If you have never done this ride, you are the one that has lost out on some of the finest riding in Southern Africa. Even with the stories of stone throwing and hostile locals, there were more than enough people taking on the great Lesotho Mountains. I started the bookings in February and closed off on the 28th February 2011. The final figure was 33 bikes and 48 people. This was one of the bigger rides, apart from the Xmas ride, that has come together. At first I was a bit nervous at the numbers but looking at the list of names I found it was made up of a large number of friends that have ridden together on numerous occasions, this made for easier riding. The few newbies would have to fall in with the “old hands”.
The venue was one of the old favourites, Fouriesburg Country Inn. For those that have never stayed over there, it is entirely your loss. They are bike friendly and go out of their way to accommodate their guests. A friendlier bunch of people would be hard to find. The food is fantastic and accommodation more than adequate. So, for all those out there not knowing what to do over a long weekend, here is something you ought to do. Book your accommodation, pack your passport, fill the bike and head to Fouriesburg to take on some of the best twisties you will ever find. If anyone out there can let me know of a road that has more twisties, I would like to ride that one. I will put my money under a rock and say this has the most twisties over the longest distance.
Saturday 19th March 2011 – Blockhouse to Oxbow Lodge
I have got to hand it to bikers, any kind, when it comes to riding it is never too early. If you find it too early to leave at a certain time, you should not be biking, take up bowls or something like that. I advertised the leaving time at 07h01 that morning from the Blockhouse. May sound early but if you looked at the plans for the day you would understand why. We had some serious riding to accomplish before we came to rest later that day. I was hoping to be back in the Inn by 17h00. A time we all achieved with a few minutes to spare. When one looks at the amount of kilometres it is difficult to understand that it entails a full days biking. The plan was to do 456 kms, not anything spectacular, if you did not know the route. The last 174 kms are what takes the most time, takes a lot longer than the actual trip to Fouriesburg of 282 kms.
Jorge was kind enough to take the Brisk group off my hands for me. This made it so much easier to take the rest of the group, always difficult to hold back the fast ones and keep the leisurely riders together. After a quick briefing it was A for Away, first Jorge and his handful of hooligans and then a few minutes later Anne and I with the more sedate riders.
The weather played along with us, most of the trip in fact, we had drizzle (yes drizzle - that was not rain) for the first leg of the trip. No need for rain suits. The roads down had gotten worse in just a month, more potholes more deviations and one more “stop ‘n go”. Apart from the “stop ‘n go’s” the first stop was Petrus Steyn for a leg stretch and some needed fuel. After a short stop it was onto Bethlehem for the main fuel stop, before we reached Fouriesburg.
What I had organized was that the Inn get us some border forms so that we could complete before arriving at the border. This in turn speeded up the transition into Lesotho. The plan to break the group seemed to have paid off and for once Jorge actually got to the destination with The Brisk group before the balance arrived. As we pulled into the Inn, Jorge was on his way to the border. In record time the group dropped off their panniers and luggage, completed the forms and headed to the border. The crossing was painless and surprisingly fast, it was a simple “stamp ‘n go” process, even with helmets still on the head. Once we all got through the border we regrouped and I once again took the lead up to Oxbow, this time minus Anne, as she was not up to this leg of the ride yet. It’s a slow ride climbing slowly until you get to the foot of the mountains then everything changes.
I had also arranged with the Inn to have lunch packs ready for us as food at the Oxbow Lodge was not always the greatest and with such a large group we would be there for hours waiting for food. This was a life saver and much appreciated, although boiled eggs in a topbox look more like scrambled eggs when you open the packet, but none the less it was filling. Thanks Michael.
The gradients are steeper and the turns get sharper with about 3 serious hairpins with a very steep climb. I am sure every bike engaged 1st gear to get around these hairpins. Close to the summit we pulled off to admire the view and discuss the turns done. I think it was a unanimous feeling from all – this was what biking was all about. It was such a great view and was great to see the water running down the mountains and all the waterfalls all over the route. It was actually hard to do both ride and look around, it was either - or, but not both, not at the same time. Unless you have done this trip you can’t imagine, and if you have done this trip, you will understand what I mean. You stand on the edge and look down and see a never ending strip of tar disappearing way down into the valley. When you look over your shoulder you see the mountain and the road heading up into the clouds. Some would say you are between a rock and a hard place, I think it is being between Heaven and Earth. All of you out there that have bikes, get out and try something exciting, just once in your life. It’s no art to “point and squirt” but to “twist and turn” that is an art and fun. On the way up I had Lyn behind me, although she is a great rider it’s always easier to ride these turns with the help of a GPS. I could “see” around the bends and was able, with the aid of some fancy hand signs, tell her what was coming up. I am sure she had a puzzled look in her helmet, for the first few turns but after the first hairpin, I am sure she knew exactly what I meant.
After a short break and taking of pictures it was time to head up the last leg of the ride. Something nobody moaned about. There was never a moan or groan, except the groans as some of the more “senior” riders got off their bikes, no names mentioned!!!
Seconds out, round number 2.... The last leg up was taken at the same steady pace, nobody was racing as for many it was the first time they had tackled this climb into the clouds. At the highest point you attain an altitude of 3 280m, let me tell you that is plenty high. We all pulled into Oxbow Lodge, expecting to see Jorge and the hooligans, but Jorge chose to hide the bikes so we did not see them. We assumed Jorge had gone on. We all headed further to the Ski resort. Now this road was much worse than the last visit. One cannot understand why Lesotho would let this stretch of road deteriorate so badly as the ski resort was a form of income for them. We made it through the potholes and gravel strips down to the resort, which was closed. A u-turn was executed and up we went again, back to the Oxbow Lodge. Here we consumed our lunch which the Inn had provided – note to the Inn...boiled eggs and bananas don’t do well in a topbox, they shatter and squash!! Hunger is however not fussy and I could see food being consumed without too may moans. Was not long and Jorge and the group appeared as if from nowhere. Our group all went on a walk-about through the Lodge. Such a pity again, that they can let a place so pleasantly situated, go to ruins. The chaps settled for cooldrinks and tea before heading down the mountain towards the Inn. This time the groups separated a bit more, some took it easy and some did not.
Now this advice comes from a “more senior” rider, it is free, use it or loose it!!! Don’t always assume someone buys those leg scrapers from a second hand store or from a REAL racer. I chose to follow Lenard down the mountain. I don’t think it would have been any faster had I taken a straight line down the mountain. It was the fastest I had ever descended those twisties. Twice I can honestly say the traction control does work and ABS is something that does aid the rider, thanks ABS, and thanks Traction Control. It was one of the most thrilling rides I have ever undertaken. Not something I would advise a novice to do, it must be of free will and only after an indemnity form is signed. But hell it was great. When we stopped at the border post it was pure adrenalin pumping through my veins. I am glad I did not have to complete any forms as I would not have been able to write. Just hope my wife does not read this part of the write-up. I will plead ignorance and blame Lenard!!!
Not to be outdone, I took Lenard on “my” road. For those that know me it was this stretch from Fouriesburg to Clarens that blew my motor on the 5th December 2010. It was with a bit of apprehension that I tackled this stretch. It was just something I had to do, make it or break it. Just remember I use Octane Booster now. All I can say that I attained the same speed as what previously blew the engine, Mannie it works!!!! This time, I can at least say I stayed in front. I think Lenard was just being kind, and let me stay in front.
We got back to the Inn just before 16h00, what a great day of riding. It had been a riding of contrasts, straight roads, serious twisties and great sweeps. Not sure you can get a better mix than that; it had been 456km plus another 64km, giving a total of 520km of pure LEKKER, give me more!!!!
Around the 16h00 mark, most of the bikes started arriving in little groups. For most it was park, shower and relax in the pub and lounge. Stories swopped, tales were told by the young and old. I think this leg of the ride surprised many a rider. A good few had never even been in that area before.
In the bar it was bragging and ragging by the entire group. Some tried explaining how they went around the bends and some explained how to do some mean leaning...some just drank.
Dinner at the Inn always seems to be an occasion that is eagerly awaited by the whole group. When the dinner call is made it is like a starting grid as the people make their way into the dining area. I can honestly say that the venue is great, helmets off to the Fouriesburg Country Inn. After a hard days ride one needs good accommodation with great food. I don’t think the group would have been as big had I chosen a camping ground in some out of the way place. This is what we enjoy and I think this is what the group deserves after a hard ride. The next day would be even harder but even more enjoyable. You think that is not possible? Try it, decide for yourself.
The plan for Sunday was to get up bright and early, have breakfast and be ready to leave at 07h30. Jorge and the Dirt Boys had planned on leaving at 06h30. Both groups would head to Katse Dam via different routes.
Once again it was an early night, strange how fresh air can get the people to retire early. Biking is an equalizer, makes the young and the old(er) retire to their rooms the same time, just takes one soul to say good night and the whole dining room empties. The next leg was a concern for a few people, the distance and possible lack of fuel had a few people taking on extra fuel in cans and bottles. Rather be safe than sorry. It is a 346km ride and most bikes can normally get 350km on a tank. So if you look at it that way you don’t have much to spare, later more about fuel economy of the various bikes.
Sunday 20th March 2011 – Katse Dam Ride
As normal, the morning started early, with some people wiping down their bikes and some not!! Engines could be heard from early in the morning. Seemed as if all were eager to leave. Breakfast was a full meal again, something worth standing in a queue for. Jorge and his group all left, except one, at the allotted time. I have to congratulate Jorge; he was on time and left on time. Something I did notice was that most of the bikes had empty pillions seats except one.
The other group was ready and waiting to leave just after 07h15. Again the group split up into a few smaller groups and headed to the border, forms again completed before we left – something all the first timers should remember to speed up the border crossing.
I think everybody was enthusiastic about this ride as it is a ride you have to do and tick the box. I personally regard this as the best ride in Southern Africa, with the most twisties, some of the steepest inclines/declines and the best scenery ever, winter of summer. The first 100kms or so is “nice” but not spectacular. You start off going through a town and then a few villages before the fun starts. And let me tell you, when it starts it does not stop until you get to the dam. If the ride ended at the dam, I would have been upset; luckily we have to return via the exact route. Double the fun!!
We started the climb in reasonable temperatures, in the early 20’s. It was not long and we hit some cloud, rain then the dreaded mist. Temperatures dropped within a few hundred metres to 9C. In summer riding gear that is f’ing cold, that is the only words I had for that temperature, F’ing Cold. I was shivering and hoping that this was not the temperatures and conditions we would have the rest of the ride. We ascended into the mist and that was it, a few feet ahead was all you saw. I once again was totally dependent on my GPS to show me the way; I had no bikes ahead of me as I was leading this group. Not always the best feeling when you know there are a string of bikes depending on your rear lights of your bike. The what if scenario starts messing with your brain – what if the GPS is wrong – what if there are rocks you can’t see – what is there are animals in the road. It you let this worry you too much then you would never go anywhere or do anything. All one can do is have faith in the GPS and ride within one’s own comfort zone. The followers must have faith in the bike in front of them. I think in the mist there was more faith there than a church full of people. We all managed to get to the top, where we encountered a bunch of BM’s stopped in the middle of the road with their flashers on. Not the ideal place to stop. This brought our whole group to a dead stop. On enquiring what was up, we learnt they were waiting for some of their riders, not from our group at all. I decide to press on as it was no use waiting for the mist to clear; we had a long way to go. So we set off again at a snail’s pace, everybody had the chance to improve their slow riding skills and praying!!! These conditions went on for a good few kms, more that most would have liked, but that is part of the experience and excitement while biking. I think this is what sets the type of bikers apart. If you do long distance riding/touring you simply cannot be a fair weather rider, you must be prepared for the worst at any time. Always carry your rain suit (no matter what the weather report says). The rain suit jacket is the ideal light weight bit of clothing to keep you warm when you have a summer suit on.
It was not long before we started descending from the thick mist into clear skies again. The temperature climbed with noticeable increases and the shivering stopped and comfort again set in. After a tense bit of riding like that it is always advisable and also great to stop, stretch legs and discuss the ride. On this leg of the ride it was however not always possible to just stop and get off. There was no place to stop; believe it or not, the shoulder of the road was just too steep, something one of the riders found out the hard way, more about that later. It was quite a long ride until flat ground/road was found. Now this is not a complaint at all, I would gladly have looked for level ground/road all day if I had to. The only level surface was found in the form of the bridge crossing the Katse Dam water. This water backup was still 50km from the Dam, well let’s say we had 50km still to ride, as the crow flies I would assume it was 10km to the Dam, poor crows, they miss all the fun!!! The bridge seemed to be the meeting place of all sorts of bikes. There were ride comparisons made between the chaps and also between the lady riders. On this trip we had 5 lady riders in total, something the rides are seeing more and more – lady riders. The ladies were Anne, Lynn, Rachel, Therina and Ariana. Four 650’s and one 1200. And let me tell you chaps out there, we never once had to wait for any of them. I am sure some of the ladies would put the men’s riding skills to shame. I can’t wait to see the ride when it will be a 50/50 split of lady riders to men riders. Maybe I should arrange a weekend away for a 50/50 group.
After a short break it was onto the last 50km to the dam. This would prove to be the better leg of the ride, no rain or mist. The road is great, not too many obstacles in the road at all. Granted there are rocks and stones but nothing a sharp eye and careful riding could not handle. This section is not for high speed riding at all. If you ride fast you die fast, especially here. This was a leg you rode at the speed you are comfortable with. The scenery surrounding you deserved observation and you just had to take in the sights and smells of the area. The air is pure and without any pollution. You did not see many people and very little other traffic, other than bikes here. If God would have ever designed a road for bikers, this was it. Words cannot explain the pure thrill of riding these roads. If there are any of you out there that have ridden these roads and did not enjoy them, you were on the wrong bike or in the wrong frame of mind. One can only be humbled by the shear beauty of this area. I personally did not see any kids trying to throw stones, or maybe my theory works – wave first and they will wave back, it is impossible to throw a stone with an open hand!!! I only saw smiles from the kids alongside the road. As one rode through the country you can only but notice the poverty surrounding you. They may be poor but they still looked happy. It must be a hard life for the people up in the mountains; we forget that they don’t have electricity, water; TV’s or even cell phone reception. They are totally cut off from the rest of the world. I doubt if they have even heard that Japan got washed away. They may live in God’s own country, but they have very little material things and money is a luxury some of them have heard about. As we ride through their country spare them a thought and treat them with respect, we are visitors in their country, let’s remember that.
Long before you see the actual dam wall you see the mist. For those that have seen Victoria Falls you will know what I mean The “Smoke that Thunders” is the nickname of the Vic Falls. This mist cannot be compared totally to that but it is still something one notices a long way off in the valley. As you get closer you get those fleeting glimpses of the dam wall, but then lose sight of it as you negotiate the bends. Even from afar you can appreciate the sheer size of the wall. It has taken us almost 3 hours to get here; one can only wonder how long it took the trucks laden with cement and equipment to get to the dam during construction. It must have been a days ride – one way. You cannot get close enough to the wall to appreciate the size but as you ride past you notice some vehicles parked on the dam wall, these look like dinky toys and it is then that you can actually see just how big the wall is. It is huge!!!
We past the Dirt Group – Jorge and the hooligans heading in the opposite direction. It was a (very) quick wave and off they went, they were sure in a hurry!! Again more about that ride later.
You have to ride a good few kms further to get to the actual turn around point, the Katse Dam Hotel. Another place with a fantastic view of the dam and the surrounding country side. It is in the Katse Village. A very neat place with helpful and willing staff, such a pity so few visitors stay over here, something we will be investigating for a future ride. A decision was made to do the trip in the winter and stay over at the hotel and then if decent, to use it on one of the future rides to the dam. I again will be leading the ride as I do not get enough of this route to ride. When roads are great, ride them, you can never get tired of this route. The dining area was full of bikers from various groups and various types of bikes; it’s amazing to actually see who all goes there. Goes to show if you really want to get there you will get there. Come on all you weekend warriors, you fair weather riders, try it you may just like it!!
The whole group sat around totally amazed at what they had just ridden through. It had been a first for many bikers and many a conversation had the words “best ever”, “amazing”, and “fantastic” in them. It was great to hear and see so many smiling faces sitting around, makes the planning and organizing all worthwhile, no thanks are required after seeing so many satisfied “customers”. A light but substantial lunch was enjoyed by everybody. After a rest and some pictures it was time to head back to the Inn, not something anybody moaned about, I noticed.
As one walked out the hotel after lunch you are met with a parking lot full of bikes and you wonder where they all came from. On closer inspection you can see quite a few came the hard way, dirt and mud still clinging to them. Looking through the bikes you can only but notice that at least 80% of the bikes there were BMW’s and mostly GS’s. It is great to see so many bikes together, no matter what the make of bike, BMW may run through my veins, but biking is my passion and to each person there, his/her bike is his/her passion. Well done all you bikers out there that were in the parking lot. Yep there were even HD’s there, although they did leave the day before!!!
The ride back is totally different to the ride there; it could have even been a totally different route. You think you can remember where that boulder was lying in the road, where the sand was, or where the bad patch was. You land up treating it as a first time ride again, which is what you want. I don’t think you could ever master the road there and back, after all who would want to do that, all the fun would be lost if you knew exactly what was around every bend. The group divided up again and descended at their own pace, some stopping to take pics, others just riding down at a comfortable and easy pace, as if wanting to prolong the riding pleasure as long as possible. You can’t blame them for wanting to do that. Having so much fun should be illegal; I bet in some countries it is illegal. Once again I realise why I actually enjoy biking so much. Something this much fun and offering so much enjoyment should be on every bodies “to do” list or at least on your bucket list if you are already biking.
The ride back is actually more enjoyable than the ride to the dam, well that is my feelings, you seem to see more of the roads and mountains as you descend into the valleys, maybe also because you are more relaxed and a lot more comfortable taking on the bends. On the way back there are some viewpoints that you can stop at and take some spectacular pics.
Myself and a small group of bikes headed back to the Inn and a leisurely pace, taking in all the sights and smells that we could manage to absorb. It was quite a while before we found ground level enough and safe enough to stop all the bikes without being ridden over by a taxi or ox cart. It was roughly 110kms of twisting and turning before we found a spot. I actually think it was the enjoyment of the twisties that made me ride this far before we stopped. But by this time I think everybody was on the tired side, it had been hard riding, strange nobody in the group had a moan about “too far”, “too slow” or “too fast”, everybody had a smile from ear to ear. Even Heidi said she enjoyed the ride; this was her first time as a pillion with Lance. Previously Lance always did the rides alone. Not sure if the smile of Lance’s face was from the twisties or the fact that Heidi was riding with him. So you see Heidi it is great fun and just think of all that fresh air you are getting, so much better than being in a tin can!!! We hope this is the first of many rides for you and Lance.
Arriving at the Inn was both a relief and a disappointment!!! A relief - as my butt was officially sore and you could feel that you had done more twisties in a single day than most riders will do in their entire riding life. Someday I am going to count the bends! A disappointment – as this meant this ride was over, something one always wishes would never end. I must find that never ending loop road that is so great that the lack of petrol is all that would make me stop.
Some interesting facts about the route to Katse. The GPS showed the highest point as being 3 103m above sea level, a one way route of 173km of which 80 kms of pure twisties (one way). Average riding time 3 hours. The 3 bikes we check for fuel economy was mine a GSA, Therina’s a GS 1200 and Anne’s GS 650. Total distance travelled was 346kms, fuel consumed for the GSA = 16.7L that’s 20.7km/L, the GS 1200 = 15.4L that’s 22.5km/L and the GS 650 = 11.1L that’s a staggering 31km/L.
There was another ride also that day – Jorge and Wetzel wanted to take the road less travelled, the dirt route. About 7 or so Dirt Boys set off at sparrows, 06h30, to get to Katse via the dirt. None of them had done the route before and did not know what to expect. A brave bunch of chaps I must say, Jorge was riding in front, and it could turn out to be a long day!! We crossed paths only once that day and it was on a bend near the Dam, them on our side of the road, screaming past us – bloody hooligans. I was handed some of their pics, they had an interesting ride, which turned out to be more tar than dirt and also turned out to be a lot more km’s than they had anticipated. Jorge turned left instead of right and they ended up going out the border at Maseru, a round trip of close to 600kms. Once again nobody complained about the additional distance, just goes to show, when grownups ride, there are no moans. You must be ready to take the rough with the smooth and the long routes and higher speeds. If this is too much, then maybe an HD would suit you, BM’s are made to ride, no matter the weather or road.
While relaxing on the veranda of the Inn we got to hear of a certain gent that cut his leg on the ride. No problem we had a surgeon with us, Doc Etienne, we decided to wait for him to stitch up the chap’s leg. No problem, well that’s what we thought. Doc Etienne arrived and off we went to see the chap with the cut leg. It turned out to also be a Doctor, so we had two Doctors on the ride, no problem; well that’s what we again thought. Neither of them had their needle and thread. So we decided to go to the surgery to get some, no problem, well that’s what we again thought. I loaded Les onto the back of my bike (Les was the “other” Doc, with the punctured leg), leg all bandaged up and bloody. The four of us, Nico, Doc Etienne and us set off to find some needle and thread. The secret is now out – where do Doctors go when they hurt themselves?? They go to the VET!!! The three bikes head to the Vet to find the necessary material. Les had actually cut himself quite badly. Blood was streaming out the wound. The Vet was away, so we tried the one and only Nursing Sister, she too had gone away for the weekend. So in Fouriesburg you don’t get hurt over a long weekend. We headed back to the Inn, blood still leaking out Les’s leg. Doc Etienne had to do some temporary repairs to the wound until he could get back to his surgery the next day. On arrival, back at the Inn, I asked Les what actually happened.
Les told me – on his way back from Katse nature called him in no uncertain terms. As I previous said there was not much place to “safely” stop. Les however stopped on the precipice to press-‘n-piss. So urgent was his need to stop that the place he chose was not the best place in the world, the view may have been great but the stopping surface was not. He put the bike on the side stand; the angle was more than would have been regarded as safe, no problem, so he thought. It just took one tap of his heal as he swung his leg over, to make the bike tumble over, taking him with it. Some or other part of the bike stuck him in the leg. This time Les did not wear his ridding boots, what did we learn here Les? Dress for the Fall. It was not until he got off at the border that he realised the cut was that bad. It was a mad dash to the Inn to try and stop the flow of blood. I think we will be seeing a nice pair of biking boots sticking out his biking pants from now on. I was told by Doc Etienne that the next day’s ride back home was done with throttle wide open; the Dakar felt the wrath of the whip all the way. I bet Les did not know that the bike could haul arse like that. Hope you get better soon Les and hope to see you on your other steed soon. Just remember when nature calls, don’t answer, cry or sweat it out!!! Just glad it was not “that” serious, no bones broken or psychological damage (I hope).
The night’s dinner was the dinner of all dinners. What we had all been waiting for. It is not just the fresh air and hard riding that made a person hungry; it was the good food that was being served that got the hunger pains angrily tugging at our throats. When it was time for the dinner it only took one wave of the hand, if I had not stood to the side, I would have been trampled. The dinner was in the Lapa and of course the favourites where being served. Vetkoek, Spit Braai and Malva Pud. For those that have never been to the Inn and had the Vetkoek, you won’t know what I am on about, for those that have had the pleasure of trying the Vetkoek, you will know. For that certain gent that gave a whole packet away, you are still not forgiven, he knows who he is!!! The spread of the food was great; I must say the chaps at the Inn go out of their way to spoil us. Thanks Michael and staff, we do appreciate all the spoiling you do and as they say in the classics – we will be back.
The traditional gifts were handed out and even if I say so myself, I think they would come in quite handy when certain chaps do some navigating around Lesotho. A letter of thanks was handed to Michael, from the BMW Club, for all the good service of the past and I am sure for the future.
Once again – thanks Michael and all the staff at the Fouriesburg Country Inn.
Even though it was the last night at the Inn, there were no people around till the wee hours of the morning. Not long after the food was consumed you would see people heading off in the direction of their rooms. The next day was departure time, never an early start, I wonder why, not many people are keen to go home. There was talk of a castle on top of a mountain, something Wentzel had seen on one of his dirt rides, questions asked and direction got, Wentzel and Jorge would set out and do the recce run early the Monday morning, I personally thought they were chasing Castles in the Sky, I first wanted proof of this “Castle” on top of the mountain between Fouriesburg and Lesotho border!
Monday 21st March 2011 – Homeward Bound
Breakfast was served from 07h30 that morning. Not much stirred before then, one or two bikes could be heard starting up around 06h00 and heading off, but there was no mad rush of bikes heading out, not like the previous two days. Wentzel and Jorge, true to their word, left early to find this Castle in the Sky. Slowly but surely the people congregated around the dining area waiting for the right moment to pounce on the well prepared breakfast. Goodbyes were said, hands were shaken. Sad to see the weekend end but one thought is always there – next month, there is another ride!! New friends are always made on these rides and old friends are always there. It was a great weekend; I only hope that the rest of the group enjoyed it half as much as I did, then they would of enjoyed it a lot more than those that did not attend. For those that did not attend, read it and weep, why not organize your own trip?
We sat around waiting for the two hooligans to come back from the recce run to the Castle. It was taking long and the remaining group was making plans to skip the Castle and head home, time was marching on. As we got ready, we heard the roar of two bikes, could only be the recce runners. Yip, it was them. One thing I have to say, these two boys can really ride, windgat but very capable. They pulled up in front of the Inn, jumped off with smiles and said they found the Castle, looked like two little boys that had discovered what girls are about for the first time. Neither of them said anything about why their bikes were covered in mud and why certain parts of their bikes had more mud on than other parts....the buggers had both come down, can you believe it, the two most capable and experienced riders had both put their bikes down. Well I have never had such a good laugh, may sound strange someone laughing at another’s fall. It was in mud and nothing gets damaged except ones ego. They had seen the Castle; they had the pics to prove it. They did however not recommend that we all went there, the road was horrific, or maybe, just maybe, we would see that the road was not that bad.
The castle is evidently a holiday home of some R20million or so. Will have to try and get more info on the Castle, seems to be named Destiny Castle. If anybody knows more about it, feel free to share your knowledge with me please. Maybe next time we could all go take a look. The pics of the Castle looked good and it is a very impressive building with a magnificent view, something well worth the effort to go and see. So next time we do the Fouriesburg ride be sure to put on your dirt boots and follow us to the Castle in the sky, discovered by Wentzel and Jorge. The pics would have to suffice for now; I did not feel like taking the chance now.
We said our goodbyes and a small group of 6 bikes set off homeward bound with Lance and Heidi in the lead; I took up the rear and let Anne ride in front this time. It was a leisurely ride on a good road all the way, we headed to the N3 and took the direct route home passing through 2 toll gates, what a rip off they are. It really p’s me off when I see a vehicle with 20 passengers go through the same toll gate and pay the exact same toll as me on my bike alone, somewhere something is not fair!! Maybe someday someone in the right place in government will also become a BMW rider and then the toll fees will change, we can only hope!!
Although the traffic on the road was quite heavy the return trip was without any incidents. We said our goodbyes at the Villiers One Stop and headed our own ways home. As customary Anne and I stopped at the last One Stop for lunch, this time Therina joined us. Lunch done, we negotiated our way home through the ever increasing traffic.
We, Anne and I, would like to thank all those that attended the ride and hope that you all enjoyed it as much as we did. We enjoyed showing you another place to ride, another road less travelled and a place you can easily take your friends to ride. I think the more we ride the roads of the countries within our borders the friendlier the locals will become towards bikers. We, as a club, got a compliment from a motorist that rode amongst us from Petrus Steyn to Bethlehem. As we stopped at Bethlehem to fill up, a gent approached me and complemented us on the way we rode, within the speed limit, obeying all the rules, like he said “you chaps give bikers a good name, well done and keep it up”.
Another Lesotho trip successfully done, bring on the next one.
Thanks to all the pics that you all sent me, I unfortunately can’t remember who sent what, but I am sure you will recognise your pics. There were so many great pics and not enough space to use them all.
Written and hosted by
Wymoth & Anne