- Joined
- Dec 15, 2008
- Messages
- 6,686
- Reaction score
- 742
- Location
- Port Elizabeth
- Bike
- BMW R1200GS Adventure
Ok, I've renamed the RR since we technically were not in "Die Hell" yet.
Day 1
Ever had one of those days where everything just goes wrong. Having one of them as the first day of a 7 day ride is just not lekka. TornadoF5 and I “planned” a trip including Swartberg Pass, Die Hell, Victoria West and Steytlerville. Beside 2 nights at TornadoF5’s sister’s place in George and one at his parents place in Victoria West, no detailed plans for accommodation had been made. We would find a place to camp when we found it.
The plan was to leave PE at 07h00 on the 18th. Having arrived back from Cape Town with the family the previous evening left little time for last minute packing and checking. This was to bite me in the backside the following morning.
To start with, I woke up at around 03h00 to hear it raining. Great! Wake up again about an hour later to discover that the power has gone off. Great again! Get up at 05h30 to discover I had forgotten to switch the geyser back on the previous evening. Absolutely bloody wonderful!!! It’s raining, it’s dark, there’s no hot shower and no coffee!! By 6:45, when I pulled out of my driveway, it was still raining. Riding down the road to the first intersection, I almost loose it with the front end of the bike all over the place. At first I couldn’t figure out what was up, then discovered a flat front tyre. Yip, I should have checked it! So, turning around again I slowly make my way back home, opting to repair it in the comfort of my garage instead of in the street, in the rain, in sight of my house.
To cut a long story short, I eventually arrive at TF5’s place at 07h50. Shortly after, we are on our way.
Day one will take us to George via the R62 and Prince Alfred’s pass to Knysna, then via 7 passes to George. First stop below the infamous Van Stadens Bridge.
S33 54.433 E25 14.893
About 70kms further TF5 pulls over. His first words are “Bud, I’ve got to put on something warmer.”
S33 58.195 E24 27.606
We are soaked, and there is no sign of it letting up. I am hoping that once we cross the mountain onto the R62 it might start to clear. It does.
Approaching Joubertina
S33 49.285 E23 51.190
A little later we stop at Joubertina to fill up the bikes and have a bite for breakfast. Eager to hit the dirt we are on our way again.
Appledale
S33 47.838 E23 38.674
Between Joubertina and Haarlem
S33 46.308 E23 34.768
Then, at last, the dirt. Prince Afred’s pass.
S33 44.946 E23 10.273
S33 45.505 E23 9.6301
S33 48.035 E23 10.791
The waterfall
S33 46.795 E23 9.0763
The trout farm near Angies G Spot.
S33 48.675 E23 10.525
S33 48.731 E23 10.495
Getting creative at the old tollhouse.
S33 50.761 E23 11.404
S33 50.760 E23 11.400
S33 50.758 E23 11.391
Rounding the corner we came across this.
S33 52.381 E23 8.9336
My immediate thought was “What an awesome spot to spend a weekend!” then discovered it was a compound for farm labourers.
Approaching Knysna.
After Knysna we followed the 7 Passes road that would take us to George.
Time for coffee and a break just out of Knysna on Homtini Pass.
S33 57.178 E22 54.881
Crossing the Touws River.
S33 56.801 E22 36.731
Leaving 7 Passes and entering George in the Saasveld area.
S33 57.843 E22 34.571
Day 2
S33 57.236 E22 24.899
Day 2 was intended as an outride from George. We were to meet up with Kurt from PE on an AT and his buddy Douglas from Cape Town on an 1150 and follow a route similar to Trailrider’s 4 Crossings ride.
Waiting for Kurt and Douglas.
S33 56.957 E22 26.059
10 minutes later.
S33 56.957 E22 26.058
Unfortunately our GPS led us astray and within minutes we ended up back where we started. I had noticed that his route was close to Attakwaskloof pass so re-plotted the route with that as the first waypoint via Robinson Pass.
The route took us through some very scenic and interesting areas.
First stop.
S33 58.667 E22 8.3541
Graveyard have always interested me (yes, I know, I’m sick) but found this interesting headstone. Check out the dates of Hermanus Hendrik Eduard Scholtz. Born September 1854 and died October 1954. Made him just over 100. I noticed that most of the graves here were from more or less the same years, between 1952-1954, and couldn’t help wondering what took place here to cause all the deaths. Many of the graves were of 2, 3, 4 and 5 year olds.
S33 58.585 E22 8.3398
S33 59.176 E22 7.9693
S33 58.382 E22 4.0517
S33 58.378 E22 4.0491
We then found a road that, according to my GPS, would take us over Attakwaskloof Pass.
S33 48.830 E22 1.4303
This was to be the most taxing road of the entire trip. The road surface consisted of egg shaped and sized stones with no solid foundation. Although the actual distance covered was a mere 7.6 km it felt like it would never stop. It did however provide for some comedy along the way. Watch the clip to the end. The final seconds are classic!
[flash=425,344]https://www.youtube.com/v/PKVKT3g129E&hl=en&fs=1[/flash]
As far as I made it, until I ended up in the ditch. True to WD form TF5 first had to get some pics before he helped me up.
S33 50.583 E21 58.935
And then we found the gate locked.
S33 50.665 E21 58.901
Looking back the way we had come.
S33 50.664 E21 58.902
Taking a break.
S33 50.664 E21 58.902
After the return trip, we were all pleased to see the tar again. Some tar kissing was the order of the day.
After a well-deserved stopover in Oudtshoorn for refreshments, we were on our way again.
Old neglected stone house outside Oudtshoorn.
S33 37.29 E22 14.548
I came across this stone farm entrance wall. It is hard to believe that this is nothing but a pile of stones. Except for the very top layer, there is no cement at all holding this together.
S33 41.634 E22 23.064
Then we breezed down Outeniqua Pass, since certain people were concerned about running out of fuel.
Kurt (on the left) and Douglas
S33 52.186 E22 21.764
And TF5 on “Table Mountain”
S33 52.309 E22 22.113
The view of Montague Pass, our first leg for tomorrow.
S33 53.450 E22 24.163
Finally back home, and doing some crash bar straightening on Katie.
Day 3
Day 3 dawned and we decided to set off early. By 07h30 we were on our way. Today was to take us up Swartberg Pass via Montague Pass, and into “Die Hell”. After a break we would then come back out and down Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert, then heading for Victoria West. We would overnight somewhere along the road when the fancy took us.
So up Montague Pass
S33 55.118 E22 24.975
To the old Toll House, which has been boarded up. Really sad.
S33 55.118 E22 24.975
S33 55.118 E22 24.975
Had a quick break at the river
S33 54.421 E22 25.083
S33 54.421 E22 25.083
Then to the train bridge where we met some guys coming down.
S33 53.241 E22 25.910
Then the obligatory stop at Amanda’s Grave. Magic view from up there.
S33 53.241 E22 25.910
S33 53.241 E22 25.910
And over the top.
S33 53.241 E22 25.909
Close to Deyselsdorp we met Shaun, who informed me that he was driving his car to church.
S33 46.293 E22 25.314
This was once upon a time someone’s pride and joy. Imagine the stories it could tell.
S33 46.091 E22 25.247
The church in Deyselsdorp
S33 34.700 E22 25.327
The mountains we were heading for.
S33 28.477 E22 27.940
Taking a break. There is a pool just below this causeway where some swimming was done.
S33 24.802 E22 22.987
Ostrich Farm
S33 27.789 E22 27.202
Koos Raubenheimer Dam. This looked far too inviting to ignore. After a quick strip we were in the water. No, we did NOT skinnydip!
S33 24.478 E22 17.275
After a cooldown we were on our way again, tackling the Swartberg Pass. Where we were going.
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
Where we came from
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
Skelmdraai
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
The view.
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
Looking back toward Oudtshoorn
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
At the top.
S33 21.204 E22 3.0208
Time for photos
S33 21.140 E22 2.7676
The view down the back of the pass.
S33 21.140 E22 2.7676
And then it was off to Gamkaskloof. The first small water crossing took me by surprise. I was cruising along in 3rd gear, admiring the variety of plants and birds, the size of the Proteas, the majestic mountains when suddenly this crossing jumped in front of me. I barely had time to stand up before I hit the water. Exiting out the other side the bike stalled, still being in 3rd. While I was trying to find neutral and restart the bike, TF5 rounds the corner on his hooligan machine, spots the water crossing and decides to see how much water he can displace in my direction. He stops a few meters ahead of me, Katie also having stalled. When I pull up next to him he says “Bru, my bike’s dead!” Only, he’s got no lights on the instruments, no ignition, nothing. Katie is stone dead.
It’s now 13h00 and it’s hot!!
So after a bit of fiddling with the fuses we find one that’s blown. We quickly replace it and turn on the ignition. Bang! It looked like there was a little man inside the fuse box also taking pictures with a flash. So we start checking for what got wet. Bashplate off, check plugs and sockets, wiring and components. Got rid of all the water, replaced the fuse again and Bang! Another photo from the fuse box.
S33 21.108 E21 57.356
We now have 2 fuses left. After a bit more fiddling, out comes the multimeter. Fiddle some more, and some more, and a little more and decide to risk another fuse. Yeah, you guessed it, another photo.
Since there is no cell phone signal there, we decide that I should ride to Prince Albert to phone for assistance and to see whether I can find more fuses. I was sceptical of the fault being water related as I have never seen water to blow a 10A fuse in such a spectacular fashion. Both Brenton and Patrick that I spoke to gave me a few pointers as to what to look for as a possible remedy.
The Prickly Pear in Prince Albert, the only shop open on a Sunday.
S33 13.083 E22 1.7098
I also manage to get hold of the wife of the garage owner who kindly provided me with 4 more fuses. So back I went.
Entering Swartberg Pass from Prince Albert side.
S33 14.551 E22 1.9430
The way forward.
And looking back down
Following the advice given by Brenton and Patrick involved removing the screen and headlight to access the ignition and power relays that are housed behind the headlight. With the help of the multimeter we manage to find and isolate the one wire that has a dead short to ground. Ironically it was an orange wire. We reconnected everything else, leaving only the faulty wire disconnected. Unfortunately that particular wire appears to be crucial to the running of the bike, since, although we now had instruments that were live, the bike would still not turn over.
By this time its 17h30. I opt to go back to Prince Albert to phone Patrick and take him up on his offer to come and fetch the bike, and get something to eat. We are going to be spending the night right there. The most edible thing on the shelf of the Prickly Pear is Cup-a-Soup, so that is it for supper, and breakfast.
I arrived back at 20h30. Somewhere along the line on day 2 I lost the high beam on my Nightbreaker so had to contend with low beam on the pass heading back. Not fun!
Day 4
The morning after.
Patrick had promised to be there early but, having been delayed by his other business, could only get to us at 12h00. Fortunately we had plenty of water since the temp got up to 48deg. We were even visited by this little critter.
TF5 hunting down some shade.
And me, catching some z’s in the shade.
And then Patrick arrived.
I think Patrick got it wrong with the registration number of his van. In our case it was Gamkasfloof 1 – 0 KTM.
So that brought an abrupt end to our ride. I opted to return home via Meiringspoort, Uniondale and the R62. Not many photos taken on the return trip but these rock formations did intrigue me.
Day 1
Ever had one of those days where everything just goes wrong. Having one of them as the first day of a 7 day ride is just not lekka. TornadoF5 and I “planned” a trip including Swartberg Pass, Die Hell, Victoria West and Steytlerville. Beside 2 nights at TornadoF5’s sister’s place in George and one at his parents place in Victoria West, no detailed plans for accommodation had been made. We would find a place to camp when we found it.
The plan was to leave PE at 07h00 on the 18th. Having arrived back from Cape Town with the family the previous evening left little time for last minute packing and checking. This was to bite me in the backside the following morning.
To start with, I woke up at around 03h00 to hear it raining. Great! Wake up again about an hour later to discover that the power has gone off. Great again! Get up at 05h30 to discover I had forgotten to switch the geyser back on the previous evening. Absolutely bloody wonderful!!! It’s raining, it’s dark, there’s no hot shower and no coffee!! By 6:45, when I pulled out of my driveway, it was still raining. Riding down the road to the first intersection, I almost loose it with the front end of the bike all over the place. At first I couldn’t figure out what was up, then discovered a flat front tyre. Yip, I should have checked it! So, turning around again I slowly make my way back home, opting to repair it in the comfort of my garage instead of in the street, in the rain, in sight of my house.
To cut a long story short, I eventually arrive at TF5’s place at 07h50. Shortly after, we are on our way.
Day one will take us to George via the R62 and Prince Alfred’s pass to Knysna, then via 7 passes to George. First stop below the infamous Van Stadens Bridge.
S33 54.433 E25 14.893
About 70kms further TF5 pulls over. His first words are “Bud, I’ve got to put on something warmer.”
S33 58.195 E24 27.606
We are soaked, and there is no sign of it letting up. I am hoping that once we cross the mountain onto the R62 it might start to clear. It does.
Approaching Joubertina
S33 49.285 E23 51.190
A little later we stop at Joubertina to fill up the bikes and have a bite for breakfast. Eager to hit the dirt we are on our way again.
Appledale
S33 47.838 E23 38.674
Between Joubertina and Haarlem
S33 46.308 E23 34.768
Then, at last, the dirt. Prince Afred’s pass.
S33 44.946 E23 10.273
S33 45.505 E23 9.6301
S33 48.035 E23 10.791
The waterfall
S33 46.795 E23 9.0763
The trout farm near Angies G Spot.
S33 48.675 E23 10.525
S33 48.731 E23 10.495
Getting creative at the old tollhouse.
S33 50.761 E23 11.404
S33 50.760 E23 11.400
S33 50.758 E23 11.391
Rounding the corner we came across this.
S33 52.381 E23 8.9336
My immediate thought was “What an awesome spot to spend a weekend!” then discovered it was a compound for farm labourers.
Approaching Knysna.
After Knysna we followed the 7 Passes road that would take us to George.
Time for coffee and a break just out of Knysna on Homtini Pass.
S33 57.178 E22 54.881
Crossing the Touws River.
S33 56.801 E22 36.731
Leaving 7 Passes and entering George in the Saasveld area.
S33 57.843 E22 34.571
Day 2
S33 57.236 E22 24.899
Day 2 was intended as an outride from George. We were to meet up with Kurt from PE on an AT and his buddy Douglas from Cape Town on an 1150 and follow a route similar to Trailrider’s 4 Crossings ride.
Waiting for Kurt and Douglas.
S33 56.957 E22 26.059
10 minutes later.
S33 56.957 E22 26.058
Unfortunately our GPS led us astray and within minutes we ended up back where we started. I had noticed that his route was close to Attakwaskloof pass so re-plotted the route with that as the first waypoint via Robinson Pass.
The route took us through some very scenic and interesting areas.
First stop.
S33 58.667 E22 8.3541
Graveyard have always interested me (yes, I know, I’m sick) but found this interesting headstone. Check out the dates of Hermanus Hendrik Eduard Scholtz. Born September 1854 and died October 1954. Made him just over 100. I noticed that most of the graves here were from more or less the same years, between 1952-1954, and couldn’t help wondering what took place here to cause all the deaths. Many of the graves were of 2, 3, 4 and 5 year olds.
S33 58.585 E22 8.3398
S33 59.176 E22 7.9693
S33 58.382 E22 4.0517
S33 58.378 E22 4.0491
We then found a road that, according to my GPS, would take us over Attakwaskloof Pass.
S33 48.830 E22 1.4303
This was to be the most taxing road of the entire trip. The road surface consisted of egg shaped and sized stones with no solid foundation. Although the actual distance covered was a mere 7.6 km it felt like it would never stop. It did however provide for some comedy along the way. Watch the clip to the end. The final seconds are classic!
[flash=425,344]https://www.youtube.com/v/PKVKT3g129E&hl=en&fs=1[/flash]
As far as I made it, until I ended up in the ditch. True to WD form TF5 first had to get some pics before he helped me up.
S33 50.583 E21 58.935
And then we found the gate locked.
S33 50.665 E21 58.901
Looking back the way we had come.
S33 50.664 E21 58.902
Taking a break.
S33 50.664 E21 58.902
After the return trip, we were all pleased to see the tar again. Some tar kissing was the order of the day.
After a well-deserved stopover in Oudtshoorn for refreshments, we were on our way again.
Old neglected stone house outside Oudtshoorn.
S33 37.29 E22 14.548
I came across this stone farm entrance wall. It is hard to believe that this is nothing but a pile of stones. Except for the very top layer, there is no cement at all holding this together.
S33 41.634 E22 23.064
Then we breezed down Outeniqua Pass, since certain people were concerned about running out of fuel.
Kurt (on the left) and Douglas
S33 52.186 E22 21.764
And TF5 on “Table Mountain”
S33 52.309 E22 22.113
The view of Montague Pass, our first leg for tomorrow.
S33 53.450 E22 24.163
Finally back home, and doing some crash bar straightening on Katie.
Day 3
Day 3 dawned and we decided to set off early. By 07h30 we were on our way. Today was to take us up Swartberg Pass via Montague Pass, and into “Die Hell”. After a break we would then come back out and down Swartberg Pass to Prince Albert, then heading for Victoria West. We would overnight somewhere along the road when the fancy took us.
So up Montague Pass
S33 55.118 E22 24.975
To the old Toll House, which has been boarded up. Really sad.
S33 55.118 E22 24.975
S33 55.118 E22 24.975
Had a quick break at the river
S33 54.421 E22 25.083
S33 54.421 E22 25.083
Then to the train bridge where we met some guys coming down.
S33 53.241 E22 25.910
Then the obligatory stop at Amanda’s Grave. Magic view from up there.
S33 53.241 E22 25.910
S33 53.241 E22 25.910
And over the top.
S33 53.241 E22 25.909
Close to Deyselsdorp we met Shaun, who informed me that he was driving his car to church.
S33 46.293 E22 25.314
This was once upon a time someone’s pride and joy. Imagine the stories it could tell.
S33 46.091 E22 25.247
The church in Deyselsdorp
S33 34.700 E22 25.327
The mountains we were heading for.
S33 28.477 E22 27.940
Taking a break. There is a pool just below this causeway where some swimming was done.
S33 24.802 E22 22.987
Ostrich Farm
S33 27.789 E22 27.202
Koos Raubenheimer Dam. This looked far too inviting to ignore. After a quick strip we were in the water. No, we did NOT skinnydip!
S33 24.478 E22 17.275
After a cooldown we were on our way again, tackling the Swartberg Pass. Where we were going.
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
Where we came from
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
Skelmdraai
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
The view.
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
Looking back toward Oudtshoorn
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
S33 21.821 E22 3.9321
At the top.
S33 21.204 E22 3.0208
Time for photos
S33 21.140 E22 2.7676
The view down the back of the pass.
S33 21.140 E22 2.7676
And then it was off to Gamkaskloof. The first small water crossing took me by surprise. I was cruising along in 3rd gear, admiring the variety of plants and birds, the size of the Proteas, the majestic mountains when suddenly this crossing jumped in front of me. I barely had time to stand up before I hit the water. Exiting out the other side the bike stalled, still being in 3rd. While I was trying to find neutral and restart the bike, TF5 rounds the corner on his hooligan machine, spots the water crossing and decides to see how much water he can displace in my direction. He stops a few meters ahead of me, Katie also having stalled. When I pull up next to him he says “Bru, my bike’s dead!” Only, he’s got no lights on the instruments, no ignition, nothing. Katie is stone dead.
It’s now 13h00 and it’s hot!!
So after a bit of fiddling with the fuses we find one that’s blown. We quickly replace it and turn on the ignition. Bang! It looked like there was a little man inside the fuse box also taking pictures with a flash. So we start checking for what got wet. Bashplate off, check plugs and sockets, wiring and components. Got rid of all the water, replaced the fuse again and Bang! Another photo from the fuse box.
S33 21.108 E21 57.356
We now have 2 fuses left. After a bit more fiddling, out comes the multimeter. Fiddle some more, and some more, and a little more and decide to risk another fuse. Yeah, you guessed it, another photo.
Since there is no cell phone signal there, we decide that I should ride to Prince Albert to phone for assistance and to see whether I can find more fuses. I was sceptical of the fault being water related as I have never seen water to blow a 10A fuse in such a spectacular fashion. Both Brenton and Patrick that I spoke to gave me a few pointers as to what to look for as a possible remedy.
The Prickly Pear in Prince Albert, the only shop open on a Sunday.
S33 13.083 E22 1.7098
I also manage to get hold of the wife of the garage owner who kindly provided me with 4 more fuses. So back I went.
Entering Swartberg Pass from Prince Albert side.
S33 14.551 E22 1.9430
The way forward.
And looking back down
Following the advice given by Brenton and Patrick involved removing the screen and headlight to access the ignition and power relays that are housed behind the headlight. With the help of the multimeter we manage to find and isolate the one wire that has a dead short to ground. Ironically it was an orange wire. We reconnected everything else, leaving only the faulty wire disconnected. Unfortunately that particular wire appears to be crucial to the running of the bike, since, although we now had instruments that were live, the bike would still not turn over.
By this time its 17h30. I opt to go back to Prince Albert to phone Patrick and take him up on his offer to come and fetch the bike, and get something to eat. We are going to be spending the night right there. The most edible thing on the shelf of the Prickly Pear is Cup-a-Soup, so that is it for supper, and breakfast.
I arrived back at 20h30. Somewhere along the line on day 2 I lost the high beam on my Nightbreaker so had to contend with low beam on the pass heading back. Not fun!
Day 4
The morning after.
Patrick had promised to be there early but, having been delayed by his other business, could only get to us at 12h00. Fortunately we had plenty of water since the temp got up to 48deg. We were even visited by this little critter.
TF5 hunting down some shade.
And me, catching some z’s in the shade.
And then Patrick arrived.
I think Patrick got it wrong with the registration number of his van. In our case it was Gamkasfloof 1 – 0 KTM.
So that brought an abrupt end to our ride. I opted to return home via Meiringspoort, Uniondale and the R62. Not many photos taken on the return trip but these rock formations did intrigue me.
