Through the Transkei

Up early again, cos everyone's itching to get through the Transkei. When the bikes start revving, you know you'd better hurry, or you could be left behind. Well not really, but you do risk being crowned Mug of the ride.

Talking of Mug of the ride, Danny and I got the first Nomination,firstly because I lost some money along the road as a result of not zipping up a pocket. Then later our one bag started coming loose, and we had to stop to tie it up.

Yesterday Matt deposed us as a result of disrupting the ride when the guys saw the state of his front tyre. We had to find a bike shop in East London. Thanks to some assistance fom Glen's friend in the city, this was a painless exercise.

Back to today's events. what can I say, but wind, cold, winding roads, and lots of trucks, goats and cattle on a narrow road. Being the first time on the Transkei roads in a good number of years, it was a pleasant surprise to see the improvement. Apart from a small section of roadworks which delayed a few riders by about 30 min, the roads were very good, and we arrived in Kokstad at about 3 in the afternoon.

It wasn't long before we arrived in at The Planes, to be greeted by Wendy. Seeing the rooms, we thought we'd arrived in paradise. Beautiful, comfortable and clean. Then came dinner - Ministrone soup, followed by roast beef and vegetables, with lemon cheesecake for pud. What more could a weary traveller ask for?

Rain, rain, go away.

Aaahh! Grahamstown Wimpy at last, and an opportunity to warm up a little! Never thought I'd be happy to see another Wimpy! not that there's anything wrong with Wimpy - on the contrary, they're always clean, and you're guaranteed a quality meal. It's just that we like variety.

Well, if we can't have variety in breakfast, the weather gave it to us! It rained all the way from P.E. so we all had the opporrtunity to try out the rainsuits. We also discovered that a leather jacket can hold what feels like tons of water, as can shoes and socks.

Grahamstown was the breakfast destination and the opportunity to warm up for a few minutes, before tackling another few hundred km's of rain and wind.

A long stop outside King Williams Town to secure Louis' back numberplate while the guys located a front tyre for Matt's bike. Then onward to East London, through more rain.

Niki Nana was the nicest backpacker's lodge we've stayed in so far. Clean rooms, clean bathrooms, clean kitchen, lovely entertainment area. what more could one ask for.

Now to relax and just enjoy thew company of the group over a braai and beers.

Outdshoorn to Port Elizabeth

Oasis Shanti in Oudtshoorn was our home for the night. Dinner was braaied ostrich steaks, boerewors and rolls. Ditto for breakfast, since we've had about as many Wimpy meals as we can handle for now, and it seems to be the favorite eating house of the group.

Today's weather provided us with a very interesting day, including Vic stripping twice. Once to put on his waterpeoof gear, and the other to take it off.

Not far out of Outshoorn is the Outeniqua mountains. A beautiful range. We had already started down the pass when the rain caught us, and everyone slowed down to a sensible pace, giving us a chance to gain a little ground.

Breakfast was at a Wimpy in George. Even though they questioned the locals, I don't think anyone in the group found out after whom the town is named.

The weather wasn't going to catch us again! After checking with a group of army bikers who'd come in from the direction we were heading, we all suited up, and it was off to Knysna.

A few minutes at the harbor for an ice cream, then we were back on the bikes, and on the way to Plettenburg bay. It was around this time that I finally realsed this trip is about being on the bike on the road, and not about seeing the sites along the way. So I relaxed and started enjoying the speed.

Jeffreys Bay was the next town we wizzed past. Actually no, we wizzed in, didn't find what we were looking for, then wizzed out again. Still no idea what it is we were even looking for in there.

Off we went again and it wasn't too long before we reached King Beach Backpackers lodge in Port Elizabeth, our home for the evening. Here our group of 10 will share 2 dorm rooms. I hope we get some sleep tonight. There are rumours that some of our roommates snore!

First stop Paarl!

Leaving Cape Town was a lengthy affair. Once Ferdie and Charlotte had completed their inspection, and returned our deposit, we regrouped at the nearby garage. it was coffee for some, and chocolate for others.
Then came The News. The slowest rider was to lead the pack,so we had a good chance of riding together for the day. No prizes for guessing who'd be doing the navigating out of the Mother City. Fortunately Danny and I'd had a practice run yesterday, so I could find my way to the N1 heading to Paarl. Imagine how popular I'd have been if I'd taken 9 burly bikers on my usual scenic route through the morning traffic!

Apart from all the stop-start, it was a smooth ride all the way to the first butt-stop in Paarl, where a trucker took our photo on his cell phone as he was taking the corner. Clearly he does this often, cos he did it so well.
As with many of the towns we were to pass through during the day, Paarl is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The sun streaming through the clouds lifted the spirits even higher.
The Wimpy in central Worchester was the breakfast stop. The police were not amused at us parking on the pavements, but after a little shuffling and much interest from the locals, everyone found a spot so relaxed for a short while.
Posting pics from my cellphone is proving difficult, so that'll have to wait for a while. You'll have to be satisfied with only words until my first opportunity to add the pics.

PS: Managed to do a few pics.

Diggs

Diggs for teh weekend is the Seagull lodge in Greenpoint, Cape Town.  Guess this, on the back of the bathroom door, is what is meant by "leave only your footprints"!

After leaving our meagre luggage in the rooms, offloading began. After two days on the truck, each bike was carefully guided down the ramp. Man and machine reunited
The stress now gone, the holiday could begin.

We're on our way.

Thanks to Monica from PTS for arranging the flights. all we needed was a reference no and id book to check-in and the journey has started.

The Start

A few months ago Vic from RBS in Pinetown had a wonderful idea.  To organise a bike ride from Cape Town to Durban, cruiser style.

So there were a few practice runs, to see how it would all work out.  On this particular trip we went there and back just to see how far it was, with, of course, the compulsory butt stop! 

The journey of 1600kms, started last weekend, when the bikes were bubble wrapped and then loaded onto the truck to be taken down to Cape Town.  Phase two starts tomorrow, when the riders will fly to meet the bikes.  10 Bikes 11 riders.  Yep, the 11th is yours truly.  I get to ride on the back and take the pics.

 

Armed with my new Nokia E90, sim card and a camera, I hope to keep you posted along the way.

Enjoy the journey.  I certainly plan to.

It didn't happen.

Today the ride didn't happen. Unless you consider riding to the meeting point, then back home again, to be a ride. Ok, so technically it was a ride, but since there was no breakfast involved, it wasn't a breakfast run.

Oh well, here's the sad story anyway.

It was a cold and miserable morning when anyone with even half a brain cell would remain inside. The clouds were dark and heavy, but, we hadn't been on the bikes for a week, and besides, it wasn't raining - yet.

So the calls went out, and we geared up, braved the wind, and met at the coffee shop near the Everfresh parking lot at Heritage Market in Hillcrest.So far so good. A cold day, so hot chocolate was necessary, while we decided which route was the best for the day.

Inland was not a good idea, because the cops were patrolling at our intended destination, and we have better things that to sit on the side of the road, chatting to the workers.


Up the coast would mean taking the same route as a cycle run, and you really can't compete with those guys with the pedals.Being a coastal town, we only have the option of 3 possible routes - so that left down the coast. Although no-one seemed keen on that direction, 'cos the weather was was hiding just south of the bluff, we all bravely agreed to ride down to Pinetown and re-assess the situtation.




Well, the three drops of rain on the newly washed cycles made the decision for us. We only stopped long enough for Griff's cigarette, and my photos, before we went our seperate ways and headed home.

BridgLee at Wartburg.

The weather report suggested bad weather for Sunday, so we prepared for a day at home. However when we awoke it was clear he rain was some time away, and a few call later it was all arranged.

After two weeks without a ride, even the short notice was would not stand in my way, and I was showered and ready by the time Danny arrived.

Even though there were plenty of clouds around we met at Heritage Market in Hillcrest before making our way inland towards Pietermaritzburg.

We were all enjoying the ride so much we missed the turnoff. Fortunately one member of our group is awake, and he quickly moved to the front, so he could show us the way.

From Maritzburg, you need to take the Greytown road to Wartburg. This takes you along a lovely country road inbetween the farms. I've become so comfortable on the back of the bike, I'm now able to take photos as we ride.

In Wartburg, we found a cozy little coffee shop named BridgLee, where we stopped for breakfast.

We were all so impressed because even the carpark was pretty.


Such attention to detail is unusual, is a really pleasant surprise.

While the pretty and clean pleased the guys as well, it was the huge coffee cups which really impressed them.

But wait there's more. I really enjoy plain simple food, so was so pleased with the well prepared simple meal of egg, chips, tomato, bacon, mushrooms, toast, butter and marmalade.

And this was the small breakfast!

If you need a beautiful gift to spoil that special girl in your life, go no further than their gift shop. Just looking at their merchandise makes you feel good.


After a very pleasant and relaxing breakfast, we reluctantly, well not so reluctantly because we're always happy to be on the bikes, made our way back.


After a short stop at the One Stop, we said our goodbyes and completed the journey home.

Thanks again to the Howard, Griff, Bridget and Danny for another glorious ride.

What bike do you ride? I'd love to hear from you.

If you'd like to join the Breakfast Run Weekend Reflection, add your name to the list below, then add leave a comment. Be sure to visit the other blogs, to see where they go for Sunday Breakfast.

The Quarry at Hilton

Since today's weather was moving up along the coast, the obvious option for our group, was to head west, i.e. inland.

So we decided on the N3, the main road between Durban and Johannesburg. Of course, we weren't going as far as Jo'burg - well, not today anyway, and certainly not for breakfast!

First stop, and meeting point was outside the Mugg & Bean in Hillcrest. The bikes, all washed and shiny, as eager as we were, to get out onto the open road once again.

Then it was up the main freeway all the way up past Pietermaritzburg, and through to Hilton. There were no butt stops on this run. There was no need, because it's so much quicker along the main road.

Hilton is so pretty, with lovely "country" houses and plenty of trees. On a clear day, if you look towards Durban, the view is spetacular. Unfortunately, today was not one of those, so we went directly to Bustles Cafe for breakfast.

The menu provided for the typical set meals of bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, tomato, or you could "do it yourself". As far as I'm concerned this "do it yourself" option makes a whole lot of sense.

Such a simple concept - where you select the items you want to create a breakast which suits you.

I prefer to keep it simple, so today my breakfast was two poached eggs with chips, and a lovely cup of coffee with cream.

While the coffee was brewing and the breakfast being prepared, we could enjoy the view across the now disused qarry.


Then it was back on the bikes, another trip through the beautiful country lanes and down through Pietermaritzburg, the start of the down run Comrades Marathon, then on to the N2 for the last leg of the journey back to Hillcrest.


And so another, most ejoyable bike run, is over for the week.

Balito Bay.

After a 2 week break we were suffering withdrawl, so despite the "not sunny" forecast, we decide to go anyway. The few spots of rain we felt along the way were not enough to dampen the joy of the ride.

Today our destination was the Wimpy at Balito Bay. To tell the truth, the whole journey is the desination. Just being on the bike, out in the country is the whole purpose.

The breakfast is just the point at which we turn around and come back, else we could easily find ourselves in Cairo, with no inclination to return.

After a short stretch on the N2 north, it was onto the country road for us. It wasn't long before we passed the turnoff to Hazelmere Dam, and this beautiful old railway bridge over the Tongati River.

Since the toll road opened between Durban and Empagneni, there's no longer a reason to go through these interesting little Kwa-Zulu Natal towns. Our Sunday journeys however, give us the opportunity to re-explore some of our history.

The town of Tongaat is in the heart of the sugarcane growing area, and although it comprises mostly people of Indian descent, still has a colonial look.

Its not a large town, with most of the business activity happening on this one main street through the center.

After what felt like a very short trip through the green hills of sugarcane interspersed with a few trees, we soon reached Balito shopping center.

In the recent past, Balito Bay has become a very popular holiday destination. Not so long ago it was out "in the sticks" and one only went there if you really wanted to get away from the city.

What is it with cities, that they can't just stay where they are? Perhaps they get lonely when the people leave for a while, and they just have to follow. Well, the city has cetainly followed the people to Balito.

After a very pleasant breakfast at the Wimpy, with interesting conversation and much laughter, we reluctantly headed back.

Oh well, there is always another Sunday to look forward to at the end of this week.

No blog today :-(

No blog today, the family's come to stay!

Easter means a long weekend to most people. This means most of our riding group have visitors, so felt it would be inappropriate to leave them and go riding.

Guess I'd feel the same if my hosts went off during my visit.

Oh well. Hopfully they're all available again next Sunday.

The Up Run.

The weather forcast for today was 30% chance of rain. In our language this loosly translates to mean a very cold, wet, windy and therfore miserable ride.

Having so many beautiful sunny warm days to choose from, we felt no pressure to bring out the brave faces. We'd rather save those for a time when we actually needed them....so, we called off the ride.

However, being addicted to the open road, and beautiful scenery, as soon as the blue sky peeped out we followed the lead, and ventured out.

Well, our original assessment was spot on with some points - it was certainly cold and windy. However it was way off on the others. There was no rain and visibility was magnificent resulting in a short but invigorating ride.

A short time of winding through the residential area of Kloof, past Gillits then through the Hillcrest shopping center and we were soon rewarded with this clear view of Inanda Dam.

We were however saddened to see that Heidi's farm stall was closed, and up for sale.

In its early days, Heidi's Farm Stall was a small wooden stall alongside the R103, where one could buy the most delicious fresh fruit and vegetables.

Unfortunately along the way, and in the name of progress, it seemed to be stocked with the same fare as the local supermarket, and therefor no longer worth the trip. Maybe the new owners will see the value and take it back to basics.


As you near the comrades Wall of Honor in Drummond - the halfway point for the legedary Comrades Marathon, you're greeted with this scene, and today we could see forever.

No wonder this run is so addictive!! If my legs would co-operate with my mind, I'd run the comrades just for the scenery ;-)

We took a few minutes to just savour this scene, enjoy the freedom and bracing cool air. Not much wind in this spot, so at least we were spared that!


Stiching the pieces together, this gives an indication of view from the road.

Well it seems we weren't the only ones to enjoy this quite road this morning.

A lone cyclist enjoys the fresh morning air, and quiet road. The challengin hills in this area are excellent training for almost any race. And there are a thousand of them. Well somebody must have counted! This area is known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

I must also just mention that is lady is very sensible. How do I know, since I have no idea who she is? Well she was closely followed by a support vehicle. It would be really silly for her to ride through here on her own.

The quite lonely road makes anyone an easy target for those who have nothing better to do, and a bicycle is not fast enough to escape.

After travelling a little further up the road we experienced the wind and noticed the 30% clouds starting to close in, so made our way back home.

Though it was short it will just have to satisfy until the next one.

The scenic route to Winklespruit.

Today is our forth run together. We've arranged to meet at the Mugg and Bean in Hillcrest.



However, our first stop was a garage along the way, to pick up some water for the journey. Being early March, it's a beautiful clear hot day, and water is essential for the journey.



Wherever we go, these beautiful shiny bikes attract admiring glances.

Motorists always seem to be so polite - they are quite willing to wait, and let us go first.

If the truth be known, they just want to have the opportunity to have a good look at the bike.

Today we were going to Winkelspruit, which is normally about a 20 minute drive south of Durban.

We however took the scenic route, and headed in the opposite direction.

Using Old Main Road from Hillcrest, we followed the Comrades route east, though Drummond, Inchanga, Harrison Flats, Camperdown, before turning south. This is where the countryside changed from pretty to really beautiful.

Imagine green hills all the way to the horizon, the occasional lake, the most gloriously blue sky and a few puffy white clouds to complete the picture.

The path of the rivers is is clear from the bush which marks the way through the cultivated fields of sugar cane.

Before you even see them, you smell the cows grazing in the field. There is no mistaking that scent.


A group of bikers go past in the opposite direction. Some wave, some dont. We wave back. This is common practice amongst bikers on their various breakfast runs.

After a good breakfast, and good company, the return journey was along the N2, then the Queensburgh turnoff and back up to Pinetown, before we part company for the last few kms to our seperate homes.

Linga Lapa

The beautiful blue sky, with the interesting white clouds created the mood for a wonderful day.

This was my first breakfast run, and if that was anything to go by, I hope it's only the first of very many more.

So what is a breafast run? Ask anyone who owns a motorcycle, they all know the answer. For the uninitiated its an excuse to take a ride on a Sunday morning.

Now before you think I'm really brave, lets get one thing straight..... I don't actually drive the motorcycle. My job is to sit on the back and just enjoy the whole experience. Scary thought? Not when your chaffeur is as careful a driver as mine. And no, you can't have him, he's booked for all the runs!


This day our group was 3 Dragstar bikes, and 3 riders and myself.

Dragstars are cruisers, which means we don't have the need for speed, which suits me just fine! We stay off the highways as much as possible, making it a rather relaxing pleasant day all round.

The view from a bike so much better than in a car, because you're sitting much higher. The only thing better would be the long distance haulers, but then they are so difficult to manouver in tight spaces! Also the air conditioning on the bike just can't be beaten.



Today our trip was to Linga Lapa, a small restuarant which caters to the bikers on Sunday mornings. Linga Lapa is a few kms from Nottingham Road, a little over 100km west of Durban. This is part of the Midlands Meander, a popular country drive for tourists and locals alike.

Breakfast was the typical eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, toast, tea, coffee and orange juice.

The big bonus for me on this ride was getting a glimpse of the Drakensburg mountains, even if it was a rather distant view.

In this picture the solid hazy blue bit between the clouds and the ground, is the Drakensburg mountains. From here it's still at least another 100kms before you reach the foothills, so that gives an indiction of just how impressive is our mountain range.

Oh dear, I now have a yearning for another holiday in the mountains.