Route 62 to the end…

After breakfast this morning at De Rust, I continued onwards to Oudtshoorn, the ostrich Capital of South África.

Oudtshoorn is the miserable memory of many young South African men, as it was the prime military base of the Infantery, in a time when some of us were compelled to do military service. It is both one of the hottest, and coldest places in South África. Nowerdays the memories are much better as it is also the venue of the Klein Karoo Arts Festival yearly in April.
I joined the Route 62 in Oudtshoorn, towards Calitzdorp. It is really semi-desert and passes the military training grounds. Calitzdorp is known for it’s award winning Port wine, although the “Port” name is still in dispute. It is also a place of fond memories for my wife, as her grandparents lived there and her father grew up in Calitzdorp.

Just after Calitzdorp is the most exciting patch of Biker heaven, the Huisriver Pass. It is one of the most fun to play around places in all of South África, with excellent twisties!

Yes Mr Speedcop, I did see you behind that bush. No Mr Speedcop, I have no idea how my numberplate got covered with oil. Especially no idea how the oil got covered in dust- must be the roadworks along the way. Just send the ticket to Mr J. Malema, poste restante Thohoyando, Venda…

After Calitzdorp, eventually (the last time I had this much excitement was on my honeymoon) you reach Ladismith. And after that- Bonnievale. But 30 km before Bonnievale you get to Ronnies Sex shop- a world famous pub along Route 62. Go see for yourself! A true hıghlıte, no porn.

Bonnievale to Montagu- had some serious crosswinds, the Southeaster was blowing like crazy today. It felt like riding right into a hair dryer! Still much better than any day at the office!
From Montagu onwards the landscape is changing again- you are now approaching the Cape Winelands. From Montagu just 8 slow but beautiful k’s to Ashton. Ashton is the home town of Koo fruit products. Then just about 27 km to Robertson. The home town of locally famous Klipdrift brandy. And from Robertson it is near Worcester where the Route 62 ends, meeting again with the N1 highway.

I was very tired and saddle sore after nearly 1800 km in 48 hours. So I took the easy way out, going through the Huguenot tunnel into Paarl. I didn’t take my sunglasses off, and it was one of the most Claustrophobic events of my life- I will rather do the Bainskloof Pass again next time…

I safely arrived at Melkbosstrand, and now am watching the sunset behind Robben Island from the Blue Peter Hotel in Bloubergstrand- where I enjoyed my honeymoon 23 years ago. When I again reach a computer I will put some photos on.

At the end of this Ride, at the Blue Peter Hotel, I am reflecting back on the journey. It was far, hot, tiring, and full of challenges. But I just kep on Riding till I reached my destination.

These journeys are also a metaphore for my life. Just keep on Riding, eventually you’ll get there!