RobLH said:
I'm really enjoying sharing it, thanks :thumleft:
5 Karoo's, 4 punctures, 6 bike drops and the Overberg - 1300km in 3 days
- Thread starter MildlyWild
- Start date
I'm really enjoying sharing it, thanks :thumleft:
Soos dit mos nou maar tipies gebeur op plase hou die boere allerhande goeters as troeteldiere aan, van jakkalse, bobbejane, ape, meerkatte tot gemsbokke en stinkmuishonde, waarvan die laaste 2 dan ook nou op die werf is. Die gemsbok se ma het klomp jare terug in die droogte gevrek, en die loop en dink nou hy is n perd. As hy nie vir een of ander rede so effens soos n dwerg gemsbok gelyk het nie sou my neef wragtag nog n saal op hom gegooi en daai horings vas gevat het vir n properse Karoo rodeo. Daai stinkmuishondjie wat hulle onder hul tent tydens n perdry trip onder die tent gekry het is nogal n belewenis - oulik verby en hyt nog nie agter gekom dat hy eintlik groot manne en kwaai honde kan laat tjank nie. Intussen vryf ek elk geval maar saggies en kyk mooi waar ek trap.
Van die plaas af is ons toe die 56km deur Sutherland toe, lekker groot grondpad om te ry. n Goeie ompad sou wees om die Rantepad (dankie ChrisL) Fraserburg toe te vat en dan weer van daar af terug Sutherland toe te ry.
Ons wou eers gou daar na die SALT gaan kyk, maar hulle boonste hek is nog styf toe vir besoekers - Covid het hier ook sy werk kom doen.
Na petrol volmaak, nog n bier by Jupiter ( die keer net een, want na die vorige dag se 2 het Tiaan mos skielik pap wiele begin kry op n gelyk grondpad
ot en n draai by die kerk (om die bier se effek verder te probeer uitkanseller ) is ons toe weer teerpad uit, rigting Matjiesfontein. Wel, dis die enigste teerpad uit in elke geval.
Die keer het ons net voor Verlatekloof pas links geswaai oppad Komsberg pas toe - weer n groot grondpad wat hoe verder mens ry al hoe slegter raak soos die bakkies en vragmotors wat tans met die windplaas daar oral rond besig is hom trap. Na jy weer links swaai raak die pad weer beter.
Dit moes seker nou hoeka op daai sinkplaterige gaterige groot pad gewees het waar my nuwe klein roostertjie vir hom n ander lewe gaan soek het, net soos Tiaan se een plakkie op n vorige trip. Tensy my roostertjie so in die ry van my fiets af ontvoer en erens in n vlak graf beland het - hierdie is mos amptelik deel van die Moordenaars Karoo... Manne, as jy enigiets vas strap op n fiets wat jy nie wil verloor nie moet jy maar seker maak daai tou of rek loop erens deur n lus, ogie of hakie, anders moet jy maar vooraf groet.
Die pad teen Komsberg pas af en daarna deur tot in Laingsburg is ook lekker, maar jo, behalwe vir die verdwaalde water in die een rivier loop is dit wild droog daai kant :-[ :'(
Onder in Laingsburg het ons gou gestop vir n lekker milkshake by Steers, dankbaar dat dit teen 3pm net so 32 grade C was, in plaas van die vorige dag se 38
Van die plaas af is ons toe die 56km deur Sutherland toe, lekker groot grondpad om te ry. n Goeie ompad sou wees om die Rantepad (dankie ChrisL) Fraserburg toe te vat en dan weer van daar af terug Sutherland toe te ry.
Ons wou eers gou daar na die SALT gaan kyk, maar hulle boonste hek is nog styf toe vir besoekers - Covid het hier ook sy werk kom doen.
Na petrol volmaak, nog n bier by Jupiter ( die keer net een, want na die vorige dag se 2 het Tiaan mos skielik pap wiele begin kry op n gelyk grondpad
ot en n draai by die kerk (om die bier se effek verder te probeer uitkanseller ) is ons toe weer teerpad uit, rigting Matjiesfontein. Wel, dis die enigste teerpad uit in elke geval.Die keer het ons net voor Verlatekloof pas links geswaai oppad Komsberg pas toe - weer n groot grondpad wat hoe verder mens ry al hoe slegter raak soos die bakkies en vragmotors wat tans met die windplaas daar oral rond besig is hom trap. Na jy weer links swaai raak die pad weer beter.
Dit moes seker nou hoeka op daai sinkplaterige gaterige groot pad gewees het waar my nuwe klein roostertjie vir hom n ander lewe gaan soek het, net soos Tiaan se een plakkie op n vorige trip. Tensy my roostertjie so in die ry van my fiets af ontvoer en erens in n vlak graf beland het - hierdie is mos amptelik deel van die Moordenaars Karoo...
Manne, as jy enigiets vas strap op n fiets wat jy nie wil verloor nie moet jy maar seker maak daai tou of rek loop erens deur n lus, ogie of hakie, anders moet jy maar vooraf groet.Die pad teen Komsberg pas af en daarna deur tot in Laingsburg is ook lekker, maar jo, behalwe vir die verdwaalde water in die een rivier loop is dit wild droog daai kant :-[ :'(
Onder in Laingsburg het ons gou gestop vir n lekker milkshake by Steers, dankbaar dat dit teen 3pm net so 32 grade C was, in plaas van die vorige dag se 38
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Dragonfly-XC
Race Dog
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:thumleft: Ry lekker saam, dankie vir die deel. :3some:
Van die plaas af is ons toe die 56km deur Sutherland toe,
Ek sou graag wou sien hoe julle gery het vanaf Banksgate om by Sland uit te kom? Deur daai wildsplaas met die steil klim net voor jy by die Rantepad aansluit?
Ek sou graag wou sien hoe julle gery het vanaf Banksgate om by Sland uit te kom? Deur daai wildsplaas met die steil klim net voor jy by die Rantepad aansluit?
ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS said:
Banksgate was eintlik voorheen die wildsplaas, dan deur Karelskraal (wat deel van my neef se plaas Kromkolk is) en oor Karelskraal pas (die steil een voor jy by die Rantepad aansluit). By die Rantepad draai jy dan links terug na Sutherland, ipv regs na Fraserburg
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Jip dis die een wat ek ingedagte gehad het. Is daai pad nou toe vir deur ry?MildlyWild said:
ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS said:
Is jammer ekt altyd gedink daai eienaars moes daai roete oop hou en n kampplek oop maak op die plaas. Lekker sirkel roete vir n naweek uit die Kaap uit.
Na daai koud-vars milkshake vat ons toe die pad Seweweeks poort toe.
Ek sien so op die rant van Laingsburg het iemand hom effens misgis met waar die spoorlyn nou eintlik ophou - bly dit was nie ek nie - dis omtrent hoe ek sou voel as my fiets wel daar op Koedoesberg langs die kant af gegaan het
Floriskraal dam ver links lyk of hy nogal baie water het, maar hier is die veld ook maar dood droog.
Die pad Ladismith / Calitzdorp se kant is regtig mooi en lekker om te ry. Het nie veel fotos om te wys nie, maar Rooinek pas en Witnekke pas, wat alles nog teerpad is, laat my baie dink aan die terrein oppad Vioolsdrif toe, met sulke lekker lui draaie waar n man lekker met n Harley sou ry.
Die grondpad voor Seweweeks poort is goed en ek dink van die manne sal seker nie 2 keer dink om 140km/h+ daar te doen nie, maar sodra mens in die poort inkom dink ek enigeen sal wil stadiger ry om die natuurskoon te bewonder. Hulle is tans nog besig om aan van die laagwater bruggies te werk, maar lyk of dit nie meer lank sal wees nie
So is ons toe die Klein Karoo binne, en met die son wat al weer laag begin trek het het ons hoed vas gedruk en die laaste stukkie teer na Ladismith gevat waar ons net gou iets te drinke gekry het voor ons weer dorp uit is
Ek sien so op die rant van Laingsburg het iemand hom effens misgis met waar die spoorlyn nou eintlik ophou - bly dit was nie ek nie - dis omtrent hoe ek sou voel as my fiets wel daar op Koedoesberg langs die kant af gegaan het
Floriskraal dam ver links lyk of hy nogal baie water het, maar hier is die veld ook maar dood droog.
Die pad Ladismith / Calitzdorp se kant is regtig mooi en lekker om te ry. Het nie veel fotos om te wys nie, maar Rooinek pas en Witnekke pas, wat alles nog teerpad is, laat my baie dink aan die terrein oppad Vioolsdrif toe, met sulke lekker lui draaie waar n man lekker met n Harley sou ry.
Die grondpad voor Seweweeks poort is goed en ek dink van die manne sal seker nie 2 keer dink om 140km/h+ daar te doen nie, maar sodra mens in die poort inkom dink ek enigeen sal wil stadiger ry om die natuurskoon te bewonder. Hulle is tans nog besig om aan van die laagwater bruggies te werk, maar lyk of dit nie meer lank sal wees nie
So is ons toe die Klein Karoo binne, en met die son wat al weer laag begin trek het het ons hoed vas gedruk en die laaste stukkie teer na Ladismith gevat waar ons net gou iets te drinke gekry het voor ons weer dorp uit is
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ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS said:Is jammer ekt altyd gedink daai eienaars moes daai roete oop hou en n kampplek oop maak op die plaas. Lekker sirkel roete vir n naweek uit die Kaap uit.
Is so ja. My neef sou nog te vinde wees vir dit, maar klink my die nuwe eienaar op Banksgate is nogal erg oor die deurgang daar
:thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft:
n Vinnige oproep na Koedoeskloof vanaf Laingsburg het seker gemaak ons het n plekkie om te kamp vir die nag, en hul koedoe burger en chips was regtig baie baie lekker. Smaak soos, soos meer :thumleft:
Tiaan was diep bekommerd oor die swerm muskiete wat hom in die stort vasgekeer het, so sonder sy klein blou-muskiet-zap-mcgaftertjie by hom, maar op die ou end was hulle seker nie so honger as wat hulle geklink het nie. Lyk my my bloed is nie so lekker in elk geval nie.
Ons het 4 ander ryers ook daar gekry, en natuurlik was dit die HP2 wat my aandag getrek het 8) Moes n paar fotos daar geneem het van hulle die oggend - 2 KTM's, n Triumph en die HP2
Tiaan was diep bekommerd oor die swerm muskiete wat hom in die stort vasgekeer het, so sonder sy klein blou-muskiet-zap-mcgaftertjie by hom, maar op die ou end was hulle seker nie so honger as wat hulle geklink het nie. Lyk my my bloed is nie so lekker in elk geval nie.
Ons het 4 ander ryers ook daar gekry, en natuurlik was dit die HP2 wat my aandag getrek het 8) Moes n paar fotos daar geneem het van hulle die oggend - 2 KTM's, n Triumph en die HP2
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Clockwork Orange
Race Dog
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Thoroughly enjoying this....Thanks :thumleft:
Day 3 started off lazily again - I really need to work on my packing up skills. A quick coffee and goodbye to the other 4 riders saw us on the way back to Ladismith for some fuel and from there we hit the tarmac towards Riversdale. Once again that section of tar is a pleasure to ride - quiet and scenic.
A right turn took us onto a wide hard gravel road where it took an effort even for us to keep the speed below 115km/h due to the perfect road condition. Although normally a perfect gravel road is actually a terrible thing for us adventure seeking off road riding bikers...
A left turn had us heading south towards the Gysmanshoek pass, past some farm house ruins from years ago where we stopped to investigate. We considered a quick coffee making break while we walked around, but when Tiaan's bike started again after a few minutes of not responding at all we opted to rather push on for Heidelberg and a Wimpy breakfast instead of unpacking and repacking the stove and stuff.
The gravel road up the pass was about a bakkie width, but littered with loose stones and would offer the totally inexperienced rider a good challenge. Since the two of us were veterans of the Koedoesberg pass 2 days previously we hardly blinked an eye and motored to the top. At the summit the road turns to smaller gravel road
and some tweespoor, and the flora immediately changes into the lush green fynbos of the Boosmansbos wilderness area - truly spectacular!! Luckily the gate on the way down was open and we navigated the jeep track slowly, savouring the majesty of our surroundings thoroughly. On the far end a short section takes you underneath overhanging trees for that Knysna feeling.
A right turn took us onto a wide hard gravel road where it took an effort even for us to keep the speed below 115km/h due to the perfect road condition. Although normally a perfect gravel road is actually a terrible thing for us adventure seeking off road riding bikers...
A left turn had us heading south towards the Gysmanshoek pass, past some farm house ruins from years ago where we stopped to investigate. We considered a quick coffee making break while we walked around, but when Tiaan's bike started again after a few minutes of not responding at all we opted to rather push on for Heidelberg and a Wimpy breakfast instead of unpacking and repacking the stove and stuff.
The gravel road up the pass was about a bakkie width, but littered with loose stones and would offer the totally inexperienced rider a good challenge. Since the two of us were veterans of the Koedoesberg pass 2 days previously we hardly blinked an eye and motored to the top. At the summit the road turns to smaller gravel road
and some tweespoor, and the flora immediately changes into the lush green fynbos of the Boosmansbos wilderness area - truly spectacular!! Luckily the gate on the way down was open and we navigated the jeep track slowly, savouring the majesty of our surroundings thoroughly. On the far end a short section takes you underneath overhanging trees for that Knysna feeling.
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I had known beforehand that this next section of road would be quite pretty, but what we encountered really blew my socks off (again - it had happened a few times on the trip so far already and I was fast running out of socks).
The wide, well maintained gravel road running between Riversdale and Heidelberg hugs the mountain and offers up an incredibly green, insanely beautiful landscape where they grow thousands of ( I stand corrected) mango trees. It once again felt as if I wanted to stop to take photos around every second corner, which I basically did.
And then we came across it :biggrin: Well, technically we first got there and then we came across it. A concrete low water bridge among dense greenery, with water around a foot to one and half feet high - the perfect opportunity to get our feet wet and wash the dust off the bikes :ricky: Of course I just had to take the chance to ride through, take a photo of Tiaan and then go back so he could take one of me :biggrin:
Riding into Heidelberg I was pleasantly surprised at the character of the old town lying behind the 2 garages on the N2, which is basically what probably 95% of people ever get to see. There are historic buildings and houses galore, the church is once again incredible and the silos presented a good photo opportunity.
Breakfast at Wimpy had never tasted so good before and the service was great, even though they were quite busy.
The wide, well maintained gravel road running between Riversdale and Heidelberg hugs the mountain and offers up an incredibly green, insanely beautiful landscape where they grow thousands of ( I stand corrected) mango trees. It once again felt as if I wanted to stop to take photos around every second corner, which I basically did.
And then we came across it :biggrin: Well, technically we first got there and then we came across it. A concrete low water bridge among dense greenery, with water around a foot to one and half feet high - the perfect opportunity to get our feet wet and wash the dust off the bikes :ricky: Of course I just had to take the chance to ride through, take a photo of Tiaan and then go back so he could take one of me :biggrin:
Riding into Heidelberg I was pleasantly surprised at the character of the old town lying behind the 2 garages on the N2, which is basically what probably 95% of people ever get to see. There are historic buildings and houses galore, the church is once again incredible and the silos presented a good photo opportunity.
Breakfast at Wimpy had never tasted so good before and the service was great, even though they were quite busy.
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We rolled out of Heidelberg, taking the first gravel turn off that pointed towards the Malgas Pont over the Breede Rivier.
And then, as if we had not had enough practise yet Tiaan pulled over with the rear tyre flat again. Out came the tools, off came the wheel, which revealed that my heavy duty 18" tube had indeed folded in the 17" tyre and had formed a small hole in the fold. While Tiaan was busy taking out the tube I started patching the orginal tube we removed 2 days prior so long, making very sure that the glue was enough, the tyre clean and the patch fixed firmly before we fitted it and performed the obligatory 450 odd strokes from the hand pump.
The road to the pont had a very clear sign saying "closed" or something like that, but we took the chance and rode on. When we got to the river the pont was at the other side with no one in sight, but the operators promptly appeared and steered the new yellow noisy beast across towards us. I really liked the old silent version much much more, and even the 2 guys who now so easily brought us across said that they did not mind the old one and did not trust this one as much. Apparently it took them about 7 minutes walking the old one across, with the newfangled version doing it in 4, but without taking any more vehicles.
On the other side we hit the gravel again, and even though these roads are in pretty good nick they are still fun to ride
And then, as if we had not had enough practise yet Tiaan pulled over with the rear tyre flat again. Out came the tools, off came the wheel, which revealed that my heavy duty 18" tube had indeed folded in the 17" tyre and had formed a small hole in the fold. While Tiaan was busy taking out the tube I started patching the orginal tube we removed 2 days prior so long, making very sure that the glue was enough, the tyre clean and the patch fixed firmly before we fitted it and performed the obligatory 450 odd strokes from the hand pump.
The road to the pont had a very clear sign saying "closed" or something like that, but we took the chance and rode on. When we got to the river the pont was at the other side with no one in sight, but the operators promptly appeared and steered the new yellow noisy beast across towards us. I really liked the old silent version much much more, and even the 2 guys who now so easily brought us across said that they did not mind the old one and did not trust this one as much. Apparently it took them about 7 minutes walking the old one across, with the newfangled version doing it in 4, but without taking any more vehicles.
On the other side we hit the gravel again, and even though these roads are in pretty good nick they are still fun to ride
Attachments
As we approached the N2 just outside Riviersonderend Tiaan once again felt the rear starting to slide a bit, but with me checking out the rear tyre while riding we managed to limp into the closest filling station, determined to use a proper pump for a change
While Tiaan started on the wheel again I strolled across to best, or at least best looking, filling station convenience store that I have come across so far - really well laid out with just the right amount of farm style character. Two large cuppucinos were on the menu and they were goooooodddddd :thumleft: :thumleft:
This time Tiaan used petrol to clean the tube properly since we figured that the silicone grease he uses to help seat the tyres easily also helps patches to not stick for long - bugger! Anyway, it was around 15:45 when we were ready to roll again. Our plan had been to set off for Greyton on gravel and then cut across to Theewaterskloof dam before cruising over Franschoek pass. With time a-ticking, home still a good few kms away and rain already visible towards Greyton we easily made the call to rather ride the black snake back.
About 30km before Caledon the rain starting coming down a bit, fogging up our visors and washing the last bit of dust off man and machine. A quick stop at Caledon to apply some anti-fog spray helped a little, but at least the rain slowed down a bit as we approached first Houw Hoek pass and then Sir Lowry's pass.
The wind on Sir Lowry's was keraaaazy and we had to seriously concentrate to make it down safely to the bottom, where the wind miraculously dissapeared. From there it was a leisurely cruise back towards the northern subs where we said our good byes on the go, to get back home safely around 6:30pm - about 1300kms after leaving 3 days prior, with around 800km being off road.
Along the way we left out some sections that we had planned on riding, but this now becomes a new target for future rides.
It was a magnificent trip with all sorts of terrain, roads and scenery, and 5 Karoo's, 4 tyre changes and 6 tumbles later we had experienced the kind of adventure that most people only ever dream about.
Now to start planning a 5 day ride with the same intensity and varietyot:
While Tiaan started on the wheel again I strolled across to best, or at least best looking, filling station convenience store that I have come across so far - really well laid out with just the right amount of farm style character. Two large cuppucinos were on the menu and they were goooooodddddd :thumleft: :thumleft:
This time Tiaan used petrol to clean the tube properly since we figured that the silicone grease he uses to help seat the tyres easily also helps patches to not stick for long - bugger! Anyway, it was around 15:45 when we were ready to roll again. Our plan had been to set off for Greyton on gravel and then cut across to Theewaterskloof dam before cruising over Franschoek pass. With time a-ticking, home still a good few kms away and rain already visible towards Greyton we easily made the call to rather ride the black snake back.
About 30km before Caledon the rain starting coming down a bit, fogging up our visors and washing the last bit of dust off man and machine. A quick stop at Caledon to apply some anti-fog spray helped a little, but at least the rain slowed down a bit as we approached first Houw Hoek pass and then Sir Lowry's pass.
The wind on Sir Lowry's was keraaaazy and we had to seriously concentrate to make it down safely to the bottom, where the wind miraculously dissapeared. From there it was a leisurely cruise back towards the northern subs where we said our good byes on the go, to get back home safely around 6:30pm - about 1300kms after leaving 3 days prior, with around 800km being off road.
Along the way we left out some sections that we had planned on riding, but this now becomes a new target for future rides.
It was a magnificent trip with all sorts of terrain, roads and scenery, and 5 Karoo's, 4 tyre changes and 6 tumbles later we had experienced the kind of adventure that most people only ever dream about.
Now to start planning a 5 day ride with the same intensity and variety
ot:Attachments
If you enjoyed this report, please feel free to not send thanks or comments, and rather send me cash for my next trip :imaposer:
Ok, enige kommentaar is welkom en ek sal enige vrae tot die beste van my beperkte vermoë antwoord :thumleft:
Ok, enige kommentaar is welkom en ek sal enige vrae tot die beste van my beperkte vermoë antwoord :thumleft:
Samou
Pack Dog
Baie dankie vir 'n uitstekende RR wat ek terdeë geniet het. Jy mag maar stories vertel hoor :thumleft:
Dankie vir die lekke RR!! :thumleft: :thumleft:
