Author Topic: A little bit of Limpopo is good for the soul. (Read 2834 times)

Noneking · « **on:** September 20, 2020, 06:38:33 pm »

Arrived back in Nelspruit earlier today after an unforgettable weekend of riding (mostly) in Limpopo with @Just Blip It! and a few other riders

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Noneking · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2020, 06:45:14 pm »

I put a lot of time into making sure my bike was properly prepped for this trip. We would be riding in some remote areas and and an avoidable problem on the bike could spoil everyone’s trip.

Noneking · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2020, 06:52:10 pm »

The plan for day 1 was to ride to Bush Boys in Tonteldoos where we would meet up with a group of riders who were on a SADAC Recce trip with Treffon Smith.

I had a full morning at work, but managed to leave home shortly after 1pm. I would’ve loved to hit the dirt on the outskirts of town, but I begrudgingly got on the N4 to Sudwala caves where I had to meet Mark and Henry.

Noneking · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2020, 06:56:55 pm »

We had a quick toasted sandwich and coffee at the caves and then head up Weltevreden pass towards Lydenburg. The weather quickly changed as we gained altitude and soon we were riding in thick fog on the mountain

Noneking · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:00:12 pm »

Just before Lydenburg we cleared the fog and we were riding in brilliant sunshine

Noneking · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:05:04 pm »

We made a quick stop at Highside tavern to catch up with Pete and enjoy a cold Guiness . After quenching our thirst, we rode the 6 km odd to Bush Boys and met up with the other group and enjoyed a fantastic meal prepared by Joe and Ruth Holmes.

Noneking · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:19:12 pm »

Overcast conditions greeted as the next morning and it started drizzling as we were preparing to depart.

Noneking · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:27:19 pm »

12 km from Bush Boys, disaster struck......

Marius Coetzee hit a cow at speed on the dirt road and when Mark, Henry and myself arrived. The others had already made Marius comfortable.

rubiblue · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:40:25 pm »

Sub. Hope the guy was okay.

Noneking · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:42:39 pm »

We measured approximately 40paces from impact point to where the cow lay. It was alive but badly hurt. Marius 10-15 meters further. It was a very upsetting scene and we were all rattled by the incident. Joe arrived on the scene shortly after and we carefully loaded Marius in his car. Joe also had to shoot the cow as it had broken legs and could not get up. Joe then took Marius to Middelburg where he was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with several fractured vertebrae, but luckily no life threatening injuries. Pete from Highside picked up Marius bike.

Marius’ wife Romi and two of his friends, Wally and Rudolph abandonded the trip.

Noneking · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:46:19 pm »

We continued towards Sabie via a wet Steenkampsberg Pass and Longtom Pass and met at The Woodsman for breakfast.

Noneking · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:50:45 pm »

Mark, myself Henry and Treffon rode to Hazyview via The 22 where we would taste dirt at last......

It was a hot day and we welcomed a cool water crossing shortly after getting on dirt.

Noneking · « **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2020, 07:59:11 pm »

We followed some familiar tracks which have featured in some of my recent ride reports

Noneking · « **Reply #13 on:** September 20, 2020, 08:05:20 pm »

We had some vegetables for luch at a classy establishment

.......and a beer at our friend Charles’ tavern. Charles refused to take our money for beers we had at his tavern on a trip during lockdown and we vowed to support him whenever we pass that way.

Noneking · « **Reply #14 on:** September 20, 2020, 08:09:44 pm »

We had a great time chasing each other on the sandy tracks leading towards Hoedspruit

Noneking · « **Reply #15 on:** September 20, 2020, 08:11:24 pm »

Noneking · « **Reply #16 on:** September 20, 2020, 08:14:12 pm »

Henry

video summary o the day's riding

Noneking · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2020, 07:25:14 am »

We were up early on Saturday morning as we had a loooong day of riding ahead. Plan was to head to Penge and ride some tracks that Mark got from [mention]Xpat [/mention] . We said our goodbyes to Treffon and head to Hoedspruit for fuel and breakfast

Noneking · « **Reply #18 on:** September 21, 2020, 07:28:56 am »

Henry’s bike had developed a leak from the radiator the previous day and I ordered us take away breakfast and coffee while Mark and Henry sorted the leak

Noneking · « **Reply #19 on:** September 21, 2020, 07:31:55 am »

Eager to make up the lost time, we head out towards JG Strydom tunnel. It wasn’t long before I noticed Mark had a rear puncture......

Not much you can do but stop, get your tools out and enjoy the banter.......