Mark Hardy
Grey Hound
XT660R said:
This was the post that got me out after nearly three weeks off the Bike. I had the bike stripped and was doing some needed cleaning and general maintenance during this time
Andy called and said he would met me at the Richwood Garage and would not take no as an answer. So at 9.30 am Andy pulls up and promptly fills my tank :thumleft: and we are ready to get started. Off we go.
Damn it was good to out on the bike again, the weather was perfect. One of those Cape Spring days, no wind, bright warm sunshine. We head out onto the first two gravel roads. There is no rain damage or mud on the roads, Andy indicates that I must ride ahead, cool. On the way to Ocultdale Rd my bikes starts acting up, no power. Firing on one cylinder. We stop and I fiddle a bit and then alls well again. ;D Then we get to Slint Rd
ok this gravel rd is full of pot holes. Hundreds of them but we still can maintain speeds of between 100-12okm/h. My knowledge of this route ends at the bottom of Slint Rd so Andy takes over the front running/leadership role.We head out onto the new section. Just a lekker track on a farm, so nice airtime in one or two sections but so far all more than comfortable for the Canal Noob Ride. This track last for a couple of kms and we pop out on to what can only be called a gravel raceway, smooth, no loose gravel on the road, one or to potholes but nothing like Slint Rd. The devil pops on our shoulders and OFF we go. Speeds are slowly creeping up, the mountains have snow on them, warn sunshine and green fields, friendly waves from the farm works......Life is great, what a glorious day to be out riding. Did some nice quick riding in the 160km/h area and the Bike is running like a dream. I am one happy happy fellow.
We get to Riebeeck Wes and stop for a bite to eat(never happened) and a beer(happened >
). Ok time to go check out the last part of the route, which was the canal area. mmmmmm I have been looking forward to this section as it is all new to me and if anyone has been on a recce ride with Andy will understand. New tracks to find, getting lost, stuck whatever just bring it on. We leave the pub and not 500m away at the Church ...........my bike dies and this time she stays dead. The fuel pump is now and truly finish after it hung on for bear life since the last techday.Tried to get it sorted but no is fuel pump is F%cked beyond all repair.
So off I go back to the Pub and wait for Toni (forum member to come dale me out the SH%t. Andy heads out to finish with the recce ride for Sundays Canal Noob Ride. A couple of beers later Andy gets back and shortly there after Toni pulls in with his bakkie and the dreaded trailer. We load up and head back to CT.
I would like to thank Both Andy and Toni very much for all the help..........you now can add the pics if you wish... >
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