Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

                     14 Bikers set off for a 4500Km trip to Namibia

Group Photo taken at Stampriet 50km outside Mariental

Day 1:  Saw us departing from the N7 Engen around 8:30am travelling along the N7 with minimal road work interruptions.  First stop Piketberg then over Piekenierskloof without any trucks or cars in site, no doubt we TOOK that pass.  Next stop Klawer.

                Arriving around 3pm, excellent accommodation and food. 

                                    O'Kiep Country Hotel

The bar boasts Jagermeifter (our bonding liquid) on tap which ensured all had a fun evening,

                                            Bonding liquid 

Day 2:  Over the Namibian boarder, R140.00 in road tax and confusion as to which documents to be completed.

 Not too far into Namibia we refuel at an Engen, waved Kevin and Paul cheers on their dirt adventure for today, and......yes, believe it  or not, on this straight road........ Lost two roadies.  What happened to the rule to "watch out for the person behind you"?   One of them turned around and the other, two filling stations and 400km later stopped for a lonely lunch, which is when we caught up with him.

                Todays’ destination, a true oasis along the Fish River. 

                                                Seeheim Hotel

                             The boys wasted no time and dipped in the pool.

                 Willie Hough (from George) & Ian Craig (new member)

                  A very proud Turkey ready to make Christmas lunch

DAY 3 & 4:   Stunning landscapes, very windy, scenic ride to Luderitz Bay, our two night destination, arriving around 1pm.

                                          Road to Luderitz

                                              and further

                           and yet further but so stunning to see

                             colour changes of the sand aplenty

                           Visit to Kolmanskop Ghost Town

Thereafter the GS's went off road to Diaz Cross, much to the envy of us roadies.

                                               Diaz Point

                                         arrival Luderitz

DAY 5:  Destination, accommodation Stampriet 50kms outside Mariental

                      Road to Stampriet Lodge - Mariental 

                Stampriet Lodge celebrating Breast Cancer Month                   

DAY 6: Scenery from here to Windhoek is very much flat with tufts of Karroo shrubbery.  It was on this stretch that Paul had a bit of a fuel leak.   A two hour mechanical operation ensued alongside the road.   Items of use our "Tool Academy", Pratley’s Putty, tissues, Jagermeifter (bonding liquid) and every toolbox any of us had. 

Tool Academy

                                                                                                                        The problem uncovered

Along came a farmer, who was on route with empty trailer to Windhoek.  Someone was looking after us.  Bike was loaded with all the muscle power possible and tied down with Nico's tow rope. 

                                                     Life line

HINT:   DO NOT PUT THE SIDE STAND OUT WHILE TRANSPORTING BIKE ON TRAILER.

Arrival, African Roof accommodation, around 3pm and the off road guys an hour later.   Awaiting trailer with bike, and waiting and waiting, attempting to call the contact number given to us, and worrying and waiting,   finally 2 hours later, arrival of trailer and R200 tip.  Mechanical operation continues, part removed from bike.

OBSERVATON:   BIKE FRAME CRACKED, GEAR LEVER DAMAGED NO SIDESTAND FOR REMAINDER OF TRIP.  Once again Pratley’s putty saves the day, gear lever back in place.   

Dinner at Joe's Beer House, a famous Bar and Restaurant seating in excess of 500 persons.  If you ever go to Windhoek, Joe's is a must.  Try the Eisbein

                            (will someone please post a picture of it)

DAY 7 & 8:  Geoff and Ian visit BMW Windhoek and source part, R172.00 later bike starts first time.  

Swakopmund, our turnaround point, will see us for the next two nights.  On our rest day we ventured on a catamaran from Walvis Bay, interacting with seals and pelicans. 

Sakkie the seal

                                                                Feeding Pelicans

Kevin Charleston on the outlook

Then for a Geoff special, Dune 7 "off road"   don't even ask what happened here to the roadies.  Lucky for me I pillion, but it was hair raising.

Dune 7

DAY 9:   Heading back to Windhoek via Okahandja for the best biltong in Namibia.  Here we meet up with Keith Millington.  Piet's flu takes a nasty turn and he decides to fly home leaving his bike in the trusting care of BMW Windhoek.  Geoff replaces his rear tyre and the off road guys arrive an hour later after a gruelling day in the dunes.  This their last off road day, as they are knackered.   Paul will fly up sometime over the next month to ride Piet’s bike back to Cape Town.

                                     Ian Craig likes Okahandje Biltong Stop

DAY 10:  The road to Keetmanshoop, now becoming mesmerizing.  Night stop Matiz Lodge, a gem in the middle of nowhere.  The guys dip into the pool. 

Refeshing at 40deg

Night falls electricity trips and remains off for 3 hrs.  Supper becomes a braai by moonlight.

DAY 11:  Cross the border back to South Africa overnight O'Kiep Country Hotel.

DAY 12: Fuel stops Garies and Clanwilliam to say our final cheers,   a windy rainy homecoming.   Friends and fun had by all.  Another awesome trip