Twenty three (23) bikes with pillions left Friday morning at 09h00 from the Blockhouse while the rest left earlier or later during the day. Enrico and Zé Devoty experienced engine problems near Warden, but persevered with some “boer maak ‘n plan” help and arrived at The Nest late that afternoon. John and Jenny Balsdon received an alarm call at Villiers and returned home to discover that they had a break-in at their home. A number of people only left Saturday morning.

At the Nest the 300 m gravel road from the main road to the reception was quite a challenge for some of the bikers. After checking in, afternoon tea and biscuits were served on the verandah from where we had an excellent view of the mountains. On Friday evening Dot from The Nest donated two gift hampers (KWV brandy, a cap, etc.), which were won by Enrico Devoty and Edward Webb in the lucky draw.

The Saturday riders went to Howick (33 people), Bulwer (Allie and Brenda Viljoen), off-road (Chris and Avril Malan), while the rest of the group visited numerous places, shops and did their own rides. This route was a first for the club. David de Bruyn took the group to visit “Born in Africa Shoe Factory” as well as “The Spiral Blue” shop, which was especially enjoyed by the ladies who found browsing the very cluttered and unusual little shop very interesting (while the men stood outside). The Howick group returned via Rosetta on a beautiful scenic route. This route had a number of interesting twists and turns with beautiful trees and mountain views. We stopped at “The Spotted Horse” for coffee and a leg stretch. A few more riders arrived on Saturday (Wymoth and Ann Palmer-Pilgrim, Wynand and Zelda de Villiers and Chris Stockwell).

Patricia Draper and Paul Munnik had an eventful day when she hit a stone and the front rim was cracked. Only on arrival at The Nest did she discover that her top-box was gone. She and Paul drove back to the spot where the accident happened, but there was no top-box to be found. The farmer said he would investigate the matter. They returned to The Nest. Luckily she was able to “buy” back the top-box from some locals, after the farmer informed her that it had been found.

The evening Christmas Dinner was an excellent event. The tables were decorated in white and really looked stunning. The 104 bikers were entertained by Odelia Tait with five beautiful songs. Her husband, Bobby Tait did an excellent job on the sound desk to complement her voice. Presents were handed out (Mojo Magic Cream for the ladies and helmet cleaner for the men), which were well received. After a pleasant dinner some people continued chatting on the verandah, while others retired after an eventful day.

Sunday morning bikers started leaving in little groups after another nourishing breakfast. Mike and Lynette Talbot offered to take some off-road riders via Geluksburg to Swinburne. Patricia and Paul took up the challenge – a ride which they thoroughly enjoyed (even saw a snake in the road).

Everybody arrived home safely on Sunday afternoon, tired but surely enjoyed the weekend. Luckily all the predictions of rain did not materialise. However, very strong winds were experienced on Van Reenens Pass, which many riders and pillions felt was the worst experienced in a long time, even more so than the short gravel road from the main road to The Nest.

All in all a wonderful weekend attended by 104 people. The group included five ex-chairmen of the club:

- Colin McKellar

- Raymond Geldenhuys

- Robin Dawson

- Chris Malan

- David de Bruyn

Well done guys – you are truly BMW biker supporters.

Three days of good riding, tasty meals, good hotel service, lots of chatting, joking and laughing contributed to a very memorable event for us all - a venue that we can surely visit again.

Nico and Caroline Martins

Hosts for the weekend