Birthday Party on Sani

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SGB

Race Dog
Joined
Feb 4, 2006
Messages
3,158
Reaction score
11
Location
Bloemfontein, SA
Bike
BMW R1200GS
A good family friend was hitting the "big 4" and she was looking for "something special" to do on the day.  Some options and deliberation resulted in Sani Pass and surrounds being chosen as the venue.  A pillion ride up Sani, for the first time - first on a bike and first up the pass - sounds like an adventure?

We gathered at the Himeville Arms on Friday night and all the "guests" were in party mood.  The Arms had some kitchen renovations done recently and we were lucky enough to be the first to be served off the new menu from the new kitchen.  Things went smoothly and everyone had a good time in the log fire heated dining room.

Saturday morning we woke to clear skies and not as cold as I expected.  We were on the road after breakfast, the two of us on the 990, with the rest following in a couple of cages.  Stopped in at Sani Pass Hotel quickly and offloaded the 85 there.  The laaitie also (obviously) jumped at the opportunity for a ride....  Border formalities were completed in a flash.

See, there is where we're going...
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Halfway up Sani, we stopped at the viewpoint for some bubbly and cup cakes - it is a birthday party after all...
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Inspection.....
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The pass is in fair condition, with the traditional loose rocks in the twisties not disappointing.  I had to ride, sitting down all the time taking care to look after my pillion as I have enough kids as it is....  But things worked out just fine and we had some time to admire the scenery too.  The 85 was flying, and he had to slow down after some advice about the adequacy of roosting your dad and his shiny bike.   >:D

Some new paint on the building!
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Proud man - he really enjoys that machine, now complete with stickers.
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The happy party team
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Birthday girl, special day....  I'm sure she could have found a beter looking rider though.... (Note the full ATTGATT)
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Had lunch at Sani Top, did some "kuiering" in the pub and then down the pass again, free of incidents.  Back at Sani Pass Hotel in time for the rugby.  Another great weekend! (Barring the rugby....)
 
that's one great way to spend a 40th! happy birthday to her ;)
 
+1  She'll always remember that one, including the ugly rider!  ;D

From the grin you can see the small man is enjoying the bike!
 
Nice idea! I'm sure it will be remembered for long.

I also took my wife on her first motorcycle ride ever on her birthday. Started off scared, now she just wants to go again!
 
Nice ride. One of these days I'll be riding there too.  ;D
 
Very nice report, and a special way to spend the birthday. Happy birthday ;D ;D
 
letsgofishing said:
How far have they got with tarring the pass? I really want to make a trip up there before it's done.

The tarring is done in 3 phases:
1: Himeville to Sani Pass Hotel
2: Sani Hotel to SA Border
3: SA border to Top.

They are busy with the earthworks in the first section at the moment.  You have a few years left to do the pass itself, it will not be tarred in a hurry....
 
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