13 Riders [10 members and 3 guests] met at the Meridian Drive BP in Somerset West at 0800 on a very chilly Saturday morning but a great day for riding. After a coffee and a bit of a chat the briefing was held. Due to a private function the planned destination had to be changed and the route had to be amended after it was noticed during a reccie ride the day before, that a section was unrideable due to flooding due to the past weeks heavy rain. Then we were on our way to van der Stel pass in BotRiver. As we arrived at van der Stel Pass there was a quick stop to set up the bikes for off road riding and we were on our way. Prior permission was obtained to ride through private farmlands, remembering to close the farm gates after us, and we left van der Stel Pass for an exceptionally beautiful diversion up a steep hill where we passed 2 cyclists. I was extremely glad that I was riding my GSA and not having to peddle up the steep hill.
Then it was back down onto van der Stell Pass to the end and worked our way towards the R43 and turned off to ride through a Capespan farm and onto the Rusty Gate Mountain Retreat Estate. Once again prior permission had to be obtained to ride through these farms. Another obligatory view stop for pictures and to admire the view and we were on our way to the next challenge. The dam overflow crossing. Unfortunately there is only a reel so please check the Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/BMWclubcapetown/videos/8824862267530214 to see the crossing.
After the water crossing, we were asked for a quick rest stop and we found a suitable spot just down the road. There everyone discussed the water crossing and opinions and suggestions were freely given. Then it was off down the hill and fortunately it had recently been graded otherwise it would have been a lot more challenging than it was. After exiting the Rusty Gate Mountain Retreat Estate we made our way towards Caledon where we had a quick stop to top up the oil on my bike and a coffee break for others while waiting. Then it was a quick ride through Caledon town centre and we were back on the gravel roads heading through the Chavonnes and Black Eagle farms and over another water crossing towards Dassiesfontein. There we joined the N2 and made our way on tar to Highlands Road where it was back on gravel to the end and through Valley Road back to the N2 and to Hickville Smokehouse for a great meal and discussion on the pro’s and con’s of the days ride and route.
All good things have to come to an end and eventually everyone was on their way back home after a great day’s outing. Thank you to the participants for contributing to a fantastic day’s ride. Hope to see you all again in the near future.
