NiteOwl
Pack Dog
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2012
- Messages
- 98
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Office Adventurer
- Bike
- Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin
September. Spring. Speedweek.
Since 2012 Speedweek has become an annual institution at the far-flung pan in the Kalahari desert of the Northern Cape province. Through good organising and the support of some key sponsors, as well as the Northern Cape government, Hakskeenpan has been put on the map, attracting visitors to this remote area who would otherwise hardly have known about it.
Check out: https://www.speedweeksa.com/node/62
With the promise of a land speed record attempt next year at the pans and a dry run in 2013, it seemed like an interesting destination for a short trip, even after it became obvious that the Bloodhound SSC project was slipping (by at least one year).
https://www.bloodhoundssc.com/project/adventure/desert-race-track/hakskeen-pan
And so, after convincing one of my colleagues at work about the wonders of camping under the stars, we were off at sunrise on Friday morning for the opening weekend of the event.
It’s a long ride from Gauteng, nearly 1000 clicks, so we decided to spread the ride over two days and enjoy the scenery. More than that, we were interested in taking a look at Verneukpan as well, where Malcolm Campbell set a land speed record of 212 miles per hour (341 km/h) in 1929.
The final point on the agenda was Orania; the much heard of, but never seen (by us) Afrikanerdorp on the Orange river. In all, a route of some 2600 km.
While it was cold and wet in the Cape, our weather up north was fine during the day but only a few degrees above zero at night, promising a good compromise in the desert. Enough to tempt me to leave the outer layer of my tent at home in order to pack some decent coffee instead- an unusual luxury for me.
Instead of meeting up with Slakkie for coffee in Coligny, we got blown around by some fresh winds together with the mieliestronke covering the fields.
We made good progress to reach Kuruman for lunch, despite the countless roadworks and detours.
Most of the landscape up to this point was pretty flat, but here and there koppies started to appear, as well as signs of open-cast mining activity (manganese?).
We refuelled in Hotazel, which fortunately was not living up its name this time.
Shortly outside the town the tar suddenly ran out and we hit the white sand. Now it felt like we were in the Kalahari proper. After a few squiggles I got into my rhythm, as did Johan after disabling his ABS, ESA etc.
We pull off at the Kalahari Guest farm at quite a respectable time by my standards, and after introducing ourselves to Francien Noeth we get escorted to the nearby campsite and guesthouse.
Despite declaring ourselves “not that hungry” we get issued with a bag of hardwood, five mutton chops and four braaibroodjies. At only R 250 for all this, including the camping (and hot showers), it’s a bargain.
The vegetation is typical for a desert, and the buildings and windmill look out of place.
As does this old truck. It’s too dry for it to rust!
After pitching our tents and freshening up, it’s time to tuck into the local fare.
With 720 km covered for the day, there’s another 250 or so to go. More is nog ‘n dag.
Since 2012 Speedweek has become an annual institution at the far-flung pan in the Kalahari desert of the Northern Cape province. Through good organising and the support of some key sponsors, as well as the Northern Cape government, Hakskeenpan has been put on the map, attracting visitors to this remote area who would otherwise hardly have known about it.
Check out: https://www.speedweeksa.com/node/62
With the promise of a land speed record attempt next year at the pans and a dry run in 2013, it seemed like an interesting destination for a short trip, even after it became obvious that the Bloodhound SSC project was slipping (by at least one year).
https://www.bloodhoundssc.com/project/adventure/desert-race-track/hakskeen-pan
And so, after convincing one of my colleagues at work about the wonders of camping under the stars, we were off at sunrise on Friday morning for the opening weekend of the event.
It’s a long ride from Gauteng, nearly 1000 clicks, so we decided to spread the ride over two days and enjoy the scenery. More than that, we were interested in taking a look at Verneukpan as well, where Malcolm Campbell set a land speed record of 212 miles per hour (341 km/h) in 1929.
The final point on the agenda was Orania; the much heard of, but never seen (by us) Afrikanerdorp on the Orange river. In all, a route of some 2600 km.
While it was cold and wet in the Cape, our weather up north was fine during the day but only a few degrees above zero at night, promising a good compromise in the desert. Enough to tempt me to leave the outer layer of my tent at home in order to pack some decent coffee instead- an unusual luxury for me.
Instead of meeting up with Slakkie for coffee in Coligny, we got blown around by some fresh winds together with the mieliestronke covering the fields.
We made good progress to reach Kuruman for lunch, despite the countless roadworks and detours.
Most of the landscape up to this point was pretty flat, but here and there koppies started to appear, as well as signs of open-cast mining activity (manganese?).
We refuelled in Hotazel, which fortunately was not living up its name this time.
Shortly outside the town the tar suddenly ran out and we hit the white sand. Now it felt like we were in the Kalahari proper. After a few squiggles I got into my rhythm, as did Johan after disabling his ABS, ESA etc.
We pull off at the Kalahari Guest farm at quite a respectable time by my standards, and after introducing ourselves to Francien Noeth we get escorted to the nearby campsite and guesthouse.
Despite declaring ourselves “not that hungry” we get issued with a bag of hardwood, five mutton chops and four braaibroodjies. At only R 250 for all this, including the camping (and hot showers), it’s a bargain.
The vegetation is typical for a desert, and the buildings and windmill look out of place.
As does this old truck. It’s too dry for it to rust!
After pitching our tents and freshening up, it’s time to tuck into the local fare.
With 720 km covered for the day, there’s another 250 or so to go. More is nog ‘n dag.
