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?
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 event
Look at that scenery behind the rider ...
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 ??????
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 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 Rawsonville
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 ......