It was a nice way to get in the mood and "warming up" to the riding and fixing little details before embarking on our five and a half months motorcycle trip during which we will visit 32 countries of Africa and Eastern Europe before reaching North Kapp (Norway), the most Northern point of Europe.
Landscapes and scenery from Durban to Hermanus were absolutely stunning. Riding on a motorcycle is so different from riding in a car. This mode of transportation instantly brings you closer to the culture and the people that you come across. The smells, the wind, the kids and the adults waving at you from the side of the road or from their little house in the mountains. I am so happy that I am the passenger and not the driver; I am way to busy looking around to worry about the road! There is so much to see, to photograph, so much beauty. It is beyond inspiring! Add to this some great music as we are riding and the experience becomes unforgettable.
We traveled up in the mountains, down by the coast, through the Little Karoo desert, villages and little towns, experienced raining conditions, weather where the wind feels like a warm embrace and cool weather thankful to be wrapped in an electric jacket (not green mile issue - LOL).
We are amazed of how fortunate we are when thinking that this will be our life for the next few months.
We stayed in lovely Bed & Breakfast along the way and also had the opportunity of enjoying the fantastic hospitality of an Afrikaans family when there were no more hotel rooms available in the little town of Barryville.
So far, we have ridden about 2 000 kilometers and shall be riding close to 35 000 more kilometers throughout our journey and the 4 of us (Jude, Johannes, Chris and I) are now enjoying our first day of rest since we left. Tomorrow we will be heading towards the wine country and Cape Town.
We will drink a glass of wine for everybody that will read this post! Needless to say that we are planning on having lots of wine!
Cheers!
Sitting on the most Southern Point of Africa - Indian Ocean on my side, Atlantic Ocean on Chris' side
In deep conversation with the mayor of Dogville
How Supercuts started!
Johannes taking the time to smell the roses!
Chris in a wanna be Revit! ad :P
Nature's valley
Roadside parlamentary meeting
Cape l'Agulhas lighthouse
We made it! 2000km later we reached the starting point of our journey!
Indian Ocean at Cape l'Agulhas
At the top of the lighthouse after the steepest stairs!
Two happy riders in the sunset
Staying at the Marine's hotel in Hermanus - stunning view from the bedroom window ;-)
Awesome ! I envy you guys ;)
ReplyDeleteKim, I admire the fact that you are doing this amazing journey!!! I hope to one day be able to plan something similar throughout the world. There is so much to see and experience on this earth! What a fantastic way to do it...on motorcycles!! Be safe and hope you enjoy every single second of your trip!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Your birthday sister!!
This is great Kim! I was looking forward to read these!! Please have a glass for me! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSo great to hear where you guys are. Keep the blogs going and keep having fun. Miss you all but wishing you make fantastic memories to last all your lives every step of the ride. Love to all four of you Intrepid travelers. One of our friends wanted to know how "The Biker Gang" where going, so you are all referred to as that when we talk about you. Hope your bike gear is a little dirtier now as it seems to bother a few of your friends that they were so clean in the pictures.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/pinetown-and-westville/pinetown-and-westville-lifestyle?oid=5540248&sn=Detail&pid=1171468&Bikers-set-off-on-epic-adventure
ReplyDeleteLIFESTYLE
Bikers set off on epic adventure
Kim Allard, Christopher Cockerell, Judy Spencer ...show more
Four friends are going on the trip of a lifetime as they tackle African and European roads on a motorbike.
11 May 2012 | Rianette Jansen van Vuren
FORMER Westville resident Christopher Cockerell, his girlfriend Kim Allord and an Australian couple, Johannes Schonborn and Judy Spencer who are friends with Cockerell, set off on a biker's trip of a lifetime this week.
The trip has been named Cape to Kapp and the four adventurers will be travelling from Cape Point to Nordkapp in Norway. They will ultimately end up at Octoberfest in Munich, Germany and joked saying they’re riding thousands of kilometres for a beer.
The idea in the end is to circumnavigate the earth on motorbike, with a trip from London to Beijing next on the list. The friends said they’re taking on the long ride, because they're motorbike freaks and live for adventure. They’re also keen to see Africa and its rich wildlife.
For Johannes and Judy the trip is all about seeing the vast wildlife on offer and also to explore the music of different cultures. The foursome said they were looking forward to meeting new friends along the way. They will have backup throughout their trip from Motorrad in Hillcrest who will ship any parts they might need should they breakdown en route.
To follow the couples’ progress visit Kim’s blog, www.ridingup.com. A link to Johannes and Judy’s blog will also be available on Kim’s blog.
Good luck to you all!
ReplyDeleteAwesome girl. I loved every picture. Keep them coming! :)
ReplyDeleteWow!! excellent kim!
ReplyDeletewe keep pending for more updates!! :-)