Ridefast August 2022

B
We filled up and head South along the N1 towards Bloemfontein. The
fuel consumption figure seems to be constant at 6.1 L/100 km.
My biggest fear was dodgy drivers on the road, but thankfully I only
spotted three or four of these.
Trucks are by far the most prominent vehicles on the N1, with far less
cars on the road.
Trucks passing each another is probably still the most dangerous
pastime in SA.
But I did find that most cars and trucks tend to make way for you when
they see you approach – this remains a great gesture and when they
make space and I always make use of the chance to pass them.
I rode at a constant indicated 125 – 135 km/h, and overtaking was done
in the blink of an eye.
No surprises there – the beautiful 1 649 cc, six-cylinder engine delivers
118 kW and 180 Nm.
We rarely rode more than 100 km’s before taking a break. Even if it was
only next to the road to stretch our legs and twist and turn our bodies a
little.
Heading through the southern parts of the Free State and into the Karoo
the little dams of water indicate the large amounts of rain these areas
have received, always a joy to see. Seeing this landscape through the
visor is truly relaxing and such a lekker experience.
The cruise control works perfectly and it is only when a few trucks were
ahead or I needed to plan a passing manoeuvre, that I disengaged it.
There are also heated seats and grips. But, dressed in the appropriate
gear, even at 13 degrees Celsius when we left the farm, we didn’t feel
the need to use them.
The bright sunlight does nothing in terms of the large 10.25-inch TFT
screen’s visibility. It remains easy to read and is crystal clear. I take a
look now and then at the tyre pressures, although I knew the system
would inform me if they deflated.
Our plan was to continue as far as Leeu Gamka, but I overjudged the
distance we were able to travel. With a late lunch stop in Colesberg,
and the sun setting around 17:30 in Beaufort West, I decided to phone
a friend.
They have a guest farm called Skietkuil about 100 km before Beaufort
West. They confirmed that they had a room open, and we climbed on
board knowing that a warm shower and bed awaited us.
The sky’s pallet started to change over the next hour becoming one of
the highlights of the trip. The sun set to our right and the mixture of
warm and cold colours in the sky always make it an unforgettable sight.
I’m not a fan of riding in the dark and we arrived on the farm just before
it got completely dark.
We unpacked and I took a few pictures of the bike with the moon
illuminating the landscape.
The side panniers of the GT can easily be unclipped from the bike and
then you can carry them to your room. The next morning we just packed
them again and clipped them in place. A really sensible design.
Day 3 – Skietkuil Guest Farm to Somerset West.
Heading out at 09:00, the sun had already started to warm the air, but
soon it got a lot warmer. Another Wimpy breakfast in Beaufort West
meant we were ready to tackle the long stretch to Laingsburg. We saw
that a truck had fallen on its side, on the side of the road, but no other
accidents. As a rider you are constantly aware of your surroundings and
need to predict how each car or truck can potentially behave.