December 23^rd 2007 Sweet and Toy Ride

The route would take us inland from Christmas rock, across the Chalumna River, Down to Kiwane and the river mouth.

The plan was to collect as many toys and sweets as possible and to hand them over to the local communities that we traveled through. With a fantastic turnout and many bags filled to the brim we headed inland to brighten up some children’s day. The toys and sweets where packed in plastic packets tied together with some nylon rope, these where then hung over the shoulders of some of the quad riders who where allocated the task of distribution. Words cannot describe the look on these kids’ faces as we slowly rode through the small villages handing toys and sweets to all.

We as enduro/fun riders often travel through these communities and the vast majority of us take the time to slow down and wave to the local’s. This is after all there own back yard and we must learn to show respect with this regard.

We where by this time about an hour into the ride and the heat was taking its toll on both rider and machine, the constant humming of radiator fans and  riders sucking furiously on there hydration bladders as the day got hotter and hotter. We finally made it down to the Chalumna river crossing; this involved a 200m rock/boulder section that would surly take its toll on the riders that could still manage to force a smile out. Once all riders had got through it was decided that this would be a perfect place to rest. Without delay, helmets where removed and all could be seen scuttling like Dassies(rock rabbits) to find shade on the river banks. This was great I thought, looking at two wheelers and quads riding together for a common cause!

This was not unheard of but was not a common site here in East London.

It was again time to move on, the bike riders where instructed to go off first, the next section was very tight and technical, this would help us with regards to overheating and excessive dust on the long hill climb ahead. Once regrouped, we headed down a gravel road towards Kiwane Police station; this was where we had to cross the national road and head down towards to the river mouth. Things had cooled off a bit; the cool breeze off the ocean was welcomed by all as we slowly headed down to the mouth, Rest time!!!!!

I again was impressed by the way the Bikes and quads where working so well together! Bikes with no stands had been propped up against quads (with permission of course) and all where chatting about the ride and various obstacles they had encountered, thanking each other for opening up passing lines etc… Finally, I thought, we understand each other.

Bikes are faster through tight hectic stuff and we need more air through our radiators to keep cool. Quads are faster through Rock River beds and slippery open stuff.

Without exception, when we encountered tight stuff the quads opened up lines for us to pass, in return, we pulled over on the faster stuff and gestured for the quads to pass us. This way we could both enjoy the ride and have fun in the sections our specific bike discipline was aimed.

With the welcomed break over and 50km’s already under the belt we headed off again.

It was decided we would take short cuts back! Cool! I thought, being a lazy rider my backside was already taking major strain! As we crossed the national road and weaved down into the river valley we where met with the same heat as before! I was informed by one our riders on a Can-Am, his onboard computer control system read 46 Degrees C !!!!!!

Its one of those onboard things that tell you everything, and can do anything but cook waffles!

Coming from Zimbabwe and spending a lot of time up in Kariba, I thought I knew what 40 degrees felt like? “This was not it” I queried the temperature with another mate and his onboard thingy! Confirmed! “46 Bloody Degrees!”.

I was told; “But you see, it feels worse because of the humidity”

All can tell you is; Ellasras , Masina and Springbok! Eat my shorts!!!!

With a blinding headache, I aimed my bike at the river bank and grabbed a handful, Ha! Out!

All I wanted now, was to get out of this valley which surly housed the Gateway To HELL!

Nothing natural can survive that heat unless it’s pure evil I thought.

We headed back to the private motocross track where we had  parked our vehicles near Christmas rock. We where welcomed by gigantic wild wig trees and shade!! Lots of it!

Dismounting my Beloved Chainsaw (Husky 450) I removed my helmet, grabbed a bag of ice cubes from my cooler and crept in under my bakkies canopy. I was now faced with a dilemma of where to put the ice???   Head ache or sore Butt?

I decided the headache should be dealt with first as I had a 40km drive back to town.

My rear end problem would be resolved by a swim in the pool once I got home.

NB! Note to self! Remove cigarettes and car keys from pockets before jumping into pool!!!.

In my opinion, Three major things where accomplished by this ride.

1.)    We made a lot of kids living below the bread line very happy and got to share the Christmas spirit.

2.)    The local communities are aware that we care about them and appreciate the use of there land.

3.)    That two wheelers and quads can ride and relate with one another, aswell as having great fun together.