Drakensburg Ride

[Navi]

I had noticed a crack developing on the front rim of the XT but did not think it was serious. After further inspection I noticed that the crack had spread across the rim, so I took the bike in to have it looked at and have a new tyre fitted. The bike guys were not happy with the rim, so that meant a new rim and a new tyre, a bit more than I had budgeted for, but what can you do...
Ok so I got the bike back new rim, tyre and all, it was now time to get that ride in.
I had been plotting to do a bit of exploring done in the Drakensburg, so Drakensburg it was.
I left at about 5:00 this morning, took the Howick Toff, made my way to Dargle, Impendle, Mooiriver via Kamberg and Highmoor nature reserves, then on to Estcourt via Wagensdrift Dam. From there back via Notingham rd. All in all 565km and I could definately have kept going.
An excellent day of riding, attached are some of the pics I took. Only had the cellphone with so here goes...

The map, dargle, impendle

 

[Navi]

All the rivers were full after the recent rains, the scenery was green and the air clear.

 

[Navi]

The scenery started getting mountainous as I neared the Highmoor nature reserve. The views are stunning out there. It looks like it could be a nice place to go camping sometime.

 

[Navi]

I had a bit of trouble finding the Wagendrift dam (Glitchy GPS or a bad user), anyway just as well as I found a railway service path that came very close to the dam. The terrain got interesting with some deep sludgy puddles. I was pretty soaked after all of the fun.

 

[Navi]

I got home at about 3:00 this afternoon. Here is a last pic of my muddy steed.

I have added an off topic pic. This is my son on his first ride without training wheels.

 

[philgil]

Nice one Navi...  :thumleft:

Don't you work? ???

Let me know next time, Maybe I can be your wingman.

 

[JonW]

Nice ride Navi  :thumleft:

We must hook up for a trip again sometime.

 

[Navi]

Hey Phil

Thanks man.
I wish I didnt work, ha ha. Im on leave, going back on Monday.

I thought everybody would be at work so I went on a solo mission. I couldnt let another week go by without a spin around the block.
Ill let you know next time, there are some nice roads out there that I would like to get to.

 

[Navi]

Thanks Jon

Ja we must definately hook up for a ride. I would like that :thumleft:

 

[philgil]

I'm keen to do a "top of Sani Pass" trip in 1 day. Through Hellahella to Bulwer, up Sani, and back via Byrne Valley. Should be about 550k's. Whenever you're keen let me know.

 

[The Badger]

Nice one Navi, Thanks for the RR and lekker pics.  :thumleft:

Bad luck with the rim.

Did you get to the nice little twisty dirt road on the western side of Wagendrift??

 

[JonW]

I'm keen to do a "top of Sani Pass" trip in 1 day. Through Hellahella to Bulwer, up Sani, and back via Byrne Valley. Should be about 550k's. Whenever you're keen let me know.

I did that exact route by myself on Sunday morning  :biggrin:

 

[The Badger]

I'm keen to do a "top of Sani Pass" trip in 1 day. Through Hellahella to Bulwer, up Sani, and back via Byrne Valley. Should be about 550k's. Whenever you're keen let me know.

I did that exact route by myself on Sunday morning  :biggrin:

Shot for the invites ........dogs  >

 

[JonW]

I'm keen to do a "top of Sani Pass" trip in 1 day. Through Hellahella to Bulwer, up Sani, and back via Byrne Valley. Should be about 550k's. Whenever you're keen let me know.

I did that exact route by myself on Sunday morning   :biggrin:

Shot for the invites ........dogs  >

Haha, sorry Jeff, but it was one of those last minute ideas that you have at 12 o clock at night just before you go to bed..... :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[The Badger]

I'm keen to do a "top of Sani Pass" trip in 1 day. Through Hellahella to Bulwer, up Sani, and back via Byrne Valley. Should be about 550k's. Whenever you're keen let me know.

I did that exact route by myself on Sunday morning   :biggrin:

Shot for the invites ........dogs  >

Haha, sorry Jeff, but it was one of those last minute ideas that you have at 12 o clock at night just before you go to bed..... :biggrin: :biggrin:

:thumleft: :thumleft: :thumleft: Cant wait for our next ride.

 

[Navi]

Nice one Navi, Thanks for the RR and lekker pics.  :thumleft:

Bad luck with the rim.

Did you get to the nice little twisty dirt road on the western side of Wagendrift??

The rim was a bit of bad luck...Im paranoid with the new rim, that I will bugger it up. I asked about getting it welded but was told that it will go in the same place again.

The road runs on the west of the dam. The entrance is through a farm gate, unmarked of course.

 

[GundaGunda]

Great trip and pics navi.

If I am not mistaken that top pic is Inhlozane near Dargle.

I remember it with great pain. It is traditional at Michaelhouse that you have to go to the top on your first weekend at the school. I was a smallish and non-athletic porky kid, and I remember the agony of the walk, and that bloody mountain never getting closer. I got up to the ridge below the top, but I never made it to the top.

It is on my KZN todo list - Ride the bike as high as I can and climb the remaining bit.

I phoned the guy who has the guest house at the base and asked him if I could use his place as a base. He was most helpful and said no problem. I must look him up again.

On the name . . .  I have read that the name means a young maiden's breast, but my Sizulu-speaking colleague says it means "puberty". Dunno which is right -  maybe both. 

 

[plonker]

Navi went up to Highmoor in the cage and I must say also thought it looked like a nice place to camp for a few days and hike, with a few rides thrown in of course.

 

[Navi]

Hi Gunda

Well spotted, that is the mountain. The one side of the mountain is on the Buxton farm (relations on my wifes side). I have walked to the top and was buggered, it gets quite steep near the top. The closest place I know is the Everglades which is also bordering on the mountain.

 

[Navi]

Navi went up to Highmoor in the cage and I must say also thought it looked like a nice place to camp for a few days and hike, with a few rides thrown in of course.

Hi Plonker, yep, looks good up there and the camping area has views over the entire mountain range. Very nice and secluded.