SANDOWN BLUES IN KLEINMOND THE RIDE REPORT – BMW CLUB RIDE ON 3 MARCH 2024
The meet-up
Seventeen bikes, three with pillions met at the BP in Klapmuts on a cool and overcast day and, after the usual ride route and safety briefing, we set off towards Paarl on the N1. As soon as the pack had settled down, the speed was gradually increased to a safe highway cruising speed and before we knew it, we were at the off ramp to the du Toitskloof Pass. As soon as we were on the pass road the pack was put into single file for the ride up the pass.
Picture stop
Everyone made it up safely to the obligatory stop for pictures, despite the weather trying quite hard to blow us off our bikes. While we were there, we were joined by a fairly large troop of baboons with its enormous leader. Fortunately, they were more interested in foraging for food than the bikes, so they left us alone.
After a chat and some pic’s we were ready to go and some of the riders asked if they could go ahead for a faster ride down the pass and meet us at the trout farm to which I agreed and most of the pack disappeared down the pass. Five of us rode down more sedately and slowed down when we passed the rest of the riders so that they could rejoin the pack. Then we headed off the N2 through Rawsonville and on the Villiersdorp road. As we approached the Aan de Doorns Cellar the pack slowed right down to allow a Montagu resident to join the pack and then we were on our way again riding at a safe speed in relation to the road conditions.
Road Closed
We slowed down through Villiersdorp and in no time we were over the Theewaterskloof dam bridge. Soon thereafter we came across a Road Closed sign, which we were aware of and turned right for a detour through the beautiful fruit orchards.
In no time we were back on the R321 and heading towards the N2 where we joined at the Peregrine Farm Stall and where Froggy left the pack. Then we were on the Houwhoek Pass and exited at the Hermanus junction, turning right passed Arabella and on to our destination Sandown Blues. Where we were met by two wives and the children of one of the riders for a reasonably priced scrumptious breakfast who attended to the large group adequately and a great chat with riding friends.
The way home from Sandown Blues
We managed to dodge the rain on the whole route to Kleinmond but encounter a few drops on the way home. There were some nasty cross wind gusts going up du Toitskloof Pass, while going over Houwhoek Pass and on Clarens Drive on the way home. Very surprisingly there was nothing at Theewaterskloof dam. We rode over 2 real passes and 3 minor passes, encountered a Road Closure and detour on our wonderful 202 km / 2 hour 15 min ride with some awesome views.
More about the venue https://www.facebook.com/SandownBluesRestaurant/
Thanks to Froggy and later Jonathan for Sweeping. At the view stop, Froggy mentioned to me that he was amazed that he could look through the entire pack and see me in the front, which he said, he doesn’t see very often when sweeping. So, a big thank you to the pack for riding so well and keeping up with the bikes in front of you. We never lost any members en route but the Ride Leader did get a bit confused and missed the turn off when we entered Kleinmond.
You enjoyed this and other club rides so come along and join the club https://www.bmwclubs.africa/mrcap/membership-registration-mrcap/
