Eclectic

[Trailrider]

e·clec·tic  (ɛkˈlɛk.tɪk/, /ɪˈklɛk.tɪk/)

adjective:
 
1. Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles.
2. Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources.


I could not think of a better name for this report, as it is a collection of photos and rides of 3 different bikes, 2 different groups and various places, yet it forms one report of how I spent the first 3 weeks of summer.  

With long sunny days and fantastic evenings I thought it a good idea to test some bikes for a change, so I organised three Harley-Davidsons for the first three weeks of the summer holiday.

It started on a humorous note. I picked up the new 10 Year Anniversary model of the Harley-Davidson Night Rod from Harley-Davidson Cape Town, but before I could head back to George I had to drive and photograph the new Bentley Supersport (what a car!).



Upon my return I found a gentleman admiring the bike. As it turns out he was the owner of the Aston Martin parked next to it.



It was a hot day in Cape Town, about 30 degrees Celsius, and as we talked three young girls in summer dresses walked past. They were admiring the vehicles and taking pics with their cell phones while we were all smiles with the attention.

They walked right past us and one girl said: “Nice Bike!”

Yup. It's a chick magnet!

So I promptly headed home to show my chick our bike for the week.

[Trailrider]

During that week I spent every opportunity on the bike. It's a powerful bike, it's a beautiful bike. It runs well, it cruises well and it's got one hell of a acceleration. There are faster bikes out there, but on this one you “feel” the power. Right in your groin.

These were taken on an afternoon run to Herolds Bay:





I was invited to join the HOG Breede River Chapter on a run for the disabled on the Saturday in Worcester. Worcester is more than halfway from George to Cape Town so this presented me with an opportunity to make a weekend run of the trip back to Cape Town. The only problem was that the Wild Dog Breede Bash happened to be on the same weekend, also close to Worcester. The Breede Bash is an annual get-together of the Western Cape Wild Dogs, a fraternity of Dual Sport bikers. This would mean that I'd have to attend a Dual Sport event – on a Harley! So be it...

On Friday I hit the road to Robertson where I spend time with my friends Horsepower and Milady and on Saturday morning early we hit the road towards Worcester, about 50km down the road.

Milady on her new HD Street Bob:



We were joined by three more Harleys in Robertson. Quick stop at road works on the way to Worcester:



And in Worcester Harleys from all over the area gathered for the ride:



Proudly Breede River Chapter!



International Day of People with Disability (December 3) is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. People from many countries worldwide participate in various ways to promote the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Each year the day focuses on a different issue and the theme for 2011 was: “Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.”

Persons with disabilities make up an estimated 15 per cent of the world’s population.

Getting ready at the head of the procession, followed by 100's of kids on bicycles, followed by a brass band and finally some fire trucks.



This region is called the Breede Riveer Vallei which, directly translated, means “broad river valley”. So we were the Bree manne van die Breede Rivier Vallei / The broad men of the broad river valley!



With the skinny lasses



The procession stopped at a nearby sports ground / resort where the festivities commenced:





A nice brunch was in order.



Speeches were made, donations were given and some of the underprivileged kids got Harley rides! Always a winner to put smiles on kids faces.



Even the dignitaries got in on the fun! My friend Willie doing the honours with his HD Rocker.





It was a good day with great people and one of those experiences that make you realize once again that you have to be truly thankful. “There, but for the grace of God, go I...”

After lunch I had to take my leave of this group and head out – it was time for the Breede Bash!

[Trailrider]

Suddenly my mindset changed into “Dual Sport” mode. I wasn't riding any more, I was “touring” and even though I was sticking to the blacktop I still stopped every so often just to admire and take in the surroundings.





This area is well known as a wine, grape and fruit growing area. It is lush and green and has beautiful landscapes.



And on a bike like this, how do you resist a road like this?



The last stretch to the camp site was gravel so it took it slowly, but the Harley took it (and especially the sand stretch) in it's stride. I have come to realize that (low) seat height (and low centre of gravity) makes a massive difference in how you experience technical conditions.

And I had the fastest bike there.




(Photo by whitedelight)

The Bash venue this year was at the Breede Otter, a cocktail cruise boat on the Breede River.




(Photo by Sprocketbek)

It's a very nice spot and comes highly recommended, even though the facilities were sparse (they're still busy getting all the infrastructure in place). I had a quiet chuckle when the “most hard core” Dual Sport bikers who all had an opinion about the Harley, were the first ones who complained at the lack of luxuries.


(Photo by Biker Chick)

I did not take long for the festivities to start. It was very good seeing some old friends again.




(Photo by Sprocketbek)

And the Dual Sport fraternity has some pretty lasses too!



LGF trying to look “Harley cool”.



This year had some interesting things to eat as well.

Bokkoms (sun dried fish) Yum!



But I drew the line at the sheeps' heads!

Horsepower enjoying his:



The party lasted till deep into the night...


(Photo by Sprocketbek)


(Photo by briv)

As I never pitched a tent I ended up sleeping on the bank of the Breede River. Luckily the mosquitoes kept away!

[Trailrider]

Early the next morning:


(Photo by briv)

I was one of the first to be hitting the road (I had nothing to pack but a small backpack ).

I was going to sleep at my friend Willie's place in Paarl (about 80km's away) on Sunday night, so I had a good bike and a whole day to enjoy it.

First up the old Du Toitskloof Pass:



The view overlooking Paarl on the other side:



It was still very early but since I was near Paarl anyway I decided to call Willie and drop my backpack, rather than riding with it on my back all day. As it happens, he was on the way out himself – HOG Tyger Valley Chapter has a breakfast run to Fairview Farm!

All I had time for was a quick shower and mere hours after I woke on the bank of a river I was having a five star breakfast with the Harley folks of Tyger Valley.




(Photo by Willie)

Fairview farm is famous for their wine and goat cheeses.


(Photo by Willie)


(Photo by Willie)

During breakfast one of the guys mentioned that the Portuguese community has some or other festival today that he's attending and that we were welcome to join... The next thing I knew we were part of a procession of 30+ Harleys heading to the Portuguese Club of Cape Town.


(Photo by Willie)

What an interesting weekend this is turning out to be...



The bikes had a designated parking spot and all the Harleys roared in. What we did not realise is that the Portuguese community were having Mass just inside those open doors.

After the bikes settled down the resumed their service. Sorriiieeeee!

Some nice bikes in the group:





After lunch everybody headed their own way and Willie and I ended up riding all over the Northern Suburbs visiting various friends before we rounded off the weekend with a nice dinner at Bossa Nova in Paarl.

The next morning I dropped the 'Rod at Harley Cape Town and got handed the keys to a brand new Harley-Davidson Switchback.



Now we're cruisin'

[Trailrider]

The Switchback is a brand new model in the 2012 Harley-Davidson line-up and it got it's name from it's ability to quickly switch between Harley Cruiser and Harley Tourer. The touring screen and cases attach / detach with a quick release mechanism giving you the freedom to choose the look and character of the bike. It's part of Harley's Dyna Family and fitted with Harley's 103 cubic inch motor, making it the only Dyna available with this motor currently. I would describe the character of this Harley as something between a Dyna and a Softtail.

While my wife Firefly LOVED the look of the Night Rod, this bike was much more suited to taking a pillion and she wasted no time getting in on the action. Now WE spent every opportunity on the bike, rounding off our days with cruises and sundowners next to the ocean.





That weekend some of the HOG Garden Route Chapter guys invited us on an impromptu run to Knysna. The Harley groups certainly are socially VERY active!

Riding through Kaaimans Pass:



Next to the ocean at Wilderness:
(We were riding 2nd from the front)



Past all the lakes towards Knysna:



And finally in Knysna – smiles all round as always! Milady:



We stopped at Big Dog bikes, a custom bike dealer in Knysna. He's shop is on the ground floor with a pub – “The Dog Box” - on top. We were going to have a quick refreshment here before heading to Theasens Island for lunch, but we ended up enjoying ourselves so much that we eventually had lunch here.



On the way back Firefly and I stopped for some photos for the Switchback article near Kaaimans. This is work after all!



Front page pic? We'll see...



That Monday I hit the highway back to Cape Town, gave back the Switchback and received the keys to this – the 2012 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy!



I rode it back to George on the same day, clocking up almost a 1000 Harley kilometres that day...

[Trailrider]

I have always had an infinity to the softtail family of Harleys and specifically the Fat Boy. I may be wrong, but somehow I see it as the quintessential Harley.

This particular Fat Boy also had a sissybar fitted, making it even more comfortable for Firefly on the pillion seat. If we enjoyed the Switchback, we rode this Harley even more! Some pics of the cruises that week around our area:





That weekend – you guessed it – the Harley guys had another run. We were invited to both the Garden Route and Breede River Chapters' runs and we opted for the Breede River Run, once again staying over at Horsepower and Milady's place. It's a nice stop in the middle of the ride back to Cape Town.

Heading towards Robertson on the Saturday morning early. Picture taken in Swellendam:



The Breede Chapter started their ride in Tyger Valley, riding towards the clubhouse in Robertson. We started in George and met up with the crowd in Robertson. We arrived within minutes of each other.

It was another HOT day, so refreshments were in order!



Small and intimate, but with a lot of soul!



Suitably refreshed we headed out for lunch.

Johan & Marie cruising on the couch:



Marie does “in-ride” ride reports from the back of the couch, posting pics and comments on facebook as we ride along.

Marie in action:



Some of Marie's shots:









Firefly getting some good “in-ride” pics of her own:



Responsible speed:



My mate Willie on his Rocker. I love that bike!



When my Dual Sport friends see me like this, they look like this:



Great bunch of people!



Riding back after lunch:







On Sunday we headed over the mountains towards Cape Town, but not before stopping at the famous Du Toitskloof Lodge, a trout farm in the mountains.

What a setting!



What a bike. I did not want to give this one back.



At a trout farm you eat... Trout of course! It was the first time Firefly and I ate trout and we were pleasantly surprised. Could this be the only fresh water fish that tastes nice?



Good Friends, Good Food, Good Rides, Great Times! That's the Harley way. It's not about the bike.

A last pic on the old Du Toitskloof Pass:



We have always done things together as a family, but Firefly has been riding with less and less. She's let her learners' bike licence lapse as she's lost interest in the Dual Sport biking scene. But since the Winter Rally in Sutherland her interest in biking has been rekindled. This latest Harley stint has inspired her so much that not only is she getting a bike licence again a.s.a.p., she wants to buy a Harley for herself!



She has totally submerged herself into the Harley lifestyle en especially enjoys the fact that literally half of the Harley riders are women and mostly ride themselves. It's a nice group of people, without issues, who knows how to relax and really enjoy life.

These three weeks might just have spun our lives off in a whole new direction.  



Not to worry – my Dual Sport bike is not going anywhere. There's already another ride in the making...

But that is a whole different story!

[White Stripes]

Cool, ek wil ook ene hê!

[Trailrider]

Ek wil een van elke soort bike he!

Gulsig, ek weet...

[fat b]

Nice RR boet , ek moet bieg , ek dink daai fatboy is vir my gemaak ? 

[R-O-V-Rat]

Baie goeie lekke lees RR.   

Jy het my "amper" oorweeg om na n Harley te kyk.