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"