ZEN and the WILDDOG SOCIAL TOUR -With XT JOE in BAVIAANS (page 7)

[Gérrard]

Sometimes a ride happens on the spur of the moment, which usually turns out a good one, not spoiled by too much planning. At other times the idea grows over time and the ride developes itself. That's how this one came about.

This was not your usual ride and I'm not sure if any other Dogs had done something like it. Ping a couple of dogs and tell them you're riding their way and want to visit ? Expect them to also get a couple of Dogs together along the way so you can meet them ! Who the fuck cares ? But we're Wilddogs, a strange kind of family, we do care, and if only one responded, it would make it worthwhile.

The response was overwhelming and from my perspective the trip was a huge success. To every Dog along the way that helped to make it so, I say thanks. Of all the Dogs that responded to my 'Plan a Ride' I only missed out on one I really looked forward to meeting and that was Dual. This was only due to a miss communication, but we'll sort it next time. As it turned out the trip was a busy and tiring one. There were many more Dogs I would liked to have seen, but in the end I could only get around to those who responded to the call. See you next time, because this was a trip worth doing again.

[Gérrard]

Bear with me while I do the intro. This trip and report is as much about being a Wilddog as anything else. Expect a bit of sentimental drivel, but its all part of the story. I know we love pictures and they will come.

OK, so how then did this rather unusual ride come along ? Every story starts at its beginning and I had to ponder a while to figure it out.

I've been a Dog for just on two years now. As a Puppy I was cheeky one day and the big Dogs gave me a hiding. I kept my nose out of it for a while and one day, on some thread I can't remember, posted something about my Airheads. I was told firmly, though friendly, that if I want to talk about my bikes, I must show them. In March last year I had my accident and while sitting on my arse with my leg in the air, I started my Airhead thread, which turned out a most enjoyable one.

While still on recovery from my accident I learned that 2SD would be visiting in PE and asked him to come and say hello. He agreed and we had a good visit... en fok, daai man het nie brieke nie, maar ons het omtrent lekker gesels.  You also have to bear in mind that, although I'm not a brand junky, I do primarily own and ride BMW's. 

Now Dan has been around a while and I supposed that quite a few of the Dogs knew him, that he could ride a bike and owns some, probably Yamaha's. But how many of you have actually seen a fotie of his bikes ? I haven't, and I'm fairly busy on the Forum. So one day during the second half of last year he spoke about his XT500. I was by now a bit more vocal and  told him to put up a fotie and not just to talk about it. KaPow ! came the snotklap : "As jy my bikes wil sien, ry en kom kyk".

That was where the idea started, but of course, as you know , it turned into more than that over time.

[Gérrard]

As is the custom in my profession, I unemploy myself over the year end period, which is when Lyn and I do our long trips. This last Xmast/new year I took a month off, as we had planned a three week trip through and around the country. Life, and my eldest, Kirsty unexpectedly getting a teaching post in George, intervened and our trip was cut to 8 days. That trip is now done and dusted with the RR here http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=87930.0

The change in plans left me with a week spare before I had to get employed again and I decided to go see Dan's bikes. Nothing is ever that easy and I thought it a waste of space to just ride there and back. And so the trip started growing on itself, and while on another trip over the weekend 16 Dec, the idea for the Social Tour came to me. But of course, it was not a 'light bulb' thing... most events have a cause and effect.

Hope you're not too bored yet. Its hard work typing this stuff and I'll get going with the real story shortly, but first, to get it right, I have to get this out the way.

This whole event is many faceted and next I'll tell you why I actually decided to ride around and say 'Hi' to the Dogs.

[laurika]

Great intro......now we wait for the rest!

[Gérrard]

Great intro......now we wait for the rest!

It comes, but can't be rushed. This is also the story of a 38 year old Airhead, that patiently passed through its years, and all its previous owners, to get to do this trip with me.

[Gérrard]

I've never been a loner, but before my accident I toured solo and Lyn and I rode alone. I'm not a good socialiser, but like to be around people, so at the end of a day's ride I would seek company. At times though I could and liked to just be on my own. Do the ZEN thing and just ponder without interruption.

I never made much effort to meet other Dogs and would maybe go to drinks once in four months or so. For some reason after the accident that changed. The accident messed a bit with my head and 2011 turned out a rather shitty year. Also i was now loath to ride alone and sought out small groups for rides. I enjoyed it. During my recovery at home I spent a lot of time on the Forum and chatted to many Dogs. The thought occurred that it would be nice to meet some of them. Along came the National Bash and a great oppurtunity to meet many of the Dogs I had been talking too and so I did. From that event came the ride Carrots, Lyn and I just did.

This then was the background that turned the trip into what it was. I like to meet other Dogs  and the plan was made. I was somewhat apprehensive as to the response I would get, but I need not have feared. I knew some of the dogs I would visit and the rest was just as eager as me to see how this thing would go. I think for all, it went surprisingly well. But of course, I should have known, Its how the Dogs roll.

[Gérrard]

This would also be a solo trip, done on tar with a road bike, my first in 21 years. Last year I did all my trips in company and by the time I got going I would have done 13 days of touring around year end in groups. I planned it and needed to ride on my own.

I had also recently got my old R90 back, after having had some work done to it, and itched to take it on a long ride. I love this bike and can't get enough of riding it. This then would turn out a very looong ride, but I enjoyed every momenty on the Old Lady. She never missed a beat.

And so we at last get to the day I'm ready to leave 

[madmike999]

 

[nemodakar]

So, when will you be back to do the rest of the RR?

[DirtRebell]

Nice one Jup - subscribed for the rest!

(I wonder if we can expect a phodie of Dan on a Bee-em in this )

[Gérrard]

So, when will you be back to do the rest of the RR?

I'm here, but working on two RR's at the same time. Dis donners harde werk, veral die een in Ingels, vir party van die ouens se onthalwe by wie ek gekuier het.

[Gérrard]

Nice one Jup - subscribed for the rest!

(I wonder if we can expect a phodie of Dan on a Bee-em in this )

Hou vas... daar kom nog 'n interessante onthulling of twee. 

[Gérrard]

                                                          Day 1 - Sunday - 8 Jan 2012

I 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 !

[Gérrard]

I wet a hand towel, roll it around my neck and get going again. Short while I get drowsy, pull off between Kareedow and Joubertina under a tree, with a bit of grass, and have a snooze.

On the road again. I've travelled this road many times and never tire of it. The heat makes me a little gatvol so I'm not too inclined to stop for piccies. At Harold I pass a couple of guys on DS bikes coming off the Perdepoort road. They were gearing up to leave. I wave and carry on. Should have stopped for a chat. Later in the week I would meet DirtCopper and learn that he was one of them, knew of my trip and recognized me on the bike. Pity, one should never miss the chance to interrupt your journey. 

I spent my two years military service in Oudtshoorn and love the place. Always wanted to go and live there and had the chance in my younger days, but SWAMBO would have nothing of it.

The CP Nel meuseum. Beautiful building



Coffee stop at The Dorpshuis in Calitzdorp. Beautiful church of which I have unfond memories from a trip Lyn and I did through there a few years ago. Bloody clock in the tower chimes every 15 min and kept us awake all night.



By now I begin to realise I'm not going to make Worcester unless I push it, but what's the point. This trip is as much about the ride as visiting the Dogs. I'll just see where I end up for the day. I sit a while and chat to the lady who owns the Dorps Huis. She tragicly lost her husband last year and i remember the incident from my trip to yhe CABC. Its pleasant in the shade with cool mist spraying over me.

But I must get going and do so. Lekker twisties through Huisrivierpas



Despite the old suspension, at the right speed the bike handles well and I enjoy the the curves, with a satisfying scrape hear and there.

Ladysmith. This should have been a pretty town in its awesome mountain setting, but is unfortunately unkept.



I don't waste time, fill up with petrol and head for Ronnies Sex Shop. I've had a few stop and goes there in the past, but this time its on my list for a kuier.

Always remember... 'The Interruptions make the Journey'

[Veldbrand]

Very sorry I missed you but soon we'll be living there and hopefully see you then.
Great RR Jupiter, keep it coming.

[Gérrard]

I arrive...



... meet and chat with some of the locals over a cold one.



They of course want to know about my ride and we talk about my bike... and I just love talking about my bike. This would happen often on the trip and then there's usually the wish... Geese I would like to something like this. JUST DO IT !

I get to have a nice gay fotie with the man himself



Some interesting goodies in the collection



And I get invited to hang one of my favourite touring caps to pick up again next time around




We have a discussion about me making it to Worcester before dark. Some reckon I can make it, some I won't. Ronnie suggests I camp outside and kuier. Tempting, but would have been a mistake. I'm not in a hurry, but do have a loose schedule to keep to. Thanks. Another time for sure.

Off I go. I can see I might make Montaque by dark and that's where I now head. I'm very tired and need to get off the road. My body is sore from the way way the bike sits and rides. No fairing, with that furnace blast in my face the whole day.

About 10km from Montaque you pass this little willow grove on the left of the road down an embankment. Its a rest stop and I've been there before. Had it in mind for a good spot to stealth camp, but don't have enough water on me. Another worthwile interruption missed.

At the caravan park in town next to the river, I book in and pitch camp in the dark



Drop Piet Coke a line... see you for breakfast tomorrow.

Put the Old Lady to bed after giving her a good look see. We did well today Old Girl 



And have a light snack of one of my favourites



Bevan is the camper next to me and comes over for a chat. Very pleasant and of course he gets that longing look... got to do this one day ! We say our goodnights as I'm totally clapped out. Not long after I crash... Ribbiz stretcher and self inflating mattress. I sleep like a baby after a very rewarding day on the road.

I love this thing we do 

[Gérrard]

Very sorry I missed you but soon we'll be living there and hopefully see you then.
Great RR Jupiter, keep it coming.

Yep ! jou stop was nou rerig een van die kuiertjies waarna ek uitgesien. Maar jy sal net om die draai wees en ek het nie 'n verskoning nodig om in die Karoo te gaan ry nie.

Sien jou een van die dae 

[Bie]

Lekkert ene Jub. Bly jy en die ou lady is veilg terug.

[Hanno @ Mad Macs]

Jupiter. I love your report style. Looking forward to the rest of this RR.

Was nice to see you.

[Oupa Foe-rie]

Hier kom n lekkerlees storie .....................................