329km

We got away 30 minutes later than intended (6 am), so it is a good start. Just 10 minutes into our trip we pass a horrible accident and judging on what is left of the vehicles there were surely fatalities. A sobering experience when we have almost 7000km left to go. From our previous travels, we knew that this day will be pretty boring with some horrible roads to contend with.

While I was hoping for better than 10km/l consumption it soon became clear that it was wishful thinking when Putin started spluttering just outside Ventersdorp with just 150km on the trip. When we pulled into the garage* to refuel we decided it was time for some breakfast. Walking into the place it is clear somebody was there for an earlier breakfast and it is difficult to imagine that these are humans that left the place like this. Oh well, it takes all kinds right. At least the breakfast bun with coffee and Coke hit the spot.

*Ok I think it is time we talk about some of the horrible mistakes being made in the world. I’m only saying this once, so pay attention J

  1. It is called a garage, not a gas station
  2. It is called a robot, not a traffic light
  3. It is called a lift, not an elevator
  4. It is called a zol, not a doobie
  5. It is called chips, not fries

We are making good progress and the roads are not too busy with it being a Saturday. This part of the country is not particularly scenic and it is mostly cattle and maize farms that dot the countryside. Our stop in Ventersdorp marks our halfway point for the day. Looks like we should be at our overnight in Delareyville by early afternoon.

We stop in Biesiesvlei for some homemade “gemmerbier” (ginger beer) made by tannie Baps. ‘Tannie’ is Afrikaans for aunty and we use it as a sign of endearment and respect when addressing an older woman. The male version is ‘Oom’. She and her husband, oom Dolf live on a farm in the district but their son has taken over the farming activities and they opened a ‘Padstal’ which is a roadside café that sells baked goods, crafts and arts, coffee, and sometimes offer light meals such as toasted sandwiches, burgers, and chips. The building they use is the old church that dates from the 1840s.

After having a nice chat with them about life in general (there is a lot to learn from a 75 and 80-year-old) we head out. But not before attempting our first drone shots. So I fly over Biesiesvlei, get some amazing footage, and ride away with the drone following us. Oh did I mention amazing footage? Well, just it would have been IF I actually hit RECORD. Lesson #1 – There is more to a drone than just flying it! So zero drone footage for day 1. Oh well, it’s not a showstopper, we will have plenty more opportunities to go Hollywood.

One of the things that I asked about is the prospects for rain since I’ve seen some heavy clouds riding in. “Nee wat, dit gebeur elke dag maar dit reen nie” is what Oom Dolf says, meaning that we have nothing to worry about it looks like that every day but hardly ever rains. 5 clicks and we ride into a rainstorm that leaves me wet to the bone. Luckily it’s not cold and does not last long so I am dry by the time we reach Sannieshof, another small settlement that has seen better days.

From Sannieshof we have just 50kms to Delareyville which we reach just after 13h00. Again we limp in on reserve and fill up at the first garage before heading to our overnight stay. We are then escorted to a different location (upgrade?) which is about 1km away. Oh almost forgot the guy who offer a trade, his ride had an air horn and seat cover made from old carpet. I declined because the front brakes seemed a bit dodgy 😉

After relaxing a bit we head into ‘town’ for a bite to eat and to buy a pen to keep our journal going. We soon realize that we have forgotten how small towns work, everything closes after 12 on a Saturday. We manage to find an open supermarket and got some pens before riding down the road to Delarey Restaurant and bar. Pleasant enough but just as we were about to leave the waiter passes our table with a tray of 6 tequila shots, weird since the only other people in there were 3 youngsters (the oldest about 15). Yip, they served alcohol to kids who were playing outside on the kiddies’ swings just minutes ago!

Overall a good day riding but we are really looking forward to tomorrow since we will be heading onto roads we’ve never done before.