Day 3

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Just completed our 2nd day's riding and it was a cracker.

Started off last of the group (as usual), and again the temperature was chilly, around 10°C. The BMW Rally suit is coming into its own, with the thermal inserts I would not have believed I would need in Africa. Typical uneducated northern viewpoint I suppose.

We head out of town following our GPS route and chatting away, passing John and Su and the support trucks. After a little while I notice the route today is coloured yellow, whereas yesterday it was purple. No, wait. It turns out I missed a turn 10 mins ago, so we double back. 15 minutes later, we pass John and Su again. No harm done.

A beautiful off road day with some major climbs and dramatic vistas. Looking back from the mountains to Franschhoek was amazing and then we were over them and on our way to Cederberg for lunch. The flowers were out in force, and we also passed a troupe of fairly belligerent baboons.

At lunch, after a very nice burger, we were chatting to a couple of guys riding new KTM 1190 Adventures. They mentioned that the next section was hard but doable (the pass to Woopertarl) although up to that moment I was going to go the easier route. The KTM guy said he had done it two up with his wife...so we went for it.

To be fair, John had said it was hard, but he has to so there are no come-backs for those who get caught out. It actually was well within my abilities on a lightweight KTM...on my own...but the big beemer and the unpredictable passenger spiced things up considerably! Two small "offs", but no damage and some great memories. The amusement started as we exited a puddle to soft sand, wiggled to a stop and overbalanced. Next one was more comical - Charley and Billie were waiting by the next large puddle(more a small lake really) to make sure we survived it. Pam elected to dismount without telling me whilst I was stationary and we ended in a heap again. Much merriment at our expense but we had a perfectly good ride.

We went through rock formations that could only be described as "Flintstonesque" and stopped at a very nice little place for cream scones and tea at 4:30 - will find out its name and repost. Finally on to Clanwilliam by road.Now having a quick beer before dinner, listening to Billie play the harmonica passably well!

Manjana.

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