Waiting in anticipation... :ricky:
Trans Karoo, Going Postal and a Return Adventure
- Thread starter Minxy
- Start date
Sub :thumleft:
Minxy
Race Dog
Lets get this underway 
Back to the Cape and Preparations
After being back at work for about two weeks, we make ready our things for the return trip (last minute as usual). There isn't much to pack, except a new front tyre for the 990. Luckily the airline has no problem with us taking it, as long as it is boxed.
Here we go again!
Our mighty steeds have both had a service and were purring happily. The Motoz Adventure front comes off (HSK hated this tyre!) and the MT 21 gets slapped on. We are ready to roll!!!
Before we depart for Part 2 we call up a few friends we haven't seen in ages. Also, I got to meet 2StrokeDan, a man who precedes his reputation around here and overall nice guy. His wife cooked up the most awesome breakfast for us, nothing beats Wilddog hospitality :ricky: :thumleft:
Day 1 - Stellenbosch to L'Agulus
To our dismay, the weather is COLD!!! Freezing with rain. Great, what a way to start the trip. We get away a bit later than we'd like.
Anyway, things have a way of working out and the rain passes. We slab it to L'Agulus, the most southern point in Africa.
We are standing oceans apart?
I throw a stone into the sea. Visit the southern most point of Africa bucket list item ticked! Now all there is left to do is to visit the most northern point? Hmmmm....
The little restaurants are well worth visiting.
Why can't I stop eating? :imaposer:
We stay at the Backpackers. Cozy place.
Dinner at the Seafood place, we had some of the best fish here. Nom nom's!
A night ride to the beach I really enjoyed it here, the area felt safe and the atmosphere relaxed. Weather report looked good for the next day, something to look forward to after the cold rainy ride we had in the morning.
Back to the Cape and Preparations
After being back at work for about two weeks, we make ready our things for the return trip (last minute as usual). There isn't much to pack, except a new front tyre for the 990. Luckily the airline has no problem with us taking it, as long as it is boxed.
Here we go again!
Our mighty steeds have both had a service and were purring happily. The Motoz Adventure front comes off (HSK hated this tyre!) and the MT 21 gets slapped on. We are ready to roll!!!
Before we depart for Part 2 we call up a few friends we haven't seen in ages. Also, I got to meet 2StrokeDan, a man who precedes his reputation around here and overall nice guy. His wife cooked up the most awesome breakfast for us, nothing beats Wilddog hospitality :ricky:
:thumleft:Day 1 - Stellenbosch to L'Agulus
To our dismay, the weather is COLD!!! Freezing with rain. Great, what a way to start the trip. We get away a bit later than we'd like.
Anyway, things have a way of working out and the rain passes. We slab it to L'Agulus, the most southern point in Africa.
We are standing oceans apart?
I throw a stone into the sea. Visit the southern most point of Africa bucket list item ticked! Now all there is left to do is to visit the most northern point? Hmmmm....
The little restaurants are well worth visiting.
Why can't I stop eating? :imaposer:
We stay at the Backpackers. Cozy place.
Dinner at the Seafood place, we had some of the best fish here. Nom nom's!
A night ride to the beach
I really enjoyed it here, the area felt safe and the atmosphere relaxed. Weather report looked good for the next day, something to look forward to after the cold rainy ride we had in the morning.
- Joined
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It was good to see Johan again, and even better meeting you, Barbara.
Glad you could stop here.
Glad you could stop here.
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 2 - L'Agulus to Ladismith
Today was just going to be an easy ride to Ladismith. We are on holiday after all Something I've always wanted to do was to go over with the Malgas Pont We finally have our chance and plot some nice dirt roads to ride for the day.
Such a vast collection of stickers.
Wheeeeeee!!! I feel like such a tourist, this is awesome
Pristine dirt roads.
Admiring the view at Tradouw Pass, tar road, but so beautiful and worth including on any adventure trip.
We stop at Diesel and Creme for their legendary milkshakes.
And of course we have to stop at Ronnie's *** Shop while in the area!
In the distance, the Towerkop mountain.
We arrive at Ladismith and stay with Veldtie at Koedoeskloof.
When we arrive we bump into our friend Mark Hardy! Wow what a surprise!!! The world really is small. Mark is in the area on a photographic trip. It has been so awesome meeting so many old friends on our journey.
So our original plan was to do the Baviaanskloof the following day, but weather predictions were pretty gloomy for-spelling cold and rain. We decide to take another rest day to sort a few things out. It's good to just relax, otherwise the trip starts to feel more like work than a holiday.
Today was just going to be an easy ride to Ladismith. We are on holiday after all
Something I've always wanted to do was to go over with the Malgas Pont We finally have our chance and plot some nice dirt roads to ride for the day.
Such a vast collection of stickers.
Wheeeeeee!!! I feel like such a tourist, this is awesome
Pristine dirt roads.
Admiring the view at Tradouw Pass, tar road, but so beautiful and worth including on any adventure trip.
We stop at Diesel and Creme for their legendary milkshakes.
And of course we have to stop at Ronnie's *** Shop while in the area!
In the distance, the Towerkop mountain.
We arrive at Ladismith and stay with Veldtie at Koedoeskloof.
When we arrive we bump into our friend Mark Hardy! Wow what a surprise!!! The world really is small. Mark is in the area on a photographic trip. It has been so awesome meeting so many old friends on our journey.
So our original plan was to do the Baviaanskloof the following day, but weather predictions were pretty gloomy for-spelling cold and rain. We decide to take another rest day to sort a few things out. It's good to just relax, otherwise the trip starts to feel more like work than a holiday.
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 3 - Rest Day and quick hop to Seweweekspoort
The day is cold, gloomy... But no rain just yet. We take the time to do some washing, relax and buy a few things from the shop. We decide to not completely waste the day and pop out to Seweweekspoort about 30km away.
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Spectacular rugged mountains, that make you feel so small, it's a truly magical place. I remember the last time I was here I was sat on the back of the bakkie and was literally gaping at all the sights around me. It was wonderful to ride through this scenic pass on the bikes again.
We plan on having a romantic picnic, but the rain decides to eventually show face and foils are plans. Damm you rain! *shakes fist at the sky*
We head back in the freezing cold and pack up our things so we can start early the next day. We'll be doing over 400km including Baviaans and want to stay just on the other side in Patensie.
***
While browsing my facebook I am surprised to find Joey Evans is heading through the Baviaanskloof. If we didn't abondon our plan due to bad weather we would have bumped right into him! I quickly message Joey and ask him to please report on the condition. He sends me some photos and says we must take care the water is quite deep. He went on the right hand side (riding same direction as we were going to, west to east), hit the concrete step (which is VERY exposed) and got stuck. Luckily he managed to get the bike out without any incident. Phew! Ok, guess we'll stick to the left going through the infamous Smitskraal. Thanks for the advice Joey!
A few pics Joey sent me, he was riding the KTM 790R to a talk he was hosting in Patensie and of course decided to take the fun way there:
Great, can't wait to head to the Baviaans tomorrow! We've done it before, on the KTM 950 and the Husky 701, along with the Grootrivierpoort and Antoniesberg on a previous trip, but the water levels were very low and we never got to experience the river crossings as we would now. So excited!!!
The day is cold, gloomy... But no rain just yet. We take the time to do some washing, relax and buy a few things from the shop. We decide to not completely waste the day and pop out to Seweweekspoort about 30km away.
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Spectacular rugged mountains, that make you feel so small, it's a truly magical place. I remember the last time I was here I was sat on the back of the bakkie and was literally gaping at all the sights around me. It was wonderful to ride through this scenic pass on the bikes again.
We plan on having a romantic picnic, but the rain decides to eventually show face and foils are plans. Damm you rain! *shakes fist at the sky*
We head back in the freezing cold and pack up our things so we can start early the next day. We'll be doing over 400km including Baviaans and want to stay just on the other side in Patensie.
***
While browsing my facebook I am surprised to find Joey Evans is heading through the Baviaanskloof. If we didn't abondon our plan due to bad weather we would have bumped right into him! I quickly message Joey and ask him to please report on the condition. He sends me some photos and says we must take care the water is quite deep. He went on the right hand side (riding same direction as we were going to, west to east), hit the concrete step (which is VERY exposed) and got stuck. Luckily he managed to get the bike out without any incident. Phew! Ok, guess we'll stick to the left going through the infamous Smitskraal. Thanks for the advice Joey!
A few pics Joey sent me, he was riding the KTM 790R to a talk he was hosting in Patensie and of course decided to take the fun way there:
Great, can't wait to head to the Baviaans tomorrow! We've done it before, on the KTM 950 and the Husky 701, along with the Grootrivierpoort and Antoniesberg on a previous trip, but the water levels were very low and we never got to experience the river crossings as we would now. So excited!!!
Sheepman
Race Dog
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Excellent RR and pics, thanks :thumleft: Not to detract from your beautiful Klip Trap Machines in the workshop pic......I scanned a piece of real classic on a ramp there, a Ducati Paul Smart 1000 with Zard pipes :drif:
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 4 - Ladismith to Patensie via Baviaanskloof
Yay today we are heading for the Baviaanskloof
It would be a long ride again. We leave Ladismith after a quick breakfast and brave the cold weather. Thank the pope for winter gloves, it was freezing, especially when we were doing the long tar section!!!
Of course we include a couple of dirt roads on our way.
Getting close now.
Love all the stickers!
HSK giving us his best pose.
Onward ho!
Could not resist but stop for a quick cappuccino
Ok, lets do this.
Some people on BMW's checked in earlier, the only other traffic for the day it seems. We check in at 14:51. That doesn't leave us with much daylight to reach Patensie.
A few people mentioned that the Baviaans is in a pretty rough condition after the recent flooding. Lets see about that
There is lots of water and we cross numerous rivers. Last time we were here it was so dry we could barely recognize the place.
Where is Smitskraal!? Are we there yet?
The moment we've all been waiting for...
:imaposer: Ok, so in order to prevent some serious bike drownage, I asked HSK if he feels like going first to test the waters...
He makes it through, and waits right on top of the concrete section where the big step is.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/heCXUIqb6g0[/youtube]
Ok, lets do this! Damm, there's a lot of rocks all over, can't ride in the track without being thrown from side to side. I really didn't want to get my feet wet, but oh well, we made it. The step where the concrete starts is also quite big, it's good to be aware or you could get stuck.
The only problem with waterproof boots is, it also keeps the water in :laughing4:
The rest of the route goes well with a couple of climbs and dodgy concrete strips. We stop a few times to take some photos.
We exit at the gate on the other side at about 5pm, we didn't do too badly, but it was quickly starting to get dark. We arrive in Patensie just as it gets dark, grab a bite to eat at the Hotel and sleep over at the lovely Archers Boutique Hotel.
Yay today we are heading for the Baviaanskloof
It would be a long ride again. We leave Ladismith after a quick breakfast and brave the cold weather. Thank the pope for winter gloves, it was freezing, especially when we were doing the long tar section!!!
Of course we include a couple of dirt roads on our way.
Getting close now.
Love all the stickers!
HSK giving us his best pose.
Onward ho!
Could not resist but stop for a quick cappuccino
Ok, lets do this.
Some people on BMW's checked in earlier, the only other traffic for the day it seems. We check in at 14:51. That doesn't leave us with much daylight to reach Patensie.
A few people mentioned that the Baviaans is in a pretty rough condition after the recent flooding. Lets see about that
There is lots of water and we cross numerous rivers. Last time we were here it was so dry we could barely recognize the place.
Where is Smitskraal!? Are we there yet?
The moment we've all been waiting for...
:imaposer: Ok, so in order to prevent some serious bike drownage, I asked HSK if he feels like going first to test the waters...
He makes it through, and waits right on top of the concrete section where the big step is.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/heCXUIqb6g0[/youtube]
Ok, lets do this!
Damm, there's a lot of rocks all over, can't ride in the track without being thrown from side to side. I really didn't want to get my feet wet, but oh well, we made it. The step where the concrete starts is also quite big, it's good to be aware or you could get stuck.
The only problem with waterproof boots is, it also keeps the water in :laughing4:
The rest of the route goes well with a couple of climbs and dodgy concrete strips. We stop a few times to take some photos.
We exit at the gate on the other side at about 5pm, we didn't do too badly, but it was quickly starting to get dark. We arrive in Patensie just as it gets dark, grab a bite to eat at the Hotel and sleep over at the lovely Archers Boutique Hotel.
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 5 - Patensie to Hogsback
Today we'd have a fairly easy going ride through some of the dirt roads in the Addo area heading all the way to Hogsback. BigDom was kind enough to help me with this awesome track, much appreciated.
Even though I tried using the hairdryer, my boots still weren't completely dry. I guess I'll have to use plastic bags as over socks to keep my footsies warm. Oh the joys of adventure riding
Patensie kitty helped us pack our luggage.
Beautiful scenic road just north of Patensie.
Near the start of the Zuurberg pass. Nice and smooth at the start.
Things get progressively more and more interesting and we have lots of fun navigating through this rocky pass which also offered some spectacular views.
We get to Grahamstown which is buzzing with activity. Unfortunately we don't have much time to hang around and meet with everyone we would have liked. We've had so many awesome people telling us to pop in when we are in the area, but unfortunately we were already a day late on our schedule and just couldn't spend more time. We did stop though for a quick coffee with BigDom and thanked him for his awesome route. We must ride together next time!
After Grahamstown we pretty much have to put in the quickest route to Hogsback as the dark was catching us again! That is the problem with winter riding, sun comes up late morning, goes down early evening and the days are just too short. HSK's GPS diverts us through a dodgy part of the township before Hogsback, but we get through ok and again arrive in the dark. As we hadn't booked any accommodation on our trip we were just too glad they could accommodate us at The Edge.
We have dinner with this special guest sitting at our table.
:love10:
Today we'd have a fairly easy going ride through some of the dirt roads in the Addo area heading all the way to Hogsback. BigDom was kind enough to help me with this awesome track, much appreciated.
Even though I tried using the hairdryer, my boots still weren't completely dry. I guess I'll have to use plastic bags as over socks to keep my footsies warm. Oh the joys of adventure riding
Patensie kitty helped us pack our luggage.
Beautiful scenic road just north of Patensie.
Near the start of the Zuurberg pass. Nice and smooth at the start.
Things get progressively more and more interesting and we have lots of fun navigating through this rocky pass which also offered some spectacular views.
We get to Grahamstown which is buzzing with activity. Unfortunately we don't have much time to hang around and meet with everyone we would have liked. We've had so many awesome people telling us to pop in when we are in the area, but unfortunately we were already a day late on our schedule and just couldn't spend more time. We did stop though for a quick coffee with BigDom and thanked him for his awesome route. We must ride together next time!
After Grahamstown we pretty much have to put in the quickest route to Hogsback as the dark was catching us again! That is the problem with winter riding, sun comes up late morning, goes down early evening and the days are just too short. HSK's GPS diverts us through a dodgy part of the township before Hogsback, but we get through ok and again arrive in the dark. As we hadn't booked any accommodation on our trip we were just too glad they could accommodate us at The Edge.
We have dinner with this special guest sitting at our table.
:love10:
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 6 - Rest day in Hogsback
I've always, always wanted to visit this magical town and we just had to take a day off to enjoy some of the sights.
We start exploring at The Edge where we are staying and walk the labyrinth.
We were really, really spoiled by all the beautiful views on this trip.
We both hop on the 990 and ride down to visit the Madonna and Child waterfall.
The iconic bathtub?
And of course, more amazing food! Lord help us I think we both gained 10kg on this trip :imaposer:
I've always, always wanted to visit this magical town and we just had to take a day off to enjoy some of the sights.
We start exploring at The Edge where we are staying and walk the labyrinth.
We were really, really spoiled by all the beautiful views on this trip.
We both hop on the 990 and ride down to visit the Madonna and Child waterfall.
The iconic bathtub?
And of course, more amazing food! Lord help us I think we both gained 10kg on this trip :imaposer:
Lem
Grey Hound
ah, peddaling through Smitskraal and staying at The Edge...brings back so much great memories :thumleft:
Dutchman81
Race Dog
Such a great RR thanks for sharing , glad you enjoyed Hogsback right on my door step...
Sent from my I3312 using Tapatalk
Sent from my I3312 using Tapatalk
billy-joe
Race Dog
loving this rr, thanks so much! i also did the paddling thing and i was on a 650! keep it coming!
Plaasseun
Pack Dog
Minxy I also got my boots soaking wet in Smitskraal, stuffed it full of newspapers for the night and it was completely dry the following morning. Could barely believe it myself, good tip to remember.
Enjoying your report :thumleft:
Enjoying your report :thumleft:
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 7 - Hogsback to Aliwal North
With the onset of the school holidays, we decided to change our original plan a bit. From Hogsback we originally wanted to go all along the coast towards Durban, then back up home to Pretoria. But yes, with the school holidays starting we thought it would be a bad idea as there would be loads of traffic and we haven't exactly booked any accommodation etc. We'd cut our holiday a few days short this time and head home on a more direct route.
Today we'd ride Mitchell's pass, Katberg Pass as well as the Devils Bellows, then sleep over on the Orange River in Aliwal North.
Just outa Hogsback on Mitchell's Pass.
HSK remembered riding Mitchell's pass some year's ago on his Hp2 and recalls it being in a terrible condition, full of donga's and deep ruts. It was pretty good this time round and made for some lovely riding.
Ruins of old in Seymour.
I asked around for some info regarding the condition of Katberg pass (it seems to have quite a reputation) and people said it's pretty rough, but doable. Great! Little did I know that this would really be the highlight of our ride back home.
The scenery along Katberg pass was just breathtaking and kept changing.
Where did this even come from!?
The road started getting rougher as we climbed our way out of the forest.
I just had to stop and take photos. Nobody will ever believe the **** we get up to otherwise :imaposer:
One of the many beautiful views we got to experience on our magical trip.
Not as many stickers on this sign post. Could see a very faded one from Edgy, as well as Wolweseun. It's a truly special place this, quite far off the beaten track, we did not see a single other person out on these roads.
This is also where the Katberg pass ends and where the Devils Bellows starts up ahead.
With the onset of the school holidays, we decided to change our original plan a bit. From Hogsback we originally wanted to go all along the coast towards Durban, then back up home to Pretoria. But yes, with the school holidays starting we thought it would be a bad idea as there would be loads of traffic and we haven't exactly booked any accommodation etc. We'd cut our holiday a few days short this time and head home on a more direct route.
Today we'd ride Mitchell's pass, Katberg Pass as well as the Devils Bellows, then sleep over on the Orange River in Aliwal North.
Just outa Hogsback on Mitchell's Pass.
HSK remembered riding Mitchell's pass some year's ago on his Hp2 and recalls it being in a terrible condition, full of donga's and deep ruts. It was pretty good this time round and made for some lovely riding.
Ruins of old in Seymour.
I asked around for some info regarding the condition of Katberg pass (it seems to have quite a reputation) and people said it's pretty rough, but doable. Great! Little did I know that this would really be the highlight of our ride back home.
The scenery along Katberg pass was just breathtaking and kept changing.
Where did this even come from!?
The road started getting rougher as we climbed our way out of the forest.
I just had to stop and take photos. Nobody will ever believe the **** we get up to otherwise :imaposer:
One of the many beautiful views we got to experience on our magical trip.
Not as many stickers on this sign post. Could see a very faded one from Edgy, as well as Wolweseun. It's a truly special place this, quite far off the beaten track, we did not see a single other person out on these roads.
This is also where the Katberg pass ends and where the Devils Bellows starts up ahead.
Beautiful scenery, and rough bit of riding in places - thanks for stopping to take photo's
Minxy
Race Dog
We soldier on to Devils Bellows pass. Quite an intimidating name! > The pass itself is short compared to Katberg, but wow what a ride! A few rocky sections, with a windy road going into a very overgrown black wattle forest. BigDom told us we can avoid the overgrown section by taking the obvious detour around it. We didn't pay attention and don't see any detour, but there was a nice rutted single track going right through the forest. We'll just take that How much further off the beaten track can you go?
Dense forest, doubt any vehicle can get through without cutting some of the tree branches.
Rutted single track through the forest sections with a couple of ups and downs to navigate.
We come out on the other side of the forest. The track is very overgrown and it doesn't seem anyone has been through here for quite a while.
This beautiful forgotten road pops out onto a main dirt highway.
We go through so many sad little towns on our way. Crumbling buildings, old houses, many just abandoned.
Some more dirt highways.
We get to our lodge on the Orange river in Aliwal North. No swimming for us. It's minus 4 degrees that night and we are absolutely freezing!!!
Orange river in the background.
The pass itself is short compared to Katberg, but wow what a ride! A few rocky sections, with a windy road going into a very overgrown black wattle forest. BigDom told us we can avoid the overgrown section by taking the obvious detour around it. We didn't pay attention and don't see any detour, but there was a nice rutted single track going right through the forest. We'll just take that How much further off the beaten track can you go?
Dense forest, doubt any vehicle can get through without cutting some of the tree branches.
Rutted single track through the forest sections with a couple of ups and downs to navigate.
We come out on the other side of the forest. The track is very overgrown and it doesn't seem anyone has been through here for quite a while.
This beautiful forgotten road pops out onto a main dirt highway.
We go through so many sad little towns on our way. Crumbling buildings, old houses, many just abandoned.
Some more dirt highways.
We get to our lodge on the Orange river in Aliwal North. No swimming for us. It's minus 4 degrees that night and we are absolutely freezing!!!
Orange river in the background.
- Joined
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I did Mitchell's pass, if it is the same one running out of Hogsback, years ago with John of WildWood fame, and like HSK mentions, it was very rough. Deep dongas and ravines making it difficult for a good rider on a 990 and gs800.
And who says nothing gets repaired or maintained in the EC? :ricky:
And who says nothing gets repaired or maintained in the EC? :ricky:
Minxy
Race Dog
Day 8 - Aliwal North to Boulders Lodge Fouriesburg
Today the fact that we are heading home really hit. We've had such an incredible trip so far and all the real highlights were behind us. Today we'd just be riding some dirt highways heading to our last overnight stop in Fouriesburg. Neither of us have ridden the dirt roads following the Lesotho border on the western side before, so at least it would be something new.
An old stone house.
Crossing a beautiful lake.
Just down the road a couple of farmers were busy braaing. They invited us for a dop We had to politely decline as we still had a long way to go. How I wish I'd taken a photo! Wonderful people in the middle of nowhere, our journeys are never without surprises.
We stayed over at Boulders Lodge with Mike and them in Fouriesburg. They have a great farm where you can ride around on their trails and they offer training as well. As usual we just didn't have time to go ride around, but I thought I'd mention it as it's a great biker friendly place to stay if in the area.
Today the fact that we are heading home really hit. We've had such an incredible trip so far and all the real highlights were behind us. Today we'd just be riding some dirt highways heading to our last overnight stop in Fouriesburg. Neither of us have ridden the dirt roads following the Lesotho border on the western side before, so at least it would be something new.
An old stone house.
Crossing a beautiful lake.
Just down the road a couple of farmers were busy braaing. They invited us for a dop
We had to politely decline as we still had a long way to go. How I wish I'd taken a photo! Wonderful people in the middle of nowhere, our journeys are never without surprises.We stayed over at Boulders Lodge with Mike and them in Fouriesburg. They have a great farm where you can ride around on their trails and they offer training as well. As usual we just didn't have time to go ride around, but I thought I'd mention it as it's a great biker friendly place to stay if in the area.
