riders in the storm - south lesotho

[charlw]

Dougd, myself and Alan left East London at 7am for Matatiele and on to Ramatselio's Gate to get to Sehlabathebe National Park on Saturday 2 May. 80kms out -flat on Al's bike. Problem was it was the third in 2 weeks. Looked inside tyre wall and huge cut that was pinching the tube - would think the fello repairing the puncture at the bike shop would investigate the cause - but nooo.

Back to EL to get new tyre. 3hr delay which would have repercussions later!

Lunch in Maclear at the Royal Hotel

Got to Matatiele at 5pm border at Ramatselio's Gate closed at 4pm. Bliksem! Detour to Qacha's Nek which closes at 8pm. Did shopping in Matat and rode like the clappers to get there at 7pm. But it was a hell of a detour and only got to Sehlabathebe National Park Lodge in pitch darkness at 10pm. Was one of those rides when you can see bugger all but you can just sense the emptiness of a massive void next to the road. But the road was dry albeit very twisty and I looked forward to seeing the views the next day when we returned.

Got to the Lodge late and Roger and Chris from Ladybrand were ready for bed but starving as we had the food. All they had was a bottle of Bells, which just made them more tired. Cooked and socialsed until 12pm and after 15 hrs of riding the body said:'Goodnight'.

Next morning woke to a beautiful cloudless day and this amazing mountain right in front of this house in the middle of no-where. I mean no-where - no other sign of habitation.

IMG]https://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww202/charlwessels/DSCN1254-1.jpg[/IMG]

This is it - a house full of ornate furniture in the wilderness with a track coming over the mountain towards it.

 

[Tonteldoos]

ok where's da rest  :lamer:

 

[edgy]

And then....? :clock:

 

[charlw]

Beautiful area - if we carries on with the track past this house we would have got to Bu8shmen's Nek. I think these photos are of the Devil's Knuckles?? Can anyone confirm.

Look at the beautiful blue sky - I was really looking forward to the ride today.

Around a couple of mountains and blue sky turned to black clouds and a snow storm. They say the weather can change very quickly in Lesotho and did it just.

Rainsuit on as well as gloves, buff and beanie because it suddenly became VERY cold.

 

[charlw]

Had no view the previous night and now a wet view. But still magnificent.

Alan enjoying his surroundings

Myself enjoying the surroundings - was a blast

Checking distances to next petrol pump.

Lunch at Qachas Nek - R72 for 3 beef curries and coffee - what a bargain - opposite Pep Stores if you keen to sample the menu.

 

[charlw]

From Qachas Nek to Tele Bridge is all tar - but what a road. If this (adventure riding) is your scene, then the views you experience along this stretch of road make it a must see.

Eventually the sun came out and dried the place out.

The top of Lebelonyane Pass just before Mount Moorsoi

We stayed at Sterkspruit at Khaya Lodge. We arrived at about 7pm in the dark again and about 5km out from Sterkspruit about 4 picaninis took advantage of the darkness to through an empty beer bottle at me. Missed my knee but hit the side panel below the knee leaving ugly cuts on a once spotless KTM. I turned the bike to stick their heads up each others rectums, but they disappeared into the houses, bushes, darkness. After experiencing much friendliness in Lesotho, I was extremely disappointed to be greeted like this back in my home country.

Headed off to Lady Grey and up Joubert's Pass. Quaint little town and worth a more lengthy stay in the future.

This is the view down to Lady Grey from the top of Joubert's Pass

More pics at the top

More views of the Witteberg Mts

After Barkly East, Elliott we hit a right turn at Tsomo to cross the Kei and head to Stutterheim. This is the causeway near Acton Caba or Gaikas Nek.

That brought an end to three days of solid riding - an average of nine hrs in the saddle per day. I think next time we should stop a bit longer and smell the roses beers.

 

[JonW]

Nice One charlw, some very good pics there, looks like you guys had fun.

 

[DirtRebell]

I'm green..

 

[Mark Hardy]

What a great ride  :thumleft: thanks for sharing, Very good photos there.

Damn we are spoilt for riding areas in this country  :biggrin:

 

[Malibu]

Awesome!  :thumleft:

 

[husky]

Looked like a great ride and very envious, the pics tell the storey

 

[bradleys]

Cool,nice pics

 

[Miles]

Nice RR great pic's
Thanks

 

[transnewbie]

Great RR sounds really like a great time was had by all!! :thumleft:

 

[edgy]

Lovely area! Awesome rr!

 

[edgy]

See you guys took no chances with comms?
That Transalp rigged with antennaes!
:imaposer:

 

[fat b]

Looks great ... Nice RR , nice pics

 

[LeonDude]

Great pics, thanks for sharing!  :thumleft:

 

[Thump]

great

 

[Misty]

Great RR!!  :ricky:
I like that place where you stayed in the middle of nowhere - awesome!