Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Trip report:  Sani Pass 8-10/10/10

I arrived at the ‘base camp’ on Friday evening, filled with dread and doubts as to what I am to embark on the Saturday morning. It had rained for three days prior to my arrival. It had rained all the way there…and it was cold, very cold as I unpacked, checked tire pressures and fuel and food and water! I was nervous.  

‘Base camp’ proved to be a winner and I can really recommend it – Sani Lodge back packers! Friendly, clean and cheap! And thus, after a night chatting to Spanish rock climbers – out here looking for rocks to climb – and sharing some red wine, I went to bed early, rose up before the earliest birds…only to find the mountains all covered in the thickest of low rain/mist clouds!! But, the strong shall prevail and so I set off on my R80GS Kalahari! Solo! 

The sad part is that the road is being tarred as we speak, and they are progressing fast!! So, the first section to the border post, proved to be no challenge at all! No mans land was stunningly beautiful with amazing twists, turns steep climbs and all the time clawing the way to the top! Until, without notice or further adieu, I broke through the clouds, and looking back, I was on top of the world and only half way up! Full sunshine!  

Above the clouds

What followed, tested my skills to the limits - low range gear riding, turning (slow motion turns, sharp bends turns, uphill turns, twisting turns) (Never knew that so many kinds of turns existed!). And not to mention anything about the loose gravel surface!! But, I made it and rewarded myself with a delicious beer and Sani sausage with potatoes and bread!! Those who have been to the top, The view is spectacular, rewarding! I went down the same day, but I regret that, as I would have loved to spend some more time at the Sani pass pub – a very cosy, friendly place with such a mixture of people, good food and what not!!

Twists and turns

 Going down!! 

Ready??

I was not prepared for the view over the handlebars as I approached the start of the descent! First gear, stand up and lean back, open eyes and gentle on the brakes!! What a lovely gentle glide it turned out to be…all the way down, down through all the twists and turns, through the border posts and  right into Himeville Arms pub - which is a compulsory stop, by the way! Whether you drink water, beer, tea or coffee, it is a must to stop over here! And maybe watch a game of rugby with the locals – very enthusiastic!!

All and all said and done...a must do trip for every motorbike rider who loves going off the road a bit! But 'tarry not while you may, for soon the road may not be less travelled by, any more! The winds of change are certainly blowing over Sani pass!

 View from the Sani pub