Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

. . '''OSSEWA ROUTE : A FUN TRIP – FOCUS ON SCENERY, HISTORY & FRIENDSHIP''' Every few months a chap from Die Burger organizes an offroad trip for bikes and 4x4 vehicles. The idea is that a group with varying levels of experience (mostly minimal in fact) can visit an out of the way place and their wives/families can travel in 4x4s along the same route, meeting up at the camp site, which is already set up by the organizers. 4x4s FOLLOW BEHIND: The Paramedic, trailers and family 4x4s follow the group and act as sweepers All food is provided, as are the tents/accommodation, paramedic and vehicle, and bike trailer. The focus is on the scenery and the interaction at the camp site rather than riding skills. This was my second trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I’m sure many purists on this site would have a field day criticizing some of the riders – maybe they don’t do it the BMW way but they are without exception a great bunch of people once they get off their bikes. And Scooters. Wearing ATGATT and um :-) ... ATGATT: He only fell a few times The Vespa rider is apparently a legend, however a study of the Vespa rider’s toes would provide a good lesson about the hazards of loose stones and not wearing proper boots! 500cc Kymco Scooter: This thing was phenomenal. He also fell a few times and lost his glasses ... hang on, what's that in the photo???!!! He rode back and found his glasses again. I didn't realise they were in the photo. Each trip ends at a destination where a large donation can be made by the riders to some worthy cause, this time it was a cash donation of about R4,000 plus a bakkie load of food for the farm school children. We met at Swellendam and made our way along the route I’ve attached. Early start, thank heavens for heated grips! The route ending at the Bonnidale Farmhouse The Meeting Point - Buffeljagsrivier Vulstasie Once we hit the dirt the KTM guys shot past (there were other brands but it seems to be a KTM thing to hammer it past everyone, kicking up dust). It soon became apparent that even with the tiny amount of training I’ve had through the club (Nelson’s Creek and Neil’s School of White Knuckle Experiences :-) ), I was more comfortable offroad than most. Some easy 120Km/h and higher roads, some not more than 10Km/h in a 4x4 parts. Man I love my new knobblies! The route was no where near as technical as the one Neil and I did to Middelpos, and I found it quite comfortable, while the comment from most was that they really struggled. I can’t see anyone from our club not managing if they’ve done Nelson’s Creek; and there was not a single pink tappet cover in sight, although … Boring Tappet Covers: This girl had obviously "done the course". She has Freestate number plates There was some irritation at some riders not being able to drop rush hour traffic habits and the NEED to overtake just to sit in front of you forcing you to open the gap again, but that was the only problem, and really only then because I was concerned about my teeth being shorter after the ride with all the grit. There were a few spills, mostly on bends where riders (all guys) got curve-freeze and shot off into fences, fields and ditches, or in streams. Quite entertaining if it’s not your bike! Fortunately nothing serious, but there were quite a few that passed me again on the N1 homebound. (On the back of trailers, that is :-) ). That being said, there were some very competent riders as well, and some girls, many on GSs that also impressed with a combination of competence and knowing their limits. Eloise: Eloise is from Kleinmond. Pity, she rides well and I'm sure we'd have seen her on club rides if she was closer. The scenery was outstanding, the organization excellent, the riders … “interesting”, the people very friendly and the owner of the farm/lodge/campsite, BarryVale, were stunning. The ride home very hot to start but … suffice to say that when we passed Ronnie’s Sex Shop a thought of danger to icicles came to mind! It was freezing and very very wet. I have more photos. I've trashed my company web site and turned it into a picture dump site, so for anyone who's interested look on www.compete.co.za (I may make it a bit more sophisticated but I don't have Charles' passion for web development any more so it's going to remain basic. I shall definitely be on the next MotoAvontuurklub ride.