Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

As always we met at the Engen Plattekloof. A group of 65 altogether chatted excitedly about the first “proper” ride since the rainy season. We soon split into our 3 groups with each captain telling us more about the ride. Johan de Jager simply said…the first stop is 30kms from here. The 650s behind me, rest follow; remember the staggered formation; Okay, kit up and let’s ride…we’ll talk over coffee and muffins. The group consisted of 10 bikes with an equal split between 1200s and 650s. This “less experienced group” also boasted with 3 women riders and although both Diana and Vanessa had very limited off-road experience they were ready for action by the time we’ve hit the dirt. The group settled in quickly, pecking order sorted and everyone arrived happily at Joostenberg where we had muffins, croissants, home make bread and butter and something warm to drink. We also continued the riding conversation and everyone set out eager to get some dust on our bikes…but first we had to negotiate the feared and very daunting Franschoek pass. The 650s stayed close to Johan as he showed us the lines and everyone conquered the mountain one corner at a time! From here we headed for van Zyl’s pass to do our first part of gravel for the day. Tyres were deflated and Johan gave a quick 10min “off road training lesson” to all newbies (including some pillion tips). The gravel road took us to Caledon where the 650s refueled and then we took off for lunch in Stanford via some more gravel sections. Just before lunch Andrew’s ignition started acting up and we had to leave them behind in Stanford where they were picked up and the bike taken to Donfords. It was quite sad to leave them behind! From Stanford we followed the dirt road to Elim and through to Cape Agulhas. Up to now we’ve been riding good dirt roads…that were until Johan decided that we should see Cape Agulhas from the top of the koppie! We took a steep rocky road to the top where everyone took pictures and admired the view. View from the top Some of us were already worried about the way down but Johan announced that a cold beer will be our prize so we all set out to attempt the rather sandy, sometimes rocky downhill. Things went really well with most of the less experienced riders paddling through the rougher patches. And then Diana decided to gracefully put her bike down – the fall was described as very ladylike. Which was immediately copied by Vanessa who tipped over when stopping to assist Diana to pick up her bike. Neither suffered any injuries and both made it to the tar road with big smiles on their faces, especially when assured that we’ll stop for a drink before riding to our final destination. Check out the scooter! After drinks at Michael Collins we headed for Arniston. Only a short dirt ride where we met up with Geoff’s group and we all arrived together at the venue. Everyone was happy and in good spirits as they headed for their respective rooms for a warm shower before a scrumptious dinner. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all, good food, great friends, some “straf doppe” and feedback on the day’s rides provided great entertainment to all the tired riders and pillions. Most were off to bed quite early, knowing that the next day might take even more out of us due to the prediction of bad weather. By four o’clock in the morning the wind was already howling. Rain clouds on the horizon greeted us on the way to another delicious meal at the hotel. Everyone was discussing the many riding possibilities of the day and which would be the best option in the rain and strong winds. Our group set out just after 9:00 to refuel in Bredasdorp and head back to Cape Town. The wind really concerned all and with big eyes and uncertain smiles we headed for Rietkloof via some dirt sections. Luckily the road was in great condition and we could concentrate on the wind rather than the surface. From Rietkloof we headed for Greyton for a quick pit stop before setting out for Boontjieskraal. We encountered the first of the rain on this road and even though the road was quickly becoming very slippery we all made it to Franschoek pass where we had to negotiate the strong winds through the pass. Not too enjoyable but the food and good company in Franschoek made up for the moments of terror! Sunday lunch After a very long lunch we inflated tyres and headed for Klapmuts where we met up with the back up vehicle. From here everyone said their goodbyes and eager to get out of the rain and wind set out for their respective homes. The Sunday can most definitely be described as “never a dull moment”. What a great ride! Johan made the trip enjoyable for everyone, the novices were given the opportunity to practice their off road skills while pillions and more experienced riders could enjoy the scenery. A very well planned ride! Thank you to Johan and Tracey who looked after the group and especially for looking after the 3 women riders! Your encouragement was truly appreciated and will most definitely result into more women joining more of these trips! Thank you also to Geoff for the planning and organization. There is a lot of work that goes into these trips and we really appreciate it! Thank you Johan, Geoff and Brian!