S&M on top of the world!

[Malibu]

Well, another all too entertaining weekend was had.  I’m certainly not going to bore you guys with all the nonsense we got up too while not riding, we’ll keep this down to a pure Ride Report!

Start Location for RR, Himville!  More specifically Himville Arms Hotel.  Due to the fact that we had arrived a little later than expected on Saturday afternoon, the fact that they had had an incredible storm the previous day which had broken some dam walls, the fact that it was still drizzling and the fact that 2 guys who had just come off the mountain suggested that we’d not have time to get up and down and still beat the border closing… we decided to rather enjoy the hospitality of The Arms and ride the pass in the morning.

It turned out to be a good choice.  Sunday morning was magnificent.  Sun shining, clean fresh air and my rump had recovered from the ride down.  We ate a great breakfast and hit the road.  It was really sad to see them preparing to tar the first bit of dirt.  And they have ruined the road.  They have laid sand down up to the border post and the road was MUD.  Lots of the stuff.  I can’t say I have a ton of experience in the stuff, and thank heavens, did not go down, but I really had some good slides.

 

[Malibu]

We did the obligatory photo stops, or more to the point, smoke breaks.  The valley is exquisite!  It’s fantastically green, the rivers were in full spate, the banks having been broken earlier, probably during the rains on Friday night.  The problem with being the first up the mountain is that no-one had laid the road down at all, so every corner was a bit of a challenge with the mud.  Anyway, we made it to the border post still up-right.  Someone on a Dakar was riding behind me for a short period, but he turned around after a few kilo’s, guess he really did not like the mud-monster.

 

[Malibu]

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[Malibu]

Once through the border, the road instantly became rock.  It was very loose, but superb to ride after the earlier stuff.  I did not get pics of the really loose rock, probably because I was just too busy trying NOT to see the terrain on a more personal basis. 

We saw a few vehicles on their down journey, as well as a few bikes… a group of 4 from the coast, a single guy on a 1200GS and then a group of 3, one of whom could not have had bigger eyes… he really looked nervous… I hope they had a safe ride. 

I could have been a little fitter for the ride, the last few turns I could feel I was a little tired, but the road near the top was superb and I could open my baby up a bit and gas it up to the Sani Sign! 

 

[Malibu]

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[Malibu]

Yippeeeee!  I’d eventually done Sani Pass.  The hot stuff at the bar was calling, no one was in the Q for passports, so we shot through and hit the bar.  It was damn chilly up there, the cloud was covering the peaks so missed the opportunity for the balcony pics.  Next time!

 

[Malibu]

We were told not to leave because the tour trucks were on their way up, so we passed some time chatting to the tourists and about an hour later we got the all clear after about 30+ vehicles had passed.  Standing in the Q for the return, I hear Smithey’s name being called.  It was Philemon.  And the rest of their crowd.  What a small world.  Meeting up with other dogs on the top of the world.  We made arrangements to meet at Himville for lunch and they continued up to the bar. 

The return ride was truly fantastic.  I loved every second of it.  Did not stop for many pics, I was just in my element, and the thought of stopping was just un-available.  I was on a run and that continued to the tar.  All the vehicles had compressed the mud, so I just lined up the ruts and blasted them.  I think Smithey was a little concerned that his gal was hooliganising, but what the heck…

Couple of things I learnt from the trip, if it’s been raining a lot in the area, wait till about 11 before you go up… the road is a lot better because the 4x4’s have flattened the mud a bit, and re-bedded some of the rock… unless you want to ride a challenge…
Always have a glass of the hot toddy at the top…
And look for those cute little snow rats… they are sooo sweet! 

 

[ktmmer]

Well done for getting the 800 to the top without spilling it!!!!

It was nice meeting all of you guys.

 

[Frog]

looks awesome! Well done!

 

[Bakkie]

Great Pics! I also wanna go there!!!  :ricky:

 

[Smithey]

Nice RR babes  :thumleft:

 

[Dakota]

Still green with envy that I had to stay at home....  :-\

 

[Thump]

very, very, nice Mal
Thanks for posting

 

[Andymal]

Hey Chick, some nice pics!! I told you it gets a little muddy now and again. How where the rocks?

I remember something of a calender picture shot. I don't see that one posted here. HA HA. What a joll was had. Sorry could not make it up again with you but you saw the condition of my mate the night before and the morning. He would have had a heart attack no lies!!!

 

[Malibu]

How long did it take for Tony to recover.... or is he still under the weather.

And regarding the calendar shot... there was a little too much traffic for it to be done... will have to do the ride again, but when it's a bit quieter!  :mwink:  Would not want anyone to go off the road!

Rocks were cool dandy... that one mud section was a bit of a pain, but otherwise... fantastic ride! 

Really glad to see you joined the Wild Dogs... I'm sure you are gonna fit right in here!  :thumleft:

 

[Rone]

Very Nice - must say that mud does look very intimidating .......

 

[Misty]

WOW Mal absolutely stunning RR and pics :thumleft: - makes me even more eager for FS - so beautiful and green!! My heart always longs for that part of the world!

 

[roxenz]

Really  nice report, Mal!  Jealous!

Love that little snowrat fluffy thingy.

 

[Malibu]

Roxenz, there are lots of them up there, smaller than a dassie, much larger than a mouse... they sit in the sun up on their hindquarters, little front feet in front of them and they just love the sun... they are just too cute!  :biggrin:

 

[Smithey]

Hey Chick, some nice pics!! I told you it gets a little muddy now and again. How where the rocks?

I remember something of a calender picture shot. I don't see that one posted here. HA HA. What a joll was had. Sorry could not make it up again with you but you saw the condition of my mate the night before and the morning. He would have had a heart attack no lies!!!

It was too cold for that shot, hahahahah  Welcome to WD Andy  :thumleft: