CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Hi all! Following recent accusations of being some kind of jinx when it comes to riding weather, I dug out the attendance book to see if these claims had any validity. You will be interested to know that of the 13 club rides we have had this year, 7 were held in dry conditions and only 6 in the wet! So there!
The first ride of July took place in horrendous weather preceded by dire warnings in the local press of floods, tornados and possibly even plagues of locusts. In the fine Nomads tradition of Never Cancelling a Ride, five of us on three bikes gamely headed off to Riebeeks Kasteel from Damelin.
Die Oude Schuur is a warm and welcoming spot with a comfy seating area presided over by a dachshund wearing a number 6 Sharks jersey and a parrot. It is a shop cum tearoom filled with arts and crafts and bric-a-brac and we were well looked after by our hosts. We were later joined by Wrex and Steph in a car, who had blindly followed their GPS to Riebeeks Kasteel and arrived from the wrong direction via a dirt track!
While enjoying our breakfast we received calls from Cape Town informing us of terrible scenes of destruction, with the Cape Town Castle having been moved 2 inches to the left by the fearsome winds, and several minibus taxis being washed so far out sea that the NSRI had to be called out to rescue the unfortunate passengers – minibus taxis being notoriously unseaworthy. Meanwhile we sipped our sherries and peered out of the window from the warmth and shelter of the tearoom, marvelling at the sheets of water that battered the windows, our bikes, the road and several passing Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Fortunately the downpour did not last long and by the time we set off home, the rain had eased to a mere torrent. Negotiating the road back through Riebeeck West was made more interesting by the need to cross the streams of water carrying gravel and silt cascading across the road from the mountainside. All in all, a lot of fun was had by those concerned. Well done to Luderick and Helewese and Mike and Jenny for braving the elements.
Incidentally, later in the day Helewese bumped into a friend in the local Spar who told her with some amazement how she had been in Riebeeks Kasteel that morning and had seen some sodden idiots actually riding their motorcycles in that weather……
Following this ride, I received many apologies from people who said they really meant to attend the ride but the bad weather had put them off (“no… honestly, I was absolutely going to be there but…”). I was therefore expecting a bumper turnout for the second ride of July as the weather was absolutely perfect. Crisp temperatures coupled with a clear blue sky and complete absence of wind made for ideal biking weather.
To general amazement only 12 people congregated at Damelin for the ride to Fandango’s in Stellenbosch via Franschoek and Helshoogte. We set off up the N2 but were diverted at the cooling towers as apparently cables were being laid across the freeway. As we took the slip road towards Pinelands, a Provincial Administration People-Carrier about 40meters ahead (of the type generally used to transport the elderly) moved slightly to the left then suddenly made a suicidal right U-turn across a painted island, causing the unfortunate car behind to T-bone into him. It was the most ridiculous piece of driving I have seen for some time and we rode past the carnage shaking our heads. Fortunately no-one appeared to be injured but I suspect a number of incontinence pads proved their worth.
Once we rejoined the N2 at Vanguard Drive we had a clear run over Sir Lowries Pass and on to the R321 which featured some incredible scenery as we headed down into the mist-covered valley. The mist was somewhat less appreciated once we were actually in it, and it was an interesting experience to cross the Tierwaterskloof bridge without being able to see the dam.
After a short break in Franschoek we headed on through Pniel and Helshoogte and to the restaurant which turned out to be OK. Not great, but OK.
In total we had 11 members and two visitors on 10 bikes and one car.
And my new bike was awesome.
Tips
It may be a good time to remind riders of a couple of points of etiquette when riding in a club group. These are not necessarily internationally recognised rules, but are “my way on the highway!”
We always ride in a staggered formation and as far as possible you should pick a side of the road and stay there. Also make sure that there is a clear channel down the centre of the group so that the Club Captain can see the Tail-End Charlie who also rides in the centre of the lane.
The only time that riders will change to single-file will be on very narrow roads and on mountain passes. You will be able to recognise a mountain pass by the fact that the Club Captain and a few other riders near the front of the group will have vanished. DON’T PANIC! You will encounter them again shortly after the end of the pass.
Let faster riders pass you on mountain passes. If you ride very quickly on the straights between corners so that the rider behind you can’t pass but then slam on your brakes in the corners you are a danger to yourself and others and people will glare at you in the pub afterwards. For the benefit of new members, yes, Susan is a girl but she is still faster than you.
After a few club rides you will have assessed the skills of the other riders in the group and you should preferably let the faster riders go ahead of you when we leave Damelin.
Most of the time we will ride in the fast lane on a freeway. If a car comes up at the rear of the group and wants to get past, each rider should move over to the left in turn and then return to the fast lane. It is not practical to expect the Club Captain to spot the car at the back of the group and move the entire formation over to the left.
If you bring a guest, introduce them to the Club Captain and any other committee members present. Guests ride at the back of the group and you are expected to ride with them. Guests who arrive wearing club colours will be asked to remove them, so brief them beforehand to avoid embarrassment.
Forthcoming rides
Sunday 3rd August – Dixies Glencairn
In our ongoing quest to save fuel, here’s another teeny ride with a couple of interesting twists!
Depart Damelin 8am – Approximately 80km via Kloof Nek Road, Kloof Road (The Glen), Camps Bay, Llundudno, Hout Bay, Pollsmoor, Ou Kaapse Weg, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Redhill.
English Breakfast R40.00 including coffee and juice
Sunday 17th August Depart Damelin 8am
Sorry, I am a bit hectic at work at the moment so I’ll let you all know at the General Meeting or you can keep an eye on the website.
See you on the road!
