Gordons Bay Yacht Club
Sunday 5th February 2006
Club Captain
Graham Johnson
Tail end Charlie
Carl Koch
In Attendance
22
All photographs of this event can be viewed at:
http://www.nomads.org.za/gordons_bay_yacht_club.html
An exceptionally strong south easterly wind gusting at a rate of 40 kph just couldn’t keep our dedicated Nomads from turning up at Damelin for our Sunday ride. After the usual top up of petrol, I already sensed that the ride would not be an easy one battling my way down the R27. So this ride was scheduled to depart Damelin for 07h30, which it did more or less but not before gathering to hear which route we’d be taking. Most folk present were a little more than concerned with Graham’s pre-planed route which he very kindly altered at the last minute – due to the weather factor. Our route would be riding along the N2 up to Baden Powell off ramp and basically sticking to the back roads through to Stellendbosch, then down to Gordon’s Bay. But this is where Graham offered an optional extra to those who fancied a longer, windier ride if so desired. The extended ride would include that of Sir Lowrey’s Pass and Franshoek Pass, not for the faint hearted but an option nevertheless! Off we went and once again we were divided at the traffic lights, this time there were three groups now trying to re-group into one. Fortunately the traffic on the roads was really minimal so the catching up wasn’t terribly difficult, but the wind certainly was.
Well I’m sure everyone will agree that the pace ridden on Sunday was good, reminding myself though that the weather was the boss today, not so much the Club Captain! We stopped for a ciggie break/leg stretch at Lynedoch where the wind abated somewhat, but not for long however. Here we chatted amongst ourselves deciding which route to continue with, straight on to Gordon’s Bay or the longer route including Sir Lowrey’s Pass? Well it didn’t take me a heartbeat to decide, me and quite a few others!!
Graham led his group away, those that had chosen the optional extra of an extended ride whilst Carl led the remaining sane conservative riders through to Gordon’s Bay, but not without a bit of drama along the way.
Now anyone who lives in Gordon’s Bay will probably vouch that if it’s going to blow anywhere, Gordon’s Bay is the place it’s going to be. Blowing would probably be an understatement, gale force more likely.
Once in Gordon’s Bay however, I breathed a sigh of relief while we parked our bikes at the Yacht Club. This was short lived however as Ludy exclaimed that although we were at a Yacht Club we needed to be at Gordon’s Bay Harbour in Beach Road. Without further adieu we made our way up to the main road, crossed a large intersection and took a right towards the correct destination. It was here that one anticipated a stop street, but manoeuvring very cagily and judging the traffic with extreme caution, a yield would do you to get over this stop street. Mark Pringle first with me hot on his heels, but Lizl actually stopped. By this time the weather was at it’s strongest choosing Lizl as a sitting duck. All we could do was watch in our side mirrors as Lizl battled to keep her bike upright struggling against this enormous force which was stripping boards from signposts sending them into moving traffic. Fortunately Robert and pillion Wesley weren’t too far behind which enabled Rob to grab hold of Lizl’s jacket prompting her to keep her balance. Once away from the stop street it was really just a kilometre to our breakfast venue where we could at last be safe from this confounded wind.
Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club – what a venue! The lounge, dining and bar area all rolled into one is comfortable, practible and offers glass sliding doors leading onto an outside patio. It was here that we were met and welcomed by Lana who could well have been extended family. Steaming hot tea and coffee was presented and with the bar already open, a few members opted for something a little stronger. Yvonne joined us as did Liz who both arrived by car.
A little while later, Graham and his group arrived from their ride and settled down outside for a very welcome drink. It was here that Lana announced breakfast would be served, starting off with a healthy fresh fruit salad and vanilla yoghurt – really good scrumptious stuff. Bran flakes were on the side with freshly squeezed orange juice on the tables.
The main breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, onions and peppers, plenty of toast and chips! All prepared and kept in lazy butler’s ensuring a good hot breakfast – one could pick and chose and eat as much as one wanted, going back for seconds if so desired. The service was great, the food was good, the company entertaining – what more could one wish for? (the lotto!!)
But now it was 11h30 and time to leave and head back home. I must be honest and say that it was with great trepidation that I mounted my bike much preferring to return by car instead. However, once out of Gordon’s Bay the riding became a tad easier, even then negotiating traffic lights avoiding stopping at all costs, and when I did, I tucked in next to Carl for protection.
The day in a nutshell? Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club is highly recommended and I’d love to go there again, for any reason. Extra special thanks to Mark, Robert and Carl who keep us ladies in there sight and just seem to offer that little bit extra, it’s never unnoticed you know and always appreciated.
Graham thanks so much for choosing this venue, I know there wasn’t a thing you could do about the weather, pity though. A very nice day but absolutely relieved to arrive home!!
