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Dan's Den August 2008
Ooooh you missed out AGAIN! What a rally! Great bikes, great company and great
fun. Yes after nine years it is still not over-and-done with. Saturday morning
and 36 quads and 1 tweelie pull out from Rocklands with Officer July at the front
blue lights and the works while Officer Petersen had the lights on at the rear.
Yes people we keep doing it right and it feels good that we cannot be stopped
and branded "illegal hooligans".
Once again I have the privilege of thanking those in attendance for their co-operation. 330
km with severe dust in some places and still everyone co-operated. We had a successful
trip with no injuries other than some liver damage :-) As usual it did not matter
what bike you ride as long as you enjoy it. It did not matter if you were slower
than the bike at the front as long as you get there safe. We had ladies and some
youngsters doing their first long ride ever and they did it very well. For the
benefit of those who still think that our rallies are races I just want to mention
that the maximum speed was 80 km/h and the average travelling speed was closer
to 50 km/h. We left Rocklands at 09h10 and got to the farm after 14h00 for travelling
165km. Regular stops to make sure everyone was safe, well fed and hydrated. Kobus
and Anthony used the time to treat the lungs with some nicotine while Rosa and
Alta used the opportunity to stretch the thumbs. The children at least were of
sober habits and enjoyed some Lipton's instead.
Down in the Grrrrootrivier Poort the water was a bit tooo wet and cold for a
swim. While some enjoyed a refreshment I carried right on to meet up with Mark
our back-up driver who was to meet us 10km out of the Poort on the Steytlerville
side. Now it was our turn to re-hydrate while we wait for the thirsty bikes to
get there and re-fuel. And then it was straight home, that was to Dan's Den. On
our arrival we were met with the terrible news that the damn rugby was not in
our favour....at the time anyway. Most of us decided to rather set up camp and
"douse the heart-ache".
It was time! Anyone for a biscuit? Andre Bester invited his favourite brothers
in law over to the Quad EastCape Presidential Suite, the tent where the committee
slept. A biscuit for Dan! The "delight" radiating from his face while devouring
his biscuit, soon attracted a crowd. This was complimented by the lovely jelly
babies served up by the ladies of the Hall family.
Then it was Dan's turn to give Leon a horing.... a true Dan's Den tradition.
BUT what do the kids get up to while the grootmense are socialising? I suppose
not much. The sweet innocent little angels were neither seen nor herd. The same
can not be said of Neil when he suddenly saw Shane.
My own son was nowhere to be seen either.....as he was covered with mud. Look
at what used to be a black bike.
Luckily the sweet water of the Karoo had a very soothing effect on me and the
dirt was all part of the fun when Marizaan decided to apply some of the mud off
my bike to my beauitiful clean person. In turn I treated any possible pimples
or blackheads which could have raised their heads in 2 years time from now. Jy
lyk pragtig my skat.
Dan played some dvd's from the past (a real blast from the past) in the bar while
patrons were enjoying lovely cold Castle Draughts on tap. Braai fires were glowing
and the whole place was festive as usual. Once again a super time.
Sunday morning found some of the people to be a bit more lethargic. Waking up Leon
and myself found frost on our kit-bags as they were standing outside. Leon spoilt
us with a Cuppuchino for wake-up coffee made on his little mini-gasstove. After
breakfast we headed back to Rocklands at a steady pace while trying to keep lengthy
stops to a mimimum. Unfortunately the bit of wind on the road blew the dust straight
into the next person's face which put a bit of a damper on the ride back.
To sum it up: all was well and ended well. The only tumble was Mr Britz who flipped
his Honda 250 on Saturday morning before we started the ride ....giggle. Thank
you very much to each and veryone who participated and made this weeekend a most
memorable one. Special thanks to Dan, Sanet, Tannie Julie and Leon.
Keep watching your mail for updates regarding important changes
regards
die vos
World of Quads Blouberg Rally - February 2008
Yep you missed out on yet another GREAT World of Quads Blouberg Rally. The school
hostel was invaded by only 6 couples on Friday evening but we made sure our presence
was felt. Andre Bester and Neil Hall were the first two to arrive and chose the
two rooms conveniently placed close to the bathrooms. Morne and Tanya experienced
some car problems, car overheating with eagerness to get to Kareedouw, and luckily
Leon was behind them to lend a helping hand. Better to put unflavored uncarbonated
water in a radiator than use the soda water which was meant for the whisky :-)
We all got there in good spirits and after unpacking swarmed upon the local pub
called Olla se Gat. Wilna had the fire going and we could immediately start braaing
after having two drinks each. Thanks for your hospitality Wilna. Do not drive
past this spot when you're in Kareedouw as you have to get to know the place where
the mayor, the post-master, the magistrate, the chief of police and the undertaker
are all enjoying something " met eish". Ask Marlene and Yolande if they will give
those "jelly babies" to their kids. Ha ha don't think so. It was already an our
into Saturday when we were back at the hostel enjoying a cuppa java. Leon was
our host and coffee master and Lappop was making sure that her "Outjie" was okay.
Saturday morning Leon greeted me with a cuppa at 06h00 and both of us had to
be very noisy before "accidentally" waking up the Halls and the Besters. The De
Lange couple also did not move too swiftly and eventually peeped out of their
burrow. We were all ready to eat breakfast at 08h00 knowing we will need the sustenance
for the day. The rest of the day's participants arrived gradually while we had
breakfast and gathered at the Kareedouw Sports grounds with the Traffic Officers
keeping an eye on proceedings. Officer Julies made sure he was noticed by first
scolding me and Wian for some people riding where they should not. At 08h50 I
greeted all in attendance and made sure everyone signed their indemnities before
we headed out. Over the hill, round the corner, through the first pile of cow
dung and then down to Melkhoutkraal. Deur die bossies, op teen die kop and into
the Suuranys road. Halt! I went ahead to the top of the mountain to check for
oncoming traffic before Wian set the people off to get some speed to the top.
Then the pace changed. It was a mellow pace with risky passes ahead. Concentrate!
Steep down to the Kouga River and then steep up again from down below. Some flat
loose road and then: Moordenaarskloof! No it is not the place where all the Political
"heroes" went to hide but they easily could have. A windy-windy road with some
more steep cliffs and plenty sharp turns. If you slowed down enough and took in
your surroundings you found that this pass was as beautiful as it was dangerous.
Through Moordenaarskloof and you get to a settlement called Nooitgedacht. My
thoughts went to my dutch speaking great-grandfather saying: Ek het nooit gedacht
een mens zal befokt genog wees dan hier te woon. Here lives rural farmers who
don't want to be bothered while growing the now popular Honeybush Tea sought by
every client of Healthshop 500. From here we went off-road over Quinton's property
into the Reserve. Breathtaking views few tourists have seen. Flowers growing as
if some "Oom en Tannie" stayed here before and just got a bit deurmekaar with
where the flowerbed should be. Here, there and everywhere flowers and even in
the pricklypears. If you missed it then you were probably chasing that nut in
front of you on his new King-Quad :-)
Up, down, through the rough stuff and now it started feeling like we are not
going to make it home before dark. It was cliffs and mountains as far as we could
see. On the left some horses and on the right some blue wildebees. We were blessed
with lovely riding weather though it was quite dusty.
Eventually we joined the Joubertskraal road and headed back to the Kouga River.
What was your excuse for being relieved? Saddle sore or hungry but everyone seemed
very happy to arrive for a now late lunch.
World of Quads our sponsor on this rally, was very well supported with a full
front row of Bombardiers of all sizes.
Back at town we immediately went to Wian's playground where we held the "timetrials".
Like in the past it was just for fun with all bikes participating....even the
ones who said : naaa not for me thanks. The ladies gave the men a good go and the
11 year old Dewald had everyone's mouths hanging open when he flew around the
track on dad's DS 650 Bombardier. It was however our Ice selling friend Roy Rebeiro
who clinched the overall top position with the fastest time around the track also
on a DS 650 Bombardier. No LTR 450' s got even close to his time :-)
And the fun did not stop at the track. Where there was just a bit of water in
the grass turned to a swamp. Mud, mud and mud! Yuck! Iceman mad sure that anyone
who got close were covered in uh, uh, uh, mud!
Saturday evening Ouboet and Jeanine treated us to once again a well prepared spitbraai. Fatigue had me stuttering a couple of times at prize giving as I was
really buggered. After a great but tiring ride none of us had strength to burn
the midnight oil and all was over by 00h00. I must admit that Kobus and Rosa who
"suffered" the previous Blouberg rally looked very fresh and strong now enjoying
the ride on their Bombardier 800 and 400 Outlanders. Money well spent guys.
Sunday morning breakfast was enjoyed in the school hostel. Some 20 bikes went
on another outride along a considerably easier route while the rest of the friends
headed home at their leisure. Three sheep got lost which had Leon and I racing
after them only to catch them at Two Streams, 20km off-course.
At 13h00 the rally was officially declared over. We were blessed with no injuries
on the weekend. This can only be contributed to everyone's co-operation and Praise
to the Lord. Thanks to all our sponsors in no order of preference:
- World of Quads - Port Elizabeth, Eric and Lasina Kaplan
- Usifast Express - Port Elizabeth, Andre Bester
- Fix-It Autoshop - Port Elizabeth, Neil and Marlene Hall
- B Shop - Kareedouw
- Kareedouw Drankwinkel - Kareedouw
- Olla se Gat - Wilna Moolman
- Total Dairy Solutions - Kareedouw, Vincent and Janette Smuts
The next calendar event will be the De Horing Rally at end of April so book that
date.
Quaddingly yours
Die Vos
Pictures on photo Gallery
Quad-EastCape en Food 4 Africa in die Wildekus - Nov 2007
Waar is daai buurman nou wat so maklik na die quad ryers as varke verwys? Quad-EastCape het
die afgelope naweek, 17-18 November 2007, weer eens bewys dat ons nie net maniere
het nie maar ook goeie harte. Ons het hande gevat met 'n liefdadigheids organisasie
genaamd Food 4 Africa om 450 pare nuwe skoene na minder bevoorregtes te versprei
in die onherbergsame heuwels van die Wildekus. Wat? 450 pare skoene? Okay, dit
is al waarvoor ons plek gehad het. Ek moet seker by se dat dit sagte seilskone
is wat baie kompak is. Om hierdie verdienstelike saak te ondersteun het Flippie
de Kock van Outdoor Warehouse 'n t-hemp en 'n paar lekker sagte sokkies geskenk
aan elke ryer van die groep. Dit het nie hier opgehou nie. Sach Pillay van Auto-Motorcycles
Walmer het geld bewillig om Food-4-Africa se embleem op die hemde te laat druk. Dit
is mos nou ondersteuning.
Saterdag-oggend 09h00 was ons almal bymekaar by die mond van die Keirivier betyds
om saam met "Franky" op sy pont die rivier oor te steek.
14 fietse het die rivier gekruis en om 09h30 het die vlag van Quad-EastCape vir
die eerste keer in die Transkei gewapper. Die eerste 2 km was gewone grondpad
voordat die eerste keer afgedraai is op 'n vee-paadjie wat die klowe in kronkel.
Die Transkei is 'n sensitiewe area wat breed bewoon word deur Xhosas wie se vee
nie deur heinings ingeperk word nie. Paadjies loop kris-kras deur die veld en
dit is maklik om skielik in 'n plaaslike bewoner se groenteland op te eindig.
Om wrywing met die inwoners te voorkom is besluit om die begeleiding van Team
Bushpig van Oos-Londen in te roep. Gerry Sutherland en sy ryers weet waar dit
veilig is om te ry in die Wildekus terwyl Bill die Xhosa taal met gemak besig.
Bill het ons gou gelei tot by die eerste nedersetting naby die Gxara rivier waar
menige klein handjies met opgewondenheid hul skoentjies ontvang het.
Die vreugde van hierdie minder-bevoorregte kinders was duidelik sigbaar. Toe
'n gulsige een egter nog 'n paar skoene wou gaps het een van die swart volwassenes
hom vinnig 'n hou met 'n lat op die mond gegee. Mmm, dan se hulle ek mag nie eens
hierdie twee stoutgatte van my se sitvlakke warm maak nie. In elk geval, na 'n
tydjie is ons vort deur 'n verskeidenheid van kort beweide vlaktes, rowwe rivierbeddings
en erosie slote asook lang gras teen styl heuwels.
Meeste van ons het dit rustige geneem maar Janette se opgewondenheid het die
oorhand op haar duim gekry en hier kom sy wiele in die lug deur die gras die bult
op met haar Kymco 300. Die roetes was beslis in meeste plekke nie begaanbaar vir
die gewone viertrek voertuig nie en klein informele nedersettings is elke paar
kilometer besoek totdat meeste van die skoene versprei is. Al die pad het Leon
Landman agter gery om seker te maak dat almal suksesvol deur al die hindernisse
kom. Hier is hy te sien op sy Vinson 500 met 'n wit apie wat vir lewe-en-dood
klou bo op sy geel vlagstokkie.
Die natuurskoon is onvergeetlik en geen twee rivierkruising was dieselfde nie. Hier
volg Mr McCow vir Mev McCow deur die water tussen die riete.
Die roete het gereeld naby die kuslyn gekom waar ons bederf is met asemrowende
uitsigte. Die Wildekus is bekend vir skeepswrakke en daar is noodgedwone gestop
by die oorblyfsels van die Jacaranda wat glo in die sewentigerjare hier op die
rotse geloop het. Let wel dat geen voertuie op die strande van selfs die Transkei
toegelaat word nie en besoekers aan die area moet hierdie wrakke te voet van naderby
beskou.
Daar was nog 'n hele ent voor tot by Mazeppa Baai waar ons sou oornag en na middag-ete
by die wrak is ons verder met sandpaadjies tussen pagtige tropiese palms deur.
Klowe hou nooit op nie en Andre Bester van Usifast Express is hier te sien waar
hy en sy passasier die helling met gemak op sy 700cc KingQuad uit klouter.
By Mazeppa Baai aangekom is ons begroet deur Vanessa Acton, een van die eienaars
van die hotel en elkeen se kamer uitgewys. Die verblyf was skoon en gerieflik
en omring deur 'n lushof van palms en varings. Net wat nodig was na 'n genotvolle
dog uitputtende rit. Aandete was 'n lieflike vyfgang maal en en sommer so oor
ete is die grootste veskeidenhied van grappe gehoor tussen prawns en gesnyde beesvleis
deur. Op 'n kol het Mrs McCow melding gemaak van die arme boer se windpomp wat
weg gevlieg het en selfs die tafels langs ons het geskater van die lag.
Sondag oggend om 08h00 is 'n buffet oggend-ete genuttig waarna al 14 quads die
terug pad aangedurf het. Ek eht die joghurt en vruggies eerder oorgeslaan en 2
rondtes spek en eier geeet. Man moet mos kos in jou maag he vir die pad terug.
Hier en daar 'n afwyking van die vorige dag se roete om nog die laaste pare skoene
uit te deel. Heuwels, rivier, see en quads. Bestandele vir 'n idilliese oomblik.
Omdat hier nie oral paaie is nie gebeur dit maklik dat jy nie 100% op gister
se spoor terug keer nie. So kan 'n mens'n foto neem van gister en vandag tesame.
Ter opsomming: 'n MOERSE lekker rit, MOERSE lekker gebly, MOERSE lekker gekuier.
'n Woordjie van aanmaningegter: moenie die Transkei in sonder iemand wat weet
waarheen of wat kan help nie. Klowe en rivierkruisings gaan jou laat lelik praat
en baie sweet verloor. Wees gereed om maar op 'n paar plekkies super versigtig
te wees.
groete
die vos
Blouberg Rally -October 2007
Friday afternoon 5 October and a two handfuls of us leave PE for Kareedouw. My
donkey (Isuzu 250D) is normally the topic for many jokes so I left a bit before
the rest of the speedfreaks. It was just 9 minutes and 33 seconds after seven
o'clock when the convoy stopped outside Ouboet's yard, the man still putting some
finishing touches to the brand new Lenco Buffalo. Ouboet's heart still pumping
strong with the bright green of his late KFX 700, sprayed some of it on the newly
manufactured Lenco Buffalo. Cool but will those air-plane tires get anywhere tomorrow?
We dropped a parcel for Kobie and headed off to the hostel to check in with MATRONE.
First inspection of the fire-extinguisher unfortunately established that we will
NOT be putting out any fires in that loooong corridor. Damn! They told us we will
have beds but instead each room had four hammocks. We were too dik and fat for
those beds so the mattresses ended up on the floor instead. Then it was time to
study the corridor with care before venturing into the buzz of the city KAREEDOUW.
We warned MATRONE about Juan being on his way all the way from Kirkwood at which
she replied: laat die seun maar kom. Little did she know. But anyway we upped
and with beverage in one hand and meat in the other we set our sights straight
on Olla se Gat. If ever you are in Kareedouw don't leave town without popping
in to Olla and enjoy a refreshing one. Friendly people, good music, hospitality
of note with the braai fire quickly lit so we can get something between the ribs. We
could not eat on an empty tummy so we enjoyed the odd drink. Barend and Leon were
in the mood to dance but the ladies just wanted to play darts :-) Leon, being
a plumber, ordered a couple of "Soweto Longdrops". We did not see this girl the
next day but she surely did not take too long to drop after having a longdrop :-)
Saturday morning and the rest of the attendants arrived from 07h30. We sat down
to a quick breakfast while waiting for the hour of nine.
Just after 9 o'clock 29 of us headed off to Wian de Jager's farm, over the 1st
river and up against the mountainside through the trees. A quick speed section winding
up the mountain took us to the Suuranys road. Then it was an easy farm road for
a while before we got to the 1st pass. Concentrate and take it easy when going
through here. Narrow road, sharp corners, loose gravel, high cliffs and there
are no barriers. The slow speed allowed one to have a quick look here and there
and see the Kougarivier curling through the kloof.
Then on to Nooitgedacht. Up the one hill down the other. Nothing hectic but keep
your eyes on the road.
Nooitgedacht? Well I can understand why the Dutch gave the place such a name:
Ek heb nooit gedacht daar ben zulke befokte diepe klofe daar binne. The previous
pass was nothing. Moordenaarskloof is one of the most beautiful roads / passes
I have ever ridden. It led us into even more unspoilt territory. We got authorisation
to go into Parksboard controlled area and were spoilt with countless fantastic
sights. Rock formations, cycads, trees growing in and against rocks, fynbos and
flowers that I do not even know the english names of. I cannot wait for next year
to go back there.
But every successful trip must have its events to add finer detail. James Nunes
brought his ex-gauteng Bomb Baja down to the Eastern Cape about 2 years ago. The
poor bike had to stand for all this time and to take revenge chose to break a
knuckle right up there in the mountain. Roy Reibero 1st towed the cripple Baja
up the hill with his Bruteforce before it was tied front wheels in the air onto
the back of the Lenco Buffalo.
The Lenco Buffalo is the product from the hands of Mr Len Nell jnr of Kareedouw.
He is also known as Ouboet and as usual was on hand to help out else the Bomb
would have spent a night or 2 in the mountain. With wheels spinning and dust flying
the Buffalo towed the Bomb to safety even though James sometimes had to hold on
for dear life while sitting on the nose of the Buffalo to get traction on those
slicks. Originally built to carry coolboxes it seems like it will have to make
space for toolboxes as well Ouboet. Thanks again for your help. You are a friend
in need and a friend in deed.
All the spinning did have a price however. On the way back just about 10 kms
shy of town the Buffalo's thirst set in and brought it to a slow stop against
a mean mother of a hill. I think when we called Roy up to the plate he thought
these people were mad. He did not know that Ouboet hand-raised the first Bruteforce
in Kareedouw and knew what it could do. Gooi 4x4 and low range on that Bruteforce
and pull the Buffalo with 2 people and a Bomb tied to the back up the hill. Believe
me it was so impressive that even Roy was shocked. Please note when this picture
was taken it was already when the going got easy.
Almost home and we stopped at the riverbed for late lunch and some fun. Timetrials
were held for all classes present with medals sponsored by Auto Motorcycles Walmer.
Our youngest competitor was Debbie de Jager aged 8 who took 2 nd place for the
juniors. Baie geluk meisiekind.
The evening saw us sitting down to a lovely braai with salads and bread galore.
The spitbraai had to be changed to a braai when suddenly the weather turned bad
on us. Oortjies arrived almost legless but keeping safety first with helmet on
head sporting a huge smile.
After supper The Evil Kanievil of Kirkwood entertained us with some teatrolly
aerobatics.
Sunday morning the poor weather had some guys rather sleep in instead of taking
another ride which looked to be very wet. 7 bikes left in the rain and after 3
kms we found the weather clearing up behind the mountain. We rode 104 kms without
any rain and believe me: it started raining again 3kms from town. The route was
an alternative one and lent itself to a bit higher average speed.
The weekend was a great success and you missed out if you were not there. Thank
you very much to:
-
Wian de Jager for setting the route and negotiating with relevant parties
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Marlouise the MATRONE for making us feel most welcome and treating us great
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Kobie for the music
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Leon Landman for always trailing behind and checking all is okay.
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Ouboet for your help with the breakdown
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and of cause all participants for your co-operation
The details for the upcoming Horing Rally will follow in 24 hrs.
Ride safe
die vos
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