Nelspruit - Kaalrug - Mananga- Komatipoort

The idea was to visit the Samora Machel crash site, but upon reaching Mananga it was raining cats and friggin porcupines. So I hit a shot left and came back via Komatipoort. Start 05:15, Total - 360km's.

Kaapmuiden - Short cut around the toll-gate.

On route to Jeppe's Reef via Kaalrug forestry.

Crocodile River Valley

Crocodile Valley Mountain Conservancy

Hardly anyone speaks english outside Komatipoort. Mostly Porras and Halfbreeds

Nelspruit Soccer Stadium

Took and early ride out to Mattafin at 05:30 this morning to have a look at Nelspruit's new soccer stadium.

Lumberjacks

On the way to Kaapschehoop

Fellow Travellers

Met this couple from Nelspruit on the road between Berlin and Barberton. They were just taking a Sunday afternoon ride, and we passed each other quite a few times during the day.

Day Trip - Kaapsehoop - Barberton - Noordkaap

View over the escarpment towards the Lowveldt

The road approaching Kaapsehoop

Wild horse Kaapsehoop

On the road to Barberton

Next Trip - Berlin Timber Plant

Uncle Luigi's Citroen

One of my manipulations for the 2010 Calendar.

I removed the cigarette for the final rendition. Otherwise I kinda like the contraversy it might envoke.

Sweet drama and butterflies

Finally left for Nelspruit at 13:30 on Monday past, and had to ride like a fuckin demon to make it before nightfall. Riding via Delmas, Hendrina and Carolina to avoid the N4, I stumbled upon a bloody nightmare. All the roads were being 'worked' on and most of it was detour after fucking detour. All the while the sun was slowly creeping into my rearview mirrors showing me how close it was gonna be that I could end up riding in the dark on the worst possible road I could find.

I hit Carolina, and decided I absolutely had to take a break. I stopped and as I got off the bike, I realised that my one bag had ripped open. It would not have been so bad, since only my food and water was in that bag when I started off, but halfway into the trip I realised that the mounting that the video camera was on, had started to come loose. So I wisely(or not) decided to remove the camera and stash it in the side-bag. As murphy-the-shit would have it, it was the same bag that had ripped open. So that's 4grand down the drain. I rode 30k's back to find it shattered by the side of the road, somewhere amongst the cold-meat sarmies and boerewors. What can one do? Kyk noord end fok voort.


Nightfall finally caught up with me in Machadodorp, and I had to give in riding the long way, and decided to hit the N4 and race for Nellies. Eventually I reached Nelspruit at about 7:30pm with only one hairy moment. Coming down Schoemanskloof I missed a fuckin marauding Waterbuck by the mearest of fuckin centimeters. I was so close I could see the veins in his eyes. Scary shit!

Anyway Guy McLaren(You should know him, eetkreef) met me at the Halls garage and we travelled the short distance to his house. Thankfully he had a cold Zamalek on hand, and a lovely braai to make me feel right at home.

Apart from all the shit around it, the Monster behaved like a dream. Power at the twist of the grip and very economical. The best investment I ever made. Total Km's travelled - 507 km's. Total since I took delivery - 820km's.

Guy and I went to a client today at a lodge just outside Hazyview. I could travel through country like this everyday.


At the lodge with our 'company vehicles'. Fantastic!

(On the way back the gears seized on Guy's bike, and in the most nonchalant manner he got on the back of mine and we continued home without it. Time for a new bike I guess.)

The Monster

Okay, so I'm still waiting for the papers. Thought I'd stop being lazy and at least leave you with a pic of the bike before I go.

Kawasaki KLR650. ..and yes he is a monser. Single cylinder dohc with masses of torgue.

That's my dad's old camera case which fitted like it was made for the bike. When I travel I usually take less stuff, but since i could be gone for a while, I had to throw in the kitchen sink as well.

Ciao

New beginnings

Thank you all for the wonderful, and encouraging comments!

I'm sitting here in Walkerville waiting for the bikes papers, and then i'm off. The bike is packed to the brim, fueled and ready to go. I made a good friend here on the net, and he has offered me work in Nelspruit, which is where I'm leaving for today. It's in the opposite direction of where I intended going(Northern Cape), but it's work and I'm very excited.

Can't believe my hands are actually sweating as i type here. Damn butterflies in the stomach and all. Should have done this long ago.

I made a camera mount for the bike, so I'll be shooting footage all the way down to NP. As soon as I have internet I will post it right here, so stay posted.

Thanks again for reading the blog, still after all the years!

Ciao
Chihuahua

The olde wagon trail

Well, it's been a while since I last wrote.

A lot has happened; amongst other things I was retrenched in July, also I'm planning a trip through South Africa on the KLR650 i bought before the shit hit the fan.

The idea is to travel through the country and pay my way by working on a 'work for petrol basis'. Honestly you might think me mad, but if one has a permanent job it will never be possible. Best to do this while this opportunity is there for the taking.

If you live somewhere in South Africa or know of someone who can offer casual work(one week maximum), send me an e-mail and I can plan my schedule for your part of the world.

Any casual labour is fine, and I'm not scared to use some elbow grease if required. My first job I got here in Jhb to fund the video camera and camping equipment was disassembling old aircon machines for a large aircon company in Randburg. I've also been a barman and spent a short period working at an animal shelter.

Anything goes!

My first Trip was to Taung in the Northern Cape, and while walking the grounds of the old Chalk and Lime quarry I bumped into an old local(George) who's goat had been killed by a Jackal just that morning. The lad was pretty down, but was quite knowledgable on the area. I was looking to find the Buxton Falls, but instead he showed me one of only 3 Tufa-type falls in Southern Africa. It was fuckin amazing! I was also able to collect many antique goodies associated with the mining from back in the day. All in all a fantastic trip. I will post the video and some photos as soon as the editing is done.

Next trip is to Putsonderwater, and then.. who knows?

Ciao