Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

This was our first ever motorcycle trip and also our first ride with the club (or any group for that matter) and I therefore decided to join this group with Geoff for the beginners. My wife Denice had never been on a motorcycle before Friday the 10^th of May 2013, since we only bought our 2007 1200 GSA recently.

We got up just after 0500 on Saturday 18 May while it was still  pitch dark. We did all our packing the previous evening and just had to pack the refreshments, which was in the fridge (assorted cheese, biscuits, cold meats and cold drinks). We got our gear on ( I refused to wear the brand new pair of BMW GS boots Denice bought me, because they were hard and uncomfy as hell) and were ready to roll by 0645. We departed from Gordon’s Bay towards our rendezvous point at Joostenbergvlakte Engen 1- Stop on the N1 North. We arrived a dash later than we should have but were still able to have a lekker Wimpy breakfast and a hot cup of coffee.

We introduced ourselves to Geoff Russell and the rest of the group. Geoff, who was our group leader, gave us some advice, dos and dont's and other relevant info needed for the trip. I must say that I got a very good impression of Geoff from the word go, and will ride with him again- anywhere, anytime.

We left as a group just after 0800 on our way towards Ceres, via du Toitskloofpass. We eventually arrived at Ceres where we stopped for fuel and the use of the bathrooms. We were there for quite some time and Geoff made sure that everyone was ready to go and back with the group before he set off again. The fact that Geoff gave us a long enough break and making sure that everyone was sorted out before we hit the road again had me liking the man even more than I already did. We left Ceres, and after we had been riding on a very well maintained gravel road towards Sutherland for quite a while we stopped for a snack break. Everyone dug out something to eat and drink to swallow down the dirt we’ve been eating all the way, and Geoff helped me put some air in my front tyre, which was a bit low. The spot where we had stopped was just before a "laagwater bruggie", which was flooded with water. It did not seem to be very deep, but after two riders crossed the flooded laagwater bruggie, we saw how deep the water actually was. Geoff gave us the basics of how to tackle the water crossing and said we should not worry, be careful, and take it slow.

Now remember, I told you earlier on that this was our first trip..... well, it was also our first dirt road ride together as a couple and we did not expect any surprises for this beginners ride other than a “little” bit of dust ,swimming through rivers didn’t even crossed our minds...(okay I’ll admit, it wasn’t really a “ river” - although we did have our fare share of water). Denice never complained about anything, it was as if she had been doing dirt road riding for many years and even when we went through the water she never said booh or baah, she smiled and laughed all the time and I could see that she was enjoying herself – even when we ended up in water that came up almost as high as our knees. Everyone made it through the muddy water safely and, boy oh boy, were we wet and muddy!

From here we set off for Laingsburg where we had yet another long leg- stretching stop to refuel and get some drinks and snacks. Thanks again Geoff for your consideration.

Some pictures where we stopped at Laingsburg:

Laingsburg

Laingsburg Stop2

Laingsburg Stop3

From here we travelled to Seweweekspoort where we had yet another lekker “benerek” opportunity, and once again the assortment of cheeses, biscuits and “koue vleis” came in handy.

Seweweekspoort1

Seweweekspoort2

Seweweekspoort3

More photos at Seweweekspoort

Seweweekspoort

Seweweekspoort

We hit the road through Seweweekspoort towards Calitzdorp. Geoff said that we would do the back road from Calitzdorp to Oudtshoorn which is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, via the Cango Caves route (if we arrived at Calitzdorp early enough). Well, we sure did make it to Calitzdorp in good time, and so we were off towards Oudtshoorn on the Cango Caves road with Geoff in the lead as always.

Calitzdorp1

Calitzdorp2

Geoff was certainly not lying in the least when he said the scenery on this road is absolutely breathtaking. Unfortunately we did not manage to take any pictures, but then again, just an excellent excuse to travel along this road again soon.

We arrived at Oudtshoorn and I could tell that everyone was tired after a long day in the saddle - butt sore and lekker moeg, I had only one thing on my mind at this time............a nice looooong cold beer!

Oudshoorn1

Oudshoorn2

Thanks again everyone for a lovely day out on the bikes and especially Geoff for your gentlemanly leadership, and for making this day a memorable one indeed. I am very sorry that we could not go back with Geoff the following day but as I explained.......I have been away for more than 6 months and wanted to spend some time alone with Denice while traveling back.

Dinner and breakfast at Kleinplasie was awesome and the accommodation was good. Thanks again Warren for the BMW roundel we received when we met up with you and your group where you had lunch(Barrydale I think?). Denice and I parted with Warren's group after having the biggest burger I’ve ever seen. On our way back we stopped at Ronnie’s sex shop.......and had something to drink

My Fiets( Wit Oliefant- omdat hy altyd in die Garage staan)

We got souvenirs and a Route 62 sticker and were off again.

Ronnie's

First time ever on a bike

At Hermanus we found a cost little restaurant with a heavenly view and excellent service. We had an indescribably lekker Rump steak, and a bottle of good wine before we headed back to Gordons Bay via the scenic route.

Back home and the "Wit Oliefant" back where he belongs with his "actual owner"

Boeta on the Wit Oliefant

This was our first ride with the club, and yes, this is also my first attempt to do a trip report. I hope those of who've read this have enjoyed it as much as we have enjoyed our first ride with the best club in the world!

A heartly thanks to everyone who made this possible.

Haauwa??