stofperd
Puppy
I am not sure if the purpose was to go and visit Sutherland for the afval pot offer or do Ganaga and Ouberg, but we had some fantastic riding and most of us had some very decent potjie.
We met 22 feb at Engen on the N1 and went over du Toit's kloof pass, via Slanghoek for a petrol stop in Ceres. Pitstop at the Padstal on the R355.
From the Tankwa Padstal further up the R355 and right into the Tankwa park towards Ganaka pass. At some point the road and the dry river bed became one, which resulted in about 1km interesting riding. Piet shows the loose sand and the way to more fun bits.
The Ganaga pass is in good condition, a very nice ride with spectacular views.
From there next stop was Middelpos. We had a quick beer, because the barman had to open the shop to get us some bottle water, then he to open the petrol pumps for fuel, just before feeding the chickens and milking the cow.
An interesting ride to Sutherland in cooler conditions. The road surface was good, a few corrugations here and there, but again beautiful scenery. In Sutherland we got a warm welcome from Hooglander at the Jupiter, with Ettiene serving some very welcome cold ones. We pitched our tents in the back garden and settled down for a great evening of conversation, a local bottled red wine and some very excellent cold beers. Apparently there was some stormers game on, but we won't talk about that much. After the rugby the pot was served and met with various levels of enthusiasm, afval is not for everyone!
Hooglander applying his craft and Ettiene checking up on his drink.
Lucky the petrol station owner came for a drink at the pub, so we could organise some petrol at 8h00. Usually the filling station only opens for 30 minutes after church, so, Sunday morning, after a cup of coffee, we where on the road again. The route back was via Ouberg pass. The pass is in good condition, with some loose rocks and pebbles at places. It is quite steep with some sharp corners, but if you take it slow, you'll be fine. Lessons learnt where amongst others: make sure your ABS is off and leave the site seeing until you are stationary. And if you sit on your brakes to much they heat up and stop working.
Here Occy navigates a loose piece.
The ride from Ouberg to the R355 was top class. The road is in good condition, some nice corners, driffies and a lot of cattle grids. Some off us had so much fun that we missed the turnoff and went for a 10km detour.
There, on the ground you can see: RTF GPS. And yes, they are thinking off upgrading to a 800gs as well.
So all good trips come to an end. At least the gravel part. Miss Occy had to explain all the wildlife we missed next to the road at every pitstop. I get the feeling you see a bit more as a pillion.
After refuelling in Ceres and some chow, it was back on tar, and don't spare the horses. A great trip in our beautiful country, very good riding, good company and the very special Sutherland hospitality was had by all.
We met 22 feb at Engen on the N1 and went over du Toit's kloof pass, via Slanghoek for a petrol stop in Ceres. Pitstop at the Padstal on the R355.
From the Tankwa Padstal further up the R355 and right into the Tankwa park towards Ganaka pass. At some point the road and the dry river bed became one, which resulted in about 1km interesting riding. Piet shows the loose sand and the way to more fun bits.
The Ganaga pass is in good condition, a very nice ride with spectacular views.
From there next stop was Middelpos. We had a quick beer, because the barman had to open the shop to get us some bottle water, then he to open the petrol pumps for fuel, just before feeding the chickens and milking the cow.
An interesting ride to Sutherland in cooler conditions. The road surface was good, a few corrugations here and there, but again beautiful scenery. In Sutherland we got a warm welcome from Hooglander at the Jupiter, with Ettiene serving some very welcome cold ones. We pitched our tents in the back garden and settled down for a great evening of conversation, a local bottled red wine and some very excellent cold beers. Apparently there was some stormers game on, but we won't talk about that much. After the rugby the pot was served and met with various levels of enthusiasm, afval is not for everyone!
Hooglander applying his craft and Ettiene checking up on his drink.
Lucky the petrol station owner came for a drink at the pub, so we could organise some petrol at 8h00. Usually the filling station only opens for 30 minutes after church, so, Sunday morning, after a cup of coffee, we where on the road again. The route back was via Ouberg pass. The pass is in good condition, with some loose rocks and pebbles at places. It is quite steep with some sharp corners, but if you take it slow, you'll be fine. Lessons learnt where amongst others: make sure your ABS is off and leave the site seeing until you are stationary. And if you sit on your brakes to much they heat up and stop working.
Here Occy navigates a loose piece.
The ride from Ouberg to the R355 was top class. The road is in good condition, some nice corners, driffies and a lot of cattle grids. Some off us had so much fun that we missed the turnoff and went for a 10km detour.
There, on the ground you can see: RTF GPS. And yes, they are thinking off upgrading to a 800gs as well.
So all good trips come to an end. At least the gravel part. Miss Occy had to explain all the wildlife we missed next to the road at every pitstop. I get the feeling you see a bit more as a pillion.
After refuelling in Ceres and some chow, it was back on tar, and don't spare the horses. A great trip in our beautiful country, very good riding, good company and the very special Sutherland hospitality was had by all.
