SGB
Race Dog
Good friends met at the Senqu river and we were off to the Sehlabathebe area to go look for a relaxed private camping spot to do some relaxing and welcome 2008. We loaded the kwat, and the crew assembled for the 120 km odd ride there.
The 18 person strong team assembled and we were off. Landrover with camping trailer, Prado and another soup kitchen, Hilux and bike trailer, KTM 990, KTM 525 EXC, and the lads on KTM 85 SX, Suzuki DR 250, Honda CTX 200. Two of the lads have only been riding for about a month, and it was incredible how fast they picked up safe riding skills with some boring lecturing from the dads and some time in the saddle of course.
Fuel and refreshment stop about 50 km down the road.
Waiting for the cages to catch up where we went off the road to explore for the best camping spot.
Satisfied rider.....
We rode around the area and found a good spot. Some water had to be crossed on the way there....
Our camping spot was just the best, next to a river in a valley with the most awesome views and away from everyone and everything.
We found out where the local chief lives and took a ride to his house to introduce ourselves and ask permission to park here for a few days. A friendly chat at his house resulted in access to fresh water from a nearby fountain, a man to look after our camp whenever we went out and access to dry fire wood. The chief and his people made us feel very welcome. Speaking Sesotho does have advantages from a communication perspective.
Our camp became very comfortable very fast. Those "soup kitchens" work well and it is good to have friends towing them around these "roads". Cooking and "kuiering" worked very well. And the camp fire did it's job too.
Dish washing
And our river view and swimming pool right on the doorstep.
The river even contains some local cuisine....
Sunrise is still the best part of the day
Some exploring of the surrounding area which includes Matebeng pass and Sehlabathebe was done, here are some pics:
Riding team - regrouping stop
Matebeng pass
Summit at 2970m
And the little climb next to the road at the summit takes you over 3000m
On the way back we did some exploring around Sehlabathebe area, found some great riding and places.
Stopped at this spot for some relaxing and refreshments....
The beast in its natural habitat
We had time to see the flowers
And the baby donkeys
And the rocks - see the bubbles from when this was still boiling
There is some accommodation for those who need
On the way back we found two horribly lost noobs (asking directions from locals does not always work.....) who were crying and felt very sorry for themselves fighting those beasts up a rocky slope. We invited them to stay over, fed them and the next morning they continued their long journey with some proper directions and not so "hartseer" any more. If you recognize them, please do not tell anyone that we associate with this biker scum. ;D > What a coincidence! ("Tongue in Cheek" of course)
Locals collecting fire wood for winter already.
Some of kids asked about possibility of horse riding. A quick word with our camp guard resluted in two horses being made available. The girls had a great time.
Did some solo hill climbing with the 525, without leaving any marks that will start erosion, you cannot ask for better riding territory!
Had a chat with these two about their school and parents and the great place they live in. They are happy kids.....
All good things come to an end. We had to pack and get back to Durbs. We (Laaitie and me) took the short cut via Ramatseliso gate and down to Swartberg. Great ride, no problem if they tar Sani..... This ride is just as scenic and more technical than Sani.
We loaded the bikes just before Swartberg, some serious weather was approaching. I was still contemplating riding home, but with this weather and a trailer close by, I was in the cage in a flash too!
Lesotho remains my favourite place. No re-design required, we can just call it "Heaven" as-is. Thank you to all who made this a memorable trip with the family. And I saw some new possibilities for future bike rides - watch this space!
Carpe Diem, and Soli Deo Gloria!
The 18 person strong team assembled and we were off. Landrover with camping trailer, Prado and another soup kitchen, Hilux and bike trailer, KTM 990, KTM 525 EXC, and the lads on KTM 85 SX, Suzuki DR 250, Honda CTX 200. Two of the lads have only been riding for about a month, and it was incredible how fast they picked up safe riding skills with some boring lecturing from the dads and some time in the saddle of course.
Fuel and refreshment stop about 50 km down the road.
Waiting for the cages to catch up where we went off the road to explore for the best camping spot.
Satisfied rider.....
We rode around the area and found a good spot. Some water had to be crossed on the way there....
Our camping spot was just the best, next to a river in a valley with the most awesome views and away from everyone and everything.
We found out where the local chief lives and took a ride to his house to introduce ourselves and ask permission to park here for a few days. A friendly chat at his house resulted in access to fresh water from a nearby fountain, a man to look after our camp whenever we went out and access to dry fire wood. The chief and his people made us feel very welcome. Speaking Sesotho does have advantages from a communication perspective.
Our camp became very comfortable very fast. Those "soup kitchens" work well and it is good to have friends towing them around these "roads".
Cooking and "kuiering" worked very well. And the camp fire did it's job too.
Dish washing
And our river view and swimming pool right on the doorstep.
The river even contains some local cuisine....
Sunrise is still the best part of the day
Some exploring of the surrounding area which includes Matebeng pass and Sehlabathebe was done, here are some pics:
Riding team - regrouping stop
Matebeng pass
Summit at 2970m
And the little climb next to the road at the summit takes you over 3000m
On the way back we did some exploring around Sehlabathebe area, found some great riding and places.
Stopped at this spot for some relaxing and refreshments....
The beast in its natural habitat
We had time to see the flowers
And the baby donkeys
And the rocks - see the bubbles from when this was still boiling
There is some accommodation for those who need
On the way back we found two horribly lost noobs (asking directions from locals does not always work.....) who were crying and felt very sorry for themselves fighting those beasts up a rocky slope. We invited them to stay over, fed them and the next morning they continued their long journey with some proper directions and not so "hartseer" any more. If you recognize them, please do not tell anyone that we associate with this biker scum. ;D >
What a coincidence! ("Tongue in Cheek" of course)
Locals collecting fire wood for winter already.
Some of kids asked about possibility of horse riding. A quick word with our camp guard resluted in two horses being made available. The girls had a great time.
Did some solo hill climbing with the 525, without leaving any marks that will start erosion, you cannot ask for better riding territory!
Had a chat with these two about their school and parents and the great place they live in. They are happy kids.....
All good things come to an end. We had to pack and get back to Durbs. We (Laaitie and me) took the short cut via Ramatseliso gate and down to Swartberg. Great ride, no problem if they tar Sani..... This ride is just as scenic and more technical than Sani.
We loaded the bikes just before Swartberg, some serious weather was approaching. I was still contemplating riding home, but with this weather and a trailer close by, I was in the cage in a flash too!
Lesotho remains my favourite place. No re-design required, we can just call it "Heaven" as-is. Thank you to all who made this a memorable trip with the family. And I saw some new possibilities for future bike rides - watch this space!
Carpe Diem, and Soli Deo Gloria!
