Somerset West Breakfast Run - from Devin Corney
6 August 2006
He gets a commission, doesn’t he?
That is it. I am convinced now that our illustrious club captain is on the payroll of the various traffic authorities of the Western Cape and he informs them of our routes prior to our departure…
For those of you who were involved in the incident earlier this year, I am sure that the memory is still fresh in your minds of us following Mr. Sidestand, like sheep to the slaughter, directly into a roadblock in Somerset West. We all had our bikes scrutinized by twin packs of enforcement officers and those who where not fully legal (myself included) were read our rights and issued delightful little pink pieces of paper, demanding that we hand over amounts of our hard-earned cash, or face further prosecution. This did not make for a pleasant start to a breakfast run, but that was some months ago now and some of us have settled the debt, some ignored it and some wormed out of it. We were all on the road to emotional recovery and basically over the trauma of the incident. Or so we thought…
HE tried it again. This past Sunday (06 August 2006), we set off on yet another of our runs and headed off up the N2, right at the BP after Somerset West towards Gordon’s Bay and then onto my favourite, Rooi Els Pass. We had only entered the pass, when I noticed a cyclist coming from the direction we were headed, and frantically waving us down and trying to warn us about something. I thought that possibly there might be rocks in the road ahead, or another troop of baboons (we had just passed one) around the next corner or something… Graham hesitated only briefly and continued to lead us on around several more bends. We encountered neither baboons, nor rocks. We did however encounter another roadblock, similar to the one he lead us into several months back. I knew this time, however, that my motorcycle was fully roadworthy (replaced the number-plate after the last episode), so I had no problem stopping and dismounting with the Indignation of the Just. “Yes Mr Plod, I want you to inspect my vehicle; Yes – the license disc is correct and valid; Yes, I do have a fully legal number plate, etc.”. “Oh, what’s that? I can go? Well thank you…” Sorry to ruin the residual income you must be earning from the commissions you would have gained, Graham, but I have learned my lesson now. Surely it is no coincidence either, that you have recently gone into partnership with a few other blokes and opened a new motorcycle shop. Ventures like these require vast funding… I am not accusing you of anything, but go figure.
Anyhow, after the brief stop-off at the roadblock, we departed in bunches as we were allowed to proceed by the traffic police. It pleased me that I was one of the last to be “let loose”, because it meant that I had some catching up to do, so off I went in pursuit of the bunch at speeds that any respectable sports bike rider should take corners around Rooi Els Pass… This was much to the displeasure of Helewese I was soon to learn, as I had a severe “talking” to at our next smoke break.
Anyhow – all assembled and in convoy again, we set off and continued along the same route until we connected again with the N2, and up towards Sir Lowry’s Pass. Up in the pass, I had more fun biting at Graham’s ankles and trying desperately not to pass him around each corner (with Helewese’s words still ringing in my ears), I had to keep telling myself that he is Club Captain and I may not pass…
From there it was down into Somerset West and off to The Old Bridge Tavern for breakfast. We only arrived at around 11h30, so a bunch of us at our table (myself included), decided to give breakfast a skip and delve right into lunch. Good choice it was too, as for only R29.95, we had a good old Sunday roast with 3 meats and vegetables (good call Peter Goodacre).
Once all done, those of us brave enough, decided to “pop in” at Peter and Jacqui Cowman for a couple in the afternoon. Thanks for your hospitality guys, but Lisa and I only got home after 21h00 that night (quite a “breakfast run”) and I had to make a trip back to Somerset West on the Monday, as I had left my cell phone at their house the previous day. Nonetheless – fun was had by all…
In conclusion, a very good day out – 15 motorcycles, 21 members and 2 visitors.
Just a suggestion – the next time at Damelin, when Graham goes through the route to be taken, let’s all nod in agreement, but then go off in a different direction. I want to test a little theory of mine. I bet we don’t hit any roadblocks…
Devin
