Chairmans Champagne Breakfast
Sunday 5th March 2006
Venue
Die Opstal Rawsonville * * * * *
Club Captain
Graham Johnson
Tail end Charlie
Carl Koch
In Attendance
38
Well I’ll say one thing for Graham Johnson, he arrived at Damelin so prepared that absolutely nothing could fault this man. Not only was he on time, but armed with a printout explaining the detailed route down to the last km. Total distance would be 166 km’s and total time to destination would be one hour thirty minutes. Now all he had to do was stick to it!!!! Ja Graham, even the very best intentions . . . . . .
So for the first time in a long time this Sunday morning was near enough made in heaven. Not a breath of wind, no sign on mist, no clouds about, just pure unadulterated sunshine, the way Nomads like it. After filling up on the West Coast Road, I ambled off to Damelin where I was met by a crowd of avid motorcyclists all ready for the ride to Rawsonville – Die Opstal. Just after eight Graham gathered the waiting crowd together to give them a brief of where we’d be going and which route we’d be taking. Off we went with great gusto and it was up to the traffic lights just a way from Damelin, on to the N2, then the M5 and taking the wide open almost empty freeway N7 to Malmesbury. Now so far the crowd had been able to stick together, this makes riding with our club such a pleasure, my favourite is riding behind Mark P and Kevin.
Once in Malmesbury it was time for a leg stretch and a much needed walk to the closest loo. For such a well established Garage, the ablutions were well below acceptable with the bathroom being absolutely filthy. Unfortunately the Ladies Toilet had been locked so it was in and out of the Gents as quick as humanly possible. That I’m afraid is what happens when needs must. Just time for a chat and a ciggie then back on the bikes to tackle the Bainskloof Pass.
We surely couldn’t have chosen a more perfect day for doing this. The panoramic view from this pass on the way up and on the way down is simply beautiful. Unmarred territory straight from the depths of the winelands. Today however would not be offering any babbling brooks or streams running down the mountains. No siree, just too fine a sunny day for any of that. Once over Bainskloof we stopped to gather over the bridge but ever so briefly before setting off on the R43 to Rawsonville. Just as we were about to pull away, CJ went to mount Chris’s bike, grabbed hold of the left hand tail indicator and klapped straight off ending up on her derriére. Fortunately she found her feet quite quickly and managed to get back on. But by this time the rest of the Nomads had long gone. Yup, turning right and taking the back roads through to Rawsonville.
This left Carl, Chris and CJ alone in the wilderness!! So without further ado, they promptly followed the given route and off they headed towards the N1 where they turned right then left again onto the old road from Worcester to Rawsonville. This added an extra 20km’s on to their journey, and in the searing midmorning heat probably lost a few kilo’s along the way!
How is Willem Smith? – Crikey, talk about fancy. This Nomad arrived at the ride on a stunning black Blackbird. Well done Willem, it looks great, hope you enjoy the bike and have loads of rally fun on it. Yvonne decided to travel through by car as did Shorty and Laura – glad you could make it guys. I expected to see Mike and Susara too, but well maybe next time.
Thirsty people these Nomads. The Champagne on the table didn’t last long and neither did the orange juice. Wonderful stuff – went down such a treat after being in the saddle for quite a while. Genuine linen table napkins! Ja, that’s what took Susie’s fancy, it’s not often one goes to breakfast or any establishment for that matter and receive such good elegant cutlery and matching cloths. Don’t know where they found their kitchen staff and waitrons, but perhaps Die Opstal should start spreading the word. This fabulous restaurant boasts one of the very best breakfasts we’ve been known to enjoy, this being our second Nomads visit in a relatively short space of time. So how come these folk get it right? Nothing but nothing seems to be too much trouble for them – the most delicious home made breads and muffins – straight out of Die Opstal kombuis and on to the table. Freshly grated cheddar, konfyt and butter was laid out on boards and placed sporadically on the tables. Then of course the breakfasts arrived. What a spread! Scrambled eggs, boerewors, tomatoes topped with mozzarella, sausage, bacon and an incredibly tasty combination of diced spuds with onions seared in fresh herbs and spices. A meal fit for a king I say.
With this meal under the belt it was time to talk a walk outside and enjoy the sheer splendour of being at a wine farm. Mike commented on how peaceful it was, but living where we do in Melkbosstrand we have a similar atmosphere – very quite and far from the madding crowd. I’m a city gal at heart and long for the sound of traffic or trains passing by.
Nomads took refuge under anything shady they could find, settling down with their post breakfast drink, planning their afternoon whilst some including Carl and I decided to head on home.
We had previous arrangements with things to do and people to so. Back home it was, over du Toitskloof Pass, on to the N7 and into the driveway.
Ludy, this was your Chairman’s Champagne Breakfast, and what a breakfast it was. A lovely crowd at a fantastic venue. Thank you for this Sunday, it was simply the best.
