Sunday, September 2, 2007

Knysna and surrounds

Another bike, another test ride to be done. My “punishment” for this weekend was the Honda XL1000V Varadero.

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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!

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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:

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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.

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A shot for test ride article:

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You could see the whole of Sedgefield from here, including LGF’s house.

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Next up was a dirt road to Karatara

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While here we saw (and heard!) a Fish Eagle.

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The little passes here run over the mountains and through the valleys, offering scenery that varies from idyllic streams to sweeping vistas.

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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.

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From Karatara we followed the 7 passes road to Knysna. Homtini Pass is my favourite.

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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.

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What more could one want? And with such scenery.

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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.

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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.

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This is a little side road that I’ll explore when I have my own bike. There are quite a few of these.

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Next up was the Harkerville forest.

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The forest road runs all the way to the ocean. Did I mention it was a perfect day?

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Thanks a stack LGF! Next time we do the rest.

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Forum ride report and comments here and the ride that inspired this ride here.

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