Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Hi William Fair comment. It does look that way when you look at the site. However, it is not the intention and there is no discrimination against non-GS riders. For example, all the breakfast runs are on tar and this is where we interact between GS and non-GS riders. Also, the [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/annual-tour-oudtshoorn-kleinplaas-dual-ride Oudtshoorn Trip] is exactly a ride such as you describe. The GS riders go to Oudtshoorn off-road, while everybody else takes a tar route. We stay together and jorl together at the venue, then ride back via an on- or off-road route. There are still places for you to book on this trip, which is at the end of this month. ===As For Silwerdoos=== The route to this place has had grown men on GS Adventures crying. Not Yet: The thick sand is still coming, this doesn't come close It is protected by kilometers of thick sand tracks and no tar alternative routes. There are very few photos of the full horror of the sand, because photography is the last thing we can think about on that route. Your only option for seeing this place as part of a club ride (other than riding a GS), is to volunteer to drive the backup 4x4 bakkie towing the trailer ;-) ===A suggestion=== One of the reasons we have such marvellous off-road trips in the club is because [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/user/geoff-russell Geoff Russell] on the committee is charged with running them, and he is doing an outstanding job of it. There is nothing stopping somebody from arranging similar tours on road on a more regular basis than our Annual Tour and the annual trip to Sutherland. Invite and they will come. kind regards Charles

Charles Maybe I should volunteer to drive the back-up truck and trailer and stop along the way and photograph the bikes going past (I am a photographer) I can even supply the club with all the photographs on CD's William

Now there's an idea! We would need to do some juggling though - because the backup vehicle usually follows the group as sweeper and does not get to ride ahead much (though exceptions can be made for the more interesting bits). regards Charles

Hi William, this topic has been raised around many a braai fire. I have no intention of taking my bike off road - yet I have just returned from being a back up driver for the Warmwaterberg trip. But lets not get side tracked here. You make a very valid point. What should be made very clear, is that Geoff Russel is a club and committee member arranging "official" off road tours/trips. He takes it on himself to come up with new routes and plans the whole event. Where he gets the time to do this remains an unanswered questions - but we are VERY gratefull for what he does. Lately, Johann has also arranged a number of tours. Again, an individual that takes the initiative to put a whole tour together. And what a stunning tour we had to Warmwaterberg - but Johann and his family spent days putting it together and worked very hard during the tour to have the eats and drinks ready. THANK YOU. Where does "MBW" fit in? Well, from my understanding BMW does two events per year. The GS challange and the Annual gathering (which sounded like another GS gathering - NOT an official statement!!). Now closer to home, where does the club fit in?? Firstly understand that the comittee consists of people with day jobs. I do not have the time put such a big tour together - not sure if any other comittee member has the time either. You should see how much time and effort Dave puts into the Nelson's creek function. The single biggest function of the club is the regular breakfast runs. Looking at the last year, Nelson's Creek, Hoggsback, Sutherland, Plettenberg bay and the Christmas function was also arranged by the committee (all dual rides) . My personal preference is the "recipe" that was used for Sutherland. An over night run, ie drive there on Saterday and back on Sunday. A list of guest houses in a particular "dorpie". And a venue for supper on Saterday night where everybody gets together - each table settling its own bill. This takes minimal effort from the committee to put together, and every one decides the price bracket with which they are comfortable. So why have I not arranged such a ride yet????? TIME, do you know how few weekends are available where there are no planned events. I should probably say, months not weekends - because, you should not plan two or three events per month either (budgets). I should admit though - thus far I have tried to find a date that would work for a dual ride. Maybe I should just (for now) concentrate on the RT members and get going with a date. Obviously, GS riders would also be welcome. Ideally - a dual ride. William, if you (or anybody else) wants to go to a particular destination, which can be reached on tar!, please indicate the destination here or PM me. I have already got everthing lined up for a West Coast weekend - probably in February.

Hi William, Welcome to the forum and thanks for the input. And the approach/attitude. Like any club, the question should equally be asked, "What can I do for the club?" more than the other way round. The forum does swing in phases. When I joined I was on my third RT and I was hardly aware of the GS fraternity. The forum had lots of chatter about road tips and trips and routes. I went on many breaksfast rides, still do, and really like the BMW riders who I've met through the rides and on the forum. My wife n I do the GS off-tar thing since Feb 07. If there is not a planned trip, I make my own. I post the event on the forum and whoever likes the idea comes along. So we've found many really nice off-tar routes and overnight places this year- even short day trips outside town with a really nice bunch of responsible riders. The club trips organised by Geoff are all over 100km trips. So budget-wise, for me, it is costly on tyres, fuel, and accomodation etc. I've done two unforgettable trips with JR and friends and many other informal trips with a great bunch of gutsy guys n girls near and around. When I'm visit my friends at Hamman, or Donford I drool listening to the informal trips their circle of friends do on Saturdays and over weekends. like Padlangs says, its a question of available time. Andyman Yup that's me. Standing up in the traffic on the 1150GSA.

HI William, Welcome to the forum, pop around to the club meetings and meet the guys 'n girls, there is always talk of a trip here or there, some you might agree with others not. And once you have been on a trip and spent time with the lads you are one of them, ask Andyman and Annie they have not been the same since joining the club. Well as for Padlangs, he has NO time? Who is he trying to fool? He is a lecturer and has all the time in the world. Who has the most posts? I have tried to persuade him to fit knobbies to the R T without success, so he then travels by 4 wheels. Bum in the saddle, always.

Hi Cheezy, I was trying to arrange a dual tour (on and off road), like the Sutherland tour. The problem with time is not me being too busy. Have a look at how few weekends does not have a breakfst run or some tour or training day etc. Then I still need somebody that can lead the off road group on the one weekend where there is an opening. As I said previously the biggest obstacle was that I tried to figure out a dual weekend. It would be much easier to just put an on road weekend together on the same weekend that an off-road event is taking place. It might be easier, but it just does not feel right. I like to see the "whole" group together. I will have to grow a thick skin and just put a date out there and see who can make it. I already have the details in line for a Clanwilliam weekend - still looking for an "open" weekend. :)

Padlangs ou Maat, As I have said before, fit knobbies and then you will have even less time or is that more? Did I touch a nerve, maybe? I am looking forward to the Clanwilliam trip Bum in the saddle, always.

Hello William, I am pleased that 'ol Red is up and running again, it must have been a relief to know that it was "only" a gearbox bearing. May you have many miles of smiles from now on. Oh by the way you can never be too old for a G S! take a look at Neil Terry and Good 'ol Oscar, But once again each to his own. Bum in the saddle, always.