Scouting the South Coast

After spending 2 weeks on holiday with the family, I decided to go on a solo 2 day bike trip to check out some south coast villages.

Left on Sunday afternoon; stopped at my favorite cheese store just before Swellendam.

Geezzzz, this is one sexy bike !! Full of curves in the right places  !!

First overnight stop at Gouritzmond

Got a place in the local caravanpark, after I had to call the number on the gate because it was getting late.

Not much on the menu, but will do

Arrived to late to buy firewood, so searched other camping spots for left behind wood

Next morning had a visitor snooping around

Packed up and left for Boggomsbaai.

Not really my cup of tea.

Then drove around to Vleesbaai.

Also not what I have expected. Lots of security and No-Entry signs. Don't have a holiday feel to it, more like a big security complex next to the sea.

Just outside Vleesbaai, there's a road to the left to Fransmanshoek.

It's a Conservancy Bewarea of Cape Nature. Beautiful place !!

From here it was on to Stilbaai. Nice piece of gravel road and I turned the lady's ear a bit.

Drove down to the habour. Looking for something to eat.

Burger and chips with a heavy smell of fish hanging in the air . . . . . . lol 

The afternoon I visited with Chris and Amanda from Dustriders. What great people ! Chatted and drank coffee the whole afternoon. When I left, Chris first made some adjustments to my soft luggage bags. (bought from them previously)

Went to Jongensfontein caravan park to settle for the night. Had to call the number on the gate again because I was "late" again.

Now this place got potential for a weekend breakaway !

Next morning, I first went for a long walk through Jongensfontein.

It was raining at times and with the feeling of not wanting to return yet, the packing was going sloooooo. 

First I drove the gravel road from Blombos to Riversdal, skipping the Vermaaklikheid detour, just because at that time it was really pouring. 

From Riversdal, Chris told me about a gravel road to Heidelberg, continuing from there to Tradouw Pass. The road passes Korintepoort Dam which also have some promising accommodation with very nice scenery and a lay back feeling.

This was by far the best gravel ride I had in a long time ! 

With the rain pouring at times, I had a very interesting ride. 

Loved it !!! Love the GSA !!

West Coast Biketrip

David's bike had to get a new piston and rings and the work was finished. Time to go collect the bike in Cape Town from Jorg. We decided to make a weekend of it, heading for the West Coast, Trekoskraal. Rudi joined us with his bakkie and that was great for backup, extra luxury and good company.

David with his overhauled KLR, ready for even a trip through Africa !

Rudi (new grotman)

From Cape Town we headed for Darling where we visited some old friends of David.

From there we went straight to Vredenburg and stopped to buy some supplies for the evening.

Being close to our destination, popped a cold one after a warm, dry and long road.

After some real challenging, nerve recking sand roads into Trekoskraal, we finally arrived and found a spot to set up camp. The weather was perfect and the view excellent ! I last visited Trekoskraal about 20 years ago with my best friend Hanno. The Westcoast will always be super special for me !

After the tents were set up, it was time to relax, have some more cold ones and scouting around.

   

I promised David I would make him some pita breads on the coals, but he had to do the kneeling

We set up a small production line and in no time we had good pita breads that we immediately enjoyed hot with butter, cheese and fig jam.

For me and Rudi, some big rump steaks were on the menu (and some Klipdrift Premium )

Sunday morning, lots more riding planned and what better way to start the day with a good cup of coffee.

Packing up is never a lekker task

On our way out of Trekoskraal

Fortunately the only fall of the weekend was this one where my bike just fell over. (Not getting the side-stand out fast enough) 

From here we headed for Citrusdal and then going to Ceres via Op Die Berg.

Stopped quickly in Citrusdal to say hi to an old friend of mine.

Launch stop on the way:

Last smoke break just before Worcester. At this stage I have had just about enough  riding for the day. Over 600 kilometers in 2 days. 

Glad for the short time we could spend at the West Coast.