A "X" the country Challenge..... (Now complete)

[Maverick (R.I.P.)]

Keep it coming!

 

[Rouxman]

Continued!!

I arrive at a “T” junction where the R59 meets the R34. There is no signage. For some reason, I elect to turn right, it felt right! There’s an informal settlement to my left and I cannot see over the hill in front of me. I should be close to Hoopstad. I pass a sign on the right facing the opposite direction in which I’m heading. There are people scattered on the gravel by the side of the road. Some are, hiking, some are just standing and others collecting wood in preparation for the wintry night ahead.
In front of me, I see two souls walking on the roadside gravel, one pushing a wheelbarrow stacked high with wood. I feel blessed as I only have to push a button to achieve the same outcome.

Being the only sign in sight turn around to look at the board. I’m hoping not see Hoopstad on the board as then I’d be heading in the wrong direction. A catch glimpse of the board as my head is facing the direction I came from which is the opposite direction that Guss and my body is traveling in.

The board reads………..

Suddenly the bike shakes and bumps. My brain is still processing the letters but my neck gets an emergency call to bring my face forward as we need to process the situation at hand or else!!
I drifted onto the roadside gravel section. It took the time it took me to realize what had happened for the people walking by the side of the road to scatter onto the tarred road. I looked up and mostly everyone was on the tar except the poor bugger pushing the wheelbarrow.
Guss immediately lets me know that we were never actually out of shape, just a change of road surface, all is well. I turn my attention to the chap with the overloaded wheelbarrow that had now changed course and momentum towards the tar. He elected to hang on to his prize as I suppose it was hard work getting to that point in the first instance and the thought of re-loading a yellow overturned barrow was just too much. I adjust course by a few degrees port side as if though it was a planned move and elect to add a bit off show whilst I’m at it. I grab myself a handful on the twister and Guss politely responds. Rock, gravel, and dust go flying as Guss steps out gently to the left. By now the lumberjack and I are now longer on the same course, however, I am going to pass him by in a slightly sideways fashion. He stops just short of the raised tar surface and we lock eyes. As I pass him a smile appears and I give him a sideways nod, you know, as bikers do……..
I straighten out Guss and look for a re-entry point onto tar. And suddenly on top of the low gradient hill……..HOOPSTAD.
I turn left off the R34 onto Prince George Way heading into town. There’s an impressive display to indicate the town you’re at. Wishes they would’ve skimped a bit on this structure and invested a road sign a few k’s back.

Anyhow, I’m here and this deserves a picture. I strangely get a craving for a juicy T-bone steak as I look at this monument like town entrance sign.

I find a Shell garage and pull in. By now I’ve covered a total of 381,1km since setting off in Benoni this morning and it’s now 14:05. I covered 204.4km in my last stint from Parys to Hoopstad and I only stopped once to refuel the main tank from the bowser. Not bad!!
You see, I know I said the seat is fine however I think in the excitement of meeting and riding Guss I didn’t really pay attention to trivial things like comfort. Today I have started to evaluate my comfort and it’s definitely an area in our relationship I’m going to have to adapt to Guss’s. And I will!!
With my latest eureka moment re the dual tank system together with finding the so called “writing on the wall” behind the petcocks, I have another go at filling both tanks. A tall native chap is staring at the bike from the front. I send him a friendly hello and I receive an overwhelming response….”hello babba”!!! “Jo jo jo joooooooooooo! I want buy thes bike. Eish I love this bike!! Jo jo joooooo! He walks around the bike towards the back. He sparks up a conversation with the garage attendant about something whilst eagerly still pointing at everything he sees.
Being deep in the Freestate I requested the top up in Afrikaans, the attendant responded with a “Sorry?”. I repeat my previous request in Afrikaans and the same response is promptly returned….”Sorry?”

I realize my voice is probably muffled through the helmet and I remove it. By now a couple of European descendants have joined the tall native onlooker. As the lid comes off I notice them too and politely smiled whilst saying “Goeie Middag”…. Both of them return the greeting, “Good Afternoon”
I pull out my earplugs and turn my attention to the attendant again who by now is eagerly waiting to complete his task, fuel nozzle in hand, finger on the trigger. My hands are freezing and I cannot get the black plastic fuel cap unscrewed. He sees I’m struggling and I ask very politely, “could you please open the cap for me”? I get an immediate response. He gently puts down the fuel nozzle and also struggles but gets it unscrewed. He picks up the nozzle and looks at me for instruction. I think to myself, “I should come to the Freestate more often”. “Could you please fill up this tank for me?” I say whilst pointing to a line I think will be full enough. His actions tell me he understood this time.

The “European descendants” are there to fill an old 5litr plastic can with fuel. By their skin, I can see they’ve spent a lot of time in the sun however they are very friendly. The man is tall and skinny with gray hair. The woman, of similar age, has short yellowish hair with gray/black roots. She is quite a bit shorter than him and stays behind him. I only see her head pop out from behind him periodically. She’s also monitoring the filling of their can on the other side of the same pump I’m getting fuel from.
The tall native pipes up one last time as he walks off, “I waaant to buy dad bike!!”.
I ask the attendant for directions to Hertzogville….in British as by now I’ve figured out he is actually of European descent. He’s also seen that I mean no harm and politely responds to my question, “Mnr, jy ry hier uit by die garage end dan jy gaan sien die “T” junction, da jy draai left en dan jy gaa oor die brug en dan jy turn right, dan jy gaa net straight”. Just as I thought, I am in the Freestate!!

I refrain from acting surprised but appreciatively spark up a conversation with him in Afrikaans. And I sincerely am appreciative as I cannot reciprocate the dialogue in his native tongue.  The tall “European descendant” seizes this opportunity to spark up a conversation about my comings from and goings to. He now wants to add value to the conversation and also gives the same directions both in English and in Afrikaans which rudely interrupts my conversation with my new friend. I stay friendly to both but very aware of how the attendant jumps back in his box. By now both the man and the woman have taken over the conversation. The attendant finishes his task, 12.99 litrs. The next minute a card machine, a pin, a slip and he’s gone. The man and woman keep talking to me. Despite them being very friendly and helpful I couldn’t help but feel for the attendant. Respect toward another human being can go a long way!!
I close the petcocks, kit up and notices fuel dripping from the overflow, Bollocks!!

The attendant and the tall native

After the bridge, I turn right and I’m back on the R59. This should take me straight to the R64 leading to Boshof and then into Kimberley.
At Hertzogville there is an intersection. I miss it. I should’ve turned left to stay on the R59 thinking I should carry on straight to stay on the R59 I carry on. At this intersection, the R59 straight on becomes the S87. The road is beautiful!! Still the cross wind. As I’m riding through the miles and miles of mielie land, I’m often tempted by the perimeter roads. The mielies have been harvested. Evidence of a good harvest is all around me. I see a gap again to jump off the tar onto a perimeter road……..”LEAAAVE IT!! LEAAAAAVE ITTT!!” I think to myself. This is a transport mission, a commute. Get yourself and Guss home safely in time for dinner with the vrou tomorrow night. That is the mission!!

 

[Single Cylinder]

Lekker man, lekker    :ricky:

 

[Rouxman]

Guss is running like a champ!! I’m now starting to really enjoy Guss. My confidence in the BMW brand is re-affirmed despite the earlier self-fixing idle issue and me having not yet figured out the how the Touratech tank works. 14km’s After Hertzogville in the distance I see the road colour change. I slow down and arrive at these coordinates: Lat – 28.2402 / Long – 25,4017,a gravel road!!!

I check the iMap and realize I missed my turn. It’s still very chilly. This road leads directly to Boshof. Perfect!! I’m a little apprehensive, but excited!! The road surface is loose. Despite the chill, I switch to summer gloves for a better feel of the controls.
OK, first things first!! ABS OFF!! I push and hold the red button on the left marked “ABS”, turn the ignition, press the start button and let go of the button. The ABS light flashes. I have no idea if it should be on, or flashing. I start moving and it goes off.

Okay…….stop, ignition off again, ignition on, start engine, press and hold red “ABS” button on left controls, the light keeps flashing and then it stops and stays on constant. That must be it. I start moving and the light stays on, 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Clutch in step on the rear brake, the rear wheel lock, and skids!! Brilliant, I’m set to go! I click the gears back to 1st……

“Ok, now faantjie (Rouxman) nice and easy,” I think to myself. “It’s not a race it’s a commute!! You’ll have your fun just get home safely!! You’re far from help and alone plus you don’t yet know Guss all the well. “
I drop the clutch and floor the throttle!! Rock, sand gravel is spewed out backward from the rear Heidenau, 2nd the rear is snaking and I get up on the pegs with bent elbows leaning forward into the increasing wind. 3rd is quickly followed by forth and the rear wheel is still leaving skid marks. I sit back down as Guss starts to track straight on course in a spoor and glance down at the speedo….110kph!

“WHAT DID I JUST SAY!!!” I think to myself. I select fifth and let Guss settle into a steady 100kph. It was as if though Guss wanted a chance to shine. I had shown him who I am and now it was his turn!!

The first few k’s is bumpy with holes in the road. The top box is my way!! At the sight of an unavoidable donga, I stand up, look up and open up. I lean as far back as I can to unload the front but the freakin top box is in my way!! This forces me to relax and take it a bit easier. A few km’s pass by and the road smooth’s out. Now there is a clear two spoor either side of the road with varying gravel surfaces from sandy to coarse sandy with pebble all round. It’s slippery but Guss holds well.

I ride on and there is no real upset. I get distracted by the scenery and suddenly Guss gives a wobble, almost as if to say, “fooocuuuus!!”.

I set my eyes on the road again and pick the best lines. In corners (predominantly long sweeping ones) I move to the inside line and gently work the throttle to stay under constant acceleration. I’m really enjoying this and my decision on the X Challenge is re-affirmed!! It’s a freakin great bike!!
I sit most of the way as I found the seating position more than correct to deal with the events taking place underneath me. I glance down at the speedo, 125kph. Easy eeaasy…..I bleed speed to try and stay on 100Kph. 39km’s roll by and I almost want to turn around and do it again!! Brilliant!! I cannot wait to get home!!

At Boshof I turn onto the R64. 53km’s later I arrive in Kimberly. As a nippa, we stayed in Kimberley for a few years. I cannot remember anything!! Since I’ve been there once as a teenager and once in my 20’s. Needles to say I don’t know the place.

It’s now 15:50. I was planning to be in Vitoria West for the night. I need to start thinking of an alternative. The sense of adventure is still lurking in the shallows!! For now I need to get to my boet.

I see tall buildings in the distance and move in that direction thinking if I’m in the town centre I should be fairly central to where I need to go.
I google the address and find it. I arrive but it’s a house and near to it a primary school. This is not it either. I google again, same address!! I ride round the block and another and another. How can it be so hard to find!! I call mum who’s on the double and sends me a link. Bingo!! I’m 8km away. Turns out I was 2km’s from my destination on arrival!!

Time is flying by and I find this a bit frustrating, it’s time lost with my boet. As I get closer one can see it’s a less privileged area. I keep going and appear to go “through” this extension of Kimberly which is now on the other side of the R64 and town center. Then the road weaves through a field and I arrive at a bridge. There is water under the bridge. I have no idea how deep it is, it looks like civil works left for the weekend. A bakkie arrives on the other side. There is no other way, the water have to be waded. I let the bakkie go first. It’s a local reg vehicle and it as if though he drives this route every day. Despite the lack of visibility through the water he picks a line and merely drives through. It’s not deep at all. This is our (Guss and I) first water crossing. Brilliant!!!! Another car arrives just as we start to wade forcing me to pick my own line through the water to the left due to this vehicle not waiting. I speed up a bit and Guss kicks up the dirty water spraying the vehicle’s driver side door. I chuckle……sorry!! Guss behaves very well and I select third as we come out the other side.

My boet has no idea and my mum asked him to wait by the gate as there is a courier that is dropping of a parcel. I arrive at the gate, incidentally there is a courier who needed directions. What are the chances! My boets on the phone to my mum. I stop in front of the gate.
Hello boetie!! He stares at me. He has poor vision, 60%left and 40%right. He squints to better focus and stops talking. He’s hearing is impeccable!! He starts talking again on the phone all the while trying to figure out what it is he can do for me. He’s ever so helpful!! Helping people gives him a sense of belonging, pride, and self-worth. Over the rumbling of the engine, I holler again, “Hello boetie, dis Faantjie!!” I wave. He realizes by my voice it’s me and tells my mom over the phone, “Faantjie is hierso!!” I start tearing up and the gate opens. I pull in next to the kerb so I can comfortably put my left foot on terra firma. By now he’s said his goodbyes to my mum and is laser focussed on me. He comes close and I grab to hug him. He’s shaking and doesn’t really know what to say other than he had to wait for someone and that he’s not taken delivery of the package. I tell him I’m the package. He says no, he has to collect the package and I have to gently explain that I’m the “package”. When he realises, I can see him submerse himself in the moment!! Tears are running down my face…..

You see, at birth there were complications and my boetie was left with brain damage. This affects his ability to function in society. He looks pretty normal, has a speech impediment, cannot read or write but is very creative and handy. He’s also very good with money, he’s learnt to count and knows the value of money, and in his own way an entrepreneur. He loves photography and despite all his shortcoming a normal person takes for granted, he is very religious and emotionally intelligent. He needs care and overall general supervision due to his epilepsy. He also cannot drive himself so he needs people around him.

Years ago my folks put him in Yonder (a place for mentally handicapped adults). This is a place, like a small town where adults with various disabilities live as normal a life as normal can be in these circumstances. They go to work during the day performing all sorts of functions. The ladies generally bake and men are involved I woodwork, steel work and weaving of baskets. My boet is a weaver. These items are then sent to market to help with the upkeep of the institution. The government has reduced funding to the institution drastically and this shows in the upkeep.

I’ve been here once before. Normally during “school” holidays he would travel by bus to my mum’s and stay there. He also visits us periodically but not enough and I have myself to blame!! It brakes my heart to see him there. He’s mentally aware of his disabilities and his shortcoming like not being able to drive or get married (he has a girlfriend) and live a free life. He used to question this a lot but it seems like as he gets older he’s starting to realize he has a life and it has meaning where he is. His girlfriend also has a positive effect on him. It’s someone to go back to which soften the sadness of goodbyes a bit when he must return.

Any how, the hostel is about a kilometre away from the gate and he starts walking the road back to show me his room where he stays. I realize this and tell him to hop on the back. The pillion pegs have been removed to make way for the pannier brackets. He doesn’t realise this and is looking for a footrest to stand on. He’s used to the 1200GS. He’s eager to impress me with his pillion climbing skills and it takes a firm dialog to get him off the left pannier racks where he is now fixed him himself onto standing upright without a plan B, the zorst is touching his shoe sole and there is some melting action also in the mix. The excitement subsides and he’s safely back down.

“Boeta luister gou!!”

He calms down, I explain the procedure and he’s on legs dangling behind. Finally, I can get my feet on the ground….LOL!! We idle in second all the way to the hostel. All his “mates”/”colleuges” see him arrive on the back of Guss. He’s treated like a celebrity. I park right in front of the hostel door on his instruction. He jumps off. My feet no longer touches the ground and I hurriedly need to make a plan to stay upright or risk embarrassing boetie!! I manage and disembark. A crowd stands around us, men of all ages waiting for me to reveal myself from underneath the helmet. Gloves, helmet off and the introductions begin. Men over 60 putting out their hands to say hello. “Hello oom” is the standard intro line followed by, “My naam is…….en ek is van………”. I’m polite and friendly. My boet is patient, he knows the drill but at the same time also apprehensive. He starts moving toward the entrance ushering me to come along. The men still approaching from all directions greet you one by one as we walk into the building with a tail forming and following behind. The disability in some more noticeable than in others.

My boet takes me to one of the hostel “moeders”. They had just eaten. She and my boet was busy clearing tables before he abandoned his post to collect the parcel at the gate. She is a nice lady and has a lot of good things to say about boetie. No surprize, he is special. She also teases him and says he is lonely today because his girlfriend is not there today. You see she is a “dorp kind”.
He takes me to his room. A few stragglers still follow. He unlocks his room with the one of the keys in a big bunch of keys (don’t ask) and we enter. The stragglers gather at the door but do not come in. He’s obviously set the boundaries a long time ago. He looks at the onlookers, squeezes past me and closes the door. Just like that!! Wouldn’t it be a useful thing to be able to do in “normal” life, you annoy me, bang!! Door closed and no offence taken. Brilliant!!

I spend time with him. Not nearly enough!! He shows me his latest weaving project, his room, and we chat for a bit. It’s really tough for me to be there!! It’s a humble experience especially seeing my boetie there. I need to go there more!! Suddenly the door bust open, “Oom hoe vining ry daai bike?” “honnerd en sestig” I replied. The door closes. A few moments later the door opens again, “Hello oom, My naam is Willem, ek is Kobus se buurman”. “Aangename kennis Willem, my naam is Fanus”. “Dis my broer, hy bly in die Kaap” my boet pipes up.

Willem had a normal life, wife, kids, job etc. He was tragically involved in a car accident and suffered severe brain damage. He has physical disabilities as well. On top of his cupboard I notice a picture of “his family” in a picture frame. I remember him from me previous visit there years ago. 
My boet also shows me the bathroom and his old room. I wish I had the means to take him away and put him in a flat on my property with a car and a driver/carer so he could have a freer fulfilling life. You see, Yonder will always be there, it’s consistent, safe with trained personnel. It’s tough but maybe better for him to have a life there than to be sent there in his old day.

Regretfully and sadly time is catching up with me. If I don’t keep moving I’m not going to get home in time. I wasn’t planning to ride in the dark. It’s now become a distance over time issue. Time’s catching up with me.

I’m still 50/50 over this whole concept of time.

Be that as it may…..

Boetie is very understanding of me having to leave. Had I been there in the car I would’ve stayed and spent the evening in town with him.
We’re both very sad to say goodbye. He holds the tears back. I couldn’t!! Big hug!! “Baie lief vir jou boetie!!” Boetie doesn’t verbally express affection that easy!! “Ek ook....”

I kit up and give the onlooking crowd a bit of a show as I pull away. Not to show off, but for boetie’s pride……….he appreciates that!!

Boetie

To be continued....

 

[Slim Jim]

Very special RR , thanx for sharing

 

[Toffie@2]

Awesome RR; thanks for sharing! Enjoy your X :thumleft:  :ricky:

 

[Roxtar]

Geniet die fiets Rouxman........  :thumleft:

 

[JohnB]

Mixed emotions..  :'(

Lekker RR :thumleft:

 

[MudCakedFace]

Lekker, thanks for sharing!

 

[Rouxman]

I wade my way through the water under the bridge, this time using the same line the locals used earlier. No time for funny business now!! I follow the route back into Kimberley central where I earlier saw a sign pointing towards the N12. This is the road I want to be on. I turn left and stop at a Shell fuel station.

During my visit earlier I asked the vrou via WhatsApp to a see if she could book accommodation in Vanderkloof for me. I know!! Vanderkloof? A short while later a response, “082 blablabla blabla blab la, Rhino Manor”. “Thanks babes!!”. She calls:”Baby, die oom se jy moet asseblief NIE in die nag ry nie!!! Daar is baie Kudu’s!! n Kort rukkie terug het n oom en sy seun vroeg voor daglig gery. n Kudu het voor hul ingespring en die oom is oorlede.” “Ok babu, ek sal probeer!!” I call her “Babu”……..ask if you will, I ‘ll explain if I will..

Anyhow, this telegraph like message created the real sense of urgency to get going. Despite this playing on my mind I have a eureka moment. I ask the attendant to fill up the bowser only. I make sure both petcocks are faced in the indicated “open” position. The tank is full and I stand there watching the overflow periodically looking into the open filler cap. I can see the fuel level lowering but no fuel from the overflow. Oh OK!!
I carry on straight into the direction of the N12 as per the earlier sign. I end up on the outskirts of town in a residential area where people are playing cricket in the street. They can see I’m not a local. I stop and ask for directions. “Nee mnr, you turn round ek se and dan gaa djy oor twee stops. Na die tweede stop draai djy links en djy ga straight van da. Daai is die Kaap pad”. “Dankie meester!”

I make a “u-turn” and of I go. After the second Stop I tern left and carry on straight. Eight km later over a train bridge. There is a dark coloured mine dump to my right. At a crossing after the bridge I see another sign, it reads, “N8 Bloemfontein”. WTF!!! Everything for a reason. I pull over, tell Guss to rest for a bit while I pull out the iPhone to see where I am. I need to go back over the bridge, left by the shopping mall, straight and left by the big robot. Why is a robot called a robot in SA?

By now babu’s cryptic message from earlier is playing on my mind. The N12 is a pleasure and the glowing orange sunset a sight to behold. My shadow stretches over the entire road, onto the gravel and adjacent grass. It’s one of my favorite sights! I’m absolutely fascinated by my shadow on a full day ride, the way it moves and stretches as the day progress. I also use this to see how the suspension moves, the chain wobbles and generally just how cool a bloke with an adventure helmet on an adventure bike looks. One thing still playing on my mind is tire pressure. Kalla said something about three bars and from my readings, it should be less. It is my own fault for not checking but my fuel stops have been more F1 than bivouac style.

I push on!!  I checked the map and the best option for me now to get to Vanderkloof (198km away) is down the N12, left turn onto the R705, right onto the R48 over the bridge at Koffiefontein then left, right at the “T” junction to stay onto the R48 heading towards Luckoff. Piece “O” cake!!
I arrive at a stop and go on the N12. I don’t know how far down the N12 the turn for the R705 is. I figured if I miss it then I’ll keep going until It’s completely dark and find an overnight spot wherever I am on the N12. Great plan. I feel at ease as the N12 is well maintained and with all the traffic a safer option than to scoot through the darkness on poor roads to the Freestate/Karoo border. I speak to the stop/go guard. “Nee mnr net hier af soo entjie, Mnr sal die bord sien”. “Baie dankie!”.

Not really what  I was hoping for. I was hoping for a good excuse not to turn up at the pre-booked lodging as by now I’m starting to realize the error in my way of staying in Vanderkloof for the night. I hoot along the N12 with my summer gloves. In the moment of goodbyes, the thought of winter gloves never crossed my mind.  Soon after the roadworks, a BIG, NEW, CLEAR SIGN……R705 left.

Dammit dammit!! My conscience will haunt me!! I turn left. I justify my actions by looking in my rear view mirror, “There is still orange faintly visible on the horizon”. In front of me the evening star is looking down on me with, it appears to be surprised at my actions.
I’m laser focussed on the road!! The aftermarket spots together with the bright gives me good visibility in the fading light. I look far ahead for anything that appears to glow in the veld or by the roadside….I don’t see anything as I move over God’s earth.

There is a faint light left in the sky, the orange glow in my rear-view mirrors have almost been completely replaced by greyish blue sky. Ahead of me, darkness ensues. I decide to make use of the seclusion and the bit of visibility left. I tuck down and lower my right wrist...all available lights on!! Trucks flash to indicate the annoyance, I only dim the main beam and keep the spots on!! They keep flashing, I ignore it and flash the bright back with a quick move of the left thumb, on-off! Cars for some reason don’t mind the light and I’m grateful.

The temperature dips with the sun!! My fingers are numb!! I’ can’t stop, every minute counts!!

I sent Babu a voice message before I set off……ETA Vanderkloof – 19:30.

Suddenly a Dassie (relative to the Elephant) runs over the road right in front of me!! I sit up!! There wasn’t even time to react. I miss him and I’m grateful!!

Ok that’s a warning sign. Had it been a Kudu……

The near miss resulted in an immediate speed reduction compliments engine braking as I sat up and let go of the twister. I speed up again from 80km/h to a steady 120km/h on the dials sitting straight up constantly on the lookout. It is now DARK and I’m 40km out from Koffiefontein. In my rear-view mirrors, I spot lights approaching. Guss tries to show me but he’s not one for detail. At best, it’s a general awareness that that lights are approaching and fast!! I generally stick to the middle of the road only moving over with oncoming traffic. The lights get bigger and when they’re almost on my my move over to allow easy passage. A Mercedes G class AMG…. that makes sense!! Brilliant lights!! He lit up my world from about 200m back. Would’ve appreciated him staying behind me if he would’ve be so kind.

I can see the Koffifontein lights in the distance. The mine shaft lights tower the street lights. I have family in Koffiefontein. I contemplate turning right after the single spoor bridge that runs over the Rietrivier.
I turn left then right, heading to Luckoff on the R48. I would’ve loved to see my cousins. Two of three daughters born and bred in Koffifontein but I saw them in January and I’ve still committed to staying at Rhino Manor.

I’m a man of my word and value another person’s time. It’s our most precious asset. We cannot get more. You have what you have and who am I to waste another person’s? I could stop and cancel but then I would still have wasted but only less time.
I push on. The road is busy!! Truck after truck passes me from the direction I’m heading. My speed is on a constant 100kph on the dials. I recon this must be about 90-95kph. Suddenly a mouse on a suicide mission hurtles from right to left over the road!! I instantly evaluate risk to be minimal although I don’t want to take part in the rodent’s plans and take evasive action. Another WARNING!! I slow down…80-90kph and stay there, hyper alert as I scan the veld. Halfway between Koffiefontein and Luckoff in fear of frostbite in my fingers, I pull over at a rest spot to swop my summer gloves for my winter mits. I leave Guss running! I need the lights, it’s pitch black dark. My fingers are numb!! I HAD to stop!! Gloves off I put my hand around the zorst. No good, too hot too close, too cold to far. I place my hands behind the zorst outlet, PERFECT!! My hands are quickly returned to room temperature. Winter mits on I set off again.

Past Luckoff where my oupa had a farm. We used to go to the Luckoff show where he showed his horses amongst other animals. He also had many sheep I remember. The farm is called Gannaput. My ouma used to make moerby (boysenberry) syrup from the berries my oupa & I used to collect from a massive “moerby” boom accessed on his Suzuki TS185 a few km’s from the house. I’ll never forget that rrraaananananananan sound of the blue smoke spewing machine!! I loved it. It was a real scrambler and I sat in front hands on the bars. I was steering or so I thought. It’s on my “destinations” list to pass by the farm again one day. I inherited the two single yellow wood beds my nan decorated (she was and artist) that I slept on as a boy. They seemed so tall back then.

Nearly at Vanderkloof…..

A Nissan NP200 bakkie overtakes me as if though I’m standing still. Bloody nora!! What if a ……
My mind wonders to the achievements of the Dakar riders, all rally riders for that matter, especially the privateers!! What an accomplishment!!
I elect to ride over the bridge as opposed to over the dam wall where only a few lights are on here and there. I remember as a child the dam wall being lit up in its entirety by massive spots. It stood proud as an achievement in civil engineering, for all the planets at night to see. It is after all SA’s tallest dam wall….

Over the bridge in the darkness it’s a surreal feeling knowing you’re about 50m above the water. At the roundabout 2nd exit over the hill, down the hill left bend past Keurtjiekloof turn off, left bend again past seerower kop over the hill and I arrive….18.36. The town is dead quite except for the restaurant/watering hole opposite the police station owned by Lourens. 

I call oom Johan: “Is jy die mannetjie op die bike?”  “Ja oom”. He gives me directions to the my lodgings and tells me he’s on his way.
I follow his instructions and wait by the closed gate. The peace and tranquillity is bliss!! Stars are bright against the unpolluted sky. A white double cab Ford Ranger pulls up. “Hello…..ek is Charmante, is jy Fanus?” “Hi, ja dis ek”.
“This is not oom Johan” I think to myself. I realise he via babu instructed me NOT to ride at night and at this point probably wanted to blaksam me for being so irresponsible, hence he sent his daughter.

She gets out of the bakkie and gives me a firm but friendly handshake. She slides opens the unlocked gate and walks in. I pull Guss into position on the driveway. She opens the room and gives me the lowdown. She has the tablet ready to take my money. I don’t have any cash on me, only card. She tells me where I can get a bite to eat and offers for simplicity to pay Lourens who will then sort out with her later.

I ask her if they’ve lived here long. She tells me she was born there and her father was there from the seventies. He did some research of some sort. I asked her to ask his old man if he remembers my grandparents. I never heard back from her. They sold the farm and retired in Vanderkloof. In the 80’s 90’s there used to be only around 350 permanent inhabitants. The school had between 15 and 21 pupils from Sub A to Std 5 with only two teachers. I was one of the pupils.

I walk into Ribbok restaurant. Lourens very friendly greets me and takes a second look, I remember you!! Lourens should actually be oom Lourens. He used to be the policeman way back when.

“I’m Anre and Wilma’s son”. Aaah yes now I remember. I order a well-deserved Windhoek lager. I’m a wisky man but tonight nothing but a beer will do!! I order the lamb chops with veg. By the time the food arrives I’m on the second Windhoek. My hands are oily and still smell of exhaust fumes. Tonight I had the best tasting karoo lamb chops I’ve had since my oupa’s braai in Tjienkerientjie str where they used to live. We lived there from 1987 to 1990. Very fond memories!!!

Tonight it’s bitterly cold, I gratefully switch on the warm blanket and get into bed and fall asleep my ears still buzzing. What a blessed life!!!!

To be continued……….

 

[Rouxman]

oops.....

 

[1ougat]

:sip:

 

[blauth]

Rouxman, clearly that little school you attended put you in good stead. Your literary skills are excellent. Your report reads like a book and is very captivating.

I'm looking forward to your next chapter.

Cheers
Barry

 

[landieman]

wow Rouxman,thanks for sharing and welcome  :thumleft:

 

[Rouxman]

Rouxman, clearly that little school you attended put you in good stead. Your literary skills are excellent. Your report reads like a book and is very captivating.

I'm looking forward to your next chapter.

Cheers
Barry

Cheers Barry!! We were two pupils from Std 3-5. I was always 2nd in my class :deal:

 

[Rouxman]

wow Rouxman,thanks for sharing and welcome  :thumleft:

You're welcome!! Thanks for reading!! Reading's not for everyone!! :downtown:

 

[Rouxman]

Ok manne and dames!  :biggrin:
Thanks for all the comments.  :thumleft:
I know I can go on a bit but I'm having a great time revisiting my trip and documenting it.  :ricky: :spitcoffee:
You've probably also figured out by now the blog is a distant memory. I couldn't keep up so this now officially is a post ride report.  eepwall:
Finale coming up tomorrow evening :deal:

Herewith below tonights insert........enjoy and really, thanks for reading!!! :thumleft:

 

[Rouxman]

“What time is it?” is my first thought as I wake up. By the light in the room I can see it’s no longer dark outside. It’s bitterly cold, I have no idea how cold, it’s just COLD!! The room has an aircon and I should’ve turned it on to warm up the room before I went to bed. The only two pin plug in the room is underneath the TV. Before I went to bed I unplugged the decoder box to use this socket as a charge point for my phone. I set the alarm but it hasn’t gone off. Did I say it’s cold?

I can feel I’m tired from my 767km ride yesterday. My thoughts for a moment once again turn the to the privateer Dakar riders. Imagine I got in late last night, freezing fingers and all, had to service the bike, catch some kip and set off again this morning for another 700+km stage in tough terrain. Imagine doing this two weeks in a row. What an achievement in human endurance!!

I force myself out from the underneath the thick warm duvet. Phone fully charged, 7:45...I look outside the window, It’s Sunday and in Vanderkloof you can hear a pin drop. Beautiful sunrise over the dam with the koppies in the back round. I had planned to leave 7:00am. With bare feet I skip over the cold tiles to the bathroom. The shower has good pressure, I’m thankful!  My fingers are still hurting from last night’s cold.
In the shower, it takes a good while to defrost. I decide to calm down and just take it as it comes. I should get going but refuse to feel rushed, I’ll just end up forgetting things.

Nice self catering accommodation!!

Dressed and packed I push the gate closed whilst Guss is idling in the street. The rumble of the mighty Rotax cold probably be hear right across town despite the stock zorst. I’m not there to create an impression and as gentle and soft as I can make my way past our old house (now just a foundation) up the hill, left past the old “sentrale” where the tannie worked that connected me to my ouma or mom at the shop they had. Do you remember, “nommer asseblief?”, “dubbel twee een seblief tannie”, “Maak so faantjie, groete vir ouma”, “ek se vir haar tannie”.
The petrol garage used to be a Trek and there was a Kwagga just on the corner outside the garage. For some reason, I remember the Iron Brew I could buy there. It looks like the same fridge, at least the previous one also stood in exactly the same spot. I pull in but there is no sign of life. Flip, I’ll have to fill up at Petrusville. I hear a faint voice, “Hello mnr….hellooooo”. I look around and see a man dressed in the garage colours briskly making his way across the road towards me. Phew, I kick out the side stand and turn off the ignition. “More mnr, ka ek ma vol maak vir u?”, “Ja seblief grote, net die wit tenk”. I’ve learned. Again, no overflow issue! Guss with his self-healing properties is amazing. Luckily, he has a card machine, I don’t carry cash!! He’s been in Vanderkloof for 23years.

This used to be the Trek (kwagga stasie)

The guy that back then owned it, eventually bought my oupa's Suzuki.

I want to ride around and see more of the town but decide this also is a trip for another time. I’ll savour it. It’ll be something to look forward to in the future. Out of town I look for the entrance sign, I need proof that Guss and I was there. I see the back of a big sign, that’s it!! I pull over and do the formalities.

Down the hill right, straight, right again, then up the hill over the hill into a left turn down again towards the roundabout (or circle). I’m impressed with these cold Heidenau’s. Down the hill towards the roundabout (or circle) I must decide, go left to Petrusville or take the third exit toward the bridge for a picture. I’m undecided and go with the flow. I lean into the corner round the roundabout (or circle) then a nice sweeping left down the hill and I spot a car on the bridge. The occupants that is supposed to be in the car spots me pull up and hurriedly run back, jump in and the doors closes almost simultaneously, the rear left door still closing when the driver sets off. I feel bad, they think I want to cross the bridge. I’ve interrupted their moment. All smiles they wave as they drive by and I reciprocate the gesture.  I pull onto the bridge toward the right. Perfectly positioned for the planned photo. As I get off old Guss I notice a car standing waiting for me where I stood waiting a minute ago. Karma is returned and all is neutral again. Screw it, I’m not a damn riding to the end of the bridge to only have to make a “U” turn, ride all the way back over make another “U” turn and then back where I started. I give the all apologetic show, and grab Guss by the top box and pull towards me. Guss leans over which gives the Rustler bakkie enough room to safely manoeuvre past, the occupant once again very friendly and appreciative of my efforts.

I take my opportunity and get the shots. Phone back into left jacket pocket, gloves on I push Guss round into a two-point turn and we’re facing where we came from.

The Freestate / Karoo border (Orange River)

Ok Guss, let’s go home.

I hang left on the third exit of the roundabout and down the hill. I think about “Oom” Johan who has lived here all his life. I think about people in general who live in one place for an entire lifetime. I admire that and wonder if I could do that for the rest of my life from now onward. I think about the progress one makes by staying put vs constantly moving and starting over. I think about traveling and nostalgia. I realize there and then, I’m a traveller, a nomad. I have to keep moving, I have to keep exploring, challenging, meeting, seeing, experiencing…it’s my security. Staying in spot for too long makes me feel l am missing out, stagnating call it what you will. I’m addicted to the emotion of new discovery and the nostalgia of re-visiting. It’s part of my DNA.

Halfway between Vanderkloof and Petrusville six BMW UBER OVERLAND LC GSA’s TOURERS pass me from the opposite direction. They’re all fully kitted with panniers, topbox BMW riding gear the lot!! Some nod, some wave some just stare. I’m friendly and acknowledge the entire group. I cannot help but wonder how their experience on those bikes differ from mine after all, we’re on the same road with the same scenery and same conditions.
Here I am, I still don’t know what my tyre pressures are cause I haven’t taken the time to check, I don’t know what the ambient temp is, I just know it’s cold, my hands are freezing despite my SIDI winter gloves brought over from Europe, My ass will be numb in about another 76km, I know my tank is full cause I just filled it and my cruise control is a piece of plastic that my palm rests on. My helmet is full in the wind and is pushed back against my face which results in about a cm gap behind my head, or that’s what it feels like. And, unlike their suspension which analysis the road surface 100’s of time per second and adjusts accordingly based on your preferred setting for maximum comfort and traction, my suspension although upgraded was set by the previous owner and I’m yet to find out what those settings are. I think if anything it’s a bit on the hard side.

It’s then that I realise that as bikers we have one thing in common. We all have the desire for the experience of riding these machines in common. For some merely ownership satisfies the experience, for others it’s technology, comfort and style. Others prefer speed and some dust and mud. We even have different experiences on the same machines. We buy into an experience, an experience of which the desire is so strong that we label ourselves not as humans but as bikers or adventure riders. What a fantastic privilege to live in this age where these experiences are available to us!!

You see for me the lack of information fed via lcd display and by not having all those mod cons (except the ABS of course) leaves me to for e.g. feel the cold wind and not analyze a digital readout about the fact that it is say 0deg C. I have to think and experience the throttle under acceleration as no electronic system will assist on a diesel spill or in the wet, I have to decide by feel if I can ride with my frozen fingers as I don't have the option to switch on the heated grips, I have to force my head back round after checking my blind spot when at motorway speed, I have to track my mileage to gauge my fuel level, the chain needs “lubing” and looking after due to the lack of shaft dive, you have to decide if it is the road surface causing the drift or is it tyre pressure, no warning light is going to show you any of these things. This puts me back in the proverbial “drivers” seat, I have to evaluate my surroundings and make constant adjustments to suit. This to me here right now is exactly what I want to experience. Besides the luxury of ABS this to me is motorcycling at its core and I’m loving it!!!

I ask myself as I slow down to enter Petrusville, “Is this the experience you dreamt of?” And without a shadow of a doubt I had the biggest smile whilst thinking to myself….” It is perfect!!”

In Petrusville the upkeep of the NG Kerk is up to date which contrasts the rest of the town. My oupa was an elder in that church. It’s very pretty inside too. He always used to tell me in spring how far the swollows had to fly to nest there. He told me they came from England, over the sea. He knew England well. In the 60’s he was a policeman and was tasked to transport diamonds to England. He had old memorabilia from London in his study. Above his study door was a wooden sign that read “Meskien Vandag”.

I make good time riding on the R48 and arrive in Philipstown at 9:10am. In my mind I’m heading toward De Aar. I see the sign to turn right towards De Aar but something doesn’t feel right. I think I should go straight. I stop and pull out the iPhone for the tenth million time.
My suspicions are confirmed, if I carry on straight the R48 in Philipstown becomes the R389 and that takes me straight to the N1 past Hanover. No more time for games today, I have to get home in time for supper.

Checking Directions in Philipstown

For the first time, the road really opens up miles in front. It’s beautiful. Lightly coloured grass either side of the road, dark blue-sky lightening to a light blue on the horizon, the road stretching out further and further like a pencil line in front of me as I pass over ever hill. There hasn’t been anything so much as a breeze all morning and there certainly isn’t one now. It’s a perfect North Karoo winters day!! A few vehicles pass from the front. I haven’t seen anything behind me for ages. This is my gap!! I need an avatar for my profile on the forum.

On top of a hill I stop by the side of the road. A truck is inbound from up ahead in the distance. I must wait for it to pass. This puts the safety of this mission in jeopardy. If I push Guss into the middle of the road it could be lethal as we would then be on a blind rise for rear oncoming traffic. Although I felt safe when I stopped, the appearance of the truck changed everything. I keep an eagle eye on the road behind me looking back as far as I can. If I miss a vehicle coming over that hill, I will probably only see it from the air again as I go flying over the bonnet. My earplugs ensure for absolute silence and despite the risk of not hearing a vehicle approach I refuse to go through the removal procedure that will involve removal of my lid as well. The truck passes, I quickly push Guss into position. I take as many pics as I dare with different compositions. I look behind me, argh it’s no use!! Ahead of me is clear. Phone in pocket I evacuate safely onto the side of the road. I look through the pics again. Mission accomplished!!

Avatar

I push on, past Hanover. Guss is running like a champ. All the way I was avoiding the N1 thinking a 650 wasn’t built for this kind of abuse but how wrong I was. Guss holds steady overtaking big rigs and cars steadily holding his line. Every now and then in a quite area a car would pass me by only to get stuck behind a lorry again. It doesn’t take Guss and I long to catch up and fly by for us never to be seen again.

I stop at Richmond for a top-up. I haven’t yet had any coffee and my now chilled bone structure is sending desperate emergency signals to my brain. We need heat!! I put Guss on the centre stand and kindly request a top up. Next to me a Nissan Nivara with a “CEY” reg is also receiving fuel. I ask the attendant where I can get some coffee. I’ve just done a 200km stint and feel I deserve the break. The attendant points in the direction. I look in the direction. Look cosy and I already see where I’m going to leave Guss.

I hear a voice behind me, “Jy kom van ver af” the man says looking at my Mpumalanga number plate. “Goeie more” I replied. I think it’s polite to greet. “Ja ek ry die bike Kaap toe, gister van Benoni af, en Vrydag in Secunda opgetel”, “Ry jy deur vandag.” , “Ja ek doen. Waar is jy vandaan?” , “Ek bly in Gordon’s Baai” , “Ek bly ook daar, dis waantoe ek ry vandag. Ry jul ook deur?”, “Ja ons doen, mooi ry” , “Maak so, julle ook”.

The two men get in the bakkie and leave. Full of fuel and paid I decide to skip coffee. I kit up and give chase. “Don’t be a sissy!!” I think to myself.
Guss doesn’t know what’s going on as we pull away. Eventually 20min or so later in the distance I can see a white vehicle hastily making its way through the heavy traffic, predominantly trucks. Guss realises what’s going on. We both give chase!! I can see us reeling them in as they get stuck behind a lorry only to lose them again when they get a gap again. Don’t tell Guss but had I been on Tyson (1200GS) I would’ve had coffee and still have passed them before Three Sisters. Anyhow, halfway between Richmond and Three Sisters we catch up. They’re stuck behind a lorry but is pushing hard. They refuse to give way. I sit back as the mission is over, they think they still have a chance. I hang back as they overtake a truck, my turn and I’m back behind them. The driver sits on the double white line truck or no truck. Eventually I have to put them out of their misery and pass them at a rate of knots whilst waving with my left hand. I push on. I didn’t see them again. Well done Guss.

Before I knew it I see a sign for Beaufort West….40km. I’m getting the hang of this. It amazes me how the human body can adapt!! I knew it would, I just had to apply my mind. I’m really starting to have fun now!!

At Beaufort West I stop again for fuel at Engen, just in case. There is a Wimpy and I haven’t had Wimpy in a very long time. I’m more after coffee than anything else. I pick a seat from where I can see Guss. I order a large cuppa chino and the burger special. Outside people are periodically gathering around Guss, Guss is Guss but Guss still has his MP reg which I can see make people look around for the crazy person.
He’s not crazy folks, he’s reborn!!

Finally, coffee!!

Guss

One of those please

These calories will be long gone at Worcester

To be continued…….

 

[blauth]

Rouxman, clearly that little school you attended put you in good stead. Your literary skills are excellent. Your report reads like a book and is very captivating.

I'm looking forward to your next chapter.

Cheers
Barry

Cheers Barry!! We were two pupils from Std 3-5. I was always 2nd in my class :deal:

The mistake you made here is saying there were two pupils. Should have left it at "I was second in my class"......    :imaposer:

And, the burger on your plate doesn't look like the burger in the picture.......I feel cheated when it comes to food more often than not......it's the piggie in me.

This has been an awesome ride report and your eloquence is a breath of fresh air.

 

[Rouxman]

Rouxman, clearly that little school you attended put you in good stead. Your literary skills are excellent. Your report reads like a book and is very captivating.

I'm looking forward to your next chapter.

Cheers
Barry

Cheers Barry!! We were two pupils from Std 3-5. I was always 2nd in my class :deal:

The mistake you made here is saying there were two pupils. Should have left it at "I was second in my class"......    :imaposer:

And, the burger on your plate doesn't look like the burger in the picture.......I feel cheated when it comes to food more often than not......it's the piggie in me.

This has been an awesome ride report and your eloquence is a breath of fresh air.

Lol!! Yea my ironic sense of humor!! I was also "onderhoof seun". Hahahahaha!!

Re the burger...i know!! I prefer small privately owned food joints but at this stage it was a matter of refueling!

This video has relevance...
https://youtu.be/4ptmTWG16wg

Thank you for the kind words!! It's an honor if only at least one person has traveled the whole journey with me on the forum!!

Hopefully I will be home soon[emoji849][emoji6][emoji23]


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