Link to the 2009 Springbok Rally Pictures taken by Kevin van Blerk
http://picasaweb.google.com/kevin.vanblerk2/SpringbokRally2009
An article on the 2009 Springbok Rally : by Jean Krog
Can a bike rally be too lay-back
We hit the road about quarter past one on Friday afternoon after helping out the last rally stragglers at the shop with cargo nets, bungee cords, tyre repair kits and even a set of panniers and tank bag.
The weather was pleasantly warm and after we left the traffic in Worcester we made good time to arrive at the camp site at about 6pm, where James, Kevin and Catherina met us at the entrance - very keen to see a fresh face.
We were quite surprised at the amount of people already at the campsite taking into consideration two more rallies, a fun day and also nationals at Killarney all on the same weekend. After a bite to eat, we took a walk around, meeting up with old friends and sharing a joke with some others.
At 8pm it was time for duty. Probably the quietest four hours I ever had in all my years with Nomads, and Mark S and I ended up sharing some memories of the earliest Springbok Rallies.
Saturday turned out windy and cloudy but the rain stayed away. The Concours was really disappointing. It seems that the rallyists are coming to De Hoek to just relax and are too lay-back to enter their bikes and do some spit and polish. This is really a shame, as the concours use to be a highlight of the Rally. Thanks to the Van der Bank family for entering and also Mark van Wyk on his Suzuki. You saved the day for us.
Prize giving went well with John doing his thing on stage and congratulations in order to Robert Todd for winning second prize - R2000 extra in the pocket would have put a smile on my face. Congrats also to all the other prize winners and Cape Town Motorcycle Club for the good turn-out. Against all odds we increased our attendance number from last year - well done guys and gals.
Sunday morning dawn misty, miserable and muddy and I really did not envy the guys having to pitch tents in these conditions and then riding home in the rain. We saw quite a few on the road and they did not seem in quite a chirpy mood.
Thanks to all involved in the organising of the 24th Springbok Rally - it was really well organised and very enjoyable.
Condolences to the family of Francois du Toit who did not make it to the rally and to Richard Griggs - get well soon and STOP SMOKING!!
