best of the west - Sept 2014

Our most adventurous tour to date, in terms of gravel / off-road riding and interesting accommodation spots.

Wow, it really was the BEST of the WESTern Cape, and a little bit of the Eastern Cape.  Fantastic gravel passes, breathtaking landscapes and just good fun riding with like minded people. 

Thanks to unexpected downpours we had a real adventure in the Baviaanskloof.  But almost more

striking to this tour was all the crazy, random fires which followed us wherever we went.  At one stage we got a bit concerned that we have a pyromaniac in the group. 

All and all, a fantastic tour, fantastic riding with a fun bunch of guys.. and girls.  Anyway, enjoy our pictures and captions of the tour:

For more info about the tour and itinerary, please visit the BEST of the WEST

Ute with our trusty Ford Ranger at the Tankwa Padstal, the afternoon before it burned down.

The view from Katbakkies Pass, Koue Bokkeveld

Hello Tankwa Karoo - Coming down from Katbakkies Pass

Sundowners at the AfrikaBurn site, Tankwa Town, Stonehenge, Tankwa Karoo

A happy Sharon

Sundowners at the AfrikaBurn site, Tankwa Town, Stonehenge, Tankwa Karoo

Sundowners at the AfrikaBurn site, Tankwa Town, Stonehenge, Tankwa Karoo

Good morning from Stonehenge, Tankwa Karoo. This picture makes my heart beat a little faster.. just a great feeling seeing the bikes parked in front of our tents. This morning the amblution burned down.. fire number 2, day number 2..

The gang in Tankwa National Park. Fantastic sandy little roads running through the park.

Going up the breathtaking Gannaga Pass.

The view from the top of Gannaga Pass

Taking a breather at Gannaga Lodge

Going down Ouberg Pass, extremely steep at places

Going down Ouberg Pass, extremely steep at places

Going down Ouberg Pass, extremely steep at places

At Seweweekspoort, making our way towards Prince Albert

Lunch break at Calitzdorp

Riders of the storm. Africa is not for sissies! On the Groenfontein road making our way towards Swartberg Pass. Thanks for the pic Leigh

On the Groenrivier road towards Swartberg Pass

At the top of Swartberg Pass. We just made it over the top, as a fire closed in on us, blocking the pass.

Swartberg Pass with the road leading to 'Die Hel' in the back

The gang at Swartberg Pass viewpoint

Francois going down Swartberg Pass

Going down the breathtaking Swartberg Pass

Sundowners at Prince Albert

Our accommodation at Weltevrede Figfarm, Prince Albert

Riding through a beautiful valley near Prince Albert

Taking a breather in Baviaanskloof

Taking a breather in Baviaanskloof

Cheerful atmosphere at Sandvlakte, with another fire burning down a nearby mountain.. this time caused by lightning!

Our first water crossing of many, in the wet wet wet Baviaanskloof

And another

and another

and another

Pass after pass, with all the water crossings.. it makes Baviaanskloof a very interesting and beautiful ride

and another. Francois found himself on the deep end of the crossing.

Ute trying to keep up with the backup vehicle.. nothing gets in her way!

At the top of Grasnek Pass, Baviaanskloof

At the top of Grasnek Pass, Baviaanskloof

Going down Grasnek Pass

Going down Grasnek Pass, Baviaanskloof

And finally, the monster for the day, the flooded Smitskraal Water Crossing

Such a contrast, a calm and peaceful morning at St Francis Bay, after a very adventurous day in Baviaanskloof

Lunch stop in the Langkloof. Our trusty Ford Ranger has done very well keeping up with us.

Ladies of leisure

On the Prince Alfred's Pass between Uniondale and Knysna

The beautiful Prince Alfred's Pass between Uniondale and Knysna

Look at that, everyone all dressed up, clean and shiny!

After a very wet and slippery morning, we made it to dry ground on the Herbertsdale road

Dirty Biaatch

Crossing the Breede River by ferry at Malgas. This is one water crossing we won't attempt

Crossing the Breede River by ferry at Malgas

Our last breakfast together at Malgas

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