Ride Team - Aroon, Zack, Vimal, Stewart, his wife Di, and their son Warren all the way from London, Pathfinder ‘Mitch’, and myself ‘Shelley’
We had discussed this trip on Tuesday over dinner, at that point, I unfortunately could not make it, and this was a trip that Pathfinder would not miss. Second option was to travel up in Aroon’s Colt with Di and my Kymco quad on trailer, then ride back to Richard’s Bay on Sunday morning with the team.
On Friday morning I phoned Pathfinder with good news I was to join the ride up to Hluhluwe,… a very ecstatic Pathfinder. Confirmed accommodation, packed bags with the necessities and dropped Pathfinders Kodiac 400, my Kymco 300, Aroon’s Raptor 700, Zack on Kingquad 700, Vimal on a Polaris 300 Stewart on a Can-Am 800, Warren, also on a Can am 800 Max Limited edition, at Stewart’s workshop in Alton where we were to leave from.
All gathered at 9.30, loaded up trailer with extra fuel and equipment that we did not have to carry with us in order to give more freedom. Waved Di on her way, had a quick briefing, started our quads and said good-bye to all. Left Alton and navigated towards Bird Park. Next stop was the Lapa’s, one of which has a resident owl, not easily seen, as he tends to vacate the lapa as we arrive.
Next stop was a visit to a second lapa picnic area with a swing bridge and a flat deck that looks out over a wetland. A very easy ride up till now, very dusty and stony.
All decided upon a stop at the Bird Park at Eteza for a bite and something cold to drink. Discussed the ride so far and every one was in good spirits.Next leg was a challenging one as tractors had ploughed the road up for log carriers and heavy-duty vehicles and this went on for about 25 km’s through the forest. Stopped along the way to look for damage to quads and have a chat on how the ride was treating them.
All agreed, … not your average gentle off road.
Back on track and off to Morrison’s, a little trading stall along the way. Met up with the locals, had a chat and a laugh and Stewart entertained the locals with a couple of Can–Am doughnuts, with clouds of dust and a good laugh for all.
Back in the seat again this, this leg took us along a railway line all the way to Hakuna Matata, our over night lodge where Di had been waiting for us since 11.30 am, and being entertained by Marius and his Mom Rachel.
Rachel is quite a character, with her pet Kampuchean monkey’s, they are treated just like children, they feed every four hours and bathe just like human babies.
The sun was just above the horizon and it would be settling down in about an hour after our arrival. Loaded the away team's bikes onto the trailer and bid them a farewell, just after 5PM.
Myself, Pathfinder, Di and Stewart and Warren were to overnight and then ride home on Sunday morning.
The overnighters had a clean up and sat around a log fire prepared for us by Marius, all shared their opinions and ride perform ability and agreed My Kymco 300 handles well for it’s size and very economical, fuel wise.
Sunday dawned a crisp fresh day. We had a cup of coffee and rusk's and a good chat, Marius had a ride on Stewarts Can am and I think he is sold on it. Warmed up our engine’s and bade farewell and agreed to see him in the near future. Took the road down to Charters, Fanies and the St. Lucia estuary. Very impressive; tried to work around the fences that have been erected to keep all out... no chance. Some good challenges but easy riding....;)
Short stop on the banks of Eastern Shores
Crossing the stream on Eastern Shores
Warren has fallen for his borrowed Can–Am… he has to have one…. he was heart sore to have completed his ride. I did take the Can–Am 800 Limited Edition for a short ride, wow and what a beaut. It is a soft, cushioned smooth ride with loads of power, a little too much for my pocket to accommodate.
Fuel consumption comparisons : My Kymco 300 being the most economical, 6 L /100 km, Can – Am being 11 L / 100km’s, - accommodation at Hakuna Matata : R120, pppn, self-catering.
Cya, Shelley
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