The British Motorcycle Association 2006
24th Gathering
There are just some things that I don’t like to miss. Being a creature of habit I thoroughly enjoy partaking in the wild and wonderful Buffalo Rally, the more sedate laid back Springbok Rally and the ever so conservative British Motorcycle Gathering. Not in any particular order you understand, these are just some of my favourite get-togethers, and crikey I nearly forgot the Beaver Rally, love that one too!!
Now being a Nomad, I know just what it takes to organise a Buff and Springbok Rally. It’s a huge undertaking which never let’s up, it goes from one thing to the next and we are more than fortunate to have our Chairman Ludy Jacoby who does just this – year in, year out, tirelessly and with years and years of experience.
But we’re talking about the British Motorcycle Gathering here, and the man behind the scenes hails from the seaside village of Hermanus. The little town which boasts it’s very own whale crier, the little town that has a good restaurant on every corner, the little town which is terribly short of parking bays!!
So enter Thys van Rooyen. Thys has been part and parcel of the British Motorcycle Gathering for, well . . . .years, and takes great pride in organising this fabulous reunion for folk from all over this country and overseas. In previous years, we’ve enjoyed the BMA in Knysna at the Ashmead Resort and now in George at the George Caravan and Chalet Resort in York Street.
Leaving home on Friday morning was sheer and utter pleasure as we took to the roads destination Mossel Bay. In no particular hurry, we stopped to re-fuel and enjoy lunch at Buffelsjacht before continuing with our journey. But this was not to be, as the ordered lunch proved to be disastrous, leaving our untouched meal on the table with two disgruntled patrons riding just a little further through to Riversdale Saddles. What a difference – a good hot lunch with a pleasant atmosphere and happy staff. No more Buffelsjacht for us – petrol perhaps, but nothing more than that. I’m afraid they couldn’t operate a whelk store out of season let alone serve a couple of outside tables without cocking it up 100%. The meals arrived without cutlery, the beer unopened without a bottle opener, the pepper grinder was empty and we’re still waiting for the gravy!!!
We’d arranged with Mick Skelly to meet us at Little Brak just nine kilometres outside Mossel Bay where we’d be staying for the weekend. So as soon as we’d unpacked our panniers, it was off to George for a spot of shopping then back to Little Brak to unwind, relax and wait for Mick. That evening we enjoyed a braai on our patio which went on a little longer than anticipated, but catching up on blasts from the past. Mick owns a 1952 TRW Triumph 500 SV which is a bit of a bugger to start sometimes, but once it (she) gets going, there’s no holding her back – all 60 kph of her! Of course the chaps took hours in reminiscing over the 1973 Buffalo Rally where they paid just R1.00 for their accommodation in overnighting at Richmond and the same to fill a 3 gallon tank (15 litres) which worked out to 35 cents a gallon.
Saturday morning we were up with the larks and off to Buffalo Bay just short of Knysna for breakfast. Fabulous to see faces that we see just once a year, Graham and Sharon from East London Road Runners for instance. Wonderful to see you both – wishing you all the best for 2006 and then some. Buffelsbaai Pub and Restaurant is run by Peter & Lourenza Grace and if there’s anyone out there that would like a lesson in running a venue, then this is it. This couple are “a hands on” couple and nothing but nothing is too much trouble. The breakfast on offer consisted of fresh fruit and yoghurt, followed by a hot breakfast of pretty much anything your little heart desired. Baskets and baskets of toast, grated cheese, genuine butter, beans, grilled tomato, scrambled eggs, sausage, porridge and just so much more with chilled juice and hot tea/coffee. Eat as much as you like they said, and the food just kept on coming. If ever you’re in the vicinity, do yourself a favour and pay them a visit, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. www.buffelsbaai.co.za is their website.
After this meal it was time to head back to George. The Annual Motor Show was being held at the PW Botha College in York Street and George was abuzz! The grounds were alive with stall holders offering hot dogs, spring rolls, ice creams, Barbie outfits, pets accessories, biltong, hot chips and cold beers. Cars on show included my very own favourite Carmen Ghea and a fantastic white stretch limousine plus Carl’s favourite an A C Cobra. But there was a car to suit everyone (perhaps not their pocket), fabulous old Merc’s, Sunbeams, BMW’s (plus a tiny three wheeler Isetta 300) which opened from the front, like a can of beans?). Unfortunately I didn’t see any country Nomads, perhaps I was too early, or even too late? – if you were there, sorry that we didn’t get to chat, hopefully see you at the Buff instead!
A large gazebo had been erected for the motorcycles to park under, but quite frankly it was so hot that we chose to park our bikes under shade and view other people’s bikes instead. It was here that would make one drool with envy at the fabulous bikes on show – an antiquated Douglas in pristine condition, a 500cc BSA Royal Star in immaculate condition, an AJS, a couple of Nortons, a Velocette and a Solex (which Mick Skelly used to obtain his motorcycle licence on) and many many more.
But we’d been up since the crack of dawn, so it was time to head back to Little Brak where the lagoon was calling us – come on in for a swim (and then forty winks). No sooner done, it was time to meet for dinner and this year it would be at the George Donkey Sanctuary. Thys had organised a bus to and from the venue, offering guests the option of either riding their bikes or travelling in combi style. It would be my first time to the Donkey Sanctuary which turned out to be (in my very humble opinion) the best ever venue yet. To pet these harmless, lovable cuddlesome donkey’s made my day, they ask for nothing and sometimes sadly receive just that in return. But not here at the Donkey Sanctuary – they are loved and respected, hugged and brushed, fed and chatted to. Dogs and cats run freely amongst the donkeys, dodging their hind legs as they do so, basking in the attention and revelling in the safety factor.
Dinner was a braai with a selection of freshly produced salads and bread rolls. Very nice meal with fruit and ice cream as desert. Our compare for the evening of course was none other than Sparrow who’s being doing this since day one and with Thys at his side, they drew lucky numbers, told side splitting jokes and joined in the revelry at the 2006 British Motorcycle Gathering. Thys was able to hand over a cheque to this most deserving organisation for seven and a half thousand rand.
What a fabulous weekend - and all thanks must go to Thys van Rooyen. Without this pioneer where on earth would we be? Granted we’re all animal lovers, and yes we ride British motorcycles, but the organising is painstaking, finicky and so terribly time consuming. Thys for President!!
If you own a British motorcycle, don’t miss out on this wonderful gathering. Next year we celebrate the 25th year and it’s going to be spectacular. Any ideas/comments/suggestions? – please mail Thys at thys@hermanus.co.za .
