Engage with "Coastal Outdoor Adventures" for an outride which would take us from Ging to surrounding areas including a river crossing some hill climbs and a route close to the coastline. Its a 3 to 4hr ride which included stops for refreshments.
15 rider's in total made up of 5x bikes and 10 quads. Our guide was organiser Gerald Souchon.
06h00 - Early departure from Richards Bay where we (JJ, Eddy and Pathfinder) gathered at the local filling station.
The road from Richards Bay was quiet at that time of Sunday morning, so we made good time to Ging, arriving there just before 7AM
After some introductions and light chatter about previous rides, Gerald briefed the riders about the route and some safety precautions.
Some final checks to the bikes.
The ride leaves the resort and climbs to the top of the first hill which leads down to the river 150 meters below.
The impressive views from this point set the scene for the rest of the ride.
The trail is interrupted with occasional wash away and boulders.
The occational wet ditch is negotiated.(and we spared a thought for Warthog!)
The route leads to the river crossing. Here, the riders are reminded by Gerald to shift the weight to the back of the bike and try not to spin the wheels as that will cause the bike to bog down.
Either way, some of the bikes managed to find themselves deep in the sand and water. While these were man handled out the 'Cam-Am's' took the opportunity to make it all look so easy.....Once on the other side it was time to let the water out of the boots and have some fun in the loose sand before heading off again.
A short stop for a smoke and refreshments while some previous trail experiences were discussed.
Des and Gerald lead the riders through the trail.
One of the high point beacons overlooking the sea below.
The trail boasts some spectacular views of the hills and the coast
The occasional wash away allows the riders to play. Here JJ puts the Can-Am through it's paces.
After a short stop at the local shop for refreshments, the group are lead down to the river again where we take a much needed stop in the shade under the bridge of the N2 freeway.
Gerald takes a dip to cool off. From here on its back through the river and up the hill back home. Gerald then led the 2 wheelers off for a short ride before returning to the resort.
Back at the resort the riders share some of the events and enjoy a light meal and refreshments.Summary
The ride is about 50 km and takes about 4 hours including stops. The route takes you through varying terrain including grassy hills, river crossings, forests, some gravel straights which generate huge amounts of dust.
These were fortunately kept to a minimum.
Some serious hill climbs which some of the quads opted to by-pass as they require some experience to ascend.
The group leaders Des and Gerald have clearly done this many times and have organised the ride to cater for experienced and the not-so-experienced.
Ride Learning’s
You are in the sun for 3 to 4 hours, take enough refreshments with. Next time I will take 2 litres minimum.
(MY standard is 1 litre per hour of exposure....that would make 3 to 4 litres, even with my funny maths!! Ed)
Dust on the gravel sections is challenging and as usual we had to open the gap between the riders in those sections.
The ride is geared for medium to well experienced riders. One of the first time riders became dehydrated and suffered fatigue. This could become a safety problem as the route has some steep narrow sections. None-the-less, he made it to the end with some assistance and coaching from other riders.
All in all, this was one of the best rides I have done and it will be on my 'to do' ride list in the near future.
Pathfinder
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