RD
Pack Dog
POST RETIEF BIKE RALLY 2013
Post Retief is an isolated farming community in the valleys of the Katberg and Great Winterberg Mountain Ranges – Eastern Cape. Something a bit more modern than Die Hell!!!
The local farmers hosted their prestigious annual adventure bike rally over the weekend of 17,18,19 May 2013
This rally is announced by word-of-mouth, sometimes secretively for fear of over-population! Ficksburg, Pretoria, Durban, Graaff-Reinet, Stellenbosch as well as our local Eastern Cape Cities were represented. There were only 60 pax for 2013 with some camping while others crashed in the clubhouse hall.
The Friday afternoon/evening saw man and machine (and a few lasses) loudly announce their arrival at the Post Retief Country Club, and it was cold.!! Butternut soup and bean soup lined the stomachs of our friends. (Chef’s comment – “Best in the Cape”) The pub opened and later the most succulent Adelaide steaks were served with side portions. Stunning breakfast squarely under the belt took us all to Saturday morning’s briefing which saw the Adventure Bikes head down the escarpment to the hamlet of Balfour. (Who knows where that is?), the Katberg Pass, Elandsberg and Hogsback Pass soon became something of an adrenaline charged past with the crazy bunch headed back to Post Retief for more ‘farm style” hospitality, lamb chops and boerewors, salads and sauce, breads to die for! This was Saturday’s cuisine - topped by awesome pudding.
Heading down the mountains towards Balfour.
There were a few wet patches to make the day interesting.
...and unfortunately the outcome was less exciting for some.
Stand up, look up.....
"Snaking" through the mountains.
Beautiful views on top of Nico Malan.
Klipplaat river Bridge
Taking a break.
Poplar trees.
Entering Hogsback.
...and leaving back to Post Retief.
Riding through Mpofu Game Reserve.
The pub was pleased once again to see sooo many patrons visit deep into the night. Friendships from Post Retief Rally 2012 were re-established in the intimate environment of the clubhouse.
A few lucky draws were handed out.
After consuming a huge boere breakfast on Sunday morning and before bidding their farewells, certain instructions and comments from our friends were!!
• Hospitality, hospitality, hospitality was SUPERB!
• Please begin planning Post Retief Rally 2014!
• Small numbers = a great event!
• Lamb and steaks are unequalled!
• Route was well planned, challenging as well as interesting and most beautiful!
Returning home.
The instructions were clear......
Do not tell ALL of your buddies – you may not get a slot next year……ssshhhh……see https://www.postretief.co.za
Thanks to the organisers!! ;D
