Rallye Raid 2010 - Wartrail

[Trailrider]

Another week, another ride! This time we headed to Wartrail in the Eastern Cape to attend the 2010 Rallye Raid.

Please note that with all the time I have spent riding recently time is a scarce commodity these days (being a self employed individual). This blog is merely a hobby and the day job fills the tank (next ride already being planned ), but I will endeavor to finish this ride report a.s.a.p. So keep checking back for the next installment.

The Rallye Raid is a Dual Sport bike event that started four years ago in Wartrail as a KTM only event. It has established itself as a more hardcore event in a time where national events like these tended to become more moderate (and some even "softcore" with tar all the way to the venue).

Also against the market trends the 4th annual event switched from being a branded event to an event open to all brands with the catch line "All brands, No flakes".

I guess Red Cherry Adventures took a chance with an open event like this, but they did a sterling job and the event was a huge success.

But lets start at the beginning. Since the announcement that this year's Rally Raid will be an "open" event there has been a buzz of excitement among the Dual Sport biking fraternity. A buzz that Honda Wing George was quick to pick up on Andre (dealer principle and good friend of mine) decided to start working on a plan to get a group of Honda riders together that will ride to and visit the Rallye Raid together. The plan was set. I was asked to help identify riders (nice "lekker okes" ) that will be up for the riding (as well as the party ) to make this a ride to remember.

And so it began. We got a group of riders together with XR650's, Africa Twins, TransAlps and even a Varraderro to go and tackle the routes on offer at the 2010 Rallye Raid - and I quote from the website:

Rallye Route 1 will be the toughest test and recommended for expert riders. You have been warned.Weapons of choice could be the Yamaha Tenere Honda XR650, KTM 690, KLR 650 and if you are feeling really brave, possibly a KTM Super Enduro or BMW HP2. Distance per day is about 150 km's but don't let that fool you. Knobblies are essential.
 
Rallye Route 2 will be a mixture of tough terrain, tricky sections and dirt road transport sections. Recommended for experienced riders. +- 250 km's. This is one of the most popular routes and a lot of private farms and some regional roads are used.
 
Rallye Route 3 will be an endurance route of predominately scenic riding on dirt roads with a few mountain passes thrown in for good measure. +- 350 km's. This could see you explore Rhodes, Otto Du Plessis pass and other great riding areas in and around Wartrail.
 
Rodeo Challenge. This still consists of various mild to wild skills activities, ranging from slow race to long jump to Barrel racing and a display by some of the best. This event is open to everyone and is always guaranteed a whole heap of fun.


To accommodate all 20 riders in our group w.r.t. departure and arrival times we broke the group into four smaller groups:

Group 1 under arrangement of myself would leave on the Friday morning from Honda Wing George and sleep in Graaf Reinet that evening at the Camdeboo Safari lodge.

Group 2 (XR650's) would also depart from George on Friday and will sleep at Gariep Dam that evening. They would meet up with Groups 1 & 3 in Aliwal North on Saturday before lunch.

Group 3 would leave on Saturday morning very early with bikes and the Honda Wing George Backup Van to be in Graaf Reinet by 8am to meet up with Group 1.

Group 4 (Cape Town riders - also XR650's) would leave on Friday morning, sleep somewhere en-route and meet up with Groups 1, 2 & 3 in Barkley East.

From Barkley East the Honda group would ride together to the Rallye Raid.

Sounds complicated? Not really.


On the Friday the a group of riders headed out on a ride to remember! We saw great bikes and riders with crazy skills, lots of "offs", brilliant scenery, had off-the-wall parties and we returned as friends.



And so the Ride Report begins...


     Pending...


Sneak Preview:

[Smidty]

Magtig man, jy weet hoe om mens lus te maak 

[GlenInk]

 

[Trailrider]

Please note that with all the time I have spent riding recently time is a scarce commodity these days (being a self employed individual). This blog is merely a hobby and the day job fills the tank (next ride already being planned ), but I will endeavor to finish this ride report a.s.a.p. So keep checking back for the next installment.

[Trailrider]

Friday morning and I arrive at Honda Wing George to find several riders full of smiles already waiting. To all of us but one (LGF) this would be the first time at Rallye Raid and the excitement was tangible. What a great opportunity and with the entrance fee sponsored by Honda Wing George!. How privileged we are to have a brand and dealer in our area that not only look after their customers, but also tries to give back to their clients and supporters. Honda George You Rock!

In Group 1 today we had three "Legend" Africa Twins, one TransAlp 650 and three TransAlp 700's. Riders from George, Sedgefield, Groot Brak and Heidelberg. All smiles before departure:


(Photo by Andre)

And what better way to start a trip than with a ride over the historic Montagu Pass.



And the obligatory pics at Amanda's Grave:




(Photo by Gryph)

We have a pretty straight forward route today, from Honda George to Camdeboo Safari Lodge near Graaff Reinet, a total of 337km.



Our first stop in Uniondale Poort (100km) for a leg stretch and time for LGF to smoke his pipe. A lot of the riders in the group met for the first time today but already the vibe was great and jokes and laughter was the order of the day. I guess bike trips like these automatically has people in high spirits.




(Photo by Gryph)

Next stop at the hotel in Willowmore for lunch...


(Photo by Matilda)

...and of course to watch the rugby.



It was while we were here that some-one noticed that my rear tyre had cracks all along the knobblies. This did not bother me at first because the tyre always had those cracks, but I soon realized that it has suddenly become a lot worse. Luckily I have a Tourance (road biased tyre ) lying in my garage so I phoned my wife and asked her to deliver that tyre at Honda George to bring with in the Van just in case...

After lunch we tackled the final stretch past Aberdeen. Beervlei dam:
(The term "dam" being used very loosely as I have never ever seen water in this dam)


(Photo by Matilda)

And finally we got back on to gravel again in the Camdeboo.



The Camdeboo is the area enclosing (clockwise) Graaff Reinet, Pearston, Somerset East, Jansenville, Willowmore and Aberdeen. This was one of the first areas in die Karoo occupied by settlers.

It seems unclear (to me at least) where the word Camdeboo (Kamdeboo in Afrikaans) comes from. It seems to be a Khoi word meaning "Green depression or cavity" (Groen holte). Khoisan hunters and herders left evidence of their occupation during the late stone age in the form of rock paintings in this region.

The Inqua tribe occupied the park area during the mid 1600's, grazing their vast herds of cattle and fat-tailed sheep on the apron veld from the Camdeboo River near Aberdeen, across the Sundays River to Agter-Bruintjieshoogte near Somerset East.

White farmers settled the Camdeboo Plains and Sneeuberg in 1770 introducing merino sheep and angora goats. To this day mohair is a prominent product of this area.

Honda's seem to do well here as well.



The Camdeboo is a worthy bike trip destination in itself. Graaff Reinet is the fourth oldest city in South Africa and steeped in history, Nieu Bethesda is well worth a visit as well as the Valley of Desolation etc. I might just come back to this area soon.



Arriving at the Camdeboo Safari Lodge. Look at this!

Some photos by Gryph:
.
Tonight we stay over in style. We are met here by Theo, a TransAlp 700 rider from PE. He is part of our Honda group travelling to the Rallye Raid and also part owner of the Camdeboo Safari Lodge. He kindly offered that we stay over here at very reasonable rates. What a treat! This is the most luxurious surroundings we've had on a bike sleepover trip by far. Thanks a stack guys!!!!

Unpacking for the night:


(Photo by Gryph)

It's while unpacking that we noticed what has happened to my Heidenau tyre in the mean time. The tyre has totally come apart with whole pieces of the tread missing.



I have heard of these tyres coming apart before, but always on bigger more powerful bikes. This happened today and we were only travelling at 120 - 130 km/h. Not a good start to my trip at all and I'll still have to ride the bike like this to Graaff Reinet (about 50km) the next day. It's a good thing I phoned for that Tourance. Hopefully I can buy a TKC at the Rallye Raid or I'll be stuck with a road biased tyre for the duration of the trip. I have to say that I was not happy about the situation at this time at all. This tyre was cheaper than a TKC but I guess you get what you pay for. Lesson learned. But that's tomorrow's problem. Tonight we party!

And where better than this?


(Photo by Matilda)

Chilling at the bar (literally, it was very cold outside).


(Photo by Gryph)

Luckily it was nice and cosy inside with the fireplace.


(Photo by Matilda)

Matilda (a nickname he shares with the "old lady" Africa Twin he rides) sharing a wisdom or two with his new mate.



After a dinner suited for a king the chats and laughter continued. What a nice group. It was clear off the bat that this was going to be a great ride. As it turns out one of the other owners of the Camdeboo Safari Lodge is also an avid Adventure Biker (KTM990) and is also going to the Rallye Raid. So with Theo and Gary added to our travelling group nine bikes will head out from here the next morning.



Our lodgings for the night:



Little did we know how we'd long for warm beds like these in the nights that were to follow...



     Pending...


Sneak Preview:

[fat b]

Daai burnout lyk rof ! Lyk my ek moes my ou AT harder gery het , dan het sy miskien nie so begin olie suip op die trip van julle nie ?? 

[Trailrider]

Dag 2 het video footage van daai burnout (en ander )

[letsgofishing]

Excellent as always TR 

[Trailrider]

LGF how's the shoulder?

[Trailrider]

Saturday morning we're up bright and early. We have a tight schedule today having to meet up with certain groups at certain times and we'll start off behind schedule because I'd have to change my tyre in Graaff Reinet first thing. We were all in high spirits however. Today we ride to Rallye Raid!

Eight Hondas in the group now having added Theo on his TransAlp 700 and of course Gary and his KTM. What a magnificent steed:


(Photo by Gryph)

Gary is an experienced Adventure Rider with his own Adventure Riding business called Camdeboo Adventure Biking. And what a nice area to have such a business. Have a look at his website here.

Packed and getting ready to leave:



Camdeboo gravel first thing today but unfortunately no pics as I shot ahead to Graaff Reinet to have my tyre fixed a.s.a.p. The rest of the group followed at a more sedate pace.


(Photo by Matilda)

In Graaff Reinet I found Andre (TA700), Zane and Pieter (Honda Backup Van), BenTap (Africa Twin) and Hamster (Varadero) already waiting. And I was the first customer at Graaff Reinet Supa Quick this morning (Zane with my bike).



In the cold light of day the Heidenau looked even worse.



With the failed tyre binned and the Tourance fitted (Supa Quick! ) we hit the road to Middelburg. We had to make up time which meant that we covered the 100km in record time. The speeds travelled at cannot be disclosed on this public platform.

Regroup just before Middelburg:




(Photo by Gryph)

Me doing my Giant impression.


(Photo by Gryph)

The Honda Support Van. Note the XR650 on the trailer. Andre was riding to the Rallye Raid in style on the TransAlp 700, only to switch out to the XR650 to tackle Route 1. Talk about having your bread buttered on both sides!


(Photo by Gryph)

Quick stop in Middelburg for coffee and breakfast for some.


(Photo by Matilda)

Here we decided that even though we're running late riding at excessive high speeds all day was not feasible. We'd rather take it easier and enjoy the ride. So we took it slower but with less stops - Middelburg, Steysburg, Burgersdorp - all tar unfortunately but 12 bikes riding in a staggered formation, a nice view ahead and in the mirror. So this is what it must be like to be a Harley rider. Well that stayed interesting for about 2 minutes.

Soon enough we reached our second rendezvous point for the day - Aliwal North - where we found this waiting:



Soon the fun would start, but first, lunch!


(Photo by Hamster)


(Photo by Matilda)


(Photo by Gryph)

And now, finally, the fun could start! It's also at this point where Andre swapped the TransAlp for the XR650 on the trailer.



Dual sport bikes chomping at the bit to get onto the gravel!



XR's waiting to be set free... Ready, steady...



Gooooooo!!!!!!!!



Nice scenery along this route. LGF approaching:


(Photo by Gryph)



Quick regroup on a low water bridge.



The reverse pic of the photo above:


(Photo by Gryph)


(Photo by Hamster)


(Photo by Gryph)



We were a nice big group by now. Just another short hop to the last rendezvous point in Barkley East to pick up the last XR's in Group 4.





The Kraai river - the scenery just kept improving as we got closer and closer to the Drakensberg.



Greetings all round as we met the guys from Cape Town and a last refuel before we head for Wartrail.

The petrol attendants had their hands full!


(Photo by Matilda)

The road from Barkley East past New England to Wartrail. Dual Sport heaven this area is!




(Photo by Matilda)

A last stop before Wartrail. Thanks Andre and Honda Wing George for getting this group together. You guys are aces!

The guys:
.
(Photos by Gryph)

As we got closer we saw more & more bikes and as we rode into Wartrail rows & rows of tents. Orange, Red, Blue and Grey.

Stopping in line at registration:



The view towards the party tent.


(Photo by Gryph)

Camp:


(Photo by Gryph)

Tents being allocated:


(Photo by Matilda)

With everybody settled in we headed towards the fires and party tent without delay. It soon became clear that Honda had the best looking models there.



Now every single bash I've been to there has been a KTM640 on the bar counter doing a burnout. Always. Without fail. This time round however things seemed pretty tame... Until Mufasa and his XR decided to show them how it's done!


(Video by Gryph)

Standing tall:





Surely now it would just be a matter of time before a KTM got on.

Or not... it turned out to be Jaco on his Africa Twin.



The Legend in motion:


(Video by Gryph)


This was turning into quite a party as you can imagine. Great guys, all bikers. I was struck by the brotherhood and lack of brand bias. This is how it should be. Just a bunch of guys with a common interest having a good time.

Much later we headed to our tents to go to sleep.


(Photo by Gryph)

There was evidence already that this would be a very cold night indeed...



     Pending...


Sneak Preview:

[Trailrider]

Die volgende episode is effens laat Ek wag vir YouTube om op te laai. Moerse files. Zoopy het van my videos delete want op een of ander manier skend video footage van 'n bike wat op 'n grondpad ry hulle reels

[Trailrider]

I woke the next morning early to voices around camp all complaining about it being bitterly cold.

The view from my tent:



I have to admit that I was not that cold at all. Why? Well, I am "uhm" a little "bigger" than the average person around me, so I never could find a sleeping bag I could fit in. That was until my good friend Fatb told me about the Bushtec Duo Sleeping Bag. This is without a doubt one of the best buys I have made in my Dual Sport Biking career. This sleeping bag is rated for -10ºC and it works! Also, it's BIG. I can "starfish" in it. Here is a pic from back when I bought it:



Yup! Size matters. So I slept comfortably and warm while everybody else was freezing. And they were freezing. We heard later that the temperatures dropped to -9 degrees that night.

Some photos around camp this morning:


(Photo by Matilda)




(Photo by Matilda)


(Photo by Gryph)





After a hearty breakfast we got ready to ride. We decided to do Route 3 for several reasons. (1) It was the most scenic and it included several passes, most of which I have not ridden before. (2) I was stuck with my road biased rear tyre as the Continental guys had no TKC stock in my size. (3) After the long ride the day previous we were all looking forward to a nice relaxed ride in great scenery. According to the briefing Route 3 was it, the one where you could stop and take pictures. Exactly my kind of thing.

The first section from Wartrail towards Funnystone stone was simply breathtaking:


(Photo by Gary)



This is a fertile valley in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg and the farm Funnystone is named after the distinctive rock with the same name. Great scenery around here.



I took the same picture as Gary three pics above (great minds) but by the time I got there I was the only one. Taking photos takes time and around here there's a pic around every corner.



Looking back after I started ascending Bidstone Pass:



Soon I came across a whole group of very worried bikers.

"What route are we on?"

"Route 3."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. That's what the GPS says."

"That's crazy. Did you see this pass?"

Bidstone Pass is very steep with loose rocks that were still wet this time of the morning. Some guys wanted to turn around.

"Don't be silly. Just keep the power and momentum up and you'll be fine."

And off we went.





Unfortunately you cant stop on these uphills so there are no photos, but suffice it to say it was an interesting and exhilarating ride. Especially with a road biased tyre on the rear!

I am so bummed I didn't think of fitting my helmet cam going up there.

The view from higher up. You can clearly see how high we climbed in a very short distance.



Great views from up here!


(Photo by Gary)


(Photo by Gryph)

Some guys were taken out of their comfort zones, but no-one fell and the reward up here was certainly worth it!



The road towards Tiffindell:



In-ride perspective:




(Photo by Gary)


(Photo by Hamster)


(Photo by Gary)

Tiffindell Ski and Alpine Resort was established in 1993 on the slopes of the Ben McDhui peak of 3001 metres, and is the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa.

You can see the slope where they ski in winter:



We carry on over the plateau towards Carlislehoek Pass that would take us down to Rhodes.


(Photo by Gryph)

Dropping off the plateau you seem to go into free fall (OK, not litterally, but it's steep!). Carlisle’s Hoek Pass has an almost vertical descent punctuated with dual-track concrete traction strips and multiple switch-backs. This is described in the mountain biking fraternity as one of the hairiest descents in Africa. Over 3km you descend more than 300m, sometimes at a gradient in excess of 1:3. I certainly wouldn't want to come down here on a bicycle that's for sure!

As per usual the video and photos does not do the gradients any justice at all.



GREAT views as you ride down here though.




(Photo by the Sweeper)







In the valley Jaco and I made the most of the ice cold water crossings.







And then we rolled into the delightful little village called Rhodes:


(Photo by Matilda)

Rhodes was proclaimed a town in 1897. Amazingly this little village was invaded no less than 29 times between 24 June 1901 and February 7 1902 during the Second Boer War.



Local legend has it that it was originally named Rossville after Ds Ross and that the name was changed to Rhodes in the hopes that the mining magnate and then Prime Minister of the Cape, Cecil John Rhodes, would bless the village with his benificence.



Ds Ross, who was based in Lady Grey, ministered to the community, travelling to and fro on horseback. Although of English-speaking origin, he was interned during the Second Boer War. Prior to the war, he conducted his services alternately in English and Afrikaans. Clothed in rags and having walked bare-footed from the Aliwal North concentration camp to his home in Lady Grey after his release, he was thoroughly disgusted with the British and refused to conduct his services in English thereafter.



Everybody wanted to refuel in Rhodes which caught them by surprise I guess because by the time I got to the pump they had run dry. The owner was kind enough to sell me some fuel out of his quad bike though.


(Photo by Gary)

The riders on Route 3 had to be at the lunch spot and ready to leave at 12:30 or be cut off and sent back to camp. With the amount of km's to covered before lunch you'd have to average between 70 & 80 km/h to make the cut-off which in retrospect would take some doing over the passes we just rode. Having covered only about 50km in almost 2 hours this whole group were hopelessly behind schedule. We had a look at the maps and decided to take a shortcut to Barkley East in an attempt to make up some time.

Africa Twins riding together:



This is a wonderfully scenic area. I found it a pity that we had to push push push through here, but it was the only hope we had to catch up. I did get one or two pics though. I was not going to let the opportunity go to waste. Believe me riding in this area is like riding in heaven if you're a Dual Sport biker. I will definitely come back again!



Suddenly I rode up to this scene. Seems like some unfortunate biker had an off.



To my horror it soon became apparent it was my good friend LGF.





Luckily he was in good hands. I have to complement the Rallye Raid organizers in this regard.



Seems like in the rush to catch up more than one biker overcooked it into this corner, LGF was the one that came short. All things considered it turned out well enough though. It could have been much more serious.



With LGF injured and unable to ride some of us decided to stay with him until he and his bike got recovered. Under much protest I might ad, but we'd have none of it. If I came off he would have stayed with me. We're bud's. that's how it works.

Matilda also arrived at the scene. He also had an incident - seems like he diced some KTM's, got lost off route and somehow popped his suspension.


(Photo by Matilda)

And so the waiting game started. We waited and waited... making jokes and telling stories, and waited...


(Photo by Matilda)

Jaco decided to pass the time giving us a show. Without a helmet.

.
(Photos by Matilda)

Eventually the bike got recovered and we headed back to camp.

[Trailrider]

Great scenery en route!



The Honda back-up crew in camp:


(Photo by Gryph)

What a sight after a long day!



We also found our friend GlenInk who rode through from Elliott to come and say hello!



Relaxing in the party tent we saw bakkie after bakkie coming in with recovered bikes. Routes 1 & 2 were gnarly I believe, but this is a hard core event. Hopefully the bikes' owners only had minor damage.

We also later learned that not a single rider that set out on Route 3 that morning finished the route.

That night the Rallye Raid organizers had some entertainment organized. Soon the party was in full swing again.





GlenInk said he'll photograph me with the blond girl if I'll photograph him as well. Sure...

Here's my pic:



And here's Glen's pic:



Nah, I'm not that cruel. Here's your pic mate. Enjoy!



I turned in a bit earlier tonight than the night before (earlier, not early...) but the party continued till the wee hours.

[Trailrider]

Day 4

The view from my tent this morning:



It was another cold cold night. I had a good night's rest though.

One of my neighbours tents:



Matilda forgot one of his tops on his tent and this morning it was frozen solid! Andre holding it up:


(Photo by Matilda)


(Photo by Matilda)

Showers provided some welcome warmth as well as a hearty breakfast. The guy in the shower next to mine told me that his bike (as well as others) slept out in the mountains somewhere that night. They simply couldn't recover all the bikes the previous day. Well this is marketed as a hard core event. I'm just glad my pride & joy wasn't one of the bikes damaged on the first day.


(Photo by Gary)

Some bikes getting ready for today's ride:



A lot of people that covered long distances to get here decided to leave today already and get a head start home.



Today's Route included Lundeans Nek (which I already did on my January trip) and Jouberts Pass which I disparately want to ride. The majority of our group was among the riders who decided to leave today already though. After two days of pushing and pushing they wanted to get in a scenic ride in this wonderful area as well as cover some of the km's on the way home.

Gryph has not seen either of the passes on today's ride so we decided that he'll leave on the ride and do the whole thing while I'll see the guys off and then ride round to Lady Grey to meet up with the group and ride back via Jouberts Pass.

Our guys packing:



The Cape Town XR guys getting ready to leave.



The duallies setting off:



This took a lot longer than I anticipated and by the time I could leave it was way to late to do the ride and be back for the games of the afternoon. Damn! I'll just have to come back to this area again.

Meanwhile Gryph had a good time on the ride. Some of his pics:

Lundeans Nek:


(Photo by Gryph)

Some rough sections:


(Photo by Gryph)


(Photo by Gryph)

Jouberts Pass:


(Photo by Gryph)

Joubert’s Pass, opened in 1914, was build by farmers, of which five were Joubert(hence the name), to enable them to reach their farms over the Wittenbergen. This scenic drive over the mountain meets up with the main road from Lady Grey to Barkley East, a circular route of approximately 70km.


(Photo by Gryph)


(Video by Gryph)

I hope to come and ride this pass myself soon. Maybe on the trip to Sani Pass.

Meanwhile the riders started returning and the games began!

Slow race: KTM950 vs BMW1200GS vs KTM990 vs XR650:
(Andre of Honda George on the XR650)



Long jumps: These were practice runs. In the eventual competition the run up would be much shorter.

KTM990:



XR650:



Slow race: TransAlp 700 vs Tenere vs KTM990



Barrel race: KTM950SE vs TransAlp 700 vs KTM990 vs KTM990



And the TransAlp won!

The same race as shot by Gryph:



This angle shows by what margin the TransAlp pulled away from the more fancied litre class bikes. One thing is certain, this weekend showed that the TransAlp 700 is not as far off the pace of the more "serious" DS bikes as some might think. It's a very capable bike indeed and a great all rounder.

KTMJedi of the WD forum doing the long jump. This man can ride!



Yamaha Tenere:



KYM990:





KTM 640:





GS800:


(Video by Gryph)

Wheelie competitions:



Obstacle courses:


(Video by Gryph)


(Video by Gryph)

The longest jump I saw for the day - CFR230. The ribbon on the ground shows the record jump for the day.
(To be fair he did have a helluva run up).



While the games were on some of the returning riders also packed and got a head start on the long ride home.

Some of the broken bikes around camp:






(Photo by Gryph)


(Photo by Gryph)

The party was more sedate the last night. There were a lot less people and those who were there were tired I guess.



There was a hypnotist show tonight and we went to bed right after.

Neither Gryph nor I had to go home just yet so we decided to take the next day and ride some of the passes we missed out on on the first day and head in the general direction of George in order to minimize the distance on the remaining days.

After having missed out today I was itching to ride more passes tomorrow. Especially the Bastervoetpad Pass.

[cassiebotha]

Jy is die koning van travel reports.  Waar kry jy die geduld om so breedvoerige verslag te doen.  Ek sal nooit so baie kan tik nie.  Ek raak aan die slaap as ek net 10min kyk na my LCD monitor dan dose ek af.  Jy is legend!!!!

[Trailrider]

Ek het iets geleer met die RR. Mens kan nie meer as 20000 letters in 'n enkele forum post he nie, dan moet jy die post split in twee...

[Trailrider]

The campsite was a hive of activity this morning with the last of the riders wanting to get an early start.






(Photo by Gryph)

In the fresh morning air we set out. Gryph and I took it easy this morning, drinking in the scenery. Around every corner you are amazed at the sights and scenes. It's really worth your while to take your time around here.

The view over the Kraai river on the road between Wartrail & New England:



The Kraai River is a tributary of the Orange River. It originates to the south of Lesotho and flows westward, where it joins the Orange near Aliwal North. The bridge in the photo is a railway bridge and the remains of the old Railway station Tierkrans can be seen in the left of the photo.



This area not only boasts great scenery and beauty of nature, but also a rich history. Only a few kilometers down this road we cross the Kraai river over the Loch Bridge - a national monument.

Construction of Loch Bridge commenced in the middle of November 1891 and the last arch was keyed in on 5 December 1892, but the bridge was only completed in March 1893. A labour shortage resulted in the approach roads only being completed in September 1893. There were 24 stone masons, three carpenters, and about 150 natives employed on the works, and some 300 more were kept on the work of the approaches on either side.



The bridge consists of five elliptical arches of 40 feet each, the length of masonry is 264 feet and the full length of the bridge is 640 feet. The roadway is 16 feet clear, and is 43 feet above the bed of the riverbed. The highest known flood reached 21 feet below the roadway. Wing walls were added to the bridge after the floods of January 1898 damaged the abutments.



The bridge was named after the Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Henry Brougham Loch. It is a national monument and truly a masterpiece.

We ride to Barkley East for fuel from where we'll head out towards Elliott untill we reach Bastervoetpad. Barkley East itself has some interresting buildings.

The Old Mill Inn was originally built in 1895 as a flour mill for the district of Barkly East. The building has since been remodeled into an inn while retaining the old Victorian atmosphere.



This might be a good option when I bring Mrs.TR here.

We hit the R58 to Elliott (tar, but still very scenic) until we see this:



Bastervoetpad takes you from the R58 (linking Barkly East & Elliot) to Ugie. It's a mountainous gravel road that can be very challenging depending on which time of the year you travel over it. It's also known as the L.A.P.A. Munnik Pass.



In 1862 Adam Kok and his Griqua people were resettled in the Kokstad area. En route a splinter group of Griqua made their way over the Drakensberg and down the Bastervoetpad. They settled in the vicinity of Ugie. In 1863 William Murray established his mission station on the banks of the Inux and from 1874 onwards the area gradually became settled by white pioneering traders and farmers.

William Murray, a medical missionary and schoolmaster, founded the small village of Ugie with its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings in 1863.

We passed by this road on our January trip and I vowed then to come back. This is it.



Scenery en route:



We were enjoying today's ride. No rush, stopping when we want to, enjoying our surroundings.

Gryph rode past a spot where something caught and ate a porcupine.



We took care not to ride over those "spikes". The last thing we wanted today as a flat tyre...

More scenery, beginning to ascend the pass:



In ride perspective:



Halfway up the pass this is what I found:


Gryph had a flat rear wheel.



The incline here is much steeper than it seems on the photos, so I had to stop my bike on level ground and walk up to Gryph to help.

This pic he took gives a better perspective:


(Photo By Gryph)

Back on level ground the wheel was taken off and fixed. We both carry all the tools to be able to fix a flat even if we were on our own, the only difference being that Gryph has a compressor and I carry gas bombs to inflate my tyre. Only problem was that Gryph's power socket broke so we couldn't use the compressor.



With the spare tube fitted we used two gas bombs (I had four) to inflate the tyre and we were set.


(Photo by Gryph)

Now it was decision time. Do we continue over this pass without a compressor, or do we get supplies first? It was afternoon already and it gets very cold here at night. We wouldn't want to get stuck overnight on this mountain.

The sense of adventure wanted us to continue, but in the end we decided on the safe option.



Thinking back I find it weird that we made this decision. I have been looking forward to riding this pass for a very long time and normally we'd continue. As it turns out we made the right decision in the end...

Starting the ride back down:


And not even 100m down the road...



Another flat, rear again. The spare tube Gryph had was suspect right from the start as I had a similar spare tube before and it failed 2km after the first flat. Gryph too has had bad luck with a similar tube on our Loxton trip when it failed right after he fitted it. The likelihood of a 2nd flat is one of the reasons we turned back. I hope he's learned his lesson with these tubes by now!

The great scenery around us was no comfort for a dejected Gryph who unpacked his pannier again, but if you're going to break down, it might as well be beautiful around you.





An frustrated Gryph:



I lent Gryph my spare tube (a thick enduro type tube) and after the wheel was fixed we inflated it with the last two gas bombs. We realized that after this fix we'd have no spare tubes left and no way to inflate a tyre, so we phoned GlenInk in Elliott who started riding out to meet us.

He arrived just as we finished up the fix.


(Photo by Gryph)

Tired and frustrated we headed back towards Elliott. Tonight we wanted a steak, an early night and a warm bed to sleep in, but about 10km down the road I noticed Gryph's wheel was deflating again. It seemed like a slow puncture this time so Gryph quickly inserted a can of tyre fix.



Let's get out of here. We'll fix this mess in civilization.

Barkley Pass:



We wanted some luxury to lift our moods and GlenInk knew exactly where to take us - Intaba Lodge.





Wow! This is exactly what the doctor ordered!

Some pics by Gryph:
.
We also found this magnificent Morgan parked out in front:



My room - a welcome change after the small icy tent!



Tonight we can get a well deserved rest. Four nights of partying can really take it out of you.

As soon as the restaurant opened we ordered. We've had nothing to eat since breakfast that morning. Rib combo tonight. Just look at this plate of food! The steak is still under that!



Having dined like kings we retired to the pub for a last one, and another, and another... Next thing we knew it was closing time! So much for an early night.



Tomorrow we start heading home.

So I missed out on Bastervoetpad again, but I will be back. I have been in this area twice now and both times I purposefully avoided Naudes Nek Pass, saving it for my trip to Sani Pass. Bastervoetpad will now be done on that trip, on the way back. There's lots or riding to be done in this area still!

[Pmdb]

Nice TR.

Ek het twee ystervark-karkasse, wat half gevreet was,  gekry oppad boontoe in Februarie.

Die af aan die anderkant is erger as die op aan daardie kant. Moenie in die die reen seisoen gaan soos wat ek gedoen het nie, party plekke was nogal erg.

Aan die anderkant, soos ek gesê in my RR het ek 'n ou op 'n GS gekry halfpad op aan die anderkant. Die ou was maar mismoedig maar kon nie meer omdraai nie.

[Trailrider]

We got up a bit later today as the energy levels were not what they were supposed to be. Continuous late nights take their toll I guess.

A quick stop in Elliott to say goodbye to Glen and we were on our way, heading West.



Tar roads unfortunately but still still scenic, this being the Eastern Cape.



Riding past the Otto du Plessis Pass and Barkers Neck Pass turn-offs were heartbreaking, but what can you do? I'll just have to come back.

We ride through Ida...



... and past Indwe to Dordrecht.

The picturesque little town of Dordrecht was established in 1856 as a Dutch Reformed parish and named after the town of the same name in the Netherlands. During the Anglo-Boer War, burghers from the Free State annexed the town and declared it part of the Free State. However, after the war it was reintegrated into the Eastern Cape.

I have been wanting to see this town since my friend Eisbein rode through here a couple of years ago.

Rural towns like these all have beautiful churches and the steeple is often the first thing you see as you approach a town. The Church can also be an indication of whether the town will be interesting and have a rich history. You could almost say that the church is the "face" of the town. The first impression. The thing that get's photographed.

Dordrecht makes a good first impression.





The Burgher Statue in front of the town’s Dutch Reformed Church is a monument to the Boer victims and casualties of the Anglo-Boer War. The inscription reads:

"Ter gedagtenis aan die Burgers wat die duurste offer op die altaar van die vaderland gelê het. - Die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog 1899-1902"

I am sad that we don't have more time to spend in these interesting towns, but we refuel and head out. Scenery on the way to Molteno:


(Photo by Gryph)



Molteno has some interesting churches of it's own:







Still heading West away from the Drakensberg the landscapes start leveling out. Gryph enjoying the ride:



Having had enough of the tar roads we hit the first gravel on the way to Hofmeyr.




(Photo by Gryph)



And all of a sudden we come across this:


Our maps did not indicate that there are a pass here, but we're so glad there are! Score!!!

The Grootdoornhoek Pass runs over the Bamboes Mountain Range in the Karoo.



This beautiful mountain range begins in Molteno and forms part of the Drakensberg escarpment, which splits into the separate ranges of Stormberg, Bamboes, Suurberg, Nieuveld and Komsberg as it enters the Eastern Cape.



This surprise made my day.



Having done some research on this pass after my trip I came across this:



This a waterfall on the pass. We did not see it but I'll be sure to look for it if I pass here again. The photo is from this website.

Being back on gravel the frequency of photos also increase significantly.



Scenery towards Hofmeyr:



And there lies the pretty little town of Hofmeyr in the shadow of the Bamboes Mountain Range in the Karoo.



Originally called Maraisburg, this town was established in 1873 and renamed after Jan Hofmeyr, a linguist and champion of the Afrikaans language.

The face of Hofmeyr:



This church is not as impressive as some of the churches in other towns, but it's pulpit has an interesting story. Before it was installed the pulpit was used at the christening of Paul Kruger, the last president of the Transvaal Republic. Wow! Now there is something to boast about!

It was lunch by now so we stopped at the Karoobos Farm Stall for some boerekos.





Hofmeyr is also closely tied to the discovery of the Hofmeyr Skull, a 36 000 year-old homo sapien skull found in a dry channel bed of the Vlekpoort river, just outside Hofmeyr. The skull supported the hypothesis that humans evolved in Africa before 200 000 years ago.

With full tummies we head further West into the Karoo:



The landscape seems flat, but surprises you every so often with something like this:



This is the Grootbrak river. No, not the one near George, the one near Hofmeyr.



I certainly didn't expect to find a river of this size here. The river runs into the Grassridge Dam.

More Karoo gravel highways. You don't really lose time travelling by gravel in the Karoo as the gravel roads generally are in good nick.



The scenery also varies as you ride along.



Eventually we link up to the tarred R61 between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock and travel over the Wapadsberg Pass (English: Wagon Tracks Mountain).



Wapadsberg Pass links up with the N9 and takes us to Graaf Reinet via Naude'sberg Pass:



In-ride perspective:



It was late afternoon by now and George was still 350km away. We were well and truly fatigued and a phone call revealed that it was raining in the Southern Cape. Decision time. Do we continue or do we sleep over? Continuing to George would mean riding fatigued in the dark and in rain, risks unnecessary to take. Gryph really REALLY wanted to sleep in his own bed that night though. Just then Bentap, who were in our group to Wartrail (Africa Twin), stopped next to us. You guys are sleeping over at my place tonight! This offer could not have come at a more opportune time!

Gryph had other ideas though. He wanted his own bed and that was that. It's been a long trip and he wanted to get home. So he decided to continue alone into the night despite the offer of free lodging - a decision that had me really worried.

Bentap also invited Hamster over for dinner and we had a nice evening chatting about the trip to Wartrail.

Real Camdeboo hospitality:



Our worries were put to rest when Gryph phoned later. He rode in the dark, in rain and in heavy mist but he made it home safely. .
And tonight I did get my early night.

[Trailrider]

Today I woke up refreshed and ready for the ride home. But first I rode through Graaf Reinet one last time.

Graaff-Reinet, also known as “the gem of the Karoo”, is the oldest town in the Eastern Cape and the fourth oldest town in South Africa. It started as the site for a “Trek Boer” (migrating farmer) magistracy and was named after Governor Cornelius Jacob van de Graaff and his wife Reynet. The town has nearly 300 national monuments, more than any other town in South Africa. Furthermore the town is surrounded by a nature reserve.

If the Church is the "face" of a town Graaf Reinet has to be one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa. The 1886 Dutch Reformed Church with its neo-Gothic lines strongly resembles England’s Salisbury Cathedral and it is said that the vault of the church houses a priceless collection of Cape Dutch silver.



There is so much to see around here. I can definitely confirm that I will be doing a tour of the Camdeboo area at some stage in the future.

I hit the straight roads of the N9 riding past Aberdeen towards Willowmore:



Not many photos today. Just me, the roar of the bike, the wind in my hair and the open road.

A quick refuel in Willowmore and I continue past Uniondale towards the Potjiesberg Pass where the conditions change into this:



This is not the greatest conditions to ride in. Little visibility and it was bitterly cold. Almost 100km of this along the Langkloof road.

And then just before George riding through Waboomskraal suddenly it cleared.



Waboomskraal is known for its Hop production (as seen in the left of the panorama).



Hops are used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer where they impart a bitter, tangy flavor.

From here it's a short hop over the Outeniqua Pass and home!



What a nice ride.


This was my first Rallye Raid. Will I go again? But of course! But I will be better prepared and will know better what to expect.

I really enjoyed the camaraderie and lack of "brand consciousness" among the riders. The organization was excellent, as was the food and entertainment. But you also have to see the event for what it is. It's a more "hardcore" event and my idea of riding the passes and taking pictures was way off the mark. Within the first couple of km's I was the last rider with the sweeper already hurrying me up. On this event you will be riding with a lot of other bikes through some breath taking scenery. But it is a ride, not a leisurely tour. Keep that in mind.

It was COLD. As were all the Rallye Raid's before this one. Invest in a good sleeping bag! The one I had did the trick beautifully. The link in the report (Day 3) to the sleeping bag's specs has the price of the sleeping bag pegged at R894.00. Here's a tip: Phone Hein Alberts at Tuinroete Agri at 044 6011 213 and buy yours at approx. R520.00 VAT included! One of the best gear buys I have ever made.

Thanks to all the guys that made this ride memorable. You guys are aces!