"Train Tour to the Cape"
by Willie Nel - September 2009
Sunday morning, the 20th of September, dawned with 17 eager bikers on 12 motorcycles excited for their train trip to the Western Cape and ride back through the Southern Cape, Karoo, Northern Cape and the Free State. There were a super luxurious LT, a superb RT, a very sexy 1200 ST and then the rest, Gee Esses or something like that.
Deon Mattheys’s organizational skills rescued a possible false start when we heard that the two carriages for the bikes with the Shosaloza Meyl were fully booked by JB Tours and we had to offload again, but that another carriage was provided which would follow with another train.
The train trip half full of bikers of all noises, shapes and sizes was joyous. A certain Captain Morgan also boarded the train and his presence was soon felt and heard. Jan from Bloemfontein joined the group in Kimberley to add Cheetah flair.
Seeing the sun set over the Northern Cape with a forlorn windmill and a few thorn trees in the distance brought a moment of serenity. The next morning deep in the Karoo, farms with sheep and springbok greeted us with the promise of good things to come. Fortunately for most of us there was not much cerebral panel beating needed following the night before.
At Worcester the JB group and us got off the train (note: not thrown off), but our overwhelming urge to fire up the engines had to wait another two hours for the next train to deliver the bikes. The slightly bumpy road of the Bain’s Kloof Pass forced us to slow down and appreciate the rugged panoramic beauty as we headed for Wellington, Cape Town and the “Republic of Hout Bay”. Spirits were high and tears of laughter were rolling that night at Mariner’s Wharf with Pierre leading the way with jokes and humorous comments.
Deon Prommel with his 1200GS in the train
Spectacular views!
The previous week’s cold and wet fronts that tested the Capetonians fortunately moved eastwards and left us with a clear day to appreciate the mother city from the top of Table Mountain.
Onto our second night’s stop at L’Agulhas a strong south easterly wind posed a challenge with the exemplary and lanky Deon Prommel precariously balanced like the leaning tower of Pisa. After a somewhat disastrous dinner that night at Agulhas where Pierre cancelled his order due to poor service , Lynn complained the next morning that he didn’t even give her a good night kiss, but just buggered-off! So is life, Lynn.
The accents of the people of the Cape came to the fore as I pulled in at Struisbaai to fill the BM’s tank. The attendant stood there mesmerized for a moment before a huge teethless grin erupted as he said: “Heene Menee, hierie se scootebaike van djou ry dam seeke lekka?” I could only return his smile and confirm.
The happy group at Cape Agulhas, where the oceans meet.
At the most southerly point we met a Belgian, Dirk de Martelaere (yes, that is his surname) who is touring the world on a bicycle. He has already been on the road for 2 years and 9 months and traveled 38 000 km, including a trip from the south end of South America to the northern Arctic circle. He recently started in Cape Town, where his bicycle was stolen, and plans to travel up in Africa.
Not to be outdone by adventure, Henning at the nearby Struisbaai harbour, stripped and jumped into the bitterly cold sea for a quick swim. He (or his semi-naked body) was fondly admired by the female species in our group, although Lynn commented it was now a matter of “agt duim tot ag shame”.
At Barrydale Willie made a complete mashed pumpkin of himself as he dropped his bike in front of a full pavilion at the Country Pumpkin. To satisfy our curiosity, we were off to, yes you guessed, Ronnies Sex Shop. On the reverse side of this isolated building “Pompstasie” is advertised, but I could not find any such activity. That night at Calitzdorp we enjoyed an excellent meal and many more funny stories.
Lunch at Barrydale
On route to Oudtshoorn the small rebel group on their S-bikes broke away on a 194 km detour over the Robinson Pass and Mossel Bay for a quick smoke in George and back over the Outeniqua Pass to join the GS-clan again for a picnic in the picturesque Meiringspoort. Later that day on our way to Aberdeen, I realized that there is a direct correlation between the soreness of your bum, your thirst for a cold hobs-flavoured yeast fermented malt drink and the acute angle to the right of the red needle of your speedometer. The Southern Cape is in the grips of a severe drought, but gems like Aberdeen with its 14 churches and houses with stoeps on the street can still be appreciated. Thanks Jurgens, for this introduction.
On day 5 after an early Wimpy breakfast Jurgens and his lovely fiancé Christa gave a spirited ballroom dance display in the streets of Graaff-Reinet with music provided by the ever joyful Louis and his LT. With the Valley of Desolation behind, we turned north into the Central Karoo. Everything was running smoothly until about 20 km before Philipstown when the driveshaft casing of Pierre’s bike broke leaving him stranded. The angel Sue came to his rescue and offered her impeccable Adventurer to Pierre and Paula, while she pillioned back home with Abe via Van Der Kloof dam and Kimberley. With the delay in Philipstown the elderly Willem Kleinbooi shared the story of his life and the economical hardships of this dusty isolated town and I realized how privileged we are.
On a trip like this with the closeness of companions and the freedom of the roads, new friendships are made and appreciated. Every individual, like the ever changing scenery, add form, colour and flavour to the composition. Some were already briefly mentioned. There were also the very quick Shawn with his Acrapovic exhaust which would envy any Harley owner, Maria showing us Paraguay (the details censored for a decent article like this), Jean with her kindest of blue eyes, Elaine impressing everyone with her riding skills and Paula with her mechanical knowledge and female curves second to none. All the wit and laughter, the thrilling sensations of motorcycle riding and the closeness to nature are therapy for the soul. I can’t wait for the next ride on my scootebaike and gentle purr of the boxer twin.
Once again, thank you to Deon Mattheys for the initiative to organize this trip and for our heavenly Father for a safe journey.
Pictures by Willie Nel and Deon Prommel
