Where has your bike taken you today?

[Xpat]

This is top of Penge pass (facing Lekgalameetsi):

 

[sidetrack]

Did you go up or down Penge pass? And the other way around - did you do that other pass I gave Mark?

Only did the other pass. What is it called?
We started late because of punctures and mechanical issues earlier in the day

Oh - I see. I have no idea what is that other pass called - I found it on satellite images on Google and it doesn't have there. I just called by the name of the village at the bottom, which is Ga-Mokgotho, and I'm pretty sure that isn't its real name, if it even has one.

How did you get to the bottom of the pass? I thought from your morning picture that you have slept in the challets in the part itself. Did you go down Orrie Baragwanath, or long way around on tar to reach bottom of that noname pass? Or am I mistaken and the challets are somewhere else?

Anyway, I was quite keen to see what you guys would thing about Penge pass on big bike. I have done it 2 weeks ago for the second time on 690 and still cannot make my mind if I should attempt it on 990. It is noticeably tougher than that noname one. I guess I will have to go again and try myself...

We did it on 2 x XT660Z, 1 x XR650R and a 990R. Was tough going on the 990 and its battery died, if not for XT660Z jump starting it would have been a mission to get out. I battled with 660, fell many times and Dirtwarp rode it out on the difficult sections. Myself would not do it solo on a big bike. Found it easy on 525 and 610.

 

[Xpat]

[member=41]sidetrack[/member] : I have done Penge only on 690, but still have an itch to do it on 990. But will not do that solo.

The other pass that Noneking did is more doable and connects at the top to the route from Penge pass. I have done that one on 990 solo - and my battery also died  :imaposer:.

Well not really, just the batery terminal got ripped off the cable, so it was quick fix to finish the route. I would highly recommend that you try that route, I would say in terms of technicality it is on par with OB (minus the drop off), but the scenery is much better, especially once you drop down to the indigenous forrest by the river.

Even that Tenere dead horse may make it solo ot:

 

[sidetrack]

[member=41]sidetrack[/member] : I have done Penge only on 690, but still have an itch to do it on 990. But will not do that solo.

The other pass that Noneking did is more doable and connects at the top to the route from Penge pass. I have done that one on 990 solo - and my battery also died  :imaposer:.

Well not really, just the batery terminal got ripped off the cable, so it was quick fix to finish the route. I would highly recommend that you try that route, I would say in terms of technicality it is on par with OB (minus the drop off), but the scenery is much better, especially once you drop down to the indigenous forrest by the river.

Even that Tenere dead horse may make it solo ot:

The 660 will make it anywhere depending on the riders skill ! The fear of breaking down is my last worry on this bike but the bike height / weight is always on the back of my mind. That last Penge trip I fell the day before and hurt my ribs, my confidence was very low. Thats why I stick to visiting graves and dirt highways  ot:

 

[sidetrack]

Did you go up or down Penge pass? And the other way around - did you do that other pass I gave Mark?

Judging by the pic going up

Nope, the evidence is inconclusive. I was in contact with Mark before this, and I believe the plan was to go down Penge and up another pass I've came upon few months ago. That one runs north of Penge pass, but connects at the top to the route Penge route takes on the way to the Park Gate.

So they could have gone either way - in each case they would be on that picture heading down.

Ok but that pic is clearly taken on the top after Penge heading down towards Mafefe but yes could have placed bikes like that for an “adventure” picture 

Not “placed”,  just stopped and took pic on our way down

Just meant to get a nice picture, need to look for mine sure it was taken at the same place. Top of the mountain ridge line two track.

 

[Xpat]

Not “placed”,  just stopped and took pic on our way down

Just meant to get a nice picture, need to look for mine sure it was taken at the same place. Top of the mountain ridge line two track.
[/quote]

No, it was not. I have already gave you all the evidence you need. I have ridden that route 3 times - twice going up Penge, once going that other noname pass, in the past year and I gave Mark the GPS tracks.

That picture is taken at least 3-4 km away from the top of the Penge pass as the crow flies and both routes - Penge as well as the noname one connect by that point.

 

[Noneking]

Did you go up or down Penge pass? And the other way around - did you do that other pass I gave Mark?

Only did the other pass. What is it called?
We started late because of punctures and mechanical issues earlier in the day

Oh - I see. I have no idea what is that other pass called - I found it on satellite images on Google and it doesn't have there. I just called by the name of the village at the bottom, which is Ga-Mokgotho, and I'm pretty sure that isn't its real name, if it even has one.

How did you get to the bottom of the pass? I thought from your morning picture that you have slept in the challets in the part itself. Did you go down Orrie Baragwanath, or long way around on tar to reach bottom of that noname pass? Or am I mistaken and the challets are somewhere else?

Anyway, I was quite keen to see what you guys would thing about Penge pass on big bike. I have done it 2 weeks ago for the second time on 690 and still cannot make my mind if I should attempt it on 990. It is noticeably tougher than that noname one. I guess I will have to go again and try myself...

Not sure which chalets you’re talking about? We started our trip a few days ago, but last night slept near Hoedspruit with the group that rode with us from Tonteldoos to Bush Pub next to Timbavati.

This morning we left early, but had leaking radiator on on of the 990s and Mark got puncture on rear just outside Hoedspruit. We travelled via Strydom tunnel towards Origstad    and left tar at Echo caves turnoff . Combination of dirt and tar from there to get to the pass.

 

[Noneking]

Same spot, opposite view

 

[Noneking]

[member=41]sidetrack[/member] : I have done Penge only on 690, but still have an itch to do it on 990. But will not do that solo.

The other pass that Noneking did is more doable and connects at the top to the route from Penge pass. I have done that one on 990 solo - and my battery also died  :imaposer:.

Well not really, just the batery terminal got ripped off the cable, so it was quick fix to finish the route. I would highly recommend that you try that route, I would say in terms of technicality it is on par with OB (minus the drop off), but the scenery is much better, especially once you drop down to the indigenous forrest by the river.

Even that Tenere dead horse may make it solo ot:

It was a very beautiful ride indeed. Not difficult, but enough in terms of rocks and ruts to keep your attention for most of the ride.

I was disappointed not to have done Penge as well, but Mark threw in a nice surprise on the way to the pass..... as one expects him to do.....

 

[Xpat]

[member=41]sidetrack[/member] :

Top of Penge - blue waypoint
Place where the picture was taken - green point.

 

[Xpat]

Not sure which chalets you’re talking about? We started our trip a few days ago, but last night slept near Hoedspruit with the group that rode with us from Tonteldoos to Bush Pub next to Timbavati.

This morning we left early, but had leaking radiator on on of the 990s and Mark got puncture on rear just outside Hoedspruit. We travelled via Strydom tunnel towards Origstad    and left tar at Echo caves turnoff . Combination of dirt and tar from there to get to the pass.

Oh, I see.

You posted picture in the morning of your bike in front of some chalets and I assumed those are the chalets in Mafefe camp in the park, because Mark was considering sleeping over there. I understand now that you came long way around from Hoedspruit.

The good news for you guys is that you live withing striking distance of that area so you can easily do a nice ride (combined with Mark's usual tracks) up there and back home over a weekend. So please go and ride Penge next time and let me know if I should bother on big bike or not (criteria being if Mark says it is tough, I'm not coming) 

 

[BuRP]

So please go and ride Penge next time and let me know if I should bother on big bike or not (criteria being if Mark says it is tough, I'm not coming)

I herewith volunteer to keep you company there but I'll be on my 701 (new rear Dunlop 908, below) or 500, not 790 - plus I will actually fill my camelback instead of putting 1L in.
If a 3rd chap will join us then we'll be more than able to help you if (IF?) you experience trouble, and a few ropes may go a long way then.
I'm sure you can think of a 3rd wheel for such?  :thumleft:

 

[ROOI]

So please go and ride Penge next time and let me know if I should bother on big bike or not (criteria being if Mark says it is tough, I'm not coming)

I herewith volunteer to keep you company there but I'll be on my 701 (new rear Dunlop 908, below) or 500, not 790 - plus I will actually fill my camelback instead of putting 1L in.
If a 3rd chap will join us then we'll be more than able to help you if (IF?) you experience trouble, and a few ropes may go a long way then.
I'm sure you can think of a 3rd wheel for such?  :thumleft:

I will join on the 500 ,and will not help recover anything over 700 cc ,Been there done that  :imaposer: Muddog joined our last trip ,As Jacques stated on the 990 ,have to state he is a very capable off-road rider and very fit ,But it did not end well  :thumleft: And he blamed me ,as I invited him and realy thought it will be doable for him as on the xr it was not such a big a deal  eepwall:

 

[JohanvV]

Close to Wittenberg, Mpumalanga.


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[BuRP]

I will join on the 500 ,and will not help recover anything over 700 cc

Pity C, you're out then!  :-\
If Xpat will tackle that route on his 990S then I will help where I can if I need to, of course, especially when I'll be on the easypeasy 500!
But, at our stopover he will have to supply us a few beers IF that will be the case, not so sure about that actually.
And conversely, we will buy him a few if not!

Sounds fair to me ..... come now man, revise that offer will ya? 



Edited: If I'll be on the 500 I will take some pics & clips for Xpat's collection, up to him what he'll use of that  :thumleft:
No pressure Martin  8)

 

[GravelFox]

going on a pilgrimage


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Where is this please ?

See Landieman has not responded. Thought the little church looks familiar and pulled these out of my archives. It is on the R393 next to the Telle river on ghe way to Lundeans neck (comming from Sterkspruit).

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[Chrisl]

Ek sien draaigat is op die een foto?!! :lol8:

 

[GravelFox]

Ek sien draaigat is op die een foto?!! :lol8:

Einste hy...my lank onder brug laat sit by Heilbron terwyl hy koffie drink by pêl in Petrus Steyn...natuurlik nie vir my gesê hy gaan dit doen nie.


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[Chrisl]

Ek sien draaigat is op die een foto?!! :lol8:

Einste hy...my lank onder brug laat sit by Heilbron terwyl hy koffie drink by pêl in Petrus Steyn...natuurlik nie vir my gesê hy gaan dit doen nie.


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Dis in sy gene!!! ;D ;D
Ek dink hyt een van sy bruide so voor die kansel ook laat wag!! :lol8:

 

[Noneking]

Heading back from our trip