Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021

[DASKOP]

I t was a great little gravel detour going through the forests and enjoying the amazing vistas and views.

 

[DASKOP]

We stopped off in Sabie to sample one of the local craft beers before heading to Dullstroom.

There we had an amazing lunch at The Poacher restaurant. Quite ironical as both Bill and Blaine are involved in Anti-Poaching units.

Then it was off to our accommodation down the road and we had an early night, thanks to load shedding.

Our accommodation was at Sleep@84 and they supplied us with small alarms which I attached to the wheel spokes and they go off if there is any movement of the bike, and they work. A plus for their establishment.

 

[DASKOP]

When we were at HU 2021, we met Jean-Francois and Moira. An absolutely amazing couple. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them and they had invited us to visit them on our way back from Hoedspruit.

After stopping at their home, they organised us accommodation at a guesthouse just down the road, which they wanted to pay for, an offer we politely declined and later they came and picked us up and treated us to supper.

I was once again blessed by meeting the most remarkable people, who even invited me to come and spend some time with them during the end of year holidays.

There are so many beautiful people out there, and yet we seem to miss out on the opportunities to meet them, for whatever reason, but I have realised, whoever you are, whatever you are, how you are, it seems to radiate, and people just naturally react to that and the results can be so rewarding in so many ways.

This has been proven to me so many times.

Be your true self, be humble, be honest, never compromise your integrity and just be open, the rest just happens.

 

[DASKOP]

Dogs of War.

This is NOT a Motorbike Club. It is an association for Military Veterans who ride motorbike. I was invited by the association to attend their annual Buddy Run in Bloemfontein which is held annually to commemorate our fallen comrades.

We met up with some of the JHB members and drove with them to Bloemfontein. We stopped at the Winburg Hotel, owned by a member, to have a beer. We were then allowed access to the private pub dedicated to our Military Veterans.

It was a humbling experience.

 

[DASKOP]

Bloemfontein - Dogs of War - Buddy Run 2021

We arrived in BFN and went straight to the 3 Services club, official HQ of DOW. Then it was off to Lion's Lodge where we booked in, before returning to the club for some kuier and supper.

Norman Delport started the DOW Association and they had an AGM that night, with all the national sectional leaders, while we were outside spending time together with friends. Little, at that stage, did I know what was to come. All that was said to me, please be at breakfast at 7 tomorrow morning.

After my return from my Africa ride, I indicated that I was, as a Military Veteran, considering joining the DOW Association, but also voiced my reservations, because my tendency is to ride solo and wherever and whenever I want. There is also the normal period of being a prospect to give yourself time to consider whether you actually want to be a member and give the association time to assess you and decide if you live up to the ethos of the association, before giving you full membership. I had not actually done that yet.

The next morning at breakfast, at the lodge, I was called up before the EC members, and informally informed that I was to be the first official member of Bush Patrol, a division of DOW that caters purely for the Dual Purpose Adventure bike riders, but not just that, I was given the first official vest, received the first official full Bush Patrol DOW Patch and made national representative/ facilitator/ commander, what ever you want to call it, for Bush Patrol, going forward.

The official ceremony happened at 3 Services Club later that morning, where-after I was informed that at the AGM, the previous night, where most of the section commanders actually knew who I was, voted unanimously for me to be appointed.

I was treated with such honour and respect, that the tears flowed. Only the Vets will know how much this means.

And Norman announced that the Brandon Bosch Foundation will officially become part of the causes they support. Through the pain and the darkness, there was some light. I am heading in the right direction, all I want to do, is honour my beloved boy, Brandon.

The photos are not great, but the occasion was.

 

[DASKOP]

Mass ride through BFN. Then the ceremonial wreath laying in remembrance of our fallen comrades.

The next morning, it was back to PE. We stopped at the top of Olifantskop Pass, the last sort of reflection of natural surroundings, before descending into civilisation.

The end of an emotional, yet exciting chapter of the Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021, on my ever trustworthy and partner in passion, Matilda.

Bill, thank you for being my wing man.

 

[DASKOP]

It is time for me to get back to my initial RR, but I have something to ask.

This is not my first WD RR, but it is my first where I have experienced so much lack of response or interaction from other members. I am fully aware of the fact that it is a sensitive situation, but I am sharing it for a reason. I want to create an awareness, I want to help others to prevent this from happening again, but I am not a leper, just a grieving father, baring his soul and sharing my trip experiences.

Share and enjoy my experiences with me, treat it like a normal RR, respond with your normal banter and help me fight this sense of absolute loneliness, PLEASE.

 

[Elmer Fudd]

It is time for me to get back to my initial RR, but I have something to ask.

This is not my first WD RR, but it is my first where I have experienced so much lack of response or interaction from other members. I am fully aware of the fact that it is a sensitive situation, but I am sharing it for a reason. I want to create an awareness, I want to help others to prevent this from happening again, but I am not a leper, just a grieving father, baring his soul and sharing my trip experiences.

Share and enjoy my experiences with me, treat it like a normal RR, respond with your normal banter and help me fight this sense of absolute loneliness, PLEASE.

Hi
I'll chime in, kinda new here, but after stumbling on this RR a while ago it is something that is my 'goto place' when I get to a pc, be it in the office or at home, just to see if there is an update from you of your travels, be they of your tribute to Brandon or the bits inbetween in this thread.
Your RR is fantastic and thank you for sharing it, lets just get that clear!!
I literally check about 3 or 4 times a day to see if there are updates 
It is quite overwhelming, tragic, and wonderful all in one space, a riveting read! I'm really enjoying the ride along with you, as I am sure many others are as well.
I know on the RR there is a lot more to come and I have often thought that this is most definitely book worthy, (not that I am a literary type) but the story demands to be told. Not the trip just on it's own but the journey both physically and spiritually. You can help others!
The number of times you have been blessed with the random kindness of complete strangers during your trip, as well as them sharing their own struggles with you is also truly inspiring, and the message you bring of being humble and honest has not been overlooked!
Thank you!

 

[DASKOP]

It is time for me to get back to my initial RR, but I have something to ask.

This is not my first WD RR, but it is my first where I have experienced so much lack of response or interaction from other members. I am fully aware of the fact that it is a sensitive situation, but I am sharing it for a reason. I want to create an awareness, I want to help others to prevent this from happening again, but I am not a leper, just a grieving father, baring his soul and sharing my trip experiences.

Share and enjoy my experiences with me, treat it like a normal RR, respond with your normal banter and help me fight this sense of absolute loneliness, PLEASE.

Hi
I'll chime in, kinda new here, but after stumbling on this RR a while ago it is something that is my 'goto place' when I get to a pc, be it in the office or at home, just to see if there is an update from you of your travels, be they of your tribute to Brandon or the bits inbetween in this thread.
Your RR is fantastic and thank you for sharing it, lets just get that clear!!
I literally check about 3 or 4 times a day to see if there are updates 
It is quite overwhelming, tragic, and wonderful all in one space, a riveting read! I'm really enjoying the ride along with you, as I am sure many others are as well.
I know on the RR there is a lot more to come and I have often thought that this is most definitely book worthy, (not that I am a literary type) but the story demands to be told. Not the trip just on it's own but the journey both physically and spiritually. You can help others!
The number of times you have been blessed with the random kindness of complete strangers during your trip, as well as them sharing their own struggles with you is also truly inspiring, and the message you bring of being humble and honest has not been overlooked!
Thank you!

Thank you for your kind words. Response posts, like yours, are important to me, it motivates me to push through when I get overwhelmed. Thank you again.

Marius.

 

[DASKOP]

23 July 2021

Departure day from Ndole Bay Lodge.

I was up early to watch the sun rise over Lake Tanganyika for the last time (well, maybe for now).

The local fishermen are already on the lake.

 

[wobbler]

Daskop, I cannot begin to fathom the pain and heartache you are going through.
I've been hanging on every word you've written since stumbling upon this (rather unorthodox) ride report.

I'm the father of 2 young girls and cannot for a moment imagine that I would have the inner strength you seem to have were I put in the same situation.
Please continue. There are many that are following along with your RR, that simply do not comment or banter purely because we/ they don't want it to seem disrespectful towards you.

 

[punisher]

we are here mate
i find myself checking in every day


thank you bud

 

[8 min Mark]

@Elmer Fudd said it perfectly. I too never scroll past this thread if I see an update. I have thought about your “story” so often. I have chatted about it to mates. I have hugged my son tighter and more often since reading your thread. Thank you 

 

[Kaboef]

We are here.

I havent read the whole report, but admire what you do.

Will sit down and read the whole thread, or parts that I have missed, soon.

 

[daveh]

I too look forward to your updates and I am following with keen interest. I lost my wife in April 2020 and some of your comments have brought back fond memories of my 37 years of married life. Keep up,the reporting , I can assure you it is being read.

 

[swakop_toe]

Marius, daar geen woorde wat ek jou kan gee wat die pyn sal wegvat nie.
Net dat jy nie mag moed opgee nie.

Dat jy 'n roadtrip op jou fiets gekies is waarlik braaf en inspirerend.
Dit is presies die teenoorgestelde waarom ons roadtrips doen.

Ek deel met jou hierdie.
Dit het my gedra deur presies wat jy nou deur gaan, 10 jaar gelede toe ek 'n wewenaar gemaak is op 30. In my geval was my woede en magteloosheid my siel oorval het.
Dat ek waaragtig niks kon doen om dit te vermy het nie. Geen hoeveelheid liefde, bid of op offerings nie. Ek het wel geleer dat dit nie 'n straf is nie.

Dankie vir die moeite met pragtige foto's, die beskrywings, die roerende woorde.
Ek hang aan elke woord wat jy tik.

Vergewe jouself. En ander. Dit mag 'n ruk neem, maar hou die gedagte op die horison.

Ek hoor hierdie elke keer as ek na jou sonopkoms fotos kyk.
“Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly….”
“You are the light of the world.”
Isaiah 58:1-12, Matthew 5:13-20

Baie sterkte en liefde broer!

Sent from my Nokia 5.4 using Tapatalk

 

[jogi_c]

Hi DASKOP,

Just because I do not always reply, it does not mean that I am not keenly following your report, often with a snot nose.

Keep up the good work

 

[DASKOP]

Thank you very much for your responses. It is truly appreciated.

 

[DASKOP]

Andrew and Bernie were off on a fishing trip and I went to say cheers, but not good bye as they were going to be part of my journey once again. Bernie is a keen angler and has, if I remember correctly represented Zambia.

 

[DASKOP]

I put up stickers 19 and 20 for Brandon.

My beloved son,
May the sun forever shine brightly on your face,
Just as your light will forever shine brightly in my heart,
May I be blessed with the strength, courage, Godly wisdom and conviction,
To never give up,
To continue your legacy,
That of a loving, kind, considerate person,
Who touched so many lives in your 27 years on this earth,
Including mine from your first breath,
I am proud to call you my son,
May I have the privilege of doing the same,
Making a difference,
Loving you like you loved me,
Honouring you in the way you honoured me, 
By touching lives wherever I go, with you by my side.