Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Longway Moto's fleet of Suzuki's were delivered last week and, after completing registration, Nicole and I needed to put together a group of people to assist us with a run-in ride. Logically, the most competent riders we know come from the BMW Club, so the choice was obvious. Pete O, Andy Gay, Tertius, Fanus, George and Cheryl, Nicole, a couple of friends and one of the tour operators who rent bikes from us all pitched at the shop at 79 Roeland Street at 7.30am. Taking it easy, as the bikes left with ZERO km's on the ODO, we ran out onto the N1. A quiet breeze up the N1 soon got us to Du Toits Kloof. Taking a cruiser (Boulevard) over Du Toits was a bit of an eye-opener as this bike actually handles. The baboon troops were all out for the day and made for great entertainment as irritated each other, chasing in and out of the bush and rocks. Cresting Du Toits Kloof Chasing few with the 650 Twin following Going through Rawsonville, we joined the R60 at Aan de Doorns before heading to Robertson for breakfast. Hennie Louw came out to visit us and join the swooning crowd gathered round the cruisers. Boulevard Bonanza in Robertson Leaving Ashton, we took the Swellendam road where the Bandit 1250's and the VStrom's really revelled. As the cruisers were loosening up, we opened them up a bit and were amazed at the 160kmh performance through the twisties. We filled the bikes in Swellendam, although the VStrom's fuel gauges hadn't even moved. The cruisers were averaging 17km's per liter, not bad for pushing that size of bike through a strong headwind. After Swellendam, we needed to make time so followed the N2 to the Stilbaai turn-off. The last 25km's to Stilbaai is an entertaining road and everyone had a great ride, arriving in Stilbaai grinning and blown away by the performance of the bikes. We passed a few BMW's coming in the opposite direction, Brian was instantly recognisable, followed by a few others, RT's and GS's. Hope you had a good ride too. Stilbaai is one of the little secrets that so few experience as there's no circular route, just one road in and one out. It's an idyllic little place where everyone is friendly and it has a constant "holiday" feel to it. Stunning beaches, warm water, surf that let's you ride for over 300 meters, and one of the most advanced NSRI stations. Lot's of natural bush/brush and a few hills with some great dirt trails really makes this a place to explore. They would love to have the BMW Club come and visit one weekend. The crew all went for lunch while Pete and I went and serviced the Starcom system on the NSRI boat. Lunch was great and, in fact, you'll be hard pressed to find a bad restaurant with poor service - they do business well! The ride home had the crew swapping between the bikes for each rider to experience the different bikes. The increasing strength of the South Easter meant a strong wind on our tails and the riders were able to relax into the ride. We made the city just at nightfall and, with all bikes safetly tucked up for the night, the crew in good spirits, those who wanted joined us for a couple of beers in town. Great ride and thanks to all who joined us for the day. Excellent company and great riding companions. If you're considering a spot for a weekend getaway, take a look at Stilbaai, there's still a few places left unexplored.