Goldi and the Wings

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dieterj

Pack Dog
Joined
Nov 18, 2006
Messages
331
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Location
Sunset Beach
Bike
BMW F650GS / Dakar
I had a small bike, too small, then a big bike, too big, and then I got the Dakkie – just right.  Therefore she was dubbed Goldilocks.

My father-in-law bought himself a Goldwing Trike, having never ridden a bike in his life.  Recently he joined the Goldwing club, and last weekend was their Mini-Fling at Gariep Dam.  After the necessary approvals from the Goldwing club, I got the go-ahead to tag along, and so began the weekend of Goldi and the Wings.

We left at about 6am on Friday, through heavy mist which was irritating and sometimes dangerous, but soon we were through it and stopped for breakfast at the next Wimpy.

Then on to Tom’s Place, where we stopped for lunch.  First photo stop:

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After some stops due to roadworks,

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We got to the dam, where we had a early night.

Next morning I decided to go walkabout on the dirt roads, but on the way out I came across the bulk of the Wings.

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In a sneaky infiltration move, Goldi got her Wings

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Then onto walkabout.  Some good, clean helmet time, on roads that were brilliant, narrow, good dirt.

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The lunchstop, biltong and cheese

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On some more over the dam

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Then, according to the GPS, there was an S-road that looked interesting, and promptly took that.

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The road became narrower and more fun, but after coming up this hill

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I came up against this

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Whaaat??  I thought S roads were public roads, but this one was solidly locked.  I thought I might have gone wrong somewhere, but going back along the way I came, I saw this street sign, which admittedly looks ridiculous given the size of the road, but hey, definitely public.

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Anyhow, carried on going and came up around where I would have come out with the S road.  Another gate, but not locked, and a usual green street sign showing what was in that direction.  Who gives the farmer the right to close down a public road, or am I missing something?

Anyway, went back to the dam, here’s the dam wall.

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That evening we had a braai with the group, and father-in-law got his colours

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Wing Riders meet Travel on Gravel

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Sunday we left for home

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With some key challenges, it took a little longer than expected, but we had a great time, and a 1700km bike weekend can never be bad.
It was also great meeting a group of another type of biker, and their passion is similar to ours – different people brought together by a common interest.


 
Nice report.  Saw some of these guys last Thursday at the Kroonstad stop just off the highway.  They told me they were going to Gariep.  I was on my way back from a business trip to Bloemfontein.
 
Perhaps not much adventure, but a lovely motorcycle report!  Sounds like you really enjoyed it, well done!  :thumleft:
 
Say what you want... the Goldwing wil always be first on my list. Great photos and RR. Other brands and bikenames have been swept away with time but the GOLDWING lives on. This is just to get even with those office guys on their GS 1200 who ride around during working hours and always looks so formal and serious with their straight backs... lol
 
Hey Major Tom
You were the one that made this trip possible - my family had peace of mind knowing you are close.
Thank you again.
Cleanfather

:peepwall:
:pot:
 
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