Run to Elgin Farm Stall
Sunday morning at about 07h20 I left home, it was cold and overcast but not raining. This turned out to be very short lived, as I left the Vangaurd Drive onramp to the N1 it started raining lightly and it remained so until I reached Damelin. Kevin was already there, but was feeling a little worse for wear after supporting the Springboks and SA Breweries at Newlands on Saturday. Graham was the next to arrive followed by the Jacoby's, Peter (I was at Donnington) Goodacre, Susan, Harry, Devin and Lisa. Susan gave us a rundown of the route to be followed and off we went onto the N2 with Devin and Lisa as tail-end charlie. Yes believe it I kid you not, Devin had just recently had a new front tyre fitted and had only put on about 30 kms so wanted to take it easy to allow the tyre to bed in properly. The rain had progressively got heavier and the wind had picked up to a young gale, on the N2 all went well until we reached the runway at Cape Town International where we were hit by the full force of the crosswinds, this carried on ‘till we reached Somerset West where the town and surrounds offered some shelter. Then onto the Gordons Bay turnoff at the bottom of Sir Lowry's Pass through Gordons Bay then onto Rooiels, Betty's Bay and a stop at Kleinmond to allow the smokers, a puff and tail-enders to catch up. By now the rain had mercifully let up but the wind was still blowing. Then it was back on the road heading towards the N2 and Houwhoek Pass and Elgin Farmstall.
On arrival at the venue with the bikes parked, everyone headed for the shelter of the building with coffee and a smoke was enjoyed. There was a special of eggs, bacon, tomato and lots of toast with homemade marmalade, honey and jams to fill the remaining hollows. Harry was surprised to get his breakfast first for a change. I opted to wait for Yvonne to join before having my breakfast going for the full house and Yvonne having toast and tea. After a good meal with plenty of coffee and chat, the folk started planning the route home, some opted to go via Franchoek and the majority opting for Sir Lowry's Pass but with the wind and rain it was six of one and half dozen of the other. Yvonne and I headed for Sir Lowry's so that we could visit my Mom in Somerset West, shortly after leaving it started raining again the closer to the pass the harder it got. The top of Sir Lowry's was hectic with the rain and gale force winds but everyone made it home safely. There were 11 members on 8 bikes and one car. Keep the rubber on the tar Ride Safe.
Regards Mark P
