Watty
Race Dog
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2006
- Messages
- 3,954
- Reaction score
- 3
- Location
- Port Elizabeth
- Bike
- Suzuki Djebel 250XC
PE Wilddogs take on the Elands river valley
Photos of ride in chronological sequence:
| Subject: WD Ride Report â?? an abridged version |
| Date: 07h00, Saturday 9 February 2008 |
| Participants: Capt Slow, Watty, Kampies, Paddler, Chuck U Farley, GreenMamba1974, SlowPoke, Crab, Carnivore (not listed in any particular order of importance). |
| Route: Start - KFC Kabega Park, Port Elizabeth, along gravel road via Elands river valley to Patensie. Return via Hankey, Geelhoutrivier, Loerie and N2 national road to PE. |
| Route gravel level: 3 |
| Distances: PE to Patensie â?? 116 km. Patensie to PE via N2 â?? 92 km. Total = 208 km |
| Weather: 18°. Overcast with intermittent light rain in mountains. 70% cloud coverage at major pit stop. Easterly gale force wind on N2 @ 90 kph. |
| Pit stops: Major = Tolbos County Shop, Patensie. Secondary = Sand River dam, highest elevation point (33° 38â?? 50.6â? S 24° 47â?? 59.6â? E, 807m), or whenever nature called. |
| Smallest bike: Suzuki Djebel 250XC |
| Biggest bike: KTM 990 Adv |
| Ugliest bike: Kawasaki KLR 650 (3 times) |
| Prettiest bike: Triumph 955 Tiger |
| Fastest bike: The one in front. |
| Slowest bike: The one riding as sweeper. |
| Virgin bike: Two â??first time on gravelâ?? bikes = KTM 990 Adv and Suzuki DL650 V-Storm |
| Highest speeds achieved: Tar = 161 kph. Gravel = 93 kph. |
| Slowest speed achieved: Parked outside Tolbos. |
| Most contented moment: When the first gravel was encountered. |
| Most terrifying moment: When the â??mud monsterâ?? started to rear its head @ 08H43 and back wheels started sliding sideways in the mountain sections. |
| Most enjoyable ride section: The more technical conditions going downhill from the highest elevation point. |
| Most boring ride section: The tar roads from Kabega Park to Rocklands. |
| Number of cages encounter: Gravel sections = 2. Tar sections = who cares. |
| Interesting observations: Old dilapidated buildings dating from 1800â??s at Sand river dam. |
| Most pleasing experience: Observing the enthusiasm and quick adaption of the rookie riders to the scenario of gravel. |
| Most amusing moment: The encountering with 4 BMW riders (not WDâ??s) riding 3 identical 1200GSAâ??s (the only noticeable difference were the number plates) and a F650GS Dakar, and each rider dressed in identical BMW gear, from helmet to boots â?? carbon copies of each other. |
| Biggest personal concern: Riders were to far strung out at times (with respect to safety issues). |
| Regrets: No action photographs taken on slippery and technical sections. |
| Ride rating: 8/10. Enjoyable and definitely worth a repeat. |
Photos of ride in chronological sequence:
