johang
Race Dog
Seriously bad down hills, some testing of equipment, night riding and flat tyres, all part of a very enjoyable long weekend.
This weekend was planned at very short notice. Puddles (GS650 Twin) left Thursday morning with Chris and Leonie (1200 GSA). They arrived at Chris’ farm late afternoon after enduring a heavy shower and some wet roads. Due to work I only got away at 19:00 and arrived on the farm at 23:00.
The next morning we left for Sani Pass via Caledonspoort. After admin and paying the R20.00 toll fees we were off.
One cannot be to sure what comes around the next corner and who may be swerving for it.
The day was beautifull
Stopped for a light lunch at the New Oxbow Lodge.
Going towards Afri-Ski Resort, the perfect day changed as clouds started gathering.
Luckily it was only clouds that gathered BUT the following stretch of road got seriously bad with all the potholes that just seemed to go on for ever.
At the top of Black mountain pass we stopped and the fog started coming in.
From here on it was fog till we arrived at Sani Top.
Sani Top was fully booked but in terms of camping there was not a problem.
Regarding food we had to wait till all the booked guests were served and then have our turn. The food turned out very good.
Puddles was very worked up in terms of Sani pass and the little bit she could see through the mist was not encouraging as well as the discussions around how bad state the pass was in.
The next morning the sky was clear.
After paying the next morning we started the pass. A guy we met on top, Barnard – travelling all on his own, as ked to go down the pass with us. This turned out to be a good choice for him.
The pass was really not in good shape going down. Barnard and Puddles found this out very quickly. The crash bars on the GS650 (twin) showed they are well worth the investment, especially the section coming up high and protecting the radiators. The GS1150 proved to be as tough as ever.
Puddles going for the next stretch after the first crash bar test.
And then the next crash bar test
But she just stubornly got back on and kept going, a tuff one...
The pass was very busy and when this “dual purpose” bike came passed us and we gave right of way to it.
It was still not the end and cars kept coming up, some with seriously burned clutches.
From here we went to Underberg fro petrol and lunch. Then the long trek down towards Maclear and then Naude’s Neck. Due to Sani pass that took longer than expected and the distance to Naude’s Neck we ended doing Naude’s pass at night.
Very dark on top of Naude's neck.
Puddles did exceptionally well, having a level of night blindness.
We arrived at Rhodes very hungry and tired, so we booked ourselves into a guest house.
Next morning we left for Tiffendell, War Trail and Lundeon’s Neck with the intent of sleeping over at Senekal. A tall order.
Quite steep gradients going up to Tiffendell, but a beautiful setting. Must be quite expensive.
The War Trail was good, lots of loose pebbles. And then we reached Bidstone Pass. Lots and I meand lost of pebbles going seriously down. This was very slippery and I am not sure how Zanda made it, but she did, she’s got go!!!!
Some local children opened one of the gates on the War Trail for us.
Getting ready for the downhill at Bidstone Pass - scary and slippery
Last section to follow...
This weekend was planned at very short notice. Puddles (GS650 Twin) left Thursday morning with Chris and Leonie (1200 GSA). They arrived at Chris’ farm late afternoon after enduring a heavy shower and some wet roads. Due to work I only got away at 19:00 and arrived on the farm at 23:00.
The next morning we left for Sani Pass via Caledonspoort. After admin and paying the R20.00 toll fees we were off.
One cannot be to sure what comes around the next corner and who may be swerving for it.
The day was beautifull
Stopped for a light lunch at the New Oxbow Lodge.
Going towards Afri-Ski Resort, the perfect day changed as clouds started gathering.
Luckily it was only clouds that gathered BUT the following stretch of road got seriously bad with all the potholes that just seemed to go on for ever.
At the top of Black mountain pass we stopped and the fog started coming in.
From here on it was fog till we arrived at Sani Top.
Sani Top was fully booked but in terms of camping there was not a problem.
Regarding food we had to wait till all the booked guests were served and then have our turn. The food turned out very good.
Puddles was very worked up in terms of Sani pass and the little bit she could see through the mist was not encouraging as well as the discussions around how bad state the pass was in.
The next morning the sky was clear.
After paying the next morning we started the pass. A guy we met on top, Barnard – travelling all on his own, as ked to go down the pass with us. This turned out to be a good choice for him.
The pass was really not in good shape going down. Barnard and Puddles found this out very quickly. The crash bars on the GS650 (twin) showed they are well worth the investment, especially the section coming up high and protecting the radiators. The GS1150 proved to be as tough as ever.
Puddles going for the next stretch after the first crash bar test.
And then the next crash bar test
But she just stubornly got back on and kept going, a tuff one...
The pass was very busy and when this “dual purpose” bike came passed us and we gave right of way to it.
It was still not the end and cars kept coming up, some with seriously burned clutches.
From here we went to Underberg fro petrol and lunch. Then the long trek down towards Maclear and then Naude’s Neck. Due to Sani pass that took longer than expected and the distance to Naude’s Neck we ended doing Naude’s pass at night.
Very dark on top of Naude's neck.
Puddles did exceptionally well, having a level of night blindness.
We arrived at Rhodes very hungry and tired, so we booked ourselves into a guest house.
Next morning we left for Tiffendell, War Trail and Lundeon’s Neck with the intent of sleeping over at Senekal. A tall order.
Quite steep gradients going up to Tiffendell, but a beautiful setting. Must be quite expensive.
The War Trail was good, lots of loose pebbles. And then we reached Bidstone Pass. Lots and I meand lost of pebbles going seriously down. This was very slippery and I am not sure how Zanda made it, but she did, she’s got go!!!!
Some local children opened one of the gates on the War Trail for us.
Getting ready for the downhill at Bidstone Pass - scary and slippery
Last section to follow...
