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The goal of the ride – was to travel as close as possible on the 29thParallel - from the West Coast to the East Coast. Why – well it is the longest latitude line running through South Africa.
It also happens to be close to the most Westerly Extreme – Alexander Bay - and most Easterly Extreme - Kosi Bay - so these were thrown in for good measure.
This resulted in the 29th Parallel ride from 2004-04-24 to 2004-05-02. |
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The Rules we had - Only one….do not loose the guy behind you…
Contrary to normal riding habits – instead of trying not to loose sight of the Rabbit as in Alice in Wonderland, we changed the rules – and it worked well.
This was proved again after entering Kimberley through peak traffic caused two bikes to fall behind through traffic lights, and at a direction change the only safe stop was out of line of sight for the following riders. stopping to far from a right turn that reconfirmed that this is the one and only rule.
The Pictures
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McDougal's Bay - West Coast - making some memories and leaving our mark!
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1st Extreme visited, Alexander Bay border post.
It took a little bit of convincing - but leaving the bikes at Customs in safe-keeping - this photo below was taken on the bridge crossing into Namibia. |
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Upington, on the way back
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Kimberley at the Star of the West established 1870, which claims to be the oldest pub still operating in South Africa.
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Golden Gate, and Colin Kemp has joined the group. |
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The Parallel took us from McDougal's Bay in the West, to Richards Bay in the East. The bottle was full of KWV 10 year old when it left Johannesburg, was filled with Indian and emptied in the Atlantic. |
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2nd Extreme achieved - Kosi Bay!
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The company we kept, the bikes we rode and problems experienced
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Mike Bennett – Super Dad
K1200GT – replaced both front and back tyres in Bloemfontein. |
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Heinz Krugër – (affectionately known as) the Fuhrer
K1200GT – brand new – no issues except a loose throttle control |
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Des van Schalkwyk (the Pilot), with pillion Sanet van Schalkwyk
K1200RS - developed a bubble on front wheel before Kuruman, - lost exhaust bracket after Augrabies, - developed hole in pipe at the same time.
No tyres was available in Upington - so Des promptly arranged with one of his pilot friends to fly one in for him! |
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David de Bruyn (the Guide), with pillion Rita de Bruyn
R1150RT – replaced back tyre in Bloemfontein. |
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Colin Kemp joined the team from Clarens onward |
