Day 5 - Thursday 24th Sep
Silverstreams – Underberg – Sani pass – Black Mountain pass - Left at St James – Sehonghong - Matebeng Pass – Sehabathebe National Park - Ramatseliso’s Gate – Matetiele – Silver streams - 520km.
Woke up to a great day. Blessed to be alive and to be me.
Silver Fox and Mrs Fox had arrived during the night from Johannesburg.
A great couple we would get to know better the next night.
The route for the day
After a quick breakfast we packed the bikes with emergency stuff and headed for Sani pass at ±07h30.
There were a few road works on the gravel road leading to the pass. We were stuck behind a few cars for a while. Suddenly the road is black and smooth and I accelerate past the cars as we’re coming out the bend speeding up to get past before the next bend ahead.
Ha!! It wasn’t tar, they had sprayed the road with a water truck, and this had turned the colour from grey to black, but I couldn’t tell the difference with my dusty visor. Luckily all went well and I recovered around the bend and continued towards Sani.
Sani is a mountain pass between the South African Border pass at the bottom and the Lesotho post at the top. It is a winding road with loose rocks and erosion which makes it popular amongst 4 x 4 enthusiasts and DS Bikers.
The road leading up towards Sani Pass.
When in dry areas you will be amazed at the beauty you can find if you take the time to look.
This chap was growing out of a crack in the rocks.
Video of a section of Road
At the RSA border post we met Journeyman and a bunch of mates who were also doing Sani and planned to go through to Katse dam and then on to Johannesburg (Shame).
Then Up the pass. The pass was not that bad (although a few people said it’s a lot worse than before) but it was still tricky with the erosion groves and loose rocks.
You should she how big the peoples eyes get in these taxis
Summor
On one bend I stopped and waited for Paul who was taking photos, then, as I pulled away the back slipped out. I overcorrected and dropped the bike as my feet had no where to grip on the downward side of the slope. Scratched my brand new brake lever and bent the foot peg on the right hand side.
Also broke my GPS mount but didn’t realise at the time.
Amazing how heavy the KLR is when lying upside down.
I didn’t stop for a pic as the petrol was leaking out the tank.
Fortunately that was my last fall of the trip, although I had quite a few close ones.
Up at the top in the Highest pub in Africa. Awesome views.
Paul
Me
The other riders on the balcony
And the views
After a coke, two toasted ham and cheese sarmies and a beer,
we headed out up Black mountain Pass.
Here and there we saw the remnants of snow. ( I hear it snowed there on the Monday we rode back to PE)
Another section of great scenic road. But unfortunately the drought was very apparent up here.
We road and stopped for pics along the way, leap frogging the group with Journeyman.
And riding behind Journeyman
The farming practices here are often ancient as accessibility and fuel are a problem out here.
Despite this there were a large amount of fields plowed and waiting for the rain.
Then as we came around a bend we saw them pushing a BMW Funduro to try get it back on the road.
The road surface was very slippery with round stones like ball bearings. As the guy opened up through the corner the bike slipped out from under him. He landed on the road but the bike when down the side slope next to the road stopping about 10m away. Luckily nothing was damaged on either of them.
When we got to St James Junction, the rest of his group were having Refreshments and waiting for the pack.
Originally Paul & I were going to turn around here and head back. Possibly find a spot to fish.
But when looking at the map, decided to turn left and head for Ramatseliso’s gate. One map we had showed we could go through the Sehabathebe National Park, although the others showed this was not possible. I was keen to try and although Paul isn’t gay (At least I don’t think so), he said he’s easy, so off we went. Our main concerns were the lack of fuel, and the time limit to the border post which closes at 6PM. Although the road is one of Lesotho’s main roads it is shown as a 4x4 route on some maps so we had no idea of the condition and expected time.
What a great decision, this road goes through some majestic mountain passes and rivers. I must definitely go back one day when it’s greener.
We passed a few guys going the other way who seemed in a great rush.
Maybe they were afraid to be recognised on their KTM’s?
We looked for a secluded spot to stop for lunch
Within seconds we had an audience out of know where.
They didn’t beg as we had expected, just greeted politely and stood off to one side hoping for the best.
We left some in the cans and gave to them afterwards making them very happy.
But when I got the camera out for a pic that’s when they really sparkled. Standing proud for the pic and then overjoyed when seeing themselves on the camera. I wish I could send them a hard copy.
The road to, through and after Matebeng Pass got a bit more technical slowing us down a bit but nothing serious. I was starting to get sleepy so the technical bits helped.
They even make bricks by hand out of the rocks.
The roads
Started getting concerned when we saw the rain clouds, but they never caused us any bother.
Lot’s of little water crossings but nothing to brag about, the streams were rather dry.
At the top of the pass. Click on an image below if you want it enlarged
Looking back.
Looking forward
First Snake of the trip. I normally see quite a few and was wondering if it’s not too cold up here.
Anybody know the type?
We got to Sehabathebe and asked around if we could get through the Park to South Africa.
People said no, but did not seem sure. The park entrance only seemed a few km’s away so we decided to ride to the gate and speak to some one there. Alas, no one at the entrance.
Do we chance it or do we go to the border post we know about?
Paul gets the bright idea to ask “what is the time?”
“Half past 5” I say. Heck we’ve only got 30 min till the Border closes and it’s 40km away, we have no camping or bedding and not sure on fuel and the sun she’s dropping somewhat. Decision made. We head for the border post without stopping. Nice to have an excuse to open up a bit sometimes.
I still get to take to odd pic while riding.
We arrive at the border Post at exactly 6PM but it’s closed.
Now I’ve heard of some guys having hassles at Lesotho BPs before so I’m a bit worried but ask around and get told to look in the building next door where everyone is having their end of day beers.
Eventually I get directed to this little room and inside are 4 dudes with their quarts. I almost feel guilty disturbing them; they’re parking of so lekker. But I get over it quickly and pose my question. All hands point to the poor soul who get’s up reluctantly, but then once outside is very friendly and we go off looking for the border postman in charge. After a tour to the other possible places he might be including his residence we find him in his office. (Last place we expected to find him ha ha. I should have more faith in man)
He unlocks everything, stamps our passports and off we go.
The RSA border post stays open and the staff are very helpful and we’re on our way after hearing stories of how bad the road down is.
They were right, especially in the dark, but we got down OK without incident.
There were a lot of grass fires on both side of the road but nothing too serious.
We have a bit of excitement on the flat sections as my KLR lights are pretty dim and fat heeg was starting to settle in. came into a few corners a bit fast, but what the heck we came out of them a bit fast to so it cancelled out I guess.
After we filled up at Matatiele I told Paul I’m taking it easy now, not going to go over 80km/h in the dark as the animals like to come out at night and I can’t see so far ahead.
Paul says fine he knows the way he’ll lead. It just happens that when the time comes to turn left I can’t see Paul anymore so I go left and back to camp, arriving at 9h30PM
I make the fire while a few wild dogs members come and introduce themselves and we discuss the day’s events. I cooked the food and have just taken the steaks off the coals when Paul Arrives at 10h30PM. He went straight instead of left and then left instead of right at the next T-Junction.
7h30 to 21h30 / 22h30 was a long day in the saddle.
But I’d do it again in a flash, it was a great route, and it’s great riding with someone who takes all the nocks in his stride, laughs and says, “It’s all part of the adventure”
:ricky: :ricky: :ricky: :ricky:
Day 6 coming soon
hmmmm
