Today started fairly relaxed with a sleep in, then a late home made brunch before we got on the bikes. We haven’t done a day trip in a while and the open road beckoned. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and although autumn is in the air, it was a pleasant 27°C with no wind. I love this time of year in Cape Town. It’s the last remnants of summer without the relentless South Easter. I heard such a great Afrikaans word for the South Easter yesterday which describes exactly the way we feel after it’s been blowing for days on end. “Dikbek wind”, which translates as “sulking wind” but it’s not as expressive as the Afrikaans word.

I’m digressing here and should get to our trip. I had no direction in mind and just wanted to ride. As JC filled Stoof’s tank I said you lead; I’ll follow and off we went direction North on the N1 towards Paarl. We took the R44 off-ramp towards Wellington and then Main Street until we got to the R45 towards Paarl. All the vineyards are donning their autumn colours with yellow and purple vine leaves. The stately old oakes in Paarl are also starting to colour into the dark green that signals a change in season. We drove through town admiring the old homes with big “erven” towards Franschhoek. 

In Franschhoek we stopped for a drink but decided not to have something to eat which was not a great decision as we both we very hungry an hour or so later but then we were on a gravel road with no shops. We headed up Franschhoek pass and did a quick stop at La Petit Ferme for the view. 

Up and over the pass and past the Theewaterskloofdam. At the t-junction of the R321 we turned towards Grabouw but just after the bridge we turned left on a gravel road towards Botrivier. The first 3km’s of that road brought back memories. It was the first piece of gravel road I rode when I bought my first BMW. It was also in March and my brother rode the Cape Epic. That day I followed them with the bike and had to do that piece of road. 

At the junction we turned right towards Bot Rivier but not before taking some pics of the bikes. 

 And this is where we discovered the Van der Stel pass. I’ve never even heard of it. What a beautiful piece of road. It is a fairly easy, but long, gravel road pass and mainly serves the farming community. The road is generally well maintained and it is a fairly long pass at 17 km. We passed some wine farms but as it was getting late we didn’t stop. It is well worth a return visit. 

JC started singing “Flash aha, saviour of the Universe” and that’s the way I felt. I was the saviour of my Universe. Grattitude for being able to ride and experience this day. We are blessed!

Heading into Bot rivier the route home was the N2 over Sir Lowry’s pass. Not the best route on a Sunday afternoon with all the traffic heading towards Cape Town and the Western sun hanging low and shining into your eyes. But after such a great day even that was an experience. We got home safe and sound & a glass of red wine with ostrich on the braai is the cherry on top.

Until we ride again.

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