Solo to Rhodes

[landieman]

thanks for the RR,solo rides are the best

 

[JonW]

Thanks Jon. Definitely a place to visit but a leeetle more into summer

What was the total distance and how much fuel did you use?

Hi Frank, except for on top of the mountain near Tiffendel it actually wasn't that cold.

Total distance was about 950 km, sorry no idea how much fuel I used. Early on in my riding career, SGB taught me to fill up whenever I pass a petrol station because you never know when you will see one again, so I filled up often.

 

[frankmac]

:thumleft: Thanks Jon

 

[twister]

After a couple of hours of easy but interesting riding, the track that I had plotted on Google Earth turned off the road and I found myself following what can be best described as a cattle path, leading around and over the mountains. I was a little wary, but I trusted my track. I had ridden part of this track about 10 years ago when I had taken a short cut route from NaudesNek to Mount Fletcher, so I knew my track ended up in the right place, even if I wasn't totally convinced of the way it got there.

After half an hour of lifting, kicking and cursing, as well as me telling myself I'm a c#@t for trying a trip like this alone I managed to get to the top of the hill, where the territory plateaued and the riding was easy and pleasant

Also rode this piece of track last year, very interesting.

 

[BIGMAC]

Nice one Jon

 

[NovaT]

Lekker man, Lekker!

:thumleft:

 

[1190]

My brother and he's mate were supposed to ride with Fred, but my brother bikes sprocket bolts fell out and he came to EL to fix then and then I joined them on the ride to Himeville and back....never got to meet Fred but it looks like he made he's own friends :biggrin:

 

[CUZZY]

Lekker Jon.

I've also done that rocky section. Nice route.

 

[JonW]

My brother and he's mate were supposed to ride with Fred, but my brother bikes sprocket bolts fell out and he came to EL to fix then and then I joined them on the ride to Himeville and back....never got to meet Fred but it looks like he made he's own friends :biggrin:

Haha small world....ja Fred told me about his mates that he was supposed to be riding with

 

[husky]

Very nice ride Jon.  Do you have a track log you can share?

 

[JonW]

Very nice ride Jon.  Do you have a track log you can share?

Thanks husky

My tracks are attached

 

[Klein Torkar]

tanks for the share

 

[husky]

Thanks Jon,

Inspiring me to get going.

 

[Kortbroek]

Awesome RR. There are loads of great riding to be explored along the escarpment between Mt Fletcher and Naudes Nek. That trail you took to get to Naudes Nek and the plateau you crossed is known as Mcabalala. You would have crossed the border with the old transkei at the abandoned Phillipsrust Police station.

What is your opinion of the XRR as a dirt tourer?

 

[JonW]

Ja I have looked at some really nice looking tracks and paths in that area on Google Earth. Was tempted to go and explore them on this trip, but I was on my own and time was a huge factor, so I will have to dedicate a few days to go back and properly explore the area some time in the near future.

I think the XRR makes a great dirt tourer, despite the fact that with my 16l tank I am limited to about 240km and that I have to carry all my luggage on my back. I know I could fit a 23l Acerbis which would give me decent range, but I really don't fancy having this huge bowser of a tank which I am only going to really need maybe once or twice a year. As far as the luggage goes, I know I need to buy a Giant Loop Coyote, which I will probably do at some stage.

But other than those two issues, the XRR makes a perfect dirt tourer, especially when the going gets tough and you have to manhandle the bike up a donga or through rocks etc.

 

[Kortbroek]

Awesome, now you've managed to shoot down my sensible idea of buying something like a DR or a XRL. I will just have to go XRR hunting as soon as I've saved up enough funds again. I have yet to ride a bike that gives me the same smile.

 

[JonW]

Awesome, now you've managed to shoot down my sensible idea of buying something like a DR or a XRL. I will just have to go XRR hunting as soon as I've saved up enough funds again. I have yet to ride a bike that gives me the same smile.

:thumleft:

 

[COLES]

the beauty cannot be put into words magnificent area to ride

thank u for sharing

 

[shanti]

Beautiful ride - both bike and place , I am a big fan of solo riding - thank you for sharing - must make my way that way one day

 

[0012]

thanks JonW, enjoyed riding along    :3some: