Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

After a relaxing holiday I found myself with the urge to take on some gravel roads. Who knew maybe  I would have forgotten how to ride the gravel monster. I invited a few friends and all was set for a great day.

We met at the BP-Wild Bean in Somerset-West and to my surprise  a Triumph and  a V-storm, led by their BMW friend, stopped by and  wanted to join.  Happy with the small group we started our bikes and  we were on our way over Sir Lowerys pass.

First stop was the the Houwshoek pass to deflate tires and give the guys a short idea what was expected and to stress that I borrowed a medic kit and really didn’t want to use it. Some then admitted it was the first time they were taking a their bikes on gravel. I could see doubt in their eyes.

We started the loose stone gravel and decided to follow the guys rather than lead to see what I got myself into. Luckily the guys took it easy and we regrouped in Botrivier. At this stage some of the guys wanted to kill me because they felt I started a bit tough. Never the less they were happy and satisfied with the feeling that they had completed the first technical part without any incidents. 

We then followed the N2 to the Swart River turnoff and while riding started wondering if the big downhill would be a good idea. We stopped at the downhill and I assured the guys that this is just a downhill and it is the last technical part they had to take on. So off we went, nice and slow! All were amazed with how easy it went. From there we enjoyed a easy ride to Caledon. We stopped to get some refreshments and sit in the shade for a bit. After a nice brake we went towards Villiersdorp, turned off at the Draaiberg road and made our way back to Botrivier. Unfortunately, we had one little incident where a bike’s handles did not want to turn around a sharp corner and the bike investigated a bush from a little closer up, luckily nothing too serious.

We inflated our tyres in Botrivier and headed to Kleinmond. What a nice, cool, refreshing feeling when we came closer and realised nature’s aircon was working and after a hot day in the sun we welcomed the cool air. We had a beer at Gringos in the harbour and then we followed the coastal route to Gordonsbay where we stopped and split up.

It was a nice, relaxing ride, but it reminded me off when I started 6 months ago and how you over-thought everything. Now, it all just feels natural and a big downhill is definitely not a challenge anymore. Thanks to a great club and great leaders I could share some of my experiences and knowledge with some of my friends.