So due to the Winter Rally in Oudtshoorn with a lot of our chapter attending we decided to do a lunch ride the week before the normal and there were 11 intrepid souls that met on Sun 20 Aug for a lunch ride. Fortunately no rain but very cold. Great venue with a great lunch. On the return journey some of us stopped for the traditional pink milkshakes.....good ride!
Summer is near…yet so far!
Our ride on Sunday started wet and cold following a taste of summer the week before…but alas! The clement weather did not deter the brave riders from our Free Chapter and we had a really fantastic turnout of twenty-one riders… that is if we can include the three trikes as legitimate riders? The ride took us through the lovely countryside of the Swartland and with the yellow-green Canola fields stretching from horizon to horizon, we soon forgot the weather. The breakfast venue chosen by Glynda was also a winner. Stuck hallway up the Bothmanskloof Pass, the 8 Feet restaurant offers stunning views overlooking the lush Riebeek Valley and the picturesque town of Riebeek Kasteel. The breakfast menu also did not disappoint with many in the group braving the breakfast pizza’s – basically a pizza with two fried eggs and some bacon on top – weird but delicious I was told.
Much to Bruce’s delight, the pack stayed together (well, mostly so…) for the ride home. The Somerset West clan peeled off at the N1, so I cannot vouch for the possibility of the rest stopping for pink milkshakes but even if not, it was great to stay in a pack and well worth it as with the improved weather and equally nice countryside past Hermon was a fitting end to a really great ride. Stay safe all and do not despair about what feels like a really lengthy Cape winter – this too shall pass!
What happens in Barrydale stays in Barrydale…
What a magnificent turnout of support from our Chapter! I was going to rub in the FOMO factor but alas, I do not think there were many that did not make it. We certainly dominated the event in numbers and probably in party spirit too. Harleydale, the Sequel 2023 was a two-nighter this year and started on Friday in the beer garden of the Karoo Art Hotel with some good music and even some entertainment by the drummies from the local old age home. The weather was perfect and allowed us to have a relaxed and hearty catchup with our Free Chapter mates. Later we retired in two groups for dinner at the local restaurants… Bags led the better-behaved team to some great French dining while Bruce accompanied the hooligan crowd to the local Bisto where things started civilized but ended up less so after many rounds of shooters – but enough said… whatever happened in the Bistro will stay in the Bistro!
The highlight of day two was the mass ride from Ronnie’s Sex Shop and again, the turnout was great. I did not count but there must have been well over 200 Harleys roaring into town, guided by a Rolls Royce with our very own Queen Lisa waving royally to the local peasants from the back seat. More music and beer in the afternoon followed by yet again, a great dinner at the Karroo Daisy Restaurant… this time as a single large group and much better behaved.
I guess the lowlight of the weekend was the loss of the Springboks to the All Blacks but for those who overcame their babalas from the night before to meet for the game at the local pub, the good breakfast and welcome coffee (not possible at our B&B’s due to load shedding) made up for the disappointment of the game.
The Harleydale event should become an annual institution for our Chapter and hopefully next year even the few FOMO candidates can join in the fun and camaraderie. See you all next year!!!
Sunday’s Lunch Ride - The Cape Doctor Versus the Harley Bunch
This winter is particularly determined to keep bike riders at home but as our bunch of hardy members proved again on Sunday (25th of June), that not even a Black Southeaster whipping on both the Atlantic and the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, is going to put us off. Mr Mike carefully chose a route via Camps Bay and then over the scenic Constantia Neck to keep us shielded from the worst that nature can throw at us. As always, the winding route over the mountain at Ou Kaapse Weg was also a treat with all the beautiful Fynbos and spectacular views. Descending into Simonstown was a bit more hairy with all our heads bobbing in the strong headwind. Lunch at the Black Marlin also brought some unexpected entertainment when a determined baboon decided to enter the restaurant and join some overseas visitors for lunch – nothing that a fearless car-guard with a sjambok could not sort out… Once again, thanks to those who made it to the ride.
Sunday Ride – Gorillas in the Mist
The ride on Sunday the 10th of June commenced with an early, cold and damp meeting at the Engen on the N7. Some of us had to leave before sunrise for the 8am get together and thus did not really know what the weather was planning to do. A few smidges of sunlight as the sun rose over the mountains promised of a nice day but our hopes were quickly dashed by the thick layer of mist moving in from the Cold Benguela Current. With the roars of our Harleys somewhat muted by the mist, we braved the way north to Darling. Evita se Perron was a nice little cultural walk back down the memory lane of the previous political era… The hot coffees were most welcome and food was good too. Soon we were on our way again, everyone scattering in different directions much to Bruce’s dismay. (We really should all try and support his call to do the return rides as a group too) But all in all, a most enjoyable outing!
Lunch Ride to Kleinmond on Sunday, the 28th of May
The Cape winter weather is not for the feint-hearted and is mostly not favourable to us weekend warriors on our Harleys. But now and then, the weather gods have mercy and they were particularly kind to us on Sunday. Following some miserable cold and raining days, we woke up to a lovely sunny Sunday… ideal for a memorable lunch ride with friends. We had a good turnout given that some of our brethren are gallivanting through France. Mr Mike and his marshals led our pack up and over Sir Lowrey’s Pass and through the Grabouw area to Kleinmond for a beautiful ride. The destination in Kleinmond, the Sandown Blues, was also a perfect choice! The way home via the picturesque Clarens Drive was a fitting end to a very enjoyable day. As a cherry on the cake, on the way home we made a pitstop at The Pitstop for some pink milkshakes. (The Pitstop is also a definite potential future Sunday ride destination – Glynda, take note) Till next time then…
Lunch ride – Sunday 30 April 2023
Seven of us gathered at one of our usual staring points – the Total garage on the R27 for our ride to Dockside Café & Lounge, Langebaan.
We were very warmly welcomed by Anna-Marie JC le Roux who has owned the restaurant for 19 years and seen it grow from small beginnings of about 20 tables to 120 tables now. Business must be thriving as the restaurant was chock-a-block full over what was a long weekend.
Cape Town weather was kind to us with a most stunningly beautiful day and it was a lovely sight to see the small harbour full of sailing yachts and a few motor cruisers. There were also folk going out on a yacht for a harbour cruise as well as the large motor catamaran taking folk out for a trip around the lagoon.
The meal was delicious and well worth the 270km ride for lunch – some of us who live in the far reaches of the southern suburbs did more kms. On our return journey via the R45, Hopefield route, we had to detour round a truck and trailer that had jack-knifed across the road – a serious accident with the cab in the ditch on one side of the road. Only bikes could get through (a bit of a struggle for the trike though!) and cars had to make use of a dirt road detour.
A lovely day – many thanks to Marianna and Armelle for organizing the ride. Gideon was taking the lead of the pack and have done an excellent job.
Breakfast Ride to “The Marmalade Cat” Darling
16 April 2023
It was a chilly start to the day as I made my way to our meeting point at the Total Garage West Coast, and the heated grips had their first work out of the year 😊!
We had 18 members who met at the garage including Mandy on her first ride with the Chapter as a pillion!!
As we left the garage the sun was shining and warming up nicely with no wind and we made our way up the West Coast Road with the big v twins purring away as we ate up the kms.
At Yzerfontein we turned right and headed straight towards Darling and our venue the Marmalade cat. After safely parking our bikes, we were seated outside in their nice sunny courtyard.
The very efficient staff were quick to take our drink and food orders as they were trying to beat the load shedding ☹ My full breakfast was delicious I must say, and the coffee was also very nice.
After breakfast some of our members stayed for some retail therapy, others made their own way home, the remainder made their way back to Cape Town via Malmesbury and the N7 and I made my way back to SW via Stellenbosch.
Thanks to the marshals for getting us there safely and to Marianna and Armelle for the great venue.
Ivor Wills
LUNCH RIDE TO “FISHERMANS GARDEN” KOMMETJIE
26 MARCH 2023
For our last ride for March we had 10 members who met us at our meeting point at the Greek Club. Malcolm met us at the venue because (he lives just down the road 😊!) as well as Patsy and Mandy.
It was a slow ride for us as we made our way through Sea point, Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay. We then made our way up and over Constantia Nek, towards Constantia, and then up and over Ou Kaapse Weg to Kommetjie.
We all made our way safely to the venue, parked our bikes and met Malcolm who had made the long trip from Simons Town to Kommetjie 😊
When we arrived, the venue was basically empty but when we left the venue was buzzing with all the locals enjoying a sunny lunchtime with chilled music. I was tempted to stay if I wasn’t on the bike as the draught beer looked delicious 😊!
After lunch some of us made our own way home whilst the rest of us rode back over Ou Kaapse Weg and home.
Thanks to the marshals for getting us there safely and to Armelle for choosing the great venue!
Just a note to the fine’s mistress Liza 😊- Sean forgot his colours when we met at the Greek Club and phoned his dear wife to bring them for him 😊 (that’s service !)
Ivor Wills.
FCCT lunch ride to Shark Bay Hotel Langebaan
26 February 2023
My ride to our meeting point at the Total Garage Melkbos was somewhat wind assisted and I knew it would be a different story on our return journey 😊.
It was a low turnout for a lunch ride with only 12 members meeting up at the venue. Due to load shedding at our prospective destination, and hence a limited menu available (what no chips!!!!), we were undecided as to whether to go, or head off to an alternative venue, but after discussing it amongst ourselves we decided to stick to the Shark Bay Hotel.
Due to work commitments Kevin & Vani and Bob & Selina only joined us for part of the ride so when we arrived at our destination, we were down to 8 members!
After safely parking our bikes, we were warmly greeted by the manager and shown to our rather large table with a stunning view of the lagoon!
Despite the load shedding the menu choice was varied, but with no chips, eisbein, fried fish and calamari possible, Mr Mike and I chose a rather healthy grilled chicken salad 😊, Bags, Noel and Armelle went for the veggie curry, Liza the pan-fried fish and salad, Tipi the pasta and Donovan a burger.
I must say all the food and the service was first class and we will definitely be back . After lunch and a photo shoot on the balcony it was time to face the wind 😊, and boy was it windy - with a strong head wind I could see my fuel gauge dropping as I made my way back to the ‘West!
Thanks to Mr Mike, who was on Riana’s small bike due to his puncture, and Liza for getting us there safely and to Armelle for all the last minute venue arrangements.
Ivor Wills.
ROUTE 62 RALLY 2023
AVALON SPRINGS HOTEL 9-12 FEBRUARY
Well, after a break of 2 years due to the Covid restrictions, the Route 62 Rally was back with a bang and bigger and better than ever ! This was the 15th year of the Route 62 Rally and judging by the number of early registrations the Harley fraternity had certainly missed the biggest Harley only rally in Africa.
The Avalon Springs Hotel had just finished a revamp of all the external areas, including all new pools and landscaping, and it is a big improvement.We started our set up early on Tuesday the 7th and by Wednesday evening the 8th we were ready to welcome nearly 700 Harley riders from all over SA , Namibia and even France & Germany. We must thank all the staff at the hotel who helped us with the set up and made the event possible.The rally started with a pool party on the Thursday night with music by Sean, our DJ (and he can sing!), while we all relaxed in the pools with something cold. Friday morning at 7am it was time for the traditional wake up of Thunder Struck to get us all in the mood 😊Our mystery outride took us out to Swellendam and then up and over the picturesque Tradouw pass and on to Barrydale for some refreshments, and then back to the rally site.Friday night was party night with music from Tuxedo and the Klawer Sisters which certainly got everyone in the party mood as they danced the night away. The hotel served pasta to those people who had bought tickets, or there was delicious food on offer from the Grumpy Greek or some delicious curry, rice and samoosas.Saturday morning there were some sore heads as people started to surface after a heavy night with some looking worse than others 😊! Saturday morning is always the highlight for the townsfolk as we have our mass ride through the town. This year, despite the sweltering 41 deg temps, it was well supported by our riders and the people of Montagu came out in numbers to greet us.After the mass ride and a swim in the cold pool it was time for the Harley games and Karoo Bike Show which is always popular. The men were outclassed in the Harley games with 2 female riders from Namibia taking all the prizes and the bike show was very well supported with some beautiful Harleys on display .Saturday night it was time for the hotel to serve their buffet style meal which was delicious! It can’t have been easy to serve nearly 700 people but they pulled it off. After supper it was speech time, prize giving and the raffle draw with some superb prizes up for grabs. I must congratulate those lady members who did such a great job selling the raffle tickets, and to our charity officer Lisa and her daughter Nicci who ran our FCCT stall for the weekend. Once the final figures are in we will communicate to the members how much we will be able to spend on our charitable causes in the Montagu area.On Sunday morning a lot of the riders from up country started heading home bright and early. Most of the team and some other FCCT members were also early birds, packing up the rally site, and with the help of the hotel staff too we were all packed up by lunchtime and ready to head home! 😊Congrats to all involved in making this such a successful rally!
LUNCH RIDE TO SEAFORTH RESTAURANT
SIMONSTOWN 29 JANUARY 2023
For our first ride of 2023 the Cape Doctor was in fine form as I made my way, “wind assisted”, to Cape Town. The wind abated slightly as I arrived at the Greek Club and we had 16 hardy members for the ride, as well as Barry Katz, who we picked up on Chappies, and Enid and Alan who met us at the venue.Our head road captain was unavailable so our “Hoof Meisie” Liza was upfront. It was a beautiful sunny day as we made our way through Sea Point, Camps Bay and Houtbay to the picturesque Chapmans Peak drive.After paying our fees, which was quite tricky for some as their money was blown out of their hand (Lynn) 😊, we made our way up the Drive and stopped for a photo call with the beautiful Houtbay as a backdrop. We continued our ride up and over Chappies, on through Noordhoek, Ocean View and then back towards Misty Cliffs, Scarborough and Cape Point The wind had picked up slightly with the odd gust to keep us awake but the big v-twins handled it with ease. We all made it safely to Simons Town and into the venue. The restaurant was buzzing with tourists when we arrived and I must say the service and the food was excellent.After saying our goodbyes it was time to make our way back home. Unfortunately someone left their lights on and had to be jump started (Paul Wiesenberg 😊) Take note fine’s master !Our return route was up and over Ou Kaapse Weg and then we all went our separate ways. Thanks to Marianna and Armelle for another excellent venue and to Liza for getting us there safely.Ivor Wills.
Captain’s Ride at Cape Winelands Business Villas
Sunday 15 January The FCCT new year started with a bang as we gathered for our annual “Captain’s Ride” hosted by our very own Road Captain, Mr Mike, and his assistant Riana 😊. The venue was at the Cape Winelands Business Villas owned by Riana’s son, and what a nice venue it was, with its lush green lawns, a sparkling pool and plenty of shade under the trees, umbrellas and Bedouin tents as well as in the indoor bar area.
The food for the day was a delicious lamb on the spit and chicken on the braai as well as roast potatoes, pasta salad, green salad, garlic bread and roosterkoeok (yum) followed by malva pudding and custard, with a flower on top 😊! There was a cash bar available for those who didn’t bring their own. I was DD for the day, so it was alcohol free for me which wasn’t nice ☹ although good job I did as we came across a road block as we turned off the N1! It was nice to catch up with everyone after the holidays and swop a few stories. Thanks to Mr Mike & Riana for all their hard work, and to Roeloff for letting us use his beautiful venue.
Year-End Function - Shelley Point
The highlight of the year for our FCCT family was our year end function which was held at the luxurious Shelley Point Hotel & Spa in St Helena Bay. The weather forecast was good for our ride to the venue although it was a little windy, but most of our ride was actually wind assisted from behind us.
Our meeting point was the Total garage in Melkbos, and we had a good turnout of bikes and a few members in cages for various reasons 😊 After a quick coffee and some scones it was time to put the stands up and head out onto the West Coast Road.
Our lunch stop was the Engen Wimpy at the Langebaan turning, for some good old junk food to line our stomachs before the party 😊. We all parked our bikes safely at the garage, apart from Lynn Stols, who is unfortunately the new holder of the “Shit Happens Cup” after horizontally parking her bike.
After lunch it was time to continue our journey up the West Coast to St Helena Bay. Our head road captain was a bit unsure of directions as we neared the venue, but Jan Palm was on hand to lead us the last part of the journey through Stompneus bay to St Helena.
We all made it safely to the venue and we were joined by a few more members so we were 40 strong. I must admit the rooms and the amenities at the hotel were superb and I couldn’t fault anything, and after checking in to our rooms some of us headed to the bar to quench our thirsts and enjoy some snacks.
After a few more beers it was time to freshen up for the evening function, the format for which was a buffet style dinner with various offerings of fish, salad, breads, meat and veggies followed by delicious desserts. During the evening meal the fines master was out to make as much money as possible for charity 😊. Some of our members had to open their wallets for various indiscretions throughout the year which had been noted by our Hoof Meisie and fines master Liza 😊 . Thereafter our charity officer, Lisa, raffled off some awesome prizes which had been either donated or purchased by the chapter. The recipients of the prizes were Sean, Armelle, Riana and our Director himself! A total of R5300 was raised towards next year’s charity coffers. Thank you all!!
After a delicious supper, we all relaxed and listened to DJ Kevin and his boombox until it was bedtime for most of us, apart from some people who couldn’t even find their room (Mr. Mike)
Breakfast was bright and early from 07h30 so myself and Lisa quickly went to find our charity venue and then made our way for back for breakfast which was a delicious buffet style, with a choice of fresh fruits, cereals, juices and the traditional eggs, bacon and various other delicious offerings.
After breakfast, before we headed home, we made our way to our charity handover which was organized by Lisa. The kid’s charity for this year was “Die Sardyntjies Dagsorg“ in Stompneus Bay. This facility is owned and run by Jo-Ann, and she was so overwhelmed by our generosity as we arrived armed with a present for every child at the school which will be handed out at their Christmas party this coming Friday. Please follow them on Facebook to see the amazing work they do and have a look at the pictures and video on the FCCT Facebook page.
It was then time to head home as a group, via the same West Coast Road, with the wind against us this time, but much lighter than Saturday’s wind. Thanks to Marianna and Armelle for another great venue and to the marshals for getting us there safely.
Wishing all our members a peaceful holiday period and we look forward to another great year with great rides and great friends.
Ivor Wills
Editor.
Red Cross Childrens Hospital Christmas Party
On Friday 25th some total of 30 odd Harleys from all clubs gathered on Rondebosch Common for the annual kiddies ride. Free Chapter was well represented and were asked to marshal the ride to the hospital cancer unit. We arrived en mass and with a few of the riders including Bob took some of the kiddies for rides around the parking lot. Thereafter we joined the kids for a Xmas party on the lawn were presents donated by the bikers as well as goodies to eat and drink, were handed out to each child.
This was once again one of those “Feel Good’ moments. We will be back next year.
Annual Memorial Ride - Shunting Shed, Bot River
Once again, the weather gods were smiling on FCCT as the weather forecast for the day was perfect for riding our memorial ride to the “Shunting Shed “at Bot River.
As this was a lunch ride, we took the scenic route and our meeting place was the Engen N1. It was nice to see the ride well supported with 23 people meeting up at the starting point and a further 7 people meeting at the venue.
After a short briefing we headed out onto the N1 and then off at Butterfly World towards Stellenbosch. We then took a left turn and headed up and over Helshoogte Pass towards Drakenstein, turned right onto the R45 and made our way towards Franschhoek and then up and over the beautiful Franschhoek Pass. We stopped on the Theewaterskloof dam bridge for a photo and video shoot by our photographer for the day, Kevin 😊.
Time was marching on, so we had to cancel our coffee stop and head straight to Grabouw and the N2 via the picturesque Elgin Valley. We all made it up and over the Viljoen’s Pass and safely onto the N2 and then over another pass, the Houhoek Pass, 4 passes in 1 day 😊!
We all arrived safely at the Shunting Shed and parked our rolling stock in the siding next to the railway track.
I must say the venue is a very interesting place with all sorts of railway memorabilia from days gone by. After settling into our tables etc., Gideon said a few words as we remembered those brothers and sisters we have lost over the years and then observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
We ordered some drinks and then the food, table by table, but I think 30 people arriving as well as the other patrons took them by surprise as the food started arriving very slowly for some people - I could hear Mr Mikes tummy rumbling on the next table 😊! The food, when it arrived, was very tasty and I couldn’t fault anything.
As time was marching on some of our members made their way home soon after lunch with the remaining members riding back as a group via the N2 to Cape Town.
Thanks to the marshalls for getting us all there safely and to Marianna and Armelle for yet another superb venue. Congratulations must also go to “Bags “for negotiating 4 passes in 1 day perfectly, although he did say he would need a change of underwear 😊 !
Ivor Wills.
Editor.
