Lambert’s Bay Overnighter [5-6 March 2022]
This is by far my favorite trip to do with the BMW Club. It is a great kick off for the year and sets the trend not only for routes and riding but for friendships and good food.
This time, we however didn’t do it on the famous black BMW800GS, which has become Carel’s trademark on the road, but on his new baby, a blood red BMW800GSA, we will call her the Red Phoenix from now on. (Raise your eyebrows, if you want, but we all know that baby standing in your garage also has a name!)
We also decided to join the tar toads 😊, instead of the dirt donkeys this time. A relaxing afternoon at the Lambertsbay hotel in high temperatures sounded a lot more attractive than loose sand in a hot helmet. No, we are not getting old!
We met Ian and the group at the Engen Swartland, and after a quick hello and route plan we hit the road towards Philadelphia and then towards Klipheuwel. The morning had beautiful clean air. Helmet time is still great medicine for any illness you currently have.
Towards Malmesbury and onwards through Riebeeck kasteel and Riebeek West. We made our way towards Veldrif. For some a petrol stop was necessary, for others some H2O did the trick.
Next stop was Deli on Main in Dwarskersbos.
We all quickly found our seats in this little restaurant and ordered something cold. The service was excellent. Carel and I have lots of fond memories of Dwarskersbos, as we have kind of made this town our own since our Mini-Moon 3 years ago. The restaurant offered very good service, the quality was amazing, and we got free dessert, milktart rolls as a gesture to thank us for our visit. Once again, you kind of glance back in your mind to the side effects that C19 have had on local businesses and see the need and want to support our own. But let me not give that terrible word any further airtime. 2 years down the line and we are still here, healthy and riding in fresh air again!
We were on the road again. The temperature started to drop, and it was refreshing riding on the coastline, along Elandsbay. We arrived in Lambertsbay soon after that. Helmet in hand, bags over the shoulder we descended on the receptionist.
After a few cold ones, some napped and some just accidentally glued their bike pants to the bar seat for another few, while the brave embraced the swimming pool.
As always, our mini van collected us for our dinner at Muisboskerm.
This venue, setting and menu never disappoints. You always end up eating too much, drinking too much, and laughing even more.
Sitting that night at the table amongst riders that have become friends. I thought to myself. I have probably been part of the club for about 5 years now and seeing these familiar faces on these trips is like a family reunion with the cousins, Aunts and Uncles that you only ever see on special occasions. It’s lekker!
So, we have that BMW badge on our clothes and bikes, so what?
It’s the camaraderie of the group that makes the badge worth wearing.
After a wonderful evening at Muisboskerm. The minibus convoyed us all back to the hotel. The Die-Hard’s stumbled in a bit later, as usual.
We all met at breakfast the next morning. Some rider’s eyes looked smaller than the day before. Must be all that dust on the dirt road? (Cough)
We departed soon after, toads and donkeys together. We said our final goodbyes at Velddrif petrol station. Jandre and his nephew joined us for one more waterhole stop at the Plaasmol near Hopefield. This is another Padstal that is worth the visit. On Sunday’s they have live bands and craft markets and a decent ‘’refreshment station’’.
Glad to kick of 2022 with this one. The muscles are stretched now. Let’s keep them loose.
Alphabet run 