As die berg nie na Madala toe kom nie moet Madala maar na die berg toe! Part2

[Madala]

We spent the afternoon exploring. The locals were locked in a serious soccer match with very vocal support from the community. At the hotel we enjoyed cold beers and friendly service. We were told that we had to return for supper by the waitress as the food was by far the best in the area. We did and were not disappointed.

What impressed me was the state of the houses, so many old places with character in perfect condition, the hotel and Pep Stores included.

After sleeping well we were ready for the Swartberg pass. We would not be disappointed.

Having some cool refreshments at the Prince Albert Hotel;
The Hotel, as great on the inside as from the outside;
Some serious soccer;
One of the beautifull places in town;
Entering Swartberg;

Part 3 to follow.

 

[Madala]

On our first stop at the entry to the pass, Johan realized that he had lost/mislaid/forgotten his cell phone somewhere. (this also happened to one glove later on) We waited while he returned to see if he could find it. No success.
following photos were taken on the way to the Gamkaskloof turn off.

 

[Madala]

On the way down towards the kloof we came across Klipspringers 3 times but each time were slow on the draw with the cameras. Also came across 2 guys returning. When they entered 3 days before there were 75 people in the kloof after the KKNK but now there were few. Great!

We stayed at Oupa Piet Mostert's house. Great experience adding to thee feel of the Kloof.

 

[BMWPE]

Nice pics of The Kloof
Makes me want to go again
Awesome place to ride to

 

[Madala]

The afternoon was spent exploring again. We went all the way through the kloof, spending some time at the little cemetary. I nearly came short on the only sandy patch leading to one of the restored houses. It was new moon and a dark, dark night.
We had a braai and off to bed we went.

 

[Madala]

Day 4: We had breakfast at Annetjies place. It was good but pretty expensive.
We went backup to the junction and then turned to Oudtshoorn wher we camped in town. After pitching our tents, Johan and myself to test Route 62 and ripped through to Ronnies Sex Shop for a Hamburger and Coke. More great roads, now on tar. We were hauling through Huisrivier Pass. The Cape has it all!

On our return we stopped at Calitzdorp. Johan wanted to buy Port for his wife at home.
(needless to say the Port never reached Gauteng)

 

[van der Walt]

Dankie vir die nice report!!!
Snaaks genoeg, gaan ek die selfde ride doen volgende naweek en is bly om te hoor dat die paie in n goeie toestand is. Ek slaap die Vrydag oor in Prince Albert en dan Saterdag in Calitzdorp. Fok kan nie meer wag vir Vrydag nie!!!!!!!!

 

[Zeff Cowboy]

Nice trip

 

[Madala]

That night we were stuffed and decided on take outs. KFC it was. After supper off to bed - more riding was to follow.

Day 5: After a Wimpy breakfast we were off to De Rust where Callie bought a stand. The idea is to build and stay there after retiring. (Go Callie, build the house and retire. We WILL visit regularly.) Being at De Rust  Johan and myself went through Meiringspoort to Klaarstroom and back...and again.and again. This was better than any track day, awesome. From there we went to Deyseldorp, along the Kammanassie and on  to Uniondale and then left the tar for Baviaans.

 

[Madala]

Deyseldorp and along the Kammanassie

 

[Madala]

More fun followed. The dirt was great and interesting. we stopped for a smoke break and was joined by oom Willie who stays in the area. He was most entertaining and enjoyed the chat. Oom Willie, now retired, was driving a Mpumalanga registered bakkie and explained the true reasoning behind the numberplate system. According to him GP stands for "Groot Potholes", MP for "M**rse Potholes" and FS for" F@kken Slote"

We enterd the Kloof and again was stunned by its beauty.

We reached our detination, die Dassiebak shoertly before 6. It also turned out to be a surprise. Comfortable, clean and a great view. Serious kuiering followed.

 

[Madala]

Day 6: We left early and stopped at Vero's Restaurant. Had coffee and roosterkoek with home made jam and cheese. This turned out to be one of the highlights. If passing by, stop. It was well worth it.

The rest of the day's ride went well, but vert hot. We stopped at Doodsklip where we stayed for the night.

 

[Madala]

More pics toaeds Doodsklip

 

[Madala]

Reaching Doodsklip the weather changed as a cold front moved in. It started spitting and I started worrying. The bikes being fitted with Anakees I was wondering as to what lay ahead. Concerns were soon drowned and again we kuiered into the night.

The next morning we tackled the last part of Baviaans. Not long after we started we realised that today"s section would be more technical.

All went well and with a sence of achievement we left Baviaans behind. Memories though will remain. It was great.

We headed to the coast and had a look at Oesterbaai and then St Francis where we camped.

And then it happened! After all the dirt riding Johan dropped his bike in camp. No damage to man or machine. Went to check out the harbour and had a great evening at the Chokka Restaurant.

 

[Madala]

Time to journey home. We traveled to Uitengage, Graaff Reinette and then a quick detour to Nieuw Bethesda to visit the Owl House and a beer at the local brewery.
I picked up a puncture on entering town.(no problem with tubeless tyres - amajor advantage.

 

[Madala]

We pushed on over Lootsberg, Middelburg and Colesberg to the banks of the Orange river where we spent our last evening. A great time was had by all.

The next morning we traveled via Bethulie to Bloem and back home.

9 days,3400km, 5 friends, Baviaans Kloof, Die Hel, Meiringspoort and...and...and

Thanks to the WD who instigated the trip through your reports

 

[Groenie]

Nice trip!

 

[KiLRoy]

Nice one Madala - thanx for sharing

 

[wino]

and now you've instigated others 

 

[Trailrider]

Nice report! Thanks for posting.