NC 09 - Mystery ride

After the 2007 Nelsons Creek event it was clear that there was a need for road event for the BMW motorcyclists that wanted something other than a “GS challenge”. Thus the 2008 event had the first tar mystery ride. This was welcomed and received tremendous positive feedback, including some constructive criticism. Hence the 2009 mystery ride was planned. Some map work was followed, by recce rides and many hours behind the computer. On the morning of 14 February 2009 14 bikes and a “van” set of on the mystery ride. The first stage took the riders through Paarl and up to the Afrikaanse Taal Monument. Here I waited for them, to capture some of this event on “film”. At 9:10 two bikes came up the rode to the Monument. “Darn these guys were quick through Paarl, or did Brian set them of a little early?” On with the camera and a couple of pictures later I hear that these two gents are part of a group a rider that came down to the Cape on a train. Seeing our scenery they put their wife's on the train, with the rest of the group, and stayed behind. They will be riding back on their bikes. Now is this not the spirit of adventure riding? First two Mystery riders?First two Mystery riders? The two "mystery" riders ...The two "mystery" riders ... A while later the first of the participants came up the hill. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. After every couple of pictures I would ride down the hill some distance and get pictures from a different angle. Pillion filling in the anwser - she did a GOOD job as they ended up winning this eventPillion filling in the anwser - she did a GOOD job as they ended up winning this event Look at that scenery behind the rider ...Look at that scenery behind the rider ... Neville leaning of his K1200 like a real Rossi ...Neville leaning of his K1200 like a real Rossi ... Finally at the bottom of the hill I met up with an interesting couple – in a “van”. There was some sob story about a bike …. Sure we will never get the “real” story. What brand of bike is this ??????What brand of bike is this ?????? I have heard of "roadies" that does not what to take their bikes onto gravel - BUT a "dirty" too scared of taking his GS onto tar ..... Or Van, Valentines, uhm ... Charles and JulieCharles and Julie Now it was time to RACE to Rawsonville. The booklet, which the participants got at the start, led them to Rawsonville. Here they would need to get a second booklet, for the rest of the journey. I still had the second booklet with me – in Paarl. So I rush of to the N1, to get stuck at 60 km/h in a road works section! Well, I did make it to Rawsonville before the first bike arrived. Chris vd Westhuizen is the dealer principle of Landini tractors in Rawsonville. He opened his shop to the contestants. Boerewors rolls (deksils lekker!!), coffee, tea and juices were available to the contestants – thanks to Chris. As the contestants booked in, all the ladies received a “Valentines chocolate”. Strange how quickly certain gentleman got in touch with their feminine side … Lunch in RawsonvilleLunch in Rawsonville Chris wishing he was on his bike enjoying the ride (the price you pay for helping with the organisation)Chris wishing he was on his bike enjoying the ride (the price you pay for helping with the organisation) Contestants could stay here as long as they wanted. Before the start of the event some indicated their desire to not stop at all. On the day though, everybody enjoyed the hospitality and friendly conversation. Some even stayed close on an hour. Finally everybody had left and it was time for me to head back directly to Nelsons Creek to go help Brian with the marking of the road books. The winner of this event walked away with more than R4 000 worth of prized, including a LEATT brace. I will ask Brian to type up the names of the winners and their prizes. All the members that chose to do this “tar event” had a lovely time and gave positive feed back. Hopefully future events will see more participants, as well as more “road bikes”. Would those that have extra picture please post them here. Would LOVE to hear from the participants ......

Comments

Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
The Mystery Ride was good fun,just a few arguments at the Taal Monument turn-off, but a good ride, more questions would "liven" things up!!!:-) To Roz, Greta, Brian, Chris x2 and Suzette many thanks.
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Joined: 2008/07/15
Neil would you have survived one more question? :)
Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
That's questionable!!:-)
olaf's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/21
Thanks Padlangs and Brian for organising this enjoyable scenic Mystery Ride !! Just a favour, could you publish the answers of all the questions and the score, so one gets an idea how clever or how ..... one has been. Thanks Olaf
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Joined: 2008/07/15
Hi Olaf, glad you enjoyed it. As you saw the second stage had more "challanging" questions than the first stage. :) The bookes were marked to eliminate as many people as quick as possible - this sound cruel, but we did not want to sit and mark untill midnight. "How many times did you cross the Breede river?", managed to illiminate the bulk of the field. Only 6 contestants got this right. Then we looked at the name of the farm after Opstal - the BIG name board of the winery, just above the name of the farm, also took its toll. Now only four contestants remained. These four were now marked completely. Only two contestants managed to get 100%, time and distance now came into play. I should mention that a few questions had more than one "correct" answer. The firts answer could be "eggs" or "Windmeul eier boere". Similarly, "Motor museum" (name on notice board) or "Franshoek motor museum" (complete name) were taken as correct, but not Rupert motor museum. Brian has a "Pictorial answer sheet" - this has a picture of each answer. Ask Brian to bring it to the next meeting. You can also arrange with Brian to get your booklets back, if you want it. Publishing "everything" here will make it more difficult for the organisers to plan next years event .... :)
Michelle van Emmenis's picture
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Joined: 2008/07/16
Hi Chris, As always I've enjoyed the ride. Thank you to you and Brian for organising it! I'll be back next year. Regards Michelle & Thys PS. Do not know if he'll do it - wanted to do the green route but we'll see!
Brian M's picture
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Joined: 2007/08/13
Hi all, those of you who rode the mystery on Saturday and want their booklet envelopes to see your scores, be at the next BMW meeting on the last Thursday of this month and you can get them from me. Thanks, Brian
Vernon Bosch's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/09
Brian, that would be the last Tuesday, not Thursday!;) At the front of every adventure is a BMW

"''At the front of every adventure is a BMW''"

Brian M's picture
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Joined: 2007/08/13
Vernon, I crossed my fingers and forgot to uncross them for the BMW meeting date! Thanks for clearing it up.
christo's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/16
First - another “thank you” to all the organizers for a great event. We thoroughly enjoyed the mystery ride. Some more photos to give an idea of what it was about. The first part of the challenge was to get all the camping gear closer to the campsite. The RT, fully loaded and with Petro as a pillion went through its paces smoothly. Rt in CampsiteRt in Campsite Sleeping in a tent on Saturday night was a new experience for us. We have been camping for many years but in a caravan - without all the wind noise! It sounded as if the thing was getting blown away every 10 minutes and I must say I needed a proper Sunday afternoon's nap to make up for it. How about chalets on Nelsons for the roadies who are not so use to the outdoor adventure? Back to the mystery ride... Some photos were taken from the top - close to the Monument. I think we got this answer correct... Something about the name of a restaurant. Taalmonument 1Taalmonument 1 What great scenary in and around Paarl!!!Ons bly darem in ''n mooi plek Ek probeer my bes om 'n 180 grade view te kry From the top....From the top.... Taalmonument - view 2Taalmonument - view 2 and last but not least.... Taalmomument 3Taalmomument 3 My navigator got her wires crossed on our way to Franschoek and we ended up trying to make up time and the camera stayed in the top-box. I nice slower ride through the pass and to the other side of the mountain on route to Villiersdorp. What is mister Jouberts name? .... Not sure if it was on or after the bridge, but whatever. I am still wondering about the answer. Next stop was Rawsonville and some way still. I remember some questions or answers on Klipbokkop and Nekkies but by now Petro wanted a leg stretch or "bum relief" and I was keen to push on to Rawsonville for the lunch at Chris's shop. When we got there eventually, some others were on the move again - ready for the last leg of the ride. Honey BadgerHoney Badger Rawsonville in rush hour traffic. Nothing for miles around....Streets of RawsonvilleStreets of Rawsonville Chris's shopChris's shop Thanks for the boereworsrolle and cold refreshments Oupa Chris en Ouma Suzette. They were babysitting their youngest addition to the family who was just too happy to sit behind the counter, fast asleep between all the spares and stuff that always makes for the most interesting part of any business. Enjoy the youngster you two! I was very disappointed to see only 2 (yes TWO) road bikes on the trip. All the others were off roaders! Come on guys! You are really missing out! Some more roadies leaving for the start of the second part of the trip. Dave and lady ...in red!Dave and lady ...in red! Like normal - or rather sometimes .... we were he last to leave. Padlangs gave us the new set of instructions and off we were. Through Slanghoek and onto Bainskloof - not my favorite pass - but still some wonderful scenery. With the RT's suspension set to comfort we made it through the pass and stopped on the "other " side to admire the view again - camera out again. The view 1The view 1 At this stage we were really pondering about some of the questions...like the one on how many times we crossed the Breede River. I could remember 3 times but I am sure there were more and we took a wild guess. Padlags -tell us man! The view 2The view 2 By now it was nice and hot and the view was just great.View 3View 3In the shade thinking about those *^&^$%#$ questions!In the shade thinking about those *^&^$%#$ questions! Well that was it. We departed for Nelsons's and later the afternoon whilst resting for the function we saw some more great scenery - from the door of the tent....just there , waiting for the taking. Nelson's viewNelson's view and the best to come..... Nelsons view  -the best!Nelsons view -the best! and the ultimate .....The RT at sunset: A ‘must be’ contender for best pictureThe RT at sunset: A ‘must be’ contender for best picture The party was great - the food and wine and company - the best. Not to mention the music. Great stuff and well selected organizers. PartyParty Some guys are better better riders than dancers I am sure.PartyParty The end of a great dayThe end of a great day I missed the early ride on Sunday - Hangover I guess and as Morne Lombard will describe in detail, I nearly dropped the fully loaded RT on the downhill from the campsite. Nooit te oud om te leer nie. Thanks again to all for making this a very special event. Christo L

Christo L

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Joined: 2008/07/15
Christo hoe kan ek dan nou nee se^ vir n man wat n tent op sy RT sit en dit dan nog op die gras parkeer ..... :) Q 1Q 1 Q 2Q 2 Q 3Q 3 Q 4Q 4 Q 5Q 5 Q 6Q 6 Q 7Q 7 Q 8Q 8 Q 9Q 9 And then it was time for a "leg stretch" at Chris's shop in Rawsonville. Let's be honest, until now it was reasonable easy, little did you know what was waiting ..... After some refreshments Part 2 was attemted. Q 1Q 1 Q 2 (name of the FARM, not the name of the winery)Q 2 (name of the FARM, not the name of the winery) Q 3Q 3 Question 2 was "slightly tricky". But now it was time to ensure that "not everyone" got 100% ..... Q 4 - FOUR times. Once outside Villiersdorp, Once at Nekkies, then again when you leave Slanghoek and once more when you enter Bainskloof. Q 5 - ONE (I had a trick in mind for this, but it did not work out ...., next time .....) Q 6Q 6 Q 7Q 7 Q 8Q 8
Jane's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/30
Thank you to Brian & Chris (aka Padlangs), Roz & Greta for all the preparation that went into making such an enjoyable ride (or in Neil's & my case...drive). Your effort is much appreciated :-) Hopefully many more of these rides to follow. Some pics from Saturday's Mystery Ride: Michelle at the start.Michelle at the start. Dave & Di...........The Mystery Ride WINNERS: Clearly your relationship is rock solid :-)Dave & Di...........The Mystery Ride WINNERS: Clearly your relationship is rock solid :-) Dave & DiDave & Di Franschhoek Pass: Charles & Julie, Dave & Di.Franschhoek Pass: Charles & Julie, Dave & Di. Neil had to drive hard to keep up with the bikes on Franschhoek Pass: But he managed with pleasure.Neil had to drive hard to keep up with the bikes on Franschhoek Pass: But he managed with pleasure. Charles & Julie, Dave & Di: Franschhoek PassCharles & Julie, Dave & Di: Franschhoek Pass We came across baboons: Franschhoek PassWe came across baboons: Franschhoek Pass
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Joined: 2008/07/15
Jane, Dave and Di actually got second place -even though it was a close call between them and the De Bruyns from Johannesburg. These were the only two couples that got ALL the answers right. Jane I am so glad that you guys took part in the van - it is NOT about the "wheels" - it is about taking part. Brian do you have the list of prize winners?
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Joined: 2009/02/17
A huge thank you to Brian, Chris (Padlangs), Chris and Suzette for an awesome event. When Dave and I heard what fun the competitors had last year, we were determined to join in the fun this year! And we weren't disappointed. To all those roadies out there, get your acts together for next year. This is something not to be missed. And as time plays a big part in the trip it is suitable for the most novice pillions. Going too fast isn't going to help you win it!!! A special thank you to the sponsors of all the wonderful prizes. We were stunned at the super stuff we won! Dave and my son Mark were testing the two way radio set up yesterday with Dave walking round the garden with his helmet on, checking that it worked. What a sight. A special thanks to Padlangs for the chocies at Rawesonville. That was a lovely touch. Special mention to Christo for the lovely photo's he has already posted. We are so lucky to live in this beautiful country.