Departure: Oasis Cederberg
Destination: Nieuwoudtville
Date & Time
2019-12-28 06h52
2019-12-28 13h50
Odometer (Philip)
Start: 110,296 km
End 110,477 km
Passes Travelled (5): Uikyk [Gravel]; Nieuwoudt's [Gravel]; Pakhous [Tar]; Klipfonteinrant [Tar]; Botterkloof [Gravel]
The ride northwards through the Cederberg is very scenic. As we were heading to Clanwilliam, we rode past Algeria.
We stopped in Clanwilliam to refuel and enjoy breakfast and the lovely Nancy's Tearoom.
Originally, were were going to camp at Klein Kliphuis 10km east of Clanwilliam with by brother, his son and wife. Due to Stephen's passing earlier this year, we replanned the route and cancelled accommodation at Klein Kliphuis however they did not refund the 50% deposit I paid them. We therefore stopped off at Klein Kliphuis and requested the money to be refunded, which they duly did (Thanks Sean, it was a good plan).
Nancy's Tearoom in Clanwilliam.
The gravel road ride to Nieuwoudtville is easy riding and takes one through the dry and scenic Great Karoo.
On our arrival in Nieuwoudtville, we first stopped to refuel and then went to search for the motorbike museum. It is located on the western entrance to the town.
Nieuwoudtville may be out of the way and may not have the greatest hotel, but is does have a fantastic antique motorbike museum worth visiting. The bikes are parked very close to each other so at best, you get a glimpse of them from above. Sean was in his element and I was an enthusiastic listener. Only 130 of his 400+ collection pieces are in this warehouse that he allows the public to view for a nominal fee of R20 per person. As the owner explained, he could take any of his collection pieces, install a battery, clean the carburetor and the bike would run. Amongst his collection are some rare motorbikes.
The place is very quiet "out" of the flowering season and restaurants are not open.
We stopped at the local hotel for a beer before heading to the campsite. The local patrons were watching the cricket between South Africa and United Kingdom. Sean thought it was a good idea not to speak so they did not pick up his British accent.
On our way out from the pub, two motor bikers arrived. We inquired about the gravel roads North to Augrabies. Unfortunately they could not assist.
We bought meat and wood at the local butchery before heading to the camp site.
I later popped back to the bottle store linked to the hotel bar to buy some cold beers and ice.
Elsa who runs the Groenrivier Camp was very accommodating and provided us with a very nice campsite with private ablutions.
We had barely arrived when the other two motor bikers we met at the hotel, arrived to book into a chalet.
Elsa visited that camp to ask if we needed anything. We requested another bag of wood and asked that she inform the visitors that they could braai with us.
The camp site with private ablutions
Ruaan and his father Eben joined us for a Braai.
Eben introduced us to Skilpaaitjies and braai toasted sandwiches (delicious).
We were all having so much fun sharing stories that we we ended having a rather late night.
Beautiful sunset view from the campsite.