Our unplanned holiday.

Nicolaas's picture
Well, it all started about 9 months ago. With a big smilish-blush, my colleague announced that she is expecting her second. Soon after all the excitement and congratulations died down, I started to recall her first pregnancy and one prominent fact about that time kept repeating itself in my head. I was very busy for four months and could not take any leave during that time. I love my leave… It was the ideal opportunity to do it slightly different this time round. You know, learn from your experiences. First, convince the powers that be that we need to expand our small department of two people to three. Four months later: Mission accomplished. Next step: Plan some leave before the big rush. Now this was where the problem started. You see, we (that is Edna and me) have this rule. You need to have an exciting holiday. One where you do exciting stuff, are usually busy running around, see the world, explore. Those types of holidays are more often than not more expensive and when you get back home you think, hell, that was nice, but now I need a holiday! So, to balance things out, our second rule is to have such a holiday only every second one and in-between have a relaxing holiday to, well, relax. The timing was pretty much set to sometime in August (the baby being due middle September). But what to do? At some stage we decided that we must try to do this one on the bikes. But where to? Ouma lives in Calvinia, so that could be a stop on the way to somewhere. Then, finally, the plan was set: We have no plan. Two weeks of leave will be taken in August, we will visit Ouma and that’s about it. In-between we live whatever life throws at us. Some more time passed and suddenly August was upon us. Some last minute purchases to prepare us more for the trip followed (rain suits, GPS, basic tools, etc. was seen as investments, not adding to the cost of the holiday :-)). Saturday 16 Aug was the day we will hit the road. The Thursday we decided to try and start the trip in luxury and found some information about the Gannaga Lodge, just this side of Middelpos, and booked the Saturday and Sunday evenings there. The owner, Johann Visagie, offered to arrange some petrol since Middelpos does not have any unleaded petrol and if we want to explore the area over the weekend, then we might not make the trip from Ceres via Middelpos to Calvinia on one tank. Saturday came and it was a lovely day. We phoned Ouma to announce that we will be visiting her next week. Oops, she was not home. She was staying in Williston with one of her daughters. Well, then we’ll pop in there for tea or something and see what happens. We don’t mind, we don’t have a plan remember? We left home and our first stop was in Bainskloof. Just a quick stop to see if all was fine. BainskloofBainskloof Next stop was Ceres. Filled-up with petrol and food and then hit the road again. We had to be at the lodge at 15:00 to watch the All Black game. About 200km to go, just more than three hours left. We should make it… Along the way on the Ceres - Calvinia road we took some lovely pictures of the veld and the flowers. Ceres - Calvinia Road 1Ceres - Calvinia Road 1 Ceres - Calvinia Road 2Ceres - Calvinia Road 2 Ceres - Calvinia Road 3Ceres - Calvinia Road 3 Wild flowersWild flowers About 100kms from Ceres, the road turns right to the Tankwa-Karoo National Park. Another 80kms gets you to the park office. This road is in the process of being upgraded as well and most of the way the condition was very good. As far as the eye could see there were spots of yellow, orange and some purple as the flowers are pushing their little faces towards the sun. The temperature was not very high and when we stopped, we did the same. Middelpos road towards the Tankwa-Karoo parkMiddelpos road towards the Tankwa-Karoo park More flowersMore flowers Just after three we passed the park’s office. The plan was to come and explore there the next day. The lodge was only 20kms away. As usual, I was riding in front, looking in the mirror for Edna every now and then. About 5kms past the park’s office there was a motorhek. I could not see her coming along and stopped. After 20 seconds, I realized that something was wrong because she was just behind me before I went through the gate. I turned around and found her very confused on her bike, in the middle of the road, bike dead. It just died, no warning whatsoever. There was no accident or any reason for this behavior (the Klipbokkop weekend in April was blamed at some stage after some side-stand incidents was experienced) and I started fiddling with any wire that I could see in case there was some loose connection. Within a minute of us being stranded there, the third Citroen 2CV came pass and stopped to offer help. (It is very rare to see one of those cars ever, let alone three of them in one day on such a deserted road) We checked the fuses and although the engine was turning over without problem, it would not start. Help arrivedHelp arrived View from the breakdown siteView from the breakdown site There was still plenty of petrol left and it was decided to head back to the park’s office to try and phone for help. We left the bike there and Edna jumped on the bike with me while her bag got a lift. At the park’s office we met Conrad Strauss, the manager of the park. From there we phoned BMW on-call. I suppose you have to be in the right mindset when in trouble. It can make a huge difference. The lady on the other side of the phone was very friendly and I assisted her with her first geographical lesson about the Spingbokvlakte and where EXACTLY the Tankwa-Karoo park is situated. After a while, we managed to find Ceres on a map, then Calvinia and finally, between those two and to the right, the Tankwa-Karoo National Park. “Yes, it’s 180km from Ceres, on the road to Middelpos”. “Where is Middelpos?...” I was promised that someone will phone me back in 10 minutes. Well, 10 minutes later we got a call from Alfred from Donford who is on his way. It was already pass five in the afternoon and with Conrad claiming it is at least a three-hour drive we convinced Alfred not to rush out in the dark and into the land of no cell phone reception. We had a place to stay for two days and we were on a holiday with no plan, so we were very much content with what happened. Alfred promised that he will get up the next morning at 6am. We expected him there at about 10am. We managed to radio to Gannaga Lodge to let Johann know we will be slightly late and also find out what the rugby score was. This was when we realized that small miracles still happen. Our bike saved us from watching the game. Conrad offered to go and collect the bike next to the road with his bakkie and to bring it back to the office. You never know, maybe some skilpad wants to try his hand at adventure biking during the night… After re-arranging our luggage, we left and loaded the bike. From there we continued to the lodge and Conrad returned to the office. We will meet up again the next morning. The sun was slowly getting ready to set and this was causing the loveliest soft colours in the veld with long shadows. Long shadowsLong shadows Towards the Gannaga passTowards the Gannaga pass We reached the bottom of the Gannaga Pass and continued to the top where the lodge was situated. We met two guys at one of the viewpoints, one with a Dakar and the other with some orange beast having a sundowner. They planned to decent the pass and camp in the field. Gannaga passGannaga pass View from the topView from the top We arrived at sunset at the lodge and a friendly Johann came to greet us. Inside the main building the fire was already burning high and the rest of the people were trying to forget about the rugby disappointment that they have just witnessed. From what we could hear, they were well on their way to forget that there’s even a game called rugby. Johann showed us our room and we had some time to settle in. The roomThe room That evening we were treated to the loveliest potjie, a lot of friendly visitors and locals that was just there to relax and have a good time. Outside it was freezing cold, inside, nice and warm. Old stables - now nice roomsOld stables - now nice rooms View from where we stayedView from where we stayed The houseThe house View back to the passView back to the pass The next morning we got up, had a shower and went to breakfast. Now I must tell you about the food. Johann and his staff prepare a breakfast that the Wimpy cannot compete with. Cereal and hot porridge, Yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, tea, bread, jams. Then come the hot breakfast. Two eggs, two types of sausages, bacon, tomato and a skilpadjie. All for only R45. How far can you see?How far can you see? We left for Conrad and the park’s office, down the Gannaga pass only to find that Alfred had not yet arrived. It was already 10:30am and he should have been there by now. We decided to go and explore one of the nearby houses that the park has to offer. (They only have self catering accommodation at this stage) and this was what we found: Restored cottageRestored cottage Inside the cottageInside the cottage View from the cottageView from the cottage The gradenThe graden This particular house was restored and fitted with some furniture and basic utensils. If you wanted hot water you had to lit a fire under the donkie. Just outside was the only few trees for almost as far as you can see and the garden was the natural veld. We spend 10 minutes looking around and then headed back to the office. On the way back, we took some more foto’s: Wild FlowersWild Flowers Some purple onesSome purple ones ... and some more... and some more When we got back to the office, there was the bike already loaded, ready for its return trip to civilization. Alfred was a bit late because he missed the turn to the park and ended almost in Calvinia. Fortunately he managed to stop someone and ask for directions via a different route. The verdict was that the petrol pump gave up and he would not be able to get us going again without a trip back to the workshop. This meant the end of our initial unplanned trip since we have sort of made up our mind to continue north, perhaps to Augrabies or even to Bloemfontein where we could find a place to stay at family we have not seen for a while. We did not really want to explore only with one bike, since another breakdown or accident would mean we could not go and find help. So, back to Cape Town it would be. We loaded the unwanted stuff on the bakkie and asked Alfred to keep it safe until we collect the bike some time during the coming week. We still had one night to spend at the lodge and we’re not going to give that up as well. We also popped in at one of the newly build cottages that the park has build. This is the place to go to if you want to do nothing and most importantly when you want nobody to disturb you while doing it. Newly build cottages in the Tankwa parkNewly build cottages in the Tankwa park Tweespoor leading to the cottagesTweespoor leading to the cottages There is again the basics that is required (if you want luxury go try the Mount Nelson…) with a fireplace inside for those cold nights as well as an undercover outside braai. I think the solar panels are for lightning only and these cottages have gas geezers. Solar powerSolar power The stoepThe stoep Since your neighbor is so far away, you might as well enjoy nature while you have a shower. Have a shower, for all to see...Have a shower, for all to see... It was getting time for a Sunday afternoon nap, so we headed back to the lodge. It is impossible to capture the vastness of the area on a photo or the impressive rock formations, and yes, I have a thing for a windpomp in the middle of nowhere standing next to a tree… Windpomp and TreeWindpomp and Tree Rock formationsRock formations Group fotoGroup foto Since it was Sunday evening and all the other guests had to work again on Monday, we had the place to ourselves. The table was set in the bar and I should have taken a picture of the plate of food because you will not believe it. Hoender pastei, lamb, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, veggies, rice and the usual stuff like coffee or tea and a slice of home-baked bread. Some pudding afterwards as well. Price R90. Main entranceMain entrance Our tableOur table During the weekend we found out that Johann is the chief-in-charge at the Middelpos police station and the fuel that he arranged for us was still in Middelpos, so Monday morning after breakfast we left for Middelpos. The computer on the bike (new 650 twin) claimed that after 300kms it could still do another 100kms, but I was not going to leave the petrol after it was imported all the way from Calvinia, nor take the chance based on some computer claiming how far I can still go. If it was downhill all the way into Sutherland we might have made it. So we stopped in Middelpos in front of the police station, got hold of Johann, filled the bike and said our goodbyes. Johann said that he has catered in the past for two groups of bikers over different weekends and invited us and the club to come and visit. Maybe it is something to investigate for the future. ( http://gannagalodge.blogspot.com ) Getting petrol at the police stationGetting petrol at the police station We headed for Sutherland to get back to the N1 where we could phone should another problem occur. Road to SutherlandRoad to Sutherland Fortunately we did not get any problems. Before the trip I fitted the BMW touring screen for the 650. For me it made a huge difference compared to the Dakar screen that we have on Edna’s old 650. Two-up, we could cruise on the tar at 130 and it was not any problem. The bike had plenty more to give but with the governor’s hands on my hips, I did not try my luck. Only some quick bursts when overtaking. I suppose if you want to have that wind-free luxury, then buy yourself an Adventure or RT. At Touwsrivier we met two 1200GS’s. They started in PE on Friday, did the round-trip via Upington, down the west coast to Cape Town and had to reach Mosselbay that Monday evening. It was way past two in the afternoon and they still had to travel via Sewenweeks poort and then on to Mosselbay. After something to eat and drink, we all left in opposite directions. So, our two week unplanned trip turned out to go 100% according to plan. It was Monday evening on the first week and we were back at home. Tuesday morning we slept late and then went to collect the bike. Well, it started just fine with the new petrol pump and we headed for home. The afternoon shopping then included some handlebar raisers for Edna’s bike and since we could not find any (because of the little console that has to be screwed into the bolts that holds the handlebar) we bought some for my bike out of sympathy. There at Wild@Heart we heard of Isabeau’s breakdown experience with her new 650 and the immobilizer sensor. We popped in at Atlantic and arranged to get mine fixed before we hit the road again. Thursday morning we were ready and Ouma was home. We still wanted to ride to Calvinia via the Ceres dirt road, but now it was raining and the wind was blowing. Well sanity and good judgment prevailed and we decided to go with the car. Edna did not want to tempt fate on a wet dirt road. Her mother was also visiting one of her other daughters in Cape Town and was leaving again on Sunday for Riversdal, so we decided to be back in town on Saturday. On our way back from Calvinia and a nice visit to Ouma, we picked-up the correct raisers for Edna’s bike from Johan and fitted them that evening. Sunday morning we left again with the bikes, on our way to Riversdal. Mother-in-law will catch the bus that evening. Worcester, Robertson, Ashton and then the detour was planned from Montagu via the Ouberg pass and then some dirt roads zig-zagging to Ladismith. Ouberg passOuberg pass View from Ouberg passView from Ouberg pass Somewhere in a river bedSomewhere in a river bed There are many different routes and it would be possible to escape to the R62 should we run out of time. The roads were dust-free because of the rains but not wet, just a small muddy patch here and there. Then suddenly at a fork in the road, the GPS said we had to turn right and what a good choice. Straight ahead there was this HUGE motorhek with a very high electrified fence. Warning signs warned about “Dangerous Game”. We decided to follow the GPS and not to take part in whatever game the people behind the fence was playing. As we progressed, the road stayed next to this big fence but became worse until we passed a farm house. Shortly after that the fence decided to cross the road and we were met with a locked gate: “Private Road” and as our jaws dropped, we realized that time is running out and it seems that we will have to learn the rules of the game behind the fence. We turned around and head back the 10km to where the GPS has led us down to the private road. Dangerous GameDangerous Game MotorhekMotorhek Slowly we passed through the gate. On the other side all seemed fine until the notice: “Stay in your vehicle” and then a road warning sign of a buffalo and then a rhino… Immediately my mind was back on this forum, trying to remember Charles’ account of some elephant turn that only half the group of the “advanced” candidates could master after some plenty of practice. I realized there was not going to be any turning. Only aim, closed eyes and fire with the throttle. Poor Edna who’s riding behind me. I will go and call for help… She on the other hand, was having her vuurdoop standing and sliding on the dirt. For some reason the muddy patches were longer and more frequent than just before we enrolled for this game. Falling was not an option. The road followed a riverbed and around one blind turn two Kudu’s was frightened only slightly more than we were. Both parties fled in opposite directions. Then there was a bit of a clearing and more open space. Very welcome indeed. We saw some giraffe and I decided to stop. I promise I did not get out of any vehicle. GiraffeGiraffe Just after taking the picture, they decided to come out from behind the koppie and investigate these funny looking things on two wheels. There were about 5 or 6 of them, but we did not want to stay in case something was stalking us. We met some ranger with some tourist on a game-drive. They did not stop, neither did we. After about 30kms we headed towards Warmwaterberg towards the R62 and exit the game(farm) without injury. Only later I learned that we drove through Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and that they claim to have a long list of animals that include White Lions, African Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo, Cheetah, Hippo and many more less dangerous animals. Towards WarmwaterbergTowards Warmwaterberg After taking a breather, we had to get out the raingear. We popped in at some friends who farm near Ladismith and then we went through Garcia pass to Riversdal to my parents which turned out to be our base for the next week. After a rest day, we left the Tuesday morning to explore the roads from Riversdal to Albertinia. It was a nice day with clear skies and it was just lovely to travel along the foot of the Langeberg. Riversdal areaRiversdal area Riversdal area 2Riversdal area 2 In some places the fields was nice and green. Green fields 1Green fields 1 Green fields 2Green fields 2 When we got closer to Albertinia, you could see more aloe’s growing on the sunny sides of the hills. Aloe's on the hillsAloe's on the hills Old HouseOld House The road aheadThe road ahead From Albertinia we headed back to Riversdal via a different road. More rolling hillsMore rolling hills We were a bit early for lunch, so we decided to take another loop. From one of the hills we had some nice views of the town, as well as the Zeekoegat farm with Oakdale Agricultural School next to it. View of RiversdalView of Riversdal Oakdale schoolOakdale school The Langeberg Mountains and the Sleeping Beauty still in the same spot. Road to the mountainsRoad to the mountains Sleeping BeautySleeping Beauty After another rest day, we headed for another loop, but this time towards Heidelberg. All along the mountain. On the way, we passed the Korenterivier dam. I remember how we rushed there on Friday’s after school and on some weekends to go and ski. Now they have some self catering accommodation there and some huts in the mountain if you are a keen hiker. Korenterivier dam 1Korenterivier dam 1 Korenterivier dam 2Korenterivier dam 2 The road is nice and winding with no traffic. Through some of the kloofies, there was still evidence of the floods that happened last year and in some places there was people repairing the road. All in all, the road was in a good condition, for a motorbike that is. Traveling along the mountain 1Traveling along the mountain 1 Traveling along the mountain 2Traveling along the mountain 2 Traveling along the mountain 3Traveling along the mountain 3 Coming over one hill, we could see Heidelberg in the distance with the Duiwenhoksrivier to the side. Heidelberg in the distanceHeidelberg in the distance Duiwenhoks rivierDuiwenhoks rivier At Heidelberg, we stopped for a quick milkshake at the Wimpy and started our way back home. It was almost 5pm again and the sun was slowly throwing longer shadows. The road we followed back was to the south of the N2 and the area is also known as “die vlakte”, as you can see from the pictures. Very much different from what you experience just under the mountain. In some places we saw many ostridges in camps. I got the feeling they don’t like motorbikes, especially when I’m standing. When they are a lot together, they run away. When it is just one, I’m glad there’s a fence between us because it seems that it just wants to attack. Fields 1Fields 1 Fields 2Fields 2 Fields 3Fields 3 On Friday, it was time to head back home. The plan was to go via Garcia pass to Van Wyksdorp and then via Rooiberg pass to Carlitzdorp. We will spend the evening at our friends near Ladismith. Just past Van Wyksdorp, I saw some young ostridges in a camp next to the road. What I did not see was the one in the road, but on the opposite side. He was again one of those ostridges that did not like motorbikes and desperately wanted to join his buddies in the camp when I came along. Fortunately, his aim was out (or was that in?) and we missed one another. Edna saw the whole thing from behind and could not say who got the biggest fright, me or the ostridge. Rooiberg pass 1Rooiberg pass 1 Rooiberg pass 2Rooiberg pass 2 The scenery encountered along this way was very nice. I think it was a route we were supposed to do on our Coast 2 Karoo trip, but we ran out of time. This time we had plenty and I would do it again in future if the opportunity presents itself. Rooiberg pass 3Rooiberg pass 3 Rooiberg pass 4Rooiberg pass 4 Rooiberg pass 5Rooiberg pass 5 Rooiberg pass 6Rooiberg pass 6 Then, coming over one rise, we could see Calitzdorp in the distance. Arriving towards town, many of the fruit trees were blooming. Along the road there were some “rolbosse” in the fences. At the time, we did not even notice them and since we did not had the time or the will to check the weather forecast, we pressed on to Ladismith. Little did we know what was to come. Towards CalitzdorpTowards Calitzdorp Fruit trees in bloomFruit trees in bloom Along the way we passed through the Huysrivier pass and admired all the rock formations. Huysrivier pass 1Huysrivier pass 1 Huysrivier pass 2Huysrivier pass 2 Huysrivier pass 3Huysrivier pass 3 After a lovely evening the plan was to leave for Cape Town mid Saturday morning. When we woke that morning, the wind was blowing slightly, but nothing to be alarmed about. We hit the road towards Montagu and I noticed that the wind was blowing a bit harder as we moved along. Never the less, we could still maintain our usual pace of anything between 80 and 100km/h. Then passing from Montagu through to Ashton, things changed. Suddenly we had to play dodge’em with the rolbosse. We stopped in Ashton for petrol. Edna’s eyes were slightly bigger than usual, but even if we have to ride slower we could still continue. Passing through Robertson the pace slowed down and the wind changed up two or three gears and added a turbo for good measure. Things were suddenly not right. Just outside Robertson there is a cutting just before the road drops down the valley. Approaching that, it all got pear-shaped. We were doing about 30 and Edna could no longer keep the bike on our side of the road. She went to the right and stopped just before the ditch. But not to worry, the wind saw that and blew her with bike and all into the ditch. I managed to stop on the left side of the road in the yellow line, but could not get off the bike. Slowly I tried to reverse to get out of the full blast. Some Good Samaritan stopped and helped Edna with her bike. I could see all this, but still could not get off the bike. That was until the wind saw my predicament and decided to blow me over as well. Relief. The bike was in the yellow line and not going anywhere while on its side. With about two steps I was in the middle of the road and I had to make a plan to stop in time. It was not possible to speak to the person that stopped to help because of the wind and with the bike in an upright position, he left. I decided to turn around and try the detour that goes around that hill. I stopped her bike at the turn and started the 100m or so back to my bike. Impossible. Another person stopped with a bakkie and I got a lift to the bike and some help turning it around. We proceeded around with the other road, but soon realized that what we are now doing is very dangerous. Even if there are no other cars on the road it would still be impossible to proceed and even if we reach Worcester, how are we going to get through Du Toit’s Kloof? The answer was simple. Stop. We turned in at Rooiberg Kelder, parked and do what you do on that show “Who wants to be a millionaire”. We phoned a friend. It was about 2pm. Hendrik and Retha arrived at about 4:30pm with a trailer. He is an aspirant GS’er and his first question was whether one of the bikes was for sale. Well, it was not his lucky day and we managed to load both bikes just before it started to rain and we were safely home and unloaded just before 8pm. The weather was just incredible and we stopped a few times along the way to make sure the bikes were still standing fine. Checking the strapsChecking the straps I cannot say that the two weeks did not go exactly according to plan, because the plan was not to have any plan. If I had a choice I would definitely not choose to have all the same experiences, but I sit here with a big smile when thinking back to it all and that is all that matters. Till next time. Nicolaas

Comments

Charles Oertel's picture
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Joined: 2007/04/14
Nicolaas - what an awesome trip, and brilliant trip report. You and Edna have every reason to be proud of yourselves. This report must have taken you the better part of a day to write - but your writing style is so riveting that I have just spent a half hour at my client reading it. Thanks and well done.

Committee: Webmaster / Ride Captain

Andyman's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/22
Way to go Nic n Edna. Wishing you many many more trips to nowhere. The unplanned is the best, 'cos you r never late and always on the right road. Love your trip report! Great photos and I'm looking forward to your next trip report. What an adeventure, I love the routes you road and the places you went to. Well done Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

Andyman
Anyone can ride a bike fast....   But can you ride your bike real slow???

Neil Terry's picture
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Joined: 2007/07/01
Nicolaas and Edna many many thanks...a really great trip report WELL Done to both of you!!:-)
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Joined: 2007/06/25
Nic & Edna, Congratulations on the news of becomming a parent, and of course on the new bike, may your mirrors never touch the ground. What a fantastic report and photos, baie dankie. Ignore opinions, heed facts. Feet on the pegs, always.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

Nicolaas's picture
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Joined: 2007/09/10
NO Cheesy! It's not mine!. It's still just the two of us, but I will pass on the congratulations to my colleague.
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Joined: 2008/03/15
Awesome trip report guys - sounds like you had an incredible time. :)
Stevet's picture
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Joined: 2007/11/02
Hi Guys Great report - wish i had the time to do the same
n/a
Corné (not verified)
Nicolaas you setting a high standard here mate! All other trip reports will look like rubbish compared to this :-) I enjoyed reading it, well done and thank you for sharing it with us! Corné Kloppers http://www.bikepics.com/members/pantsula/07f650gs/ 0849130391 ckloppers@gmail.com
zebra's picture
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Joined: 2008/03/28
Great trip report, Nicolaas, will explore some of your route some time, have already forwarded your story/link to a mate in Indonesia, who is biking/homesick... http://www.themanorcottage.co.za

Warren Ellwood's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/18
Very nice. You should send it to Topbike, I see they regularly publish readers stories. It's better than some of those I've read in the magazine.

"Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, and does it improve on the silence?"

Vernon Bosch's picture
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Joined: 2007/10/09
Nicolaas, you might even consider posting your report on the BMW Motorrad site! Well done!!!! At the front of every adventure is a BMW

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

GeelKameel's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/21
Baie dankie! fantasties lekker om te lees. Beslis materiaal vir tydskrifte! Hierdie is die gees van toer per grondpad. En soos Andyman se^, met 'n reisplan soos julle s'n toer jy die heel lekkerste en jy is nooit laat nie! Behalwe vir 'n uitstekende verslag - julle het van die mooiste paaie gery... Gannagga, Tankwa, Rooiberg...
Karl Nepgen's picture
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Joined: 2007/06/17
Quoting Nicolaas ... [NO Cheesy! It's not mine!. It's still just the two of us, but I will pass on the congratulations to my colleague] ... if there were ever famous last words, these must be! Skitterende storie, Nicolaas, ek sien hier is verborge talente. Cheers, Karl 082-565-7183
Cheers, Karl
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Joined: 2007/06/25
Nicolaas & Edna, Did I know somewthing you did not? It is great news and this time correctly timed congratulations!!! Get in all the riding you can 'cause now your life will change for the next 23 years at least. A 650 with a side car sounds good. Ignore opinions, heed facts. Feet on the pegs, always.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.

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Joined: 2007/06/25
Nicolaas, I have just read your report again, has given me more pleasure the second time around. Time to go and do another quick trip. Ignore opinions, heed facts. Feet on the pegs, always.

Think before you ink.

Trust is the most valuable asset.

I have the rest of my life to get old.