Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Sunday the 29 July saw a handful of riders go out on a day ride through the Overberg region. The ride originally scheduled for the previous weekend had to moved due to bad weather and boy are we glad we waited, the weather was stunning!

The day started off a with no petrol being available at the Engen garage. With a range reading of 30km I would make it to the next garage, but cutting it fine.

Leaving Somerset West, the group set off towards the Houwhoek Pass, where left the comfort of the tar road for what we came to do, enjoy some off road riding and we where not dissappointed. With a view like the one below, it was a great start!

Old Houwhoek Pass 

Setting off down the pass, the surrondings which I have driven past a few times now just stode out more than ever. Amazing what a little rain can do to the landscape!

Soon we where out of Botriver and heading along the back towards the backroads to Greyton.
At this point we where enjoying the sun, the views and just being able to enjoy the outdoors on our stallions of choice!

Green Fields 

This bliss and enjoyment was to be shortlived, as we approched the turn off to Greyton, we where greeted by a little mist that would accompany us till the other side of Greyton.

Into the white we go! 

Riding in the mist was a chilly afair, but well worth it. 
Whislt riding the backroads towards Greyton, we did see a site one would not normally see...

Train House 

Whilst the picture does it no justice, seeing a train carrage and a house/building of sorts build around it does raise somequestions! 

Now, as some may recall, I did mention that our national bird is found out in these area's and whislt we did see a few of the blue cranes, we where spoilt to see a pair of secretary birds! Now unfortunately I dont have pictures of them, but without a doubt one of the most impressive birds I have ever seen! The pair where being "dive bombed" by pair of Kievits or less commonly know Blacksmith Lapwing (Even the english call them Kievits!!). At one point the two secretary birds took flight, and the fact tehy actually took off is impressive and also give one an idea of how large they actually are!

From here on we where playing dodge the potholes till we reached the N2 and Riviersonderend where a welcome coffee break was taken and a samie or two munched! 

Taking the backroads to Napier we where again enjoying flowing gravel roads with the lush green fields and yellow cannola fields speeding past, we where well on our way to Napier and the Blinkwater Conservancy. 

Having passed Napier and reaching the summit of the pass heading towards Stanford, we took a "sharp left" onto a old road leading up to the top of the pass, overlooking the land below and in the distance you see Elim, the ocean and a small part of Pearly Beach. The road leading up to this point can be a little tricky at times, being a twee spoor track. The track gave us her usual serving of rutted furrows and loose stones as a starter and overgrown fynbos for mains, with a little bog water to wash it down. Dessert was a view second to none in perfect conditions! 

With the drawing on, we eased along towards the caledon via the backroads and upon reaching caledon, switched to tar coming back. 

A most enjoyable ride and that you to all attending for the good company. 

BMW MCC Cape
John Geldenhuys
Ride Captain