Sunday, August 19, 2007

Two Little Monsters on the Mountain

Well, what a weekend! It started on Friday with the new YFM700 Grizzly I had to test for the local paper.

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We ended up playing with all sorts of 4x4’s on that day… More on that here.

Saturday we took LGF’s monster into the mountain and Sunday was spent with the family – on the bikes of course. After the kids saw the pics of LGF’s ride there was no way I could keep them off the mountain on Sunday.

Things did not start well. 1st Mrs. TR could not go with so I had to leave my bike at home and ride hers (which was already on the farm) and then the car left with the kid’s elbow & knee guards, as well as their helmets.

At first I suggested that we ride the quad till the car gets back. That did not go down well. Maar Paaaaaa. Quads is dan vir sissies! OK. Lets use Mrs. TR’s helmets. Who got stuck with the full face helmet was another fight. The little one agreed to wear it if he could wear the chest protector we had as well.

Let’s ride! (At last!)

First stop at the dam to unlock the gate.

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And then into the mountains. We took a road I have not taken before (yes, there are that many!).

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Running the risk of repeating myself (again) – this area is breathtaking.

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After exploring for a while we got a phone call – the helmets are back! Rest assured we rode back to the farm without delay. Some people get rather attached to their gear is seems.

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All kitted out they were a much happier bunch. Let’s go already!

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We have an indigenous forest on the farm dubbed: “Die feetjie plek” That would be our next stop.

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This area is well used in summer. It’s cool and you get that wonderful forest smell. The water is clean and delicious.

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Well, this is beautiful and all, but the kids want to ride! I took them through a deep slippery valley where two very capable 4x4’s got stuck for 2 and a half hours on Friday.

Kids of this age are amazing. They’re kind of a blank slate. No bad habits like the ones we struggle with. Also, at this age dad is the smartest and strongest guy in the world. You stop before the obstacle and tell them how to ride it; what to do when and where. OK Dad! And off they go and ride the thing as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

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No problem…

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What a privilege to ride here and do it with your family.

Forum ride report and comments here

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