2013-04-21 Riebeek Kasteel & surrounds

Nothing makes me happier than knowing that Sunday, my fun day, has finally arrived!  It's the one day that I don't have to worry about anything other than keeping my KLR on the straight and not so narrow winding gravel roads, meandering through the beautiful countryside that we are so privileged to have right on our doorstep. 

We met up with tall Paul (aka Eish) at 07h45 at the Milnerton Fire Station and headed off in a northerly direction via Contermanskloof, Occultdale, via Wellington, Haaskraal Pad/Rd which becomes the Porseleinberg Road up to Riebeek Kasteel where we met up with Erich on his Yamaha FJ1200 for breakfast.

We arrived at our usual breakfast stop, the Food Art & Decor Restaurant and sadly they are no more. Rika, the owner of Vintage White who shared the premises in the Stoned Olive Building informed me that the restaurant closed for business in December 2012.  We opted to have breakfast at the restaurant next door called Mama Cucina, a little Italian restaurant in the heart of Riebeek Kasteel.  

It was good to catch up with both Paul and Erich as we haven't ridden with them in a while.   Before we left Riebeek Kasteel, Paul mentioned that he spotted a beautiful trio of cherubs that he wanted to purchase for his wife at Vintage White.  A girl doesn't need any encouragement for a bit of retail therapy and I immediately accompanied him to secure the purchase.  The trick was to package the adorable trio and to safeguard them on the back of his KLR - mission accomplished!    They made it home unscathed and Megan loves them!

From Riebeek Kasteel, we took a left at Klawervlei Road and rode along the picturesque Riebeek River Road which lies on the slopes of the Kasteelberg mountain.  We stopped at Malmesbury for fuel and took the Old Malmesbury Road, past Kalbaskraal, Philladelphia, Melkbos and onto Tableview for our ice-cream stop next to the beach.

It was a splendid day weather-wise with not a cloud in sight but quite cool as we started out on our ride. Thankfully the temperature climbed and reached mid 20's by midday.  Future rides will definitely necessitate wearing our inners and thermal gloves as the mornings are somewhat cooler with winter fast approaching. 

Planned route
The meet & greet
Shaking things up a bit and starting with 'the pretty picture' 
The only windmill pic of the day - Porseleinberg Road 
Caught in action
Happy KLR riders
On your marks, get set......... GO!
Looking bullish
The Nav and Erich at Mama Cucina - little Italy in the heart of Riebeek Kasteel
Cherubs in Theology a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautifulrosy-cheeked child with wings
purchased from Vintage White  - 
http://www.foodartdecor.co.za
Paul safely securing the precious cargo to his KLR
Klawervlei
Riebeeksriver - cow country
Riebeeksriver on the slopes of the Kasteelberg mountains (to the left of the picture)
The highest point of the Riebeeksriver road - beautiful and picturesque valley of olives and vineyards
Paul enjoying his ice-cream with Table Mountain in the backdrop
The Nav - The End

We found one or two gravel roads that we have not been on before which is always great as that's what our rides are all about - getting out into nature and exploring road less travelled.  We covered +/- 270kms on the day, a third of which was on gravel.   


Till next time.....

Safe travels everyone
- Angela -


email: adventureridersct@gmail.com
"4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul"

2013-04-14 Hermanus

After a 2 week break from riding and with the weather being absolutely gorgeous, we simply just had to get out on the KLRs for a nice long ride. We were pleased that it was a beautiful day, one of probably only a few good summer's days left to enjoy in the saddle.  We are by no means fair weather riders as we have had our fair share of riding in the rain but if I had a choice, I'd rather sleep in than be exposed to treacherous weather conditions.  I will have to wait and see what the Nav has planned for early winter rides....


The Nav planned a ride to Hermanus and with a 07h00 start, we managed to meet up with our good friend Mike in Sandbaai just after 09h30 for breakfast. After our fuel stop at the Engen 1 Stop in Somerset West we made our way to Hermanus via Clarence Drive. We turned in at Rooi Els where we stopped to enjoy a snack and the peace and quiet of this quaint little seaside village.  

For those of you who don't know Rooi Els, it is is a settlement in the Overberg District Municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It was declared a township in June 1948, and is situated 5 km north of Pringle Bay, on the eastern shore of False Bay. It was named after the farm and river by this name.  It is situated beside the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and is itself a registered conservancy. The town roads are narrow, un-tarred and without street lights. Klein-Hangklip mountain dominates the village, and is home to a pair of Verreaux's Eagles (see pic below). Other animals that may be noted are Chacma baboons, Rock hyrax, small Antelope, African clawless otters and occasionally Caracal and Leopard.

Although it is quite early for whales to show themselves in Hermanus, we were privileged enough to spot a Bryde's Whale quite close to the old Harbour wall - what an amazing sight so early in the morning!  

After breakfast at Burgundy in Hermanus, a motorcycle friendly restaurant with specially demarcated parking bays just for motorcycles, we said our goodbyes to Mike and ventured on to Franschhoek where we stopped to enjoy a delicious pancake and  ice cream.  Well worth a stop!

Rooi Els:  Klein-Hangklip mountain in the background
A close up - The beauty of our KLRs - they blend right in
Thanks to Google, we can see what the Verreaux's eagle looks like that inhabits Rooi Els!
http://what-when-how.com/birds/verreauxs-eagle-birds/
Beautiful morning in the bay at the old Hermanus Harbour

Sighted a Bryde's Whale in the bay
Our breakfast spot - motorcycle friendly Burgundy in Hermanus
'Ooh, that water looks inviting mom", says this pooch at the table next to ours  "please can I go swim?"
Directional signpost opposite the old Harbour  in Hermanus
Mike & David chatting all things KLR - check out the demarcated parking area for motorcycles!
Theewaterskloof dam in the distance - on route to Villiersdorp /Franschhoek
View of Franschhoek below - one of the most beautiful little towns in Western Cape
The Nav enjoying the views
We opted for a pancake stop to go 'with' our ice-cream - A good decision it was! 


Another good day for riding some of the most beautiful roads on offer in the Western Cape.  We covered +/- 350 kms, 95% of it on tar.  

Till next time.....

Safe travels everyone
- Angela -

email: adventureridersct@gmail.com
"4 wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul"