Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

I should probably start with an apology to our national weather forecasters. They clearly stated that the rain would stop Saturday night, with clear weather on Sunday. It would seem I was not the only one to doubt this forecast, with many electing to sleep in late on Sunday. By 8:15 the second bike arrived at Engen, to be followed by another 9 bikes in quick succession. By 8:30 the drivers briefing and by 8:35 we departed. N1 to Klapmuts, then the R44 to Wellington. Stay on the R44 to the Nuwekloof Pass. Three bikes moved to the front to “enjoy” the pass – all three or four corners. Then a left turn to Tulbagh. Due to the “Christmas in Winter” festival Paddagang declined to host us. Cliff arranged with Boulders Bushpud for a breakfast. Apparently they were busy with the Christmas in Winter festival until 4:00 on Sunday morning. By the time we got there, the facilities were in tip-top shape. While we were parking the bikes the owner came down to greet us, with his two daughters. Niell Terry took each girl for a short ride around the yard. Everybody grabbed cameras. The two girls loved the attention and the rides. Lady drivers Next we moved up to the pub and restaurant area. Cliff requested coffee to be ready when we got there – and it was, enough for everybody. The owners went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Slowly everybody defrosted. With only thirteen people it was actually possible to speak to everybody. It was nice to get to know some of the new members better. Boulders Bushpub Three of the walls are actually canvas sheets. When the valley heats up these sheets are lifted. The view from this raised deck facility is stunning. I would love to back there in Spring. View from deck Before long we were informed that breakfast is ready. Six containers with different foods were put on hot plates, plus a stack of toast. The well prepared food would probably have been enough for 20 people. And then there were silence, as everybody dug in. After breakfast most of us had another coffee. We could not believe our ears when we heard the price – R35 per person. We all paid R40 or R45. Buffet When we went down to our bikes the two young ladies were invited to come down with us. Mom, dad and granny tagged along. This time Hannes put the LT to good use. Again each girl was taken around the yard, with dad trying to get good pictures for the family album. Hannes with a young pillion 9 of the 11 bikes headed towards Ceres. About 10 km before Ceres we turned right towards Worcestor and then onto the Slanghoek Valley. At the single track bridge we stopped to take some photos. Unfortunately there was one bakkie, so we could not take our photos on the bridge. Have a look at the snow on the mountain in the back ground. It was at this point that one of the ladies needed “facilities”. (I do know your name, just trying to not put you on the spot.) Sit behind a bush? OR get to Rawsonville? What a choice. Heel party mense het later aangedui dat hulle nie geweet het die GroenMamba kan so lekker seil nie. When we got to the intersection just before Rawsonville, the lady carried on the local garage. We waited a few minutes for the rest to catch up. At the garage in Rawsonville Niell looked at me and said: “I need to ‘go’, can we please get to the next town quickly?” Did I mention that he was standing next to the toilet when he said this, with a big smile on his face? Bridge crossing in Slanghoek At the trout farm, just before the Du Toits kloof tunnel, we stopped for a hot drink. From there we drove over the mountain and headed back to our respective homes. Thanks to everybody for making this yet another stunning ride. PS If you know of other “new” venues for a breakfast runs please pass the information on to the committee. We can then scrutineer the location when next we are in the vicinity. We are looking for places that can, and are willing, to seat up to 40 bikers – with proper parking place for the bikes. PPS Would everybody that is going to Sutherland please confirm this with Cliff as soon as possible - he needs to finalise arrangements for the catering.