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!
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| Rooi Els: Klein-Hangklip mountain in the background |
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| A close up - The beauty of our KLRs - they blend right in |
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| Beautiful morning in the bay at the old Hermanus Harbour |
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| Sighted a Bryde's Whale in the bay |
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| Our breakfast spot - motorcycle friendly Burgundy in Hermanus |
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| 'Ooh, that water looks inviting mom", says this pooch at the table next to ours "please can I go swim?" |
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| Directional signpost opposite the old Harbour in Hermanus |
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| Mike & David chatting all things KLR - check out the demarcated parking area for motorcycles! |
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| Theewaterskloof dam in the distance - on route to Villiersdorp /Franschhoek |
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| View of Franschhoek below - one of the most beautiful little towns in Western Cape |
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| The Nav enjoying the views |
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| 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"
