- Joined
- Aug 28, 2006
- Messages
- 7,642
- Reaction score
- 1,524
- Location
- Hilton KZN
- Bike
- Boss Hoss (all models)
We pulled out of Tiffendell after having signed the indemnities at about 18h40 and headed towards Volunteershoek Pass which would take us down to WarTrail. Unfortunately we were riding directly into the setting sun and I could see just about nothing with the glare. Once the sun had gone down it was actually a huge relief, at least you could see where you were going.
Volunteershoek Pass was no problem, just a quick stop to take the pic and before long we were at the bottom and heading towards Lundeans Nek.
Lundeans Nek was a mess. Sure it was getting dark so we couldn't see that well, but it was in a terrible state, far worse than when I last rode it 5 odd years ago.
Eventually we got to the Lundeans Nek sign at the top of the pass and we could pose for the last of the pictures.
I have to admit that this felt as good as finishing Comrades Marathon.
The sun was long gone, but there was just enough light for the final pic, it was now 19h30, we had taken 2 full hours ;longer than I had planned, but that was fine.
After a bit of admin, like replacing the batteries in my GPS, pouring the 2l reserve fuel into my tank and phoning Sarah to tell her we were running late but ok, we headed down the pass in the pitch dark.
Now don't get me wrong, my KTM is an awesome bike, the engine really is bullet-proof, but that headlight sucks even more than my old XR's used to. This was the first time I had ever ridden it after dark and I could see absolutely nothing with it, and we still had to get down Lundeans and then another odd 100km back to Lupela Lodge along some not great dirt roads. For me this was the most difficult part of the trip. I rode on the extreme right hand side of the road, Kevin just behind me on the left so I could see from his light. It seemed to take forever to get back, but eventually we rolled into Lupela Lodge at 22h00.
Sixteen and a half hours is along time to spend on a bike, but it was worth it.
Challenge completed.
Volunteershoek Pass was no problem, just a quick stop to take the pic and before long we were at the bottom and heading towards Lundeans Nek.
Lundeans Nek was a mess. Sure it was getting dark so we couldn't see that well, but it was in a terrible state, far worse than when I last rode it 5 odd years ago.
Eventually we got to the Lundeans Nek sign at the top of the pass and we could pose for the last of the pictures.
I have to admit that this felt as good as finishing Comrades Marathon.
The sun was long gone, but there was just enough light for the final pic, it was now 19h30, we had taken 2 full hours ;longer than I had planned, but that was fine.
After a bit of admin, like replacing the batteries in my GPS, pouring the 2l reserve fuel into my tank and phoning Sarah to tell her we were running late but ok, we headed down the pass in the pitch dark.
Now don't get me wrong, my KTM is an awesome bike, the engine really is bullet-proof, but that headlight sucks even more than my old XR's used to. This was the first time I had ever ridden it after dark and I could see absolutely nothing with it, and we still had to get down Lundeans and then another odd 100km back to Lupela Lodge along some not great dirt roads. For me this was the most difficult part of the trip. I rode on the extreme right hand side of the road, Kevin just behind me on the left so I could see from his light. It seemed to take forever to get back, but eventually we rolled into Lupela Lodge at 22h00.
Sixteen and a half hours is along time to spend on a bike, but it was worth it.
Challenge completed.
