DAY 1 – CAPE TOWN TO DIE HEL:

Can’t believe that these crazy owner’s of mine are up at this ridiculous time of the morning. Wonder what’s up? Looks serious ‘cos they’re wearing all their off-road protective gear. This could be fun.

Hey, we’re stopping at the Winelands one-stop and look there..... a Dakar and a 1150GSA and their owners are coming over to chat. That’s Robbie (owner of the Dakar) and Tony (owner of the 1150).

There’s Theuns (video man & bakkie driver) and Leon (photograher) in the backup bakkie. This is definitely going to be fun!

Now what, we’re stopping again before the tunnel? Oh, of course, we need to wait for Danie and Kobie on their 1200GSA and Joanita and Phillip in their Colt bakkie.

A breakfast stop at Touwsriver was most welcome – we can recommend the “Steers” Bacon & Egg Pita.

Now it’s off to Prins Albert and to check what’s happening at the annual Olive Festival. Lots of food stalls with local cuisine, a vintage vehicle procession, interesting bicycles, the “Kaapse Klopse” and lots more.

If one more Prins Albert dog p**s against my tyres........!!

Time to deflate tyres, hit the dust and get away from the maddening crowd/dogs. This is what it’s all about.

Wow, this Swartberg pass is sure beautiful. Stunning scenary – just a pity about all the traffic. Must be as a result of the Olive Festival in town and all the write-ups which the pass has received in the press lately.

At the top of the pass my owners (Gerhard & Deirdre) had a little “side stand incident”. Need I say more. Only damage done was a bruise on Deirdre’s arm in her aborted attempt to try and prevent me from lying, very un-ladylike on my side.