Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

All things come from nothing, so too this trip report. After last year’s annual tour , where it would have been , in a number of ways, better to have stayed in bed, this year’s got off to an amazing start…,we left Milnerton on time!!!, at 08h01 on Friday morning….a good omen.( Incredible actually):-) The ride in the morning traffic was not too bad, I expect the cars to make some unexpected moves – they didn’t disappoint! Our first stop was the Engen 1 Stop on the N1, René & Jean were departing as we arrived to fill up. At the start of Du Toit's Kloof Pass Looking over Paarl 2 Headed for Du Toits….over it, not through. The wind was gusty but no problem, and it was a nice ride, with a few scenic stops. Looking over Paarl 1 We spotted the Committee discussing room allocations and sizes! Du Toit's Kloof 3 Du Toit's Kloof 4 The view from near the summit, huge in its mountain splendour. This silent majesty….I really love the mountains. All the dams dotted around. There were a number of people fishing for trout as we passed by on the Worcester side. On the far side of Du Toit’s, we turned for Rawsonville. Here, the change of scenery, into the valley floor….flat, and dotted with vineyards. Every country has at least one, this is Montagu's A Rockface outside Montagu On to Robertson, then via Montagu to Barrydale for breakfast….Country Pumpkin, of course. The glasses for their Muskadel have been upgraded! Nice tall ones, and this time they were full, ooo nice!!!! Another thing, the service has always been outstanding! Every time! As we were getting ready to depart, Chris & Suzette, René & Jean, and Richard arrived. Creative advertising Local flora1 Local flora2 For some, Ladismith's departing gift: Between the sign posts, amongst the trees, is a dark area, grave darkness, with a blinding flash of light...Andyman's buddy awaits!! On the Road to Van Wyksdorp. The packed stone walls to a hairpin Me, by Jane The Rooiberg had very recently been graded and still had plenty loose stones, making it slippery. We had now decided to ride through to Calitzdorp by tar, then dirt via the Rooiberg Pass to Van Wyksdorp, then once again tar via Herbertsdale on the R327 into Mossel Bay. On the tar section, Herbertsdale to Mossel Bay, I saw x2 fat & big puffadders crossing the road (Jane was looking in the opposite direction )….I hope they made it safely. The last bit was a quiet ride into George, and the Pine Lodge Resort. The evening’s braai was a good affair. Saturday morning was a slightly misty trip for us to Sedgefield, to visit friends of Jane’s. While in Sedgefield, we decided to take a walk around the Farmers’ Market. Then headed towards Knysna. We detoured by riding up Phantom Pass, then back down to the N2, and on to Knysna. Part2: We rode around Knysna...to Thesen Island, the Heads and later stopped at a Wimpy to decide on where to next. The Knysna Lagoon Going out of Knysna, to Avontuur, a terraced development. The decision was to take the R339 up-to Avontuur then across on the N9 to run down the N12 through the Outeniqua Pass in to George to be back in time for the Dinner!! Some logging We stopped in at the BIG tree. The big tree,+650yrs old,+-39m high. To better give a sense of proportion, Jane at +-2m vs the tree An Aloe A harvested area Pine Logs In the valley This is a lovely section, although it is tight and twisty, so care needed in case of cars. The Waterfall in the Prince Albert Pass We went back to George via the majestic, sublime Outeniqua Pass. Meeting up with a couple from Pretoria riding around the Cape on holiday. The Outeniqua 1 The Outeniqua 2 The Outeniqua 3 The Outeniqua 4 The couple from Pretoria asked Jane to take some pics of them. We arrived back a bit before 18h00; BUT, AFTER Geoff and his group, a first for us as it is likely, riding with Geoff that your headlight will be needed... when he says a day ride, he means use all the daylight!:-) The evening's Dinner was a very nice affair, and this was where I heard about the Soles...as club members!!:-) The Sunday was an early departure, a bit before 08h00....tar...up the Outeniqua and via Oudshoorn to Barrydale to break our fast, then the home run. Brian leading the group home....Huisrivier Pass. Huisrivier Pass Robertson's Holiday snapper! A last homeward shot of Du Toit's It really was a lovely tour, all the more so by no drunk drivers this time. I also had a vote of happiness from my personal speed controller !!!! She's happy so I'm happy, perhaps that is what is meant by "what goes around comes around"!:-) A comment on GREAT service....The Country Pumpkin... never once in all the times have we had poor service, and the waitresses are attentive in a fine way!!! And the prices are fair, I really like the place. Thanks to ALL for a wonderful time, and to Dave, the grey hairs these trips bring about can be dyed away!!:-)