Sunday dawned with clear skies and no sign of any rain. Upon arrival at Damelin there were already quite a few members eagerly awaiting to get going. At 08h00 I started my welcome and route brief, only to delay it, as Henry was late for the welcome and route briefing. Once again I started the above and then it was phoning the restaurant to inform them of the total number of people for breakfast. Helmet and gloves on and bikes started up and off we set.
The route was via Liesbeek Parkway, turning right onto the N2, then left onto the M5 over Koeberg Interchange onto the N1. Where we stayed until the turnoff to the Du Toit`s Kloof Pass. Definitely no travelling through the toll, having to pay R32.00 only to breathe foul air. Yes the tunnel is 11 kilometers shorter, but not nearly as interesting as going over the pass. The pass is a lot quieter and definitely more scenic. Exiting the old short tunnel, I looked in my left mirror and saw John Lee get shot out of the saddle of his CBX, as there is a big hump in the roadway. We continued past the weighbridge and onto the long sweeping bends after the Du Toit`s Kloof Resort. Unfortunately these bends do not go on forever, when it was time to slow down and turn right at the weighbridge at the turnoff to Rawsonville.
We rode along that road until the turnoff to Goudini Spa and Slanghoek Valley and turned left to travel through the Slanghoek Valley. Again a very quiet road and in good condition, having to slow down for the narrow bridge over the river. Up to the T junction, where we turned left onto the Worcester/ Ceres road. Past Wolseley turnoff to the T junction and turned left towards Tulbagh.
Some 26 kilometers [John Lee take note of the kilometers] later we turned right into Tulbagh and proceeded to the Tulbagh Hotel, where we were welcomed by the friendly hotel staff and all sat down in the cool dining room. Coffee, tea, orange juice and apple juice was served and then it was time for the buffet breakfast. Champagne was also served/supplied by the Nomad`s Club. The buffet breakfast comprised of scrambled eggs, mushrooms, tomato, beef sausage, bacon, yoghurt, muesli, fruit, and toast. I did not see anyone go back for seconds. I know that I had had enough to eat.
After breakfast the hotel had opened their swimming pool to us. There was only David, Tracey, Mark, Yvonne, Mandy, Danii and myself who took up this offer. The other members departed for other commitments.
Having known John Lee for 37 years and he never owned a bike with a fairing ranging from his 250cc Honda and Kawasaki all the way from his 750cc Honda to his Gold Wing to his CBX, one would expect him to have a build like a rugby player, holding onto the bike battling the elements on his long travels to the old Rhodesia [ now Zimbabwe]. Maybe he decided to stay thin and small framed so there is less wind resistance. Watching him in the mirror on this ride he was crouched over the tank and hanging onto the handle bars. Anyway John you have your way of riding and I have travelled many kilometers with you as my riding partner. All of which I thoroughly enjoyed. May we ride together again on a long trip.
22 members qualified for this incentive breakfast. Only 19 members of the 22 members arrived for the breakfast.
There were a total of 25 members and 5 visitors who attended the ride. There were 16 bikes and 4 cars.
BMW. 8. Harley Davidson. 1. Honda. 3. Kawasaki. 1. Suzuki. 1. Triumph. 1. Yamaha. 1.
Thank you all very much for supporting the rides and the Club for 2015. May you all continue to do so for 2016.
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This post was written by nomads