forum and everyone who are so willing to share knowledge on the forum. A special thanks to Andy for his article “SELF SUFFICENCY OUT IN THE CUDS”. It really helped me.
The gadgets:
I purchased some other gadgets that included a MSR pocket rocket Isobutane stove at Due-South in Tygervalley as well as a duffel bag. The missus was so nice to buy me the Oxford soft luggage panniers I was eyeing for a couple of weeks as well a headlamp. A few weeks earlier I also purchased a Go-Getta braai grid and Camp Master 3 person tent that weigh 3.2kg form GAME.
Bike preparation:
On Monday 22 September I had my bike booked at Hamman Motorrad for a new steering head bearing and also asked them just to check if the bike is in good nick for a trip. Gareth confirmed that the bike was in good condition and that only the front brake pads need replacing. A job I was willing to try, especially after attending the workshop day at Donford.
I fitted a 12V aux socket under the seat to save some space because otherwise I would have to take the big air pump for my inflatable mattress. I fitted new Gold Fren ceramic carbon front brake pads and replaced the brake fluid, front and rear.
The Trip
Day 1: Durbanville to The Baths
Wednesday morning I woke to the sound of rain drops on the tin roof of the garage. Oh no, was my first longish trip to be in the rain? I got up and started packing the panniers and then fastening them securely to the bike, together with the duffel bag and tent.
The plan was to leave at 12 but decided to give the weather another hour to clear a bit. While packing the missus made brunch and braaied some smoked cheese sausages and Kessler chops. Skoonma baked some eggs and made toast. Nice!!!
I eventually left at 1:30 and the rain was just a drizzle and there was some wind. The bike felt a bit heavy but the crosswinds also made me concentrate hard to stay upright. I had my first experience of overtaking a lorry just to be hit with a big gush of wind when I pulled past him on the right hand side. Wow!! How frightening was that. Note to self, don’t do that again.
My first rest break was Piketberg. My hands were hurting a bit because I hanged on to the handlebars for dear life because of the wind and the bike still felt strange because of the extra weight I was carrying.
I could not enjoy the Piekenierskloof Pass because of the wind and the funny feeling of the bike.
I reached The Baths without any further incidents and set up camp.
1st Night camping - The Baths
Day 2: The Baths to Clanwilliam and back again
Scenic roadside scene near The Baths
Olifants river crossing en-route to Algeria
I just took the turnoff to Algeria to go see the river. I decided to rather turn back.
Clanwilliam dam
Interesting place next to the N7
While having a break at this farm stall I saw 5 to 6 1200 GS’s pass by towards Clanwilliam, I wonder who it was and where they were heading?
Day 3: The Baths to Grootfontein camp
Ready to leave The Baths for Grootfontein camp
Grootfontein camp next to the Olifants river
We had to check the level of the river thoughout the night because a lot of rain fell in the Ceres area in the last couple of days. The water level rose about 1-2 meters during the early evening but eventually subsided.
The family eventually arrived
Day 4: Grootfontein camp
No riding on this day, just relaxing around the camp. This is truly a great campsite and you really get the feeling that you are close to nature.
Olifants river at Grootfontein camp
Relaxing around camp
Bonfire
Day 5: The return trip
Today I was able to enjoy the twisties in Piekenierskloof because of perfect weather, no wind and less weight on the bike.
H2O break at Kardoesie
Trusty Steed back home
For me this was a great trip. Being a newbie, I did feel the strain of being in the saddle for a couple of hours, but I will get to the gym more frequently now.
“Its all about the motorbikes, always has been and always will be. “ Ewan McGregor 2007
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henkbekker@vodamail.co.za