Ducatis from all over the world got together on the 6th of May for the second edition of “We Ride As One”. This global event united all 159 international Ducati Official Clubs, and 334 Ducati dealerships (from more than 50 countries), which totalled 15,000 Ducatisti on the same day to share their passion for the Ducati brand.

Every year, Ducati hosts the World Ducati Week in Italy. After the lockdowns and travel restrictions were lifted, Ducati wanted to do something special before the 2022 World Ducati Week. That year saw the first running of the “We Ride As One” event. Following the success of that gathering, Ducati has decided to make this a fixed appointment on the calendar for the first Saturday in May.

This year, Ducati enthusiasts gathered at Ducati dealers around the world and it was up to each dealer and local Ducati Owners Clubs to decide on the format of the event. For example, in Rome, the plan was to ride through the historic centre of the city, and the parade was led by the Gresini Racing Team MotoGP rider, Fabio Di Giannantonio. In Kawasaki in Japan, the ride was to the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, where they enjoyed lunch and a view of Mount Fuji.

Here in South Africa, Ducatis congregated at the Ducati store in Pretoria, and another group in Cape Town. The Pretoria group was represented by 68 Ducatis and the line-up included a wide variety of models. From a 1978 900 Supersport to the latest DesertX.

As the bikes started rolling in, I had a chat with a young gentleman who does not own a Ducati yet, but his knowledge of the brand was phenomenal. He knew the models off by heart, and when asked which one was his favourite, it was a split between the Panigale V2 and the V4. Suffice it to say, there will be a Ducati in his garage one day, and it will probably be a Panigale.

After the rider briefing, we set off to Fort Klapperkop to get the city as a backdrop for our group photo. We had to go through the suburbs to get there, and the sound of 68 Ducatis was quite something. After our photo opportunity, a smaller group rode to Harties for a late lunch. The Cape Town contingent also managed almost 60 bikes.

As with all these events, they grow year by year, and next year Ducati South Africa is aiming to make it even bigger. So keep an eye on the social media side of Ducati.

As a passionate motorcyclist and someone who’s always encouraging other women to take up riding, I’m excited for International Female Ride Day (IFRD) on Saturday, 06 May. I’ll be leading one of the offroad riding groups as we head for the Avianto Clubhouse in Muldersdrift for an Alice in Wonderland-themed picnic.

IFRD is all about having fun, making friends and connecting women through the universal language of motorcycling. I love how it also offers the ideal opportunity for women who are new to riding to join our global community on two wheels.

Safety first

Whether IFRD will be one of your first-ever rides, or you’re a veteran, there’s one thing that we all need to keep front of mind, and that’s safety. Many people see motorbikes as dangerous, and that can deter them from taking up riding. Whilst it’s true that there are risks involved, the good news is that by following a few simple rules, you can ride with more confidence and be safer (of course we can’t control other people’s actions on the roads, but we can be aware and proactive to help us avoid incidents).

These are my top safety tips for IFRD and everyday riding, based on my years of experience. While these tips apply to all riders, some are specifically for women. Keep this in mind, have fun and stay safe out there!

1. Always wear a helmet

No ifs, no buts. This is non-negotiable. Appropriate riding clothing is also a must. That includes a riding jacket and gloves – in other words, all of the kit, all of the time. If the worst should happen, you’ll want as much protection between you and the tar as possible. My advice would always be to invest in the best gear you can afford, and never leave home without it.

2. Improve your skills

Take a riding course, safety course or advanced course to learn how to ride defensively, anticipate and deal with situations. Improve your bike control, braking and manoeuvring so you can feel more confident and get more out of each ride.

3. Learn basic bike mechanics

Knowing how to deal with common issues could save you spending hours waiting for roadside assistance to arrive. It’s also a great idea to carry a small toolkit with all the essentials. Personally, I never leave home without Motul MC Care Tyre repair for an unexpected puncture. Another handy product to keep at hand is Motul MC Care Helmet and Visor Clean for those dirty lenses to ensure you can continue to see properly. And of course, Motul Waterless Hands clean!

4. Plan each trip

Fire up your navigation app ahead of the ride and look for pit stops and garages on your route, as well as viewpoints where you might want to stop. Keeping an eye on the weather is also really important – wet and rainy conditions can be tricky to ride in if you’re not used to them.

5. Know before you go

Check all the most important features of your bike, including tyre pressure, lights, oil and fluid levels, brakes and the horn.

6. Ride responsibly

Obey speed limits and the rules of the road and make sure that other road users always know what you’re going to do next. Indicate clearly and where possible be aware of other people’s blind spots and ensure they can see you.

7. Stand out

Many drivers are unfamiliar with motorcycles and they may not see you, as you’re much smaller than a car. This means it’s up to you to be visible – I’d advise always keeping your headlight on, even during the day. Avoid all-black outfits, especially at night, and maybe consider a brightly coloured helmet (mine’s yellow) to make you more visible. Riding with a buddy means that you’re more likely to be noticed by other road users – and makes every ride more enjoyable, as you’ll have someone to share the experience with.

8. Stay focused and alert

Watch out for potential hazards like potholes and slippery surfaces, and avoid distractions like your bike’s infotainment systems. Always keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.

9. Tell a friend

If you’ll be riding alone, always let someone know where you’ll be going and when to expect you back. If you’re riding far, or through unfamiliar areas, you should ideally ride with at least one other person.

10. Make it easier to get help

Programme an ICE number into your phone, and keep a copy of your ID, medical aid details and information about your medical conditions on you.

Following these tips can help you enjoy each ride even more, and will make sure you stay safe at all times.

Above all else, my advice to ladies especially is to “JUST RIDE”!

To register for the IFRD Mass Ride and picnic or to learn more, visit www.ifrd-sa.co.za

King Price Xtreme rider Clint Seller has been riding on 2 wheels since he was 3 years old. Of course, today his superbike is vastly more powerful (and dangerous) than the scooter of the way back when. This makes Seller acutely aware of the risks involved in racing and riding a motorbike on the highways and byways of South African roads.

The stats certainly make for grim reading. On the Eastern Cape roads alone, the death toll more than doubled from last year’s figures during the Easter long weekend. Reasons for this ranged from bad driver behaviour, drunken driving, speeding, and fatigue.

There’s no easy way to put it… Our roads have turned into war zones. And it’s especially motorcyclists who are at risk, as many motorists simply aren’t aware of them.

So, what can be done to change this? We sat down with Clint to pick his brain and get his expert advice when it comes to safety tips for both motorists and motorcyclists.

Tips for motorists:

• Double-check your blind spots: Motorbikes can easily disappear in a vehicle’s blind spot. Make a habit of checking your blind spots twice before changing lanes or merging to avoid hitting a motorcyclist. Adjust your mirrors correctly and consider installing blind spot mirrors to provide an even better view.
• Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe following distance behind motorbikes, as they can stop more abruptly than cars. This will give you enough time to react if the motorcyclist needs to stop suddenly. In my experience, you should try to keep a distance of approximately 4 seconds before coming to a complete stop.
• Be vigilant at intersections: Intersections are dangerous for cars and bikes alike. Always check twice before crossing an intersection. Take an extra look just to quickly scan the road for smaller vehicles like motorbikes and cyclists.
• Use your indicators: Communicate your intentions by using your turn signals, allowing motorcyclists to anticipate your actions and adjust their riding accordingly. Be consistent and give ample notice before making a turn or changing lanes, so others on the road have time to react.
• Be aware of weather conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make it harder to see motorbikes. Adjust your driving by slowing down, turning on your headlights, and giving riders extra space. Remember that wet roads can be slippery for both cars and motorbikes.

Tips for motorcyclists:

• Be visible: Wear brightly coloured clothing and use reflective materials to increase your visibility. Make sure your headlights are functioning correctly and always use them, even during the day. Position yourself in the lane where you’re most visible to other drivers, avoiding blind spots and staying out of their direct path.
• Ride defensively: Anticipate potential hazards and be prepared to react. Assume other drivers may not see you and position yourself in the safest place on the road. Stay alert to your surroundings, scanning the road for potential obstacles like potholes, and be ready to take evasive action if necessary.
• Signal your intentions: Use your turn signals and hand signals to communicate your intentions to other drivers. Clearly indicate your intentions well in advance, giving other drivers time to react to your actions.
• Wear protective gear: Invest in a high-quality helmet, gloves, boots, and other protective clothing to minimise the risk of injury in case of an accident. Always wear your helmet. Where possible, choose gear with built-in armour or padding for added protection and ensure it fits properly for maximum effectiveness.
• Take a safety course: Participate in a motorbike safety course to improve your riding skills and learn advanced techniques for handling hazardous situations. Regularly refresh your knowledge and skills, as this will help you stay sharp on the road and equip you to handle challenging situations.

For more information on King Price Motorbike Insurance visit: www.kingprice.co.za

I missed out on the Husqvarna Norden Expedition launch, so I was super keen to ride Husky’s new bike. You only learn so much about a bike on a launch anyway as you don’t ride it as you typically would, but rather conform to what the bunch is doing. The Expedition intrigues me for a number of reasons. I have always had an issue with how bikes are touted as “Adventure bikes” by manufacturers, yet are not specced to be off-road capable. For example, bikes come without bash plates (or token plastic jobs), no crash bars, main stands, pannier brackets or luggage. Seats are sometimes as unyielding as that on a plastic. You typically pay a hell of a premium to fit these items as accessories. It adds insult to injury that all of these items are available ex-factory. In other words, they acknowledge that you need them if you are going to exploit all the bike’s advertised talents, but they make you pay an additional premium for them. The Norden Expedition changes all that!

Husqvarna has taken their excellent Norden and really gone to town on it. First up is a 48 mm WP Explor-USD fork valved and sprung for the Expedition, with 240 mm of travel, complimented by a WP Explor shock also with 240 mm of travel. The suspension is fully adjustable both back and front. This also lengthens the wheelbase slightly over the Norden 901. Then we have a bash plate that is PROPER! This is no token, it is comprehensive, protecting the sides of the tank and extending all the way under the motor.

Heated handgrips, heated rider seat, main stand, pannier brackets and soft luggage all come standard. Get on the bike, fill the tank and go! The seat is not only heated, but it is also plusher than its standard sibling too. A taller windscreen takes care of the windblast completely. It is the first fully specced adventure bike on the market. The only other bike that comes close is Triumph’s Tiger Rally Pro.

There is nothing that can hold a candle to the spec of the Expedition. Period. Then, when you look at the price you do another double take. At R279699, a mere R17 000 more than the standard 901, it is in a class of one. Add the price of all the essential extras to other bikes and see what a bargain the Expedition is.

Anyone who has ridden the standard 901 will acknowledge that it is a very capable adventure bike. Fast, stable, comfy and good on the dirt and road. Cruise control munches the miles and the economy is excellent. So how about the Expedition? Easy answer. It is better in absolutely every way. The suspension is plusher, with the extra travel, and comfort is enhanced with the softer seat. Wind protection is excellent too with the taller shield which unfortunately is still not adjustable. I found it perfect for my 6’3” but some guys complain of wind noise. We rode north out of Brits (it is a Norden, Scandinavian for “the North”, after all) then on to Thabazimbi, Ellisras and onto the dirt road running along the SA side of the Tuli Block.

The dirt roads have taken strain during a rainy summer with exposed rock, corrugations and some deep sand washes. I was on the Expedition and my son, also Dave was on the standard Norden. He was absolutely loving the Norden. Revelling in its punchy linear motor and great handling. I felt the same way about the Expedition. The extra travel just smooths out the road imperfections that much better.

It is incredibly reminiscent of my KTM 990 R. The same plush, big dirtbike feel. I had the soft luggage packed with the typical adventure weekend gear and, after seeing on YouTube how the launch bike luggage flapped around, I put a bungee around each bag. Sorted. It worked superbly, being easily detachable and completely dust free after more than 100 k’s of dirt. It clips on and off in seconds too. I suppose that can be negative in SA given our current level of lawlessness. That is always an issue with soft luggage though.

We parked the bikes to compare notes, have a breather and take some pics. What looks better than a big Adventure bike, covered in dust, out in the wild blue yonder? Talking looks, the Expedition is spectacular! The blue and white graphics, tall stance and serious hardware come together with incredible visual appeal. Form and function in perfect harmony. If I owned the standard Norden I would have it wrapped just like the Expedition.

We cruised the dirt until just outside Alldays where we climbed back onto the tar. By now the sun was sinking into a typical bushveld sunset. We took the obligatory pics, then pulled into a lodge just out of town to slake our thirst and fill our bellies. We chatted about the roads we had ridden, the sights we had witnessed and the bikes that carried us and our kit. Having swapped bikes on occasion, we were in agreement that the standard Norden 901 is an excellent bike. It is only when compared to the Expedition that it is found wanting. The incredible value proposition of the Expedition is impossible to ignore. And the looks. Oh my soul, what a beauty!

Typically weary after a great day’s riding we had no problem drifting off to sleep, excited by the prospect of more of the same the next day. We woke up to a picture-perfect bushveld day. Packing the bikes we got on the road to make the most of the deliciously fresh early morning air. As always, a bike feels just a tad perkier in the cool.

We had to get home to other commitments, so we turned up the wick and sped south, dodging potholes as we went. On occasion, we ran over potholes, which simply got negated by the excellent suspension of the Nordens. These bikes smash distance so effortlessly. They are geared for a top end of around 215 km/h, which is way more than you need, but that means that at 140/150 they are running in the sweet spot, with huge reserves of go.

The 19-litre tanks give a decent range, allowing us 350+ k’s before fill-ups, despite enjoying the bike’s ample power on many an occasion. The Nordens dispatch slower traffic with absolute disdain. The 890 KTM-derived motor is an absolute peach. Powerful and torquey, it is perfectly harnessed by the seamless quick shifter. On the subject of the gearbox, the only minor issue on both bikes was not being able to find neutral easily.
Reflecting on our ride, which covered typical terrain that the Adventure traveller will encounter, I cannot think of another bike which, as standard, is as perfectly suited, specced and competent as the Norden Expedition. It is the consummate adventure package as it rolls off the showroom floor. Hats off to Husqvarna.

You have smacked it right out of the park!

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition

For more information on the bike featured in this article, click on the link below…

2023

Husqvarna Norden 901 Expeditio...

Pricing From R279,699 (RRP)

Brand: Husqvarna

My father was a land surveyor. Had he still been with us, he would have turned 95 this year. With his birthday falling on a Saturday this year, I thought about doing something special to remember him by. After all, he was the one that bought me my first motorcycle. He did not rant about the dangers of motorcycling, he just asked if I wanted a green or a white one. Even though he never rode himself, he did not deny me the opportunity to own one. I think his choice had more to do with the fact that he did not have to drop me off at school anymore. He did, however, insist that I get my license first.

His job meant hours of toiling in the sun, only to come back with a field book full of numbers that had to be crunched after dinner. He did not have it easy, though. There were no fancy computers around, and he used arithmetic tables and a Facit TK Mechanical calculator. This ancient device used a crank to do multiplication and division. The decimal point was a rudimentary metal slide that you positioned where you want the decimal to be.

Any piece of land that has a title deed, was marked and laid out by a land surveyor. In simple terms, your property has four corner pins with exact coordinates that show you where the borders of your stand are. For my father to place those pins, he first had to find out exactly where he was in relation to your pins. From there he would use a lot of intricate mathematics to place the pins in exactly the right spot. Tolerances were down to millimetres, so accuracy was key.

To have the best possible chance of finding your initial location, South Africa has around 30 000 trigonometrical beacons scattered around the country. You might have seen some of them while riding. They comprise a white, cylindrical, concrete structure with a black, metal signal stuck on top. All of them are mapped with their exact location. With their locations known, you can measure the angles from your location to the various beacons. The more of them you could see at any given spot, the better your accuracy would be when determining your initial location.

The surveying of these beacons started in Cape Town in 1834, and the first two points were placed using the stars as a reference. From there the next point was placed, forming the first triangle. This third point’s exact location was then determined using the angle and distance from the first two points. From there a grid of triangles was laid out across the whole of South Africa. The initial countrywide grid was completed in 1936 and named the “Cape Datum”. Using this as a base, a second and third round of triangulations were done, adding more beacons to the network. This improved the accuracy of triangulating your exact position.

While rummaging through some old photos, I realised that my father was responsible for erecting a number of these secondary beacons, and I had the photographic proof. Some of these photos had the name assigned to the beacon included in the photo. I only had three photos to work with and I put together a 380-odd km route to see if I could visit these beacons. It would be like spending time with my father again. I knew there were going to be some gravel roads to ride, so I contacted Jaco van der Merwe from Zontes and asked if I could use their little adventure bike for the trip, the Zontes ZT 310-T2.

I left around 6:30 on Saturday the 18th of March and headed out on the Moloto road, towards Hammanskraal. This road is known for being very dangerous, but it got me thinking: the road is completely harmless. It is the people that ride on it that cause the carnage. I was happy to turn away from it eventually and headed in the direction of Bela-Bela. The first beacon was situated on a flat outcrop, not visible from the road. I flagged down a local and showed him the photo I had. His face lit up. “Yes! That is it!” However, getting to the beacon was not going to be easy, so I decided instead to fly my drone up to the site. As soon as I cleared the treeline, I could see the beacon! It was still in good condition, and just flying there made me wonder what my dad would have said of my flying contraption. With the photo in the bag, I mounted the Zontes and headed west in the direction of the N1.

My next stop was a very tall structure but, as I approached, I realised that it was on a working farm. I took my chances and explained to the guard, Samuel, at the gate what I was after. I showed him the photo of the beacon and after a brief radio conversation with his superior, he unlocked the gate and explained where I needed to go. The farm road quickly turned into my nemesis: soft, powdery sand. The Zontes T2 has spoked wheels and a larger, 19” front wheel. It coped remarkably well and I reached my destination without incident. Here I spent some time and poured myself some coffee from my Stanley flask. My dad only used Stanley flasks, and even under the hot sun, he would always have coffee. He knew how much I loved coffee, so he always left a little bit of coffee in the flask for me when he got home. I said goodbye, and waded through the sand back to the gate. I thanked Samuel and rode further north to Bela Bela.

I stopped for a late breakfast at “Toeka se dae”, just off the N1 on the way to Bela Bela. There was one other motorcycle there, and after identifying the rider, I asked if I could join him. His name was Hannes, and we chatted about bikes and trig beacons. He was also doing a solo ride up north. After breakfast, I headed towards Leeupoort Holiday town. I stopped there for ice cream and reminisced some more, as my father was responsible for surveying the whole of Leeupoort and our family spent many a weekend there.

My next stop would be Beestekraal Station restaurant. There were quite a number of motorcycles, mostly members of the Honda Gold Wing club. I had a quick milkshake as I had one more beacon to visit. According to the map, I had to do a 6 km gravel road to get to it, but after my sand excursion, I knew the Zontes would be up to a little gravel road. It did not disappoint. The first part of the road was heavily rutted, but with the larger front tyre and a slight increase in speed, the bike simply floated over it.

As I reached the final beacon, I stopped at the local fruit store and asked who owns the land the beacon was on. One of the patrons was relieved to finally find out the purpose of the beacons. After clearing it with the owner, I opted for a drone shot, rather than scampering up a rocky outcrop in my riding boots. It was remarkable to see the beacon still in such good shape.

And then it dawned on me that the cement, water and all the moulds had to be carried up there. All by my dad and his helpers. And all this, so he could provide for us in the best way possible. And so he could afford to buy me my dream machine.

Thanks, Dadda, you are my hero!

Zontes ZT310-T2

For more information on the bike featured in this article, click on the link below…

Bikes have always been a constant in Norman Smith’s life. Growing up in the Johannesburg suburb of Orange Grove he recalls haunting the Jo’burg dealerships for any spare Owners Manuals that he could lay his hands on. His first bike was a Yamaha 100 Twin. I remember these epic little parallel twin 2–strokes well. With their sloping tanks and peppy performance, they were the envy of every schoolboy in the ’60s.

Norm repaired many of the neighbourhood bikes despite, by his own admission, and the wisdom of hindsight, “not knowing much”. In 1975 Norman apprenticed himself to “Honda on the Hill”, Jo’burgs top Honda dealer. His Journeyman was another legend of SA motorcycling, and drag racing in particular, Mike Bramley. They remain firm friends to this day. Norm recounts that with Mike there was only one way. The right way!

Walk into Smith’s Motorcycles today and you see how that ethos is still the way that things get done. Motorcycles in for service or repairs are allocated their space, and bits and pieces are laid out with military precision. The workshop is clean and tidy. Bikes waiting for spares or for collection are covered with bike covers.

Norman opened Smith’s Motorcycles way back in 1987 on Main Street, very close to Continental Cycles, the then Ducati Importers. In fact, in the ’70s and ’80s, the who’s who of motorcycling in Johannesburg had their shops on Main Street. In 1996 the shop moved to its current location in the complex adjacent to, and just below Kyalami Grand Prix circuit.

Over the years Norman has become renowned for his quality of workmanship and hands-on approach. I can attest to this as he replaced the steering head bearings on my VFR 800 Honda in the late ’90s. The attention to detail and care that he lavished on my bike was akin to how I fettle my own bikes. As Mike Bramley taught him as a 16-year-old apprentice.

Norman has perhaps the cleanest collection of pre-used bikes for sale that I have ever seen. He specialises in low-kilometre immaculate bikes. I will always remember one of the first times that I visited Norman’s shop and drooled over the spotless bikes with some real exotic bikes amongst them. “So which are your bikes,” I asked Norman, meaning which bikes are your own, as opposed to the shop’s bikes? Norman fixed me in his steely gaze, and in his typical laconic manner replied, “They’re all my bikes”…

That, in essence, sums up Norman’s approach to doing business. He only stocks bikes that he would be proud to own personally. I bought an original carburettor black Honda Blackbird from Norman years ago. It had 1800 odd k’s on the clock and to say that it was immaculate would have been an understatement. It was magnificent. I paid top dollar for it, but it was worth every cent and then some. Norman’s immense experience and bike knowledge are reflected by the bikes on his floor. His own Yoshimura Suzuki GS1100 still has pride of place. Absolutely immaculate. He says, somewhat ruefully, that the best of his collection funded his kids’ education. I hear you, brother.

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So, if you want only the best for your bike, take it to Norman. You can only benefit from his old-school values and work ethic. Similarly, if you are in the market for a new bike, pop in at Smith’s Motorcycles and browse around or keep an eye on their Instagram as Noman’s son, David, keeps us updated with their latest bikes. You may just hit the mother lode as I did.

Karoo Gatskuur. 2023 sees the second running of this iconic event. Let’s give you some background. During the Covid lockdown (it now seems to have been in another age, doesn’t it?) some folks got really busy with all sorts of projects. Well, none more so than Gus and Mariette Maartens.

Being passionate about bikes and adventure biking in particular, they decided to build Grotto to Gravel Bikers Hideaway, a motorcycle-themed Luxury Tented camp and guesthouse on their farm near Magaliesburg. Spend a minute in their company and you realise that they are a wonderful giving couple. Mariette has had more than her fair share of trauma and heartache in her life before she and Gus got together. The sort of experiences that would ruin most women. But not Mariette. Inside her pretty exterior is one tough Kalahari cookie!

They have been involved in fundraising initiatives for various charities and causes. Mariette wanted to be able to give a message of hope to women that, for whatever reason, have suffered trauma in their lives, so she started Throttle Angels, aimed at ladies who ride bikes. Having been knocked down many times in life, sometimes through her bad decisions or perhaps just by not being able to dodge what life threw at her, justly or unjustly, Mariette feels that her life lessons, so painfully learned, can benefit other women.

She and Gus hosted a Throttle Angel Ladies Day event, raising funds for breast cancer amongst others, in 2022 at Grotto to Gravel. It was such a huge success that it spawned another event, the Ball Run, focused on cancer awareness amongst men, which was also a huge success in raising funds and goodies from numerous sponsors who came on board. The other initiative that saw the light of day, apparently after a few rum-laced pink milkshakes, was the Karoo Gatskuur.

Afrikaans is an amazing language. It has certain expressions that carry meaning and sentiment that frankly cannot be adequately expressed in English. “Gatskuur” is a perfect example. Dirt & Trail did a story on 2022 Karoo Gatskuur and tried to describe “Gatskuur” as “riding around”. It is, but it is also so much more! It is scratching the itch in a fun and almost foolish way. It is living life to the full just because you can, and more! So, what is Karoo Gatskuur about?

The recipe is quite simple. Jump on delivery bikes, boxes and all, of under 300 cc, preferably really old ones and go ride 3500 k’s of scenic dirt roads to the Tankwa Karoo and back. This year’s route will include the spectacular Baviaanskloof.

Why the Tankwa? Simply because it is one of those magical places with vast spaces and arid scenery that stays forever in your memory. It has particular significance for Gus and Mariette too, as they were married at the Tankwa Padstal. The dress code is overalls with reflective tape which you can embellish according to your chosen theme. Oh yes, participants are restricted to two sets of underwear. The one you are wearing and a spare set.

Accommodation is a mixture of funky stays and camping. Your bike must get you there and back. Bad tempers and grumpy dispositions get left at home! Gus leads this merry band and participants are required to fall in with his planning. This is not a contest. Gatskuur is a ride for a cause. Participants are encouraged to get sponsors for R1 per kilometre. The proceeds will go to Angels Hotel, a facility for physically and mentally challenged children.

Having been on board with previous sponsorship, Motul did not hesitate to back Mariette for her ride on her 40-year-old Yamaha SR250. I think Motul’s boss lady, Mercia, would have given her eye teeth to have gone along on her own SR250, probably last exercised at Stofskop. Maybe next year?

The fun doesn’t end there. Participants get to choose a “challenge” for each day. Participants are, in most cases, seasoned riders and are also given an opportunity to share a “deep” thought or theme. I know from experience that a long tour on small-capacity bikes throws challenges of its own. Comfort is not great, speeds are low and days are often long. Patience is most definitely a virtue! If one of your buddies has an issue, don’t get irritated, rather see how you can help.

Last year’s event threw massive curved balls with rain and muddy roads which were super tricky on bikes totally unsuited to that kind of travel. Mariette tells of a particularly bad day on last year’s tour where she was paddling through slick mud, blinded by her tears, exhausted by battling the elements. She caught up to the rest of the group at the end of the mud-fest, who broke into spontaneous applause at her gutsy display.

The crowning glory was when her Gus embraced her saying “my skat, jy het balsak!” Praise doesn’t come higher than that! Hey Gus, your missus is from the Kalahari, where they start fires with flares and consider chicken as salads! (don’t ask me how I know) The guys who hail from there don’t shave, they smack the stubble in with four-pound hammers and chew it off on the inside! Little wonder then that Mariette has “vasbyt”.

I have always said that the Adventure is not in the bike, but rather in the trip. Gus and Mariette do their Adventure biking on big BMW GS’s, but their Karoo Gatskuur brings a unique flavour to venturing far and wide on a motorcycle across our beautiful country. It is a ride for a worthy cause where egos get buried, competition is eliminated and people with a miserable outlook on life need not apply.

Make no mistake this is a PROPER adventure! To ride this distance on a small motorcycle not designed for the job is a serious endurance event. It also allows those without buckets of cash to have the trip of a lifetime with like-minded folk without breaking the bank. A friend of mine says “Dave, the hunt is often better than the kill”. And so it is. With Gatskuur you need to decide on and procure a bike. Then the prep starts. What theme are you going for? Even sticking the sponsors’ stickers on the bike requires thought. Is the bike mechanically sound? Will I make it? If you don’t have more questions than answers can you really call it an adventure?

Honda CD200 Roadmasters are a popular choice for Gatskuur. This year will also see the first Indian delivery bike in the form of a Hero Eco 150. Last year Mariette was the only rose amongst the nine thorns, or, as Gus so aptly put it, “nege latte en ‘n platte”. This year she has three intrepid ladies for backup. (We look forward to posting Mariette’s trip report with photos when they are back. Last year’s report was hilarious and very good reading. These Kalahari types clearly have a penchant for storytelling).

I have to admit to having serious FOMO after seeing the bikes in Gus’s workshop, emblazoned with their sponsors’ stickers and all. I will, God willing, apply, cap in hand, to participate in next year’s event. To those who have been accepted for this year’s ride and who leave on the 6th of April, we wish you Godspeed. Ride safe and enjoy. I echo the words of that traditional Gaelic blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”.

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Footnote:

What I found particularly heart-warming is how companies represented on this unique ride have opened their hearts and their wallets to support this worthy cause. The unseen angels of this event. Mariette gratefully shared with me how Honda SA sponsored two Ace 125s and significant cash for the cause. Similarly, BMW Motorrad made two of their epic 310 GSs available for the videographer and Altus Theart, the ‘celebrity guest’. Yamaha SA dug deep into their parts bin and parted with over R20K’s worth of bits to make sure that the brace of SR250s run like they did when they rolled off the showroom floor some 40 years ago.

Then we have Motul who sponsored shirts for participants, as well as backing Mariette and pimping her ride. In the immortal words of Charley’s Angels – “Good Job Angels, good job!”

In recent years, it has been easy for many to be scornful about the state of motorcycle racing in South Africa: wherever the finger has been pointed, justifying the criticism hasn’t been a problem for those doing the pointing. That they also fail to come up with any solutions is sadly just as predictable.

However, as with any complicated situation, a simple investigation behind the scenes reveals the actual reality and the efforts many people are making to grow the sport and foster new talent.

For twenty years, Clint Seller has been at the forefront of SA racing, as well as making waves on the U.S. scene. Not that he’d thank me for saying it, but he’s now one of the elder statesmen of racing, although the competitive fire still burns brightly: nine SA titles have done nothing to dampen that. Today, however, he is working hard to give back to the sport, with the full backing of King Price Insurance and co-sponsors Honda SA, Liqui Moly, NGK Spark Plugs, Dragon Energy Drink, Super Signs and Portable Shade.

If there is one thing Clint has learned, it is that involving the press is almost as important as what happens on the track, because there is an important message to get out there: that SA motorcycle racing is alive and well. That is why we found ourselves at Bike Shop Rivonia as guests of the King Price Extreme Racing team, with not only Clint, but also the junior members of the team, Leungo Gaorekwe, 19, and Cayden and Blake Robert, 15 and 10 respectively and their father, Craig, who acts as team manager and mentor to the youngsters who are all thriving under his care and attention.

It is not only the King Price Extreme team that is benefitting from Clint’s leadership. Clint has run the team since 2019 and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the National Superbike Series back on its feet and show that it can be, once again, a serious hotbed of talent and good racing. Not even Covid could derail his and everyone else’s efforts and, at the start of the 2023 season, the series is in rude good health, especially in the junior classes, 50 cc and 150 cc, as well as the 600 cc class.

From painful experience, Clint knows that it’s not enough to simply give a youngster a bike and send them out on track. Today’s racer has to be an expert in many different disciplines away from the track. Data logged from onboard sensors is just as important a weapon in the racer’s armoury as natural skill or a good set of spanners is to the mechanic. If any of these youngsters are to succeed in overseas’ championships, they need to understand how to decipher the information being fed to them to improve lap times: it’s no longer enough to simply try harder when on the bike.

Then there is mental strength, not something that comes naturally to kids of 10 or 15. As Clint pointed out, the main way of achieving it is through adversity and we all know that adversity can knock the stuffing out of you harder than any crash. This is where Clint’s hard-won experience, alongside Craig’s calming but firm influence, comes into play. The King Price Extreme team is not a vanity project for Clint and Craig: they care about developing these kids to help them realise the potential they ‘obviously’ possess. If Clint manages to bag a tenth title for himself along the way, well what better inspiration for the boys?

Sacrifice is a constant companion. Every member of the team, no matter how old, told us that their friends, no matter how supportive and encouraging of their efforts, would more often than not, simply not call to invite them out on a weekend as they already knew what the answer would be. It’s not anything to be sad about: this is the commitment that is needed and all the boys know this. The compensation, of course, is that they are doing something that many of us would give our back teeth to do.

That not all of them might succeed has no part in their vision of the future and it is a testament to the organisation that Clint and Craig have built that will give Leungo, Cayden and Blake the best chance possible. This year, Leungo will head to Spain as a wild-card entry in a few races in the Spanish CEV Series, with a view, to taking part in a full season in 2024. That in itself is a massive move for him and it’s not going to be easy, but the grounding he has received will stand him in excellent stead.

So, the next time you feel like bemoaning the state of motorcycle racing in South Africa, maybe take the time to attend one of the rounds of the national championship and witness the racing, talk to the teams, riders and sponsors and show support. My bet is you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The man at the helm of Ducati South Africa, Jos Matthysen, sure knows how to promote the Ducati brand. He also knows how to give back. Not only to Ducati riders but also to the community at large. With the fourth Ducati Mystery Ride, most riders contributed to helping out with a local care home that was close to Jos’ heart: the JJ Watson home in George. The Mystery Rides themselves were not a small undertaking and yet he does them with enthusiasm and a glint in his eye. The fifth Mystery Ride is due to kick off in May.

Towards the end of 2020, Ducati hosted a family day to thank the Ducati owners for their loyalty, and I was there to cover the event. I arrived by car but packed my rider gear just in case an opportunity presented itself to ride on the track. True to Jos’ nature, when their demo bikes were all spoken for, he pointed to his own personal bike and said: “Take my Scrambler!” This sense of belonging and feeling like family is what makes the Ducati family here in South Africa so special. It was an easy decision the day Jos informed me that I am buying a Ducati Supersport 950.

My Supersport was approaching the 10 000 km mark when Ducati announced that they will be holding another family day out at Red Star, so this time I would be riding my own bike, and not have to wait for my turn on a demo unit. There was no cost involved in the day, but you did have to register beforehand.

I left home early to get to Red Star so that I would have time to take some photographs. With about a kilometre to go to the Red Star turnoff, I was passed by an immaculate Ducati 900 SS. The rider waved at me and I instinctively twisted the throttle so that I could ride behind this bike and listen to that sublime V-twin soundtrack!

I rolled into the pits just as my bike hit the 10 000 km mark, and got ready for the formalities. At the rider briefing, we were introduced to local racer Dorren Loureiro and asked to be on the lookout for him on his white Panigale V2. Jos made it abundantly clear that there was to be no racing, just good-natured family fun. Everyone nodded in agreement, knowing full well that when hand met throttle, things will be viewed differently.

There were quite a number of new riders that have never ridden on a track before and the wind was really pumping. So, to give the rookies the best chance of making it around safely, Jos sent out the intermediate classes first to gauge the condition of the track. As mentioned, this is not to be a white-knuckle balls-to-the-wall track day. It was meant to be an outing with the family and a personal training day. Except for Dorren of course. Watching him slide his V2 into a corner was a thing of beauty!

As I walked through the pits, I realised that the 900 SS I saw earlier was not the only older bike there. There were some older Monsters, as well as a beautiful yellow 748. To see the 748 lined up next to a Multistrada and a Panigale V4 really shows that owning a Ducati becomes a lifelong affair. These bikes age gracefully and can still hold their own on a track. The same can be said for the 80-year-old George Couperthwaite who was there on a brand new Ducati Monster. Once that helmet went on, his age disappeared and all we could do was try and keep up!

After circulating a few tentative laps on my own Supersport, it confirmed what a remarkably easy bike this is to ride. It inspired so much confidence that my pace increased with each lap. Jos also brought a few demo motorcycles, and I was curious to see what the new DesertX was like in an environment that it was certainly not made for – a track. It wants to be out in the wilderness, blazing new trails. Well, what a revelation it turned out to be! It handles extremely well, even with the knobblies, and certainly surprised many riders when a slow rider on a dual-sport bike passed them. Seeing the bike in the hands of experienced track riders makes you realise that this bike has been properly thought out!

While we were enjoying ourselves on the track, the Ducati team were preparing our lunch. Jos’ right hand, Lida, and a few Ducati regulars prepared tasty Prego rolls. We all gathered around the pool for lunch, sharing our experiences with our fellow riders. While I was making my way back to the pits, I walked past a beautiful, 1936 Velocette 250. The owner just completed the DJ rally that we reported on earlier and still had to make it to White River. He just popped into Red Star for a quick rest stop. Bikers never cease to amaze!

If you own a Ducati, keep a close eye on their Facebook page for the next family day. And if you are not part of the Ducati family yet, then go talk to Jos and his team. I’m sure they will be generous enough to inform you what bike you are buying!