Another bike, another test ride to be done. My “punishment” for this weekend was the Honda XL1000V Varadero.
I was lucky enough to be shown around my friend LGF’s valley. He lives in the lovely village called Sedgefield. How nice to ride routes I have not seen before for a change. Thanks a lot LGF!
The road to Cloud 9 was the first gravel we took. It runs along the lake and there are lots of birdlife to be seen. It was a beautiful day and Spring is definitely here!
The Varadero is an interesting bike. It’s very comfy and powerful, but obviously very different from my bike. It’s a lot of work taking such a beast through technical bits. “Normal” conditions become an issue on such a heavy bike. I had an interesting moment right after I took this pic:
While riding with one hand and taking photo’s with the other the bike hit a spot of soft sand. Putting my foot out did not have the same effect as on the 200… I grabbed a fist full of throttle and the knobblies powered me out. Close call…
On top of the hill the views were stunning.
A shot for test ride article:
You could see the whole of Sedgefield from here, including LGF’s house.
Next up was a dirt road to Karatara
While here we saw (and heard!) a Fish Eagle.
The little passes here run over the mountains and through the valleys, offering scenery that varies from idyllic streams to sweeping vistas.
While here I saw a tree snake in the brush next to the road. It’s spring and all the animals are out and about. What a glorious day.
From Karatara we followed the 7 passes road to Knysna. Homtini Pass is my favourite.
While riding through the passes I happened on a troop of baboons. The babies ran screaming of the road. In Phantom pass we came around a bend and saw a Bushbuck in the road. It ran to the side and LGF and I watched it watching us. It was a beautiful doe.
We decided to have lunch at the Oyster Catcher in Knysna. Some other DS bikers had the same idea.
What more could one want? And with such scenery.
Lunch and beer for 2 on the waterfront for less than £6. We truly are blessed to live in this area. You guys living abroad – eat your hearts out.
Next up was a circular road running through the Knysna forest that LGF happened apon.
This is a public road but there is no signage stating that it is a scenic route. It’s just a random dirt road from the N2. It is beautiful and there is little traffic.
This is a little side road that I’ll explore when I have my own bike. There are quite a few of these.
Next up was the Harkerville forest.
The forest road runs all the way to the ocean. Did I mention it was a perfect day?
Thanks a stack LGF! Next time we do the rest.
Forum ride report and comments here and the ride that inspired this ride here.
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