Day 1 - Sunday - 8 Jan 2012I had initially planned to leave on Saturday the 7th, meander West as far as I could get, and make for Stellenbosch the next day to visit with Dan. Stoetie had already invited me to stay with them on the Monday.
Our Lesotho trip ran an extra day and I will now only be able to leave on the Sunday. I knew I would only get away late in the morning, so where to ? Ladysmith/Barrydale ? Ping Veldbrand !, he's somewhere aroud there and it would be nice to visit with him. unfortunately he was out of town so I missed out.
I got away at about 1130. Can I make Worcester ? Piet Coke and a couple of Dogs live there and I had chatted to him a few times about his buying an Africa Twin. He knew I was on my way and insisted that I visit. Its a long way on a slow ride, but we'll see how it goes.
Its a hellish hot day and I was going to suffer in the heat. I'm not sure which way to ride, along the coast on the N2 and then cut through the mountains somewhere to the Karoo, or take the R62 all the way. I cruise at 100km/h and after being pushed aside a few times on the N2 as I head out, I decide R62 it will be and take the turn-off after Humansdorp.
I know I'm riding a solid, reliable bike, but it is old and the first time I take it on a trip with long constant running. At first I concentrate on listening to the enjin noise. That's not a problem, they are noisy, but you must get to know it, so when the noise changes you know to worry. The bike runs sweetly and would do so for the rest of the trip. All i have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
In stiffling heat I arrive in Kareedow. I was getting sleepy on the bike and am hungry. I pull in at Norma Jeans for a Hammy and a cold one. Lovely place and the beer is cold


Inside it is beautifully decorated in the periode theme


There's this poster entitled "The Ten Indian Commandments" Read it... makes a lot of sence.

I sit outside hoping to catch some sort of breeze. Nada. Instead I sit looking at my bike and sip on my beer. I like sipping beer and looking at my bike


When you're alone on a trip like this there's plenty of time to ponder should you have the urge to find meaning in it all. So I ponder...

And all I can think is... my fuck its hot !