Splash
Race Dog
Had not ridden with a good friend of mine, Michael, for a long time. Sunday was the day to make amends. We were off to Val (do not ask where) and a place called Moeggeploeg Kroeg, around 100km from Delmas.
After a quick hello and drink at Delmas we made our way along dirt roads southwards. Michael knew the roads well and kept a high pace. It had recently rained which dampened dust and made for a beautiful early Sunday morning ride. The countryside was enough to make one feel truly thankful for such a marvellous country. We made a fuel stop at the 80km mark, as fuel stations for most of the route were scarce. Nothing like riding into the dark interior of the country on roads seldom used, even less by tourists.
Val has to be the smallest town I have ever visited. It probably does not feature on maps which made me feel a better that I had no idea where this place was. The main attraction was the bar and not a church in sight. Just the place for a weary traveller to stop and enjoy some ‘light’ refreshment. Breakfast was Continental English, sorry, getting ahead of myself, two fried eggs, bacon, sausage and a massive piece of toast. Served with a smile and a please stop by again soon hospitality - a gem.
Made our way back to Delmas in double quick time with Michael assuring me that this was a leisurely ride for him, more like flat out according to me. Lunch in Delmas and a waffle and ice cream was on the menu.
A good friend of mine lives in the town so I dropped by to say hi. Before I could finish greeting I was told that I was going on a ride to a cave. No, well fine, let the party continue. Met up with some friends of Gert and in convoy, of quads, we made our way to the ‘prime’ attraction of the area. On our way we did pass some people having a dip in a local farmers dam. Could see clothes on the side of the bank. No, we did not hide them, the thought did not even cross my mind, it was Sunday after all.
Great riding with Gert as he cannot keep two wheels on the ground at the same time for more than a couple of meters at once. One all of a sudden finds oneself also wanting to join in. Should come with a warning – not to be tried at home, stunts performed by a professional.
On arriving at the cave, it seemed all of a sudden to be some kind of elaborate plan to collect a person for a cult ritual sacrifice. One never knows, the chanting and candles may have been a give away. I immediately pulled out my orange KTM branded key ring and struck them down with fear of a real hardcore biker and who was not to be messed with, let alone offered as a sacrifice. I was saved.
We climbed down a ladder into the cave. I used by Continental tyre pressure gauge to help me – no, I was not checking atmospheric pressure, it has a small torch built into it – I am not that silly! The cave has a huge lake in it and, remarkably, a borehole pipe dropping down into it from the surface – most interesting to see. Enjoyed the unexpected bit of adventure.
Time was running out and I had to leave the ritual, sorry, party and make my way home before it got too late.
A great day, so many great places and to really great friends – grateful thanks.
Pictures
After a quick hello and drink at Delmas we made our way along dirt roads southwards. Michael knew the roads well and kept a high pace. It had recently rained which dampened dust and made for a beautiful early Sunday morning ride. The countryside was enough to make one feel truly thankful for such a marvellous country. We made a fuel stop at the 80km mark, as fuel stations for most of the route were scarce. Nothing like riding into the dark interior of the country on roads seldom used, even less by tourists.
Val has to be the smallest town I have ever visited. It probably does not feature on maps which made me feel a better that I had no idea where this place was. The main attraction was the bar and not a church in sight. Just the place for a weary traveller to stop and enjoy some ‘light’ refreshment. Breakfast was Continental English, sorry, getting ahead of myself, two fried eggs, bacon, sausage and a massive piece of toast. Served with a smile and a please stop by again soon hospitality - a gem.
Made our way back to Delmas in double quick time with Michael assuring me that this was a leisurely ride for him, more like flat out according to me. Lunch in Delmas and a waffle and ice cream was on the menu.
A good friend of mine lives in the town so I dropped by to say hi. Before I could finish greeting I was told that I was going on a ride to a cave. No, well fine, let the party continue. Met up with some friends of Gert and in convoy, of quads, we made our way to the ‘prime’ attraction of the area. On our way we did pass some people having a dip in a local farmers dam. Could see clothes on the side of the bank. No, we did not hide them, the thought did not even cross my mind, it was Sunday after all.
Great riding with Gert as he cannot keep two wheels on the ground at the same time for more than a couple of meters at once. One all of a sudden finds oneself also wanting to join in. Should come with a warning – not to be tried at home, stunts performed by a professional.
On arriving at the cave, it seemed all of a sudden to be some kind of elaborate plan to collect a person for a cult ritual sacrifice. One never knows, the chanting and candles may have been a give away. I immediately pulled out my orange KTM branded key ring and struck them down with fear of a real hardcore biker and who was not to be messed with, let alone offered as a sacrifice. I was saved.
We climbed down a ladder into the cave. I used by Continental tyre pressure gauge to help me – no, I was not checking atmospheric pressure, it has a small torch built into it – I am not that silly! The cave has a huge lake in it and, remarkably, a borehole pipe dropping down into it from the surface – most interesting to see. Enjoyed the unexpected bit of adventure.
Time was running out and I had to leave the ritual, sorry, party and make my way home before it got too late.
A great day, so many great places and to really great friends – grateful thanks.
Pictures
