Year End Function - Avalon Springs, Montagu - 29&30 November 2024
After months of planning and expectant discussions, we finally got off on the way to our year end function on Friday 29th November 2024 for our 2-night stay over at Avalon Springs, Montagu. We met at the Engen N1 at midday and set off on a pleasant fairly warm afternoon. After a pep talk from our director, Bruce du Toit, and being led by our Road Captain, Mike Scholtz, the hardy group of bikers rode off as an orderly well-conditioned pack.
After a satisfying lunch at Four Cousins, Robertson, the group arrived in the late afternoon to a very welcoming Avalon Springs, Montagu. After a refreshing spruce up, we gathered around the swimming pool for a magnificent braai on the Friday evening. True to Montagu, the exact time as we started to eat, a gusty wind started blowing – it almost blew our food from our plates. We afterwards learned that that was a condition for same time every night in Montagu – as quick as the gusty wind starts, it ends in about an hour or two’s time. Quick arrangements were made and the party was moved to inside the hotel where everyone enjoyed the balance of the evening.
After an evening of good food, great company and excellent repartee it was a restful sleep for all the participants.
Saturday morning was relaxing with more of the required rest and recreation. After everybody enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast, we all gathered for the highlight of the weekend around midday, namely the tractor rides up the mountain at the Protea Farm, Montagu. This tractor ride has gained popularity over the years and has been spoken about around the world. Very few of us had, had the pleasure in the past and we were absolutely delighted to be taken into the mountains about twenty-five kilometres away from Montagu on the Protea farm. The ride there was spectacular and the scenery something to behold.
Wonders of all wonders. Tractor trailer and the tractor was absolutely superb. With an incredibly powerful engine and the energetic young tractor driver, we were able to engage on a two-and-a-half-hour tractor journey through the most stupendous steep climbs. At some places the tracks were only wide enough to accommodate the width of the tractor tires – scary for those with fear of heights. The Langeberg Mountains did themselves proud and we were treated to some of the most magnificent views and spectacular sights one can imagine. They organized dry fruit, fresh fruit and a choice of the compulsory muscadel wines. The organizers of the YEF arranged a snack bag consisting of all kind of treats. Above all, we also celebrated the anniversary of Bags and Patsy with lovely Malay koeksisters which were freshly baked by the hotel the morning before we left for the tractor ride. At the top we met up with hikers who marvelled at the ability of the tractor to bring all of us to the steep mountain slope.
We had a well-deserved breather after arriving back at the hotel. Then it was time to get ready for our official year end function. All dressed in our Free Chapter Cape Town formal white shirts, it was time for the function to start. Bruce thanked everybody for attending and elaborated on how important it was for us to be together as a group and to support our functions and outrides.
During the evening, a great amount was collected by means of fines – members doing something “wrong” throughout the year, each got a fine. The profit of the fines to the value of R1300 are going towards our charity coffers for 2025. Even though everyone that was fined, took it “on the chin”, some forgot about their “misbehaviour” and was a bit surprised.
The chef prepared a delicious 3-course buffet which was enjoyed by all, followed by some sponsored wine by Bon Courage and more partying.
On the Sunday morning to a reasonably early start a group of the stalwarts stopped at Huis Uitvlught Retirement Village to drop off much needed goodies for the home and its residents. The donations to the value of R30k was sponsored by the 2024 Route62 Rally, Montagu. Items included beautiful umbrellas with stands, fold up tables plus table cloths, braai grids, desert bowls and some wine glasses (yes, being senior doesn’t mean you have to stop drinking wine 😊)
All in all, comradery was the order of the day and a true celebration was enjoyed by all of us.
From the pen of: Michael & Patsy Bagraim
Sencit Resthaven, Strand - Charity & Breakfast Ride 10 November 2024
On Sunday morning, 10 November 2024, a small group of our members gathered at the Engen N2 for our Chapter’s Charity drop off at Sencit Resthaven, Strand.
We were met and welcomed by Sister Charlotte. As the wind was a bit chilly, the elderly eagerly awaited us inside their dining area. Gideon briefly spoke about our Chapter and what we’re standing for before the gift bags were distributed.
Each of the 35 residents were handed a giftbag consisting of personal goodies (toiletries, sweeties, etc.). Whilst handing out the gift bags, we interacted with the residents, trying to find out more information about them and their stay at Sencit Resthaven. Because of health constraints, some elderlies were not able join the rest in the dining area, and Glynda & Marianna, along with the help of another sister, went to their rooms and handed over their gifts in person.
Our charity initiative, Christmas shoeboxes/giftbags were sponsored by the members of Free Chapter Cape Town. Each participating member, bought goodies and wrapped it in a beautifully Christmas themed package to be handed to either a gent or a lady. Some members were not able to purchase items themselves and money was paid into Chapter’s account and items were bought and gift wrapped on their behalf.
After the event at Sencit Resthaven, the members embarked on a ride over Sir Lowry’s Pass where breakfast was enjoyed at The Orchard Farm Stall, Elgin. En route home it started to drizzle and later on more heavy rain as we approached Somerset West – some of us were soaking wet upon arrival at home in Durbanville area.
A huge shout out to our members who participated in this worthy initiative.
From the pen of Marianna Kriel
Memorial Ride - 3 November 2024
We met as usual at the Engen Garage on the N1 for this very important annual FCCT ride to reflect and share some special time together as we take this occasion to remember our biker brothers and sisters plus others known to us, and to meditate during our ride to the lunch venue.
We were 15 riders on 12 bikes including two guests – Donavan Beck a former member of FCCT and Lisa Malherbe a long-time business partner of Poul-Ejnar Hansen. She was riding Poul’s bike which had been passed on to her.
Our Road Captain Mike together with Marshals Bruce and Leon ably shepherded us along the R44 and then R46 and Mitchell’s Pass to a lay-by about 9kms before Ceres. We paused at this lovely spot for some chatting, camaraderie, and for a few quiet moments as our thoughts turned to our friends and loved one’s who have passed away. Gideon said some words appropriate to the occasion and then Malcolm concluded with a prayer.
We then headed back on the R43 a few kms to the Witzenberg Mountain Restaurant where we enjoyed a really nice lunch in a beautiful garden setting. While lunching the few menacing baboons we saw kept their distance and thankfully disappeared into the nearby bush.
After lunch we all headed home on the R43 taking the turn off to ride through the stunning Slangkop Valley joining the N1 near Rawsonville. By now the weather had become overcast and it was decidedly chilly going over the Du Toit’s Kloof Pass and back onto the N1. We all arrived home safely and dry – except for Malcolm who was drenched going through Newlands!
Very many thanks to Glynda for organising a super venue and our Road Captain and Marshals for taking such good care of us on this special outing.
NP
WINTER RALLY - 2024
Oh man, what a great time we had and toughies to all those that could not make it…and many of us did make it! Following a slightly cold but great mass ride as a FCCT along the spectacular Route 62, we arrived as possibly the largest group at the rally venue, Klein Plaas in Oudtshoorn on Thursday afternoon. I say ‘mass ride’ as we our group consisted of eighteen bikes, including some hangers-on from the Durban Chapter (Johan and Louis). As to be expected, Bags and Sean arrived two days later as they ride really, really slowly.
On the way there, we all stopped for a wholesome brekkies at the Karroo Daisy in Barrydale. The ‘beer stop’ in Calitzdorp was also a surprise venue… not much to see from the street but a lovely courtyard with fountains and a lawn to relax on.
The rally itself was basically three nights of partying with friends and music (and drinks), interspersed with some lekker rides exploring the town during daytime. The mass ride was to the Kango Caves and what a great experience this was too. For me, the outride highlight was the waterfall at Meiringspoort, where some of our members braved the icy waters… Lynn did so involuntary after she slipped and fell into the water.
Thanks toall that came along for a memorable outing and thanks to Phillip and the Breede River SteelWings for a really well organised rally!
HARLEYDALE Rally 2024
(Article below kindly borrowed from the Facebook post by Lisa...)
The FCCT headed off Harleydale last weekend. The previous 2 had been sunny winter weekends, but most bikes were left at home this year as sanity prevailed.... Level 8 storms forecast Cape Town side! And WILD🌬🌫☔💧 the weather was, but once we got past the🌊 inland Sea of Worcester🌊, things started to brighten and Montagu was chilly, but clear for our mandatory stop at Riana Delport for the night, but first a beer at R62 Brewing Co. 🍻
Luckily no rain forecast for Fri, Sat and Sun for the Klein Karoo, so Mike Scholtz and Riana were the token two FCCT members on bikes! Brekkie stop at Guano Caves and then off to Barrydale...
The rest of Friday.... lovely vintage accommodation at The Whitehouse, drinks at Diesel & Crème , the arvey with the rest of the Chapter at the rally site at Karoo Art Hotel , dancing on tables, fab DJ remixes, supper at Karoo Daisy , and a shortened party evening back at the rally site for us due to someone misplacing his cell 🙄, which resulted in backtracking thru town on foot to try find it! Alas!🤷🏼♀️ Saturday....phone found for starters🙏🏻!
Whilst the few on bikes did the "mass" ride from Karoo Saloon, our crowd had a relaxing day pottering around town on foot (sorry about those upward slopes Riana!🤣)... morning market for coffee and pancakes and best ever cheese straw find from Kaashaasie👌🏻, vintage stores, beer tastings at The Makers Brew , a pop in at the Barrydale Hand Weavers , new shop and restaurant finds, back to the hotel for The Boks vs Ireland 🇿🇦❤and a delish meal at Mez Karoo Kitchen !
Sunday brought clear skies(and head 😃 - lesson learnt from last year 😖), sunshine , rainbows, wind, zero visibility AND rain between Barrydale and home so we got all seasons 🌞🌈🌫🌬💧- Most were actually glad to be in the car and not on their bikes! Fun weekend, pretty chilled this year! 😎
Vintage Motor Cycle Museum – Breakfast Ride 7 July 2024
REFLECTION ON THE “UBER STORM” – From the pen of Malcolm Lourens
Some sixteen or so FCCT Chapter members “braced” themselves as they chanced the widely advertised storm that was going to hit Cape Town and surrounding areas! With this in mind it was decided to go by “Cage”. The venue, tucked away in the Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, was yet another well-chosen venue by our illustrious Events Team. The Vintage Motorcycle Museum was very interesting with Motorcycles that were all restored by the grandfather who started the museum some years ago. The venue is well worth a visit! The food was good, I would say the burger and chips is probably the best value for money, for the hungry! It was good to see Armelle back from France and also to see Eben and Marlize again. Kudos to the organisers!
Birthday Bash 22 June 2024 – Angora Stud Farm
As the 1st Free Chapter, the Cape Town Free Chapter had the privilege to celebrate our 12th birthday this year… and wow, did we do it in style! The Angora Stud Farm is a unique venue, nestled in the mountains and pastures surrounding the picturesque town of Bonnievale. Our hosts, the ever elegant Rozitha and her husband Bertus, made our stay very special with the bedrooms all located in stylishly converted stables and the dinner event hosted in the Classic Car Museum amongst the priceless collection of Mercedes and other vintage cars.
Dinner was preceded by a leisurely afternoon sipping wine and beer, watching the Springboks win their game and just generally having a great time with friends. The weather was perfect and the ride to the venue well supported by over twenty bikes (and yes, trikes too) The coffee stop at Bon Courage allowed us to warm ourselves a bit in from of the welcoming fireplace and fortify or frozen innards with hot some chocolate, coffee and sherry.
Lynn also coordinated a charity handover to the Irene Coetzee Pre-primary School as well as the BOSS Autism Care Centre and we thank the Chapter Members and the Route 62 Rally Committee for their generous contributions to these two worthy causes.
Breakfast Ride to Wellington - 9 June 2024
Contribution below from Mandy Trollip... Thanks Mandy.
"How lucky are we to live so close to so much beauty. Today's ride took us through the beautiful farmlands of Agter Paarl to Wellington. The start was chilly but with bright blue skies and the day warmed up significantly by the time we'd finished breakfast. We managed to lose Both Bruce and our way out but with a quick fix to Bruce's bike and a scenic detour we all made it to the excellent Stone Kitchen. A very good choice of restaurant. Set in guava orchards on a wine farm with big windows overlooking the maintains it was absolutely gorgeous. Dry blue sky winter days in Cape Town are a gift. There is a great Norwegian saying - There is no bad weather, just bad clothing so layer up for the next ride. It was a great way to start the day"
Bot River Lunch Ride - 26 May 2024
What a perfect day it was for a ride. The one thing about the Cape winters... when its miserable it is truly miserable but in between these cold fronts, we are blessed with the finest weather in the country! It was thus not surprising to have such a large turnout for this lunch ride and with 20 bikes (well, technically some of them were trikes), we set off from the N2 Engen for our first stop at the Elgin Railway Market. The nice coffee being served there was most welcome and we were even treated to a steam train arrival. Then it was off to our lunch destination, the old but very charming Bot River Hotel. Although the service was a bit slow, the food was not bad at all. And as always, the company was great! All in all... a memorable day. Thanks Glynda and the Marshalls.
Breakfast Ride to Hout Bay – 12 May 2024
Our early morning ride started at our meeting hangout (Hellenic Club) in near perfect weather… just a little bit of wind but hey, this is Cape Town! As usual, the ride via Camps Bay did not disappoint. We are truly blessed to life in a country and city with such spectacular scenery and roads. All too soon, the ride was over as we arrived at our destination, the Deus restaurant. Being Mother’s Day, the venue was quite full but the place is huge and we were allocated lekker seating outside in a protected courtyard. Being so full, the service was understandably a bit slow but being with friends and good company, we did not mind the wait. The food itself was really nice and nicely presented. We also had a surprise ‘hanger-on’ in the form of ‘Mad Mike’ that did the ride with us – welcome to him. Too soon the morning was over and we all made our way home to go and honour our mothers and wives – till next time, ride safe!
Lunch Ride to Riebeeck Kasteel - 28 April 2024
(Article provided by Kevin)
Our Chapter lunch ride to Riebeeck Kasteel, we rode via Wellington and Hermon. The Free Chapter riders met at the Winelands N1 Engen garage. We all exchanged greetings and spent some time catching up whilst waiting for a few late arrivals.
We headed off at 10 :30 as per the plan down the N1 via the R44 towards Wellington. We were a small group of riders with two Marshalls (Ivor and Leon) and Bob as the default sweeper. Bob had Patsy for pillion so not sure if Bags was proud of his lovely wife or a bit jealous of Big Bob …the writer detected some mixed emotions .
The Kriels rode their cage and the Free Chapter generously covered the coffee bill for all the riders and pillions when we made a pit stop at the Du Vlei Padstal. That was an interesting place as it had a Trike that Kevin could ride and Malcolm has photographic evidence …….. Big Thank you to the Free Chapter for the coffees.
We all arrived safely at La Parrilla Restaurant in Riebeeck Kasteel. The hosts were great as was the service and the Latin themed food excellent. Excerpt from a review “Parrilla” literally means Grill in Spanish so expect to find some smoke and flames coming from the kitchen. We promise to bring delectable, exotic flavours to each plate we serve. Together with our passion for hospitality and unique Latin inspired flavours – we guarantee you will feel right at home…..and WE DID “An additional highlight was that Vani got her food first which is a first and maybe the tide has turned on her getting her meal last or not at all. We took a few photos that captured the lovely moments with some amazing photos, shared more banter and laughs. We then headed back home via Malmesbury with riders peeling off along the way to head to their homes. As per tradition we sent messages of gratitude to all the role players that ensure the success of our Sunday escapades, and to also indicate that we are safely home.
LUNCH RIDE – SUNDAY 24 MARCH 2024
Our lunch group found a new meeting place which worked very well for us – the lookout point on Camps Bay Drive just below the Geneva Drive turnoff. We were 16 riders on 14 bikes with Gideon and Marianna following by car – Marianna still being on crutches after a recent hip operation. Bruce and Bernie also followed by car as Bruce’s bike is with James Mundey for repairs. Our Marshals being Road Captain Mike, and Pack Leader Ivor were supported by Marshal Leon – and how good it was to once again have the super experience of Leon shepherding us like old times.
Our route along the coast took us passed the Llandudno turnoff, through Hout Bay and a glorious ride along the beautiful Chapman’s Peak Drive – then via Scarborough to Cape Farm House & Beer Garden where we all had a scrumptious lunch. Their burgers were obviously a speciality and were enjoyed by many of us. At the lunch venue we were joined by Malcolm who had a short ride from Simonstown and Patsy who brought along her cousin.
After lunch we all headed home via what could be called the traditional route –over and down the tortuous Red Hill with its many curves (well done all especially Bags who was not too keen on this switchback hill), then Ou Kaapse Weg, Blue Route and M3 home. Very many thanks to Glynda for organising a super venue and our Marshals for taking such good care of us on our journey.
From the pen of Noel Peagam
Tulbach Ride - 10th March 2024
Sunday morning took us on a long ride to Tulbagh. What started out as a chilly morning, eventually turned into the most perfect day for riding. We were about 20 people visiting Kole en Deeg in Tulbagh. A delightful local restaurant serving an Afrikaans delicatessen, roosterkoek, with almost every meal. (Traditional Roosterkoek are mini breads made with a bread dough and cooked on coals)
ROUTE 62 RALLY – 2024
As always, the Route 62 Rally did not disappoint. With perfect Three Bears weather (not too cold, not too hot…just right) all the activities could be fully enjoyed, starting with great pool party on Thursday night. As some the photos below show, we even managed to squeeze in an early evening braai with our chapter brethren from Durban, Bloem and West Rand… On a balmy Friday morning, we had a well-attended outride to Swellendam and back up the Tradouw Pass to Barrydale. This was followed by a leisurely afternoon lounging around the heated pools, followed by the traditional pasta evening in the tent with music and friends. The mass ride on Saturday was also well supported by riders and spectators alike as the thunderous roar of a few hundred Harleys droned through the sleepy streets of Montagu town. Our very own Leon and the ‘coffee lady’ made an almost clean sweep of the Harley Games in the afternoon and then it was time for the big night. After a really nice dinner, it was time to party deep into the night. The band played really nice oldies and cover songs…and who would have thought that all the Harley toughies will dance to the songs of ABBA.
So, for those FCCT members that could not make it this year… you missed out on a fantastic weekend. But there is always next year again… In closing, a massive thanks to Bruce and the Rally Committee that managed to yet again host such a successful event. And a word of thanks to the Avalon Springs staff too… they were unbelievably helpful and friendly and made our stay an absolute joy.
1st OFFICIAL RIDE – 2024
With a great turnout (twenty-one people) for our 1st official ride for 2024 to Hermanus. With a partial overcast protecting us from the January sunlight, we had a nice, easy ride up Sir Lowrey’s Pass and with some energetic marshalling from our new marshal, Leon, we managed to weave through the heavy Sunday traffic on the N2 with ease. The Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar offered a nice selection of seafood with a fantastic view of the bay and some sea life bat alas, no whales! The ride back also was also special via Kleinmond and Rooi Els. Despite a few short ‘stop/go’s due to flood damage, Clarens Drive did not disappoint with its spectacular views of False Bay. The Pit Stop restaurant was our final stop for the compulsory pink (or green) milkshakes. A great day out indeed!
Captains Ride 2024
This year’s Captain’s Ride was a Potjiekos competition, held at the Simon Van Der Stel school in Wynberg. We were glad for cool weather and a light breeze for the occasion! It was a hotly contested affair and some of the Potjies were just as hot 😊!!
We had 25 members and 7 visitors who came to support or help the various teams. The 4 teams cooking up a storm were Bob and Kevin’s team - making a bean curry and a chicken curry, Riana’s red, black and white adorned Spanish team who prepared 2 Spanish chicken pots, Bruce and Gideon’s team with two different lamb potjies as well as a dessert potjie, and Sean and Bag’s team who came up with a bread & butter pudding potjie with a honey and choc brittle. Tim brought along some delicious and fresh homemade breads – garlic and herb and cheese and onion!
At 1pm the pots had to be ready for tasting as well as judging by our non-biased judges (we hope) who had a hard time deciding between 2 pots and so a 3rd judge was roped in😊!
Congratulations to Bob & Kevin and his team who were the eventual winners and well done to everyone who attended and for making the day a big success!
Year-end function 2023 and reflections on the year gone by…
Another year draws to a close and as is the tradition, our Free Chapter group celebrated the year gone by through a one-nighter that is not too far for us to arrive too tired to party. The venue selected by Glynda this year was truly perfect… the white sand and azure sea made an idyllic backdrop for the Arniston Hotel that hosted us. The ride was well attended and it was a big pack with even all the trikes present that departed the N2 Engen. The ride was uneventful and pleasant with the rolling hills (unfortunately not yellow and green this time of the year), accompanied by the steady drone of our Harleys lulled us all to reflect on the year gone by. It has been a year full of ups and downs…
From a Rally perspective, Route 62 saw record attendance numbers and the Harley Dale event was also well supported by our Chapter with lots of laughter and fun… probably a bit too much fun for some, judging by the fines dished out at the party! A smaller group attended the Breede River Chapter Winter Rally and many friendships were forged while exploring the sights and attractions in Oudtshoorn. The highlight of the West Coast Rally in Saldanha Bay was undoubtedly watching the Rugby semi-final is the big tent.
On the charity front, it has also been a busy year and a special thanks to Lisa that managed despite her own health issues, to attend to all the arrangements of our charity events, most notably the R62 charity hand-over in Ashton and also the hand-over of the Christmas gifts and printer to the pre-primary school in Arniston on Sunday.
The year-end function on Saturday night was very memorable, not only for the being given the opportunity to celebrate with our friends, but also made special through the efforts of the two ladies (Patsy and Many) that responsible for the table decorations – a truly stunning job! I think our two birthday members (Lynn and Donovan) must thank their lucky stars that they had such a smashing birthday party… on the house, nogal.
In closing, we also had some sadness in our Chapter to reflect on. We have lost two members during the year. We really take our hats off to Bruce that despite his own massive personal loss, he still managed to lead the Chapter and his committee through the last few formalities of the year. We shall all miss Ammi and hopefully 2024 will provide us with many opportunities to live up to her spirit.
More photos to follow... just dealing with some technical issues...
On 1st October we held our annual memorial ride for all the members no longer with us.We had a great turnout at the meeting venue after which we proceeded to Table Mountain drive past cable car where we stopped for a short remembrance with a passage red by Tim and a prayer led by Gideon.Thereafter all proceeded through hectic traffic to Hout Bay for a well-deserved lunch.
To all who are now riding heavenly Harleys in the sky "YOU ARE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTON"......ride hard till we meet again!!!!
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.
