REPORT ON THE CLUB CAPTAIN’S INCENTIVE BREAKFAST RIDE TO THE LE POMMIER RESTAURANT, HELSHOOGTE ROAD, BANHOEK, STELLENBOSCH ON SUNDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2021 – BY IAN SINCLAIR

Once again, a lovely morning to be out on our bikes riding with our fellow club members. Arriving at Damelin at about 07h40 to an empty parking area. Soon the members started to arrive, and greetings were done, and it was my time to brief the riders on the venue and the route. The Chairman thanked me for organising the club rides in 2021 as well as those loyal Members who had supported the Club Captain and his rides during the year.
Departing from Damelin parking area, we turned right onto the N2, with the last 4 bikes having to stop at the red traffic light under the N2. We continued to ride slowly taking the left sweep/off ramp to the M5 and by the time we were going over Berkley Road the last 4 bikes had caught up to us.
Riding over the Koeberg interchange and onto the N1. Picking up speed so as not to interfere with the free flow of traffic. We then moved over to the right lane and stayed there until about 1.5 kilometres before the R44, Klapmuts/Stellenbosch, off ramp. Moving over into the left lane to take the off ramp and turning right under the N1 towards Stellenbosch.
Riding along the R44 between the vineyards and as we approached Stellenbosch the houses were now taking over from the vineyards.
At the Helshoogte Road we turned left to ride past the Hydro Spa and slowly up Helshoogte until we were past the speed cameras, then we all went into single file formation to negotiate the Pass. As we exited the Pass on the other side it was time to slow down as the entrance to Le Pommier Restaurant and their parking area is very close to the last left-hand bend of the Pass.
Turning into the parking area we then had to find parking on a very sloped parking area. Waiting in the parking area was Jaco Wrights, a Country Member from Vredenburg. We then found our reserved table under the trees and in the fresh air.
Soon after we were all seated, Kevin Harvey arrived, who had ridden in from Hermanus. Then Harold and Mads arrived, having missed the turn off to Le Pommier, they had to make a U turn. They had just ridden in from Somerset West, having moved there recently.
Refreshments and breakfasts were ordered, and the general chatter started up. Very soon the breakfasts arrived, and it was all enjoyed by one and all.
The bill arrived and I sent it to Luderick to sort out, as the club was paying for 6 members meals and the others had to pay Luderick.
The lucky 6, who attended more than 12 rides during the year were: John van der Spuy, Luderick Jacoby, Helewese Jacoby, Glen Kotze, Robert Spaltman and Ian Sinclair.
Once the bill had been sorted out, we all departed. Some choosing to extend their ride by going via Franschhoek, Theewaterskloof Dam, Grabouw and back over Sir Lowry’s Pass. Others chose to go straight home.

There were 17 members, 3 visitors and 15 bikes.
A very Big THANK YOU to all the members and visitors who attended the rides during the year of 2021. It is really appreciated by the Committee and me.
The next ride will be taking place on Sunday, 9th January 2022. We are going to Bistro14, Harbour Road, Kleinmond.
It is the second Sunday, as the 2nd of January is part of the New Year weekend, with many people being away.
REMEMBER!!! A.T.P.A.T.T.
All the Protection, all the Time.
Wishing all the Members and their families, Visitors and their families, a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous and a Happy New Year.

 

 

 

 

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