ABBG 2008

[wahl]

DAY 1

This is my and Mike's first ABBG and we joined Renier on his birthday for the ride to the Drakensberg

First Mike and I met up and carried on to meet Renier and the other guys at the Ultra City





We then carried on to the Total Garage between Alberton and Heildelberg where we met up with more people and our first breakdown



Our Diligent Sweep



On to Villiers where we had a Coffee OF COURSE



Stopped at Reitz for Refueling and took over the whole petrol station



Stopped for a bum break at Sterkfontein dam







Then down Oliviershoek pass dodging cyclists on the way to refuel at Winterton



Our Diligent Sweep and petrol attendant



We arrived at the venue at around 16h30



After booking in we were welcomed by our welcoming committee



Our accomodation - The ground Floor



The Hotel



We got married in this Church on the 14th February 1987



The view from the Church



The Hotel reception area



Sunset over the Drakensberg



We had a lovely welcoming dinner last night with good company of course



Part of the spread that was laid out for us

[Dave S]

Very nice - look forward to more.

[wahl]

DAY 2

We registered this morning to go on a demo ride, wanted to feel how the new 650 performs

The efficient registration tent



Our 650's



We are both very impressed with the 650 When Mike started the fuel gauge indicated more than 191 and after 70 km of hard riding Mike's fuel gauge indicated more than 198 !! how that for fuel consumption.



My bike was not so fuel efficient - Suppose because I kept up with the 1200's



After the demo ride we were happy to get our bikes back and went for flies and lunch at the "highly reccomended" waffle hut



I personally would next time rather have lunch here - about 5 km up the road





Back at the hotel I rather entertained myself with the local bird life than the rugby





The sun starting to set making beatiful sun spots on the berg



And yes, unfortunately there had to be an accident - apparently the one was following the other too close when the front rider fell and the back one then rode over him



We then waite for a apparently famous stunt rider to give us a show and saw this rainbow while we were waiting



Not Bad





However I found another rider who thought he was better



Having the Gala dinner tonight an tomorrow back to Pretoria

[wahl]

DAY 3

WOW!! what a dinner was laid out for us last night. It was more than excellent. Hopefully someone took pictures of the Gala Dinner and will post them.

We had a wonderful time and will be back next year. BMW will have to come up with something really special to improve on this ABBG.

After Breakfast this morning we packed up ad left.



We took the N3 home and refuelled at Harrismith



From Harrismith on we had a terrible wind but otherwise an uneventful journey.

[DP1200GS ADV]

Thanks Wahl for the great pics.
I have made a DVD with videos and pics of the entire weekend.
This includes Lachlan's speech, Renier's birthday song,Ramon's stunt riding as well as the fantastic band on Sat evening. Anyone wants a copy,please let me know.Those from the Pretoria club who rode with us, I have already made you a copy.Can bring to the next Noggin.
This was definitely the BEST ABBG I have ever been to.Great venue,great food, great rides ! Well done to the organisers.Thanks to Renier for leading our group there and back. Also everyone from the Pretoria club for the great company.

[wahl]

Thank's Deon I will want a DVD for sure

[Jamie]

Been to all the gatherings organized by Motorrad SA except for Victoria West and also for us, this was the best one yet.

Great organization, exceptional venue, good food, nice riding and good company.

The Pta BMW motorcycle group………well they were number 1…….thanks guys and girls. No politics, no clicks and very well behaved on the road……maybe with one exception. ;D

Thanks to Renier and Malinda for leading the ride.

On our way back, we met several other riders along the road and they all complained about the behavior of one group. We eventually also crossed paths with the said group – they are not from this club – and indeed they ride like idiots…….no respect for motorists and even worse, for other bikes………guess we will always have them amongst us.

almost ready to depart from the Ultra City N1 south



a break at Sterkfontein Dam



arrival at the venue



the function was well attended and the there were a lot of BMWs













also a few interesting ones like this brand new adventure with 3 km on the clock



and this Suzuki B king





with even a lone Honda mixing with the pack.....well done girl for having the courage to take your ride to the gathering



and of course every show must have a star ;D ;D ;D



oeps, I have excluded the real star



they went big on offering test rides





and the waiting list for this baby was loooooooong



the rider academy was present and was surprisingly busy with all the wifes, grandpas and sundry who wanted to learn how to ride……Rob and Mathew Barnes were busy the whole day



here is a familiar face



the outride departure Saturday morning



with the mmwc (main man what count) from BMW Motorrad SA Lachlen Harris



the road side assistance vehicles were well represented and made for good pr



don’t know this couple at all but it made a nice pic



our stop in Mooirivier during the outride



Ivala lodge, the turning point for the tar route







very unlike BMW, an impressive stunt show was presented and it attracted a lot of attention.........do not try this at home







And lastly the very beautiful surrounds……..methinks that’s what heaven might look like

[Dave S]

Great report!

Looks like it was a good one.