After the extreme heat on Saturday, it was a pleasure to wake up on Sunday to cooler weather. Leaving home [Goodwood] it was quite warm and approaching Mowbray and the mountain the weather was a lot cooler. The weather remained cool for the rest of the day. Upon arrival at Damelin, Rob and Nickie and Lodi were already waiting for the rest of the members to arrive. While waiting a different looking BMW arrived with a British Columbia number plate and an unfamiliar face to me in the helmet. So, I went and introduced myself only to find out that it was Dr. Willie Swanepoel, back from Canada for good after he had been living there for 12 years. Needless to say, Luderick and Helewese were very pleasantly surprised to see him.
At 08h00 I briefed the members on the restaurant and the route, and we set off just after 08h00. Turning onto the N2 and then left onto the M5, over Koeberg Interchange onto the N1, picking up speed and into the right lane until just after the Durban Road, Bellville off ramp, where we moved over to the left lane to take the R300 off ramp towards the N2. Approaching the N2 again we moved over to the left lane to turn onto the N2.
Continuing along the N2 through Somerset West/Strand getting through most of the traffic lights and onto Sir Lowry`s Pass, where the riders moved into single file to negotiate the pass. Going past the Houhoek Hotel and onto the Houhoek Pass the ride got split up, due to too many cars on the road and the bikes were not able to get past, so I had to slow the ride down. Approaching the bottom of the pass everybody had caught up and we then took the off ramp towards Hermanus. Continuing along the R44 until the turn off to Kleinmond, turning right to Kleinmond. Slowing down as we approached the town and stopping at the 3 stop signs in the centre of the town. Out the other side and over the Palmiet River we picked up speed, only to slow down as we approached Betty`s Bay. Riding through Betty`s Bay with more and more holiday homes being built it seems to take longer to get through the town.
Once out the other side of Betty`s Bay we picked up speed again, only to slow down again approaching Rooi Els with a refuse truck in front of us. Fortunately, it turned off before we crossed the river and then it was onto the twisties, again travelling slowly as there were cars in front of us and very little opportunity to overtake them. Once we had crossed the Steenbras River mouth, we turned left into the Grille Shack restaurant parking area, where we were able to park in the motor bike parking area. Then it was time to enter the restaurant and find our reserved tables and start ordering our hot beverages and breakfast. The breakfasts arrived quite quickly, and the chatter died down as everybody started to eat their breakfast. Once the breakfasts were consumed and the bill was sorted out by Mandy, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MANDY, everybody departed for their various residences and other commitments.
There were 15 members. 7 visitors. 14 bikes and 1 car.
The next rides take place on the following dates;
Sunday, 19th January 2020 to the Café Racer Restaurant, Van Riebeek Street, Strand.
Departing Damelin at 08h00.
Sunday, 26th January 2020, THIS IS NOT A NOMADS RIDE. It is an UBUNTU breakfast run/Riding in Unity. Departing the Grand Parade at 10h00 and ending at the Goodwood/Northerns Cricket Club. Riders from South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, Morocco, Namibia.
Sunday, 2nd February 2020, is a lunch ride to Winkelhoeks Padstal, Piketberg.
Departing Damelin at 10h30. Rob Geugis will arrange an off-road route for the off roaders.
Sunday, 16th February 2020, is the Chairman`s Champagne breakfast ride to the Bloemhof Restaurant, Oakdale Complex, Bloemhof Road, Bellville.
Departing Damelin at 08h00.
Start preparing for the Buffalo Rally. It is less than THREE months away. To be held over the weekend of 3rd, 4thand 5th April 2020 at the ATKV Resort, Hartenbos, Mossel Bay.
Thank you to those members and prospective members who rode on Sunday 5th January 2020. It is really appreciated.
Ride and Drive Safely at all times.
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This post was written by nomads