GraZer
Race Dog
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2009
- Messages
- 1,109
- Reaction score
- 33
- Location
- Western Cape
- Bike
- KTM 790 Adventure R Rally
Late Friday afternoon it was decided that two of us would head out to Cederberg Oasis on the Saturday and do the Old Postal Route the Sunday. Me on the 450 RFR and my mate on his WR450F. The route plan would require a 320km
range and I would be the tanker for the WR, where I would just remove one of my tanks and pour it into the WR when needed.
Saturday came and I was hoping that my mate would get to my place early enough for me to change his tyre and for us to get going no later than 15h00. I soon received a call with the question, "Can I replace the fork seals too?"
Hmmm, this would delay us further but I was still hopefull that we could get going early enough to make dinner at Cederberg Oasis. This was not to be. By the time my mate had arrived and the fork seals replaced, tyre changed
and we were all packed up, it was 18h00. Needless to say we arrived in the dark and since Saturday night is buffet night at Cederberg Oasis, we needed it stop on the way to get something for dinner. After what felt like a slow
drive towing a trailer, we eventually arrived at Cederberg Oasis. With noting else to do, we were hoping for a good nights rest and an early start. Some of the guests who partied hard till 02h00 Sunday morning ensured that we did
not sleep well. It also rained the whole night, which made me a little concerned about the level of the rivers.
Sunday morning came and despite not sleeping well we were up early, had breakfast and kitted up for the ride.
While riding through to Eselbank, I went through what I thought was a large swarm of miggies. Only to be stopped by my mate who pointed out it was snowing.
Quick stop at the Wuppertal river.
Once we were well into the Old Postal route, it was clear that there was some snow on the nearby peaks.
Great view of one of the valleys
The valley before the Tra Tra Drift river crossing
Tra Tra Drift river crossing.
The Dooring river crossing. The river was not too deep, but still deep enough in places to drown your bike if you got it wrong. The rock was also rather slippery under water.
Brief stop at the Afrika Burn site.
While we could have completed the route with the fuel we had, we took the time to stop at Stone Hedge to get some fuel for the WR.
By chance, some old friends were there and it was nice to chat and catch up a bit.
On to the pan before heading back towards the Dooring river.
Nice view of the Tankwa. Have always enjoyed the view from this point when going into the Tankwa, as it gives you some perspective of how remote it is.
Arriving at the Dooring river crossing, my mate spotted the cable and decided that he could get across it. Needless to say he did not make it much further than where he is in the picture.
Several wades later...
For those who want to know how deep it currently is, the deepest part is ~0.9m
Quick stop at Wuppertal to raid the cafe and pour some fuel into the WR.
Sunset as we near Cederberg Oasis.
After finally loading up and unkitting, we eventually got home round 23h00.
range and I would be the tanker for the WR, where I would just remove one of my tanks and pour it into the WR when needed.
Saturday came and I was hoping that my mate would get to my place early enough for me to change his tyre and for us to get going no later than 15h00. I soon received a call with the question, "Can I replace the fork seals too?"
Hmmm, this would delay us further but I was still hopefull that we could get going early enough to make dinner at Cederberg Oasis. This was not to be. By the time my mate had arrived and the fork seals replaced, tyre changed
and we were all packed up, it was 18h00. Needless to say we arrived in the dark and since Saturday night is buffet night at Cederberg Oasis, we needed it stop on the way to get something for dinner. After what felt like a slow
drive towing a trailer, we eventually arrived at Cederberg Oasis. With noting else to do, we were hoping for a good nights rest and an early start. Some of the guests who partied hard till 02h00 Sunday morning ensured that we did
not sleep well. It also rained the whole night, which made me a little concerned about the level of the rivers.
Sunday morning came and despite not sleeping well we were up early, had breakfast and kitted up for the ride.
While riding through to Eselbank, I went through what I thought was a large swarm of miggies. Only to be stopped by my mate who pointed out it was snowing.
Quick stop at the Wuppertal river.
Once we were well into the Old Postal route, it was clear that there was some snow on the nearby peaks.
Great view of one of the valleys
The valley before the Tra Tra Drift river crossing
Tra Tra Drift river crossing.
The Dooring river crossing. The river was not too deep, but still deep enough in places to drown your bike if you got it wrong. The rock was also rather slippery under water.
Brief stop at the Afrika Burn site.
While we could have completed the route with the fuel we had, we took the time to stop at Stone Hedge to get some fuel for the WR.
By chance, some old friends were there and it was nice to chat and catch up a bit.
On to the pan before heading back towards the Dooring river.
Nice view of the Tankwa. Have always enjoyed the view from this point when going into the Tankwa, as it gives you some perspective of how remote it is.
Arriving at the Dooring river crossing, my mate spotted the cable and decided that he could get across it. Needless to say he did not make it much further than where he is in the picture.
Several wades later...
For those who want to know how deep it currently is, the deepest part is ~0.9m
Quick stop at Wuppertal to raid the cafe and pour some fuel into the WR.
Sunset as we near Cederberg Oasis.
After finally loading up and unkitting, we eventually got home round 23h00.
