Once again up early on Sunday morning to prepare for the club ride. Off to Mowbray to meet up with fellow club members eager to ride.
Having greeted everybody and at 08h00 I briefed the riders on the venue and the route. Leaving the parking area of Damelin we turned right onto the N2 and then took the off ramp to the M5. Over the Koeberg flyover onto the N1. Working our way into the right lane once the back markers had caught up to the rest of the group. Continuing the N1 until the Stellenbosch off ramp, we where we turned right over the N1 and continued onto Stellenbosch. Having crossed the bridge over the railway line we turned left at the next traffic light intersection and then turned right to proceed past the Hydro and towards Helshoogte.
Riding at the speed limit up the first part of Helshoogte to avoid the speed cameras which photograph the vehicles from behind. After that point we increased our speed to enjoy the beautiful sweeping bends.
Once over the pass it was time to reduce our speed again as we were now going through the village of Pniel and its 9 speed reducing humps. Past Boschendal wine estate and to the T junction and turned right towards Franschhoek.
At the end of Huguenot Road by the Huguenot memorial we turned left to ride over Franschhoek pass. Enjoying the scenery and the tight switchbacks on the pass. Out on the flat section on the side of the dam and at the end at the T junction we turned right towards Viljoen`s pass and Elgin/Grabouw.
Just after we got onto the Grabouw road we rode cautiously to avoid the sand that blows across the road. Luckily there was no sand on the road. On through the farmlands/orchards and onto Viljoen`s pass.
First a long right hand bend uphill, then you must slow right down to negotiate the very tight “U” bend to the left and avoid any vehicles, especially a motorcyclist, who was coming down and cutting the corner to get past a car. That done it was a pleasant ride to the Elgin station market.
Approaching the station market building I turned left towards the railway station/platform, as this is solid ground to park the bikes on. The “front” of the market where the cars park is gravel. Not ideal for motorbike parking.
Once inside the building, one has a choice of different vendors/stalls to choose from, all with different foods being prepared. You place your order and pay, find a seat with the other club members and approximately 10 minutes later you can collect your food.
Once you have eaten your food all one that has to do is get up from your seat and leave. No sorting out of the bill, who had what and how much to pay. There are staff who are constantly clearing and cleaning the tables.
There were 17 members, 6 visitors and 15 bikes.
Categorised in: Uncategorised
This post was written by nomads