KOSI BAY – 15 to 17 OCT 09 : MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Delayed trip, fair share of bad roads, final extreme point, another attempt on gravel with sport bikes, outstanding overnighter, miserable weather on the return trip, barely made it back in time for the matric farewell send off and 2nd Curry Cup semi - YET ANOTHER MEMORABLE TRIP.

After 3, not too serious recent bike accidents in our family, we had to delay our Kosi Bay visit.

However, we managed to do the trip and besides being our final extreme point, it was yet another trip under the highlights section of the archives.

Odd start on a Thursday just after peak traffic packed and ready to go



even the GPS is looking forward to a trip



we took the N2 from Piet Retief to Pongola and on advise of Etienne, we managed to cut out 3 to 4 stop and go’s by taking a detour from Piet Retief. Still had a fair few to deal with though



It was actually not that bad mainly because we travelled on a Thursday except for the very last one where we stood for close to 30 min

Our overnighter on Thursday



although not outstanding, it is a nice venue





Against the advice of many, we took the road via Jozini......our reasoning was simple, we always try to do different routes “in” and “out”







even the bikes enjoyed the “dam wall parking”



and indeed a nice sight it is



the road was every bit as bad in places as the warnings but rideable if you take it easy........the 3km part is not quite true.......



the bad road did not detract from the satisfaction of achieving our final extreme point



On the way down to Hluhluwe, I saw on the GPS we are more or less parallel to our overnight stop in Mkuze and would you believe, there is a road cutting straight though.........too good to be true?
well it seemed like an attractive enough option at the time and it led us to some picturesque spots



.......then it turned into gravel......and we decided to proceed. It ended up at the eastern gate of the Mkuze Game Reserve BUT they refused to let us in on bikes......apparently too dangerous. I made a few a phone calls to higher HQ but no go, we were forced to turn around.

the clan taking a rest while I try to figure out the next “innovative” move on the GPS



then it dawns on me, why haven’t I think of it earlier...........backtrack to the point where we left our original route AND redo the gravel again with the sport bikes in the process.......what a genius and slow leaner

With the exception of Pontdrift, each of the other extreme points had at least one outstanding overnighter included. This trip was no exception.
The



in Mkuze is an exceptional venue. The local bird population also think so



very laid back Mauritius style



with trees playing a big role in creating the wonderful relaxing atmosphere



the centre stage is taken by this impressive tree





the outdoor type restaurant area



We found the Ghost Mountain Inn exceptional......with 50 rooms it might be a consideration for the next YEF



A fairly substantial overnight storm left the weather looking very bleak and threatening at our departure from Mkuze. Just outside Pongola we had to put on rain gear and when the visibility decreased to less than 10 metres as a result of thick fog, we were forced off the road at Louwsburg.

we entered the town at 40km/h and spotted this “ideal stop” for a nice cup of coffee while we wait for the weather to clear





what an experience..........if was like stepping back in time and into a spot where everybody just left without packing anything. The place was absolutely deserted. I was clear it was an operational establishment, lights on, doors open but nobody at home.



We walked through the whole building calling for anybody.........nobody, nothing......not a living soul – not even an animal. Everything was unlocked reasonably maintained but no inhabitants to be found. On the staircase there was a news paper clipping from 1997 reporting about the tourist boom in the area. Eventually we spent close to an hour on the “stoep” and later left without our coffee........very weird place.

We rode in the rain all the way from Pongola to Pretoria and just around Middelburg we ran into the mother of all storms which delayed our progress yet again but we just about made it home in time to take a pic of the matric farewell couple........hot of the press......our son, and his girlfriend – it was her function



us signing off on the extreme points



From my side I would like to thank and congratulate the Mermaid – not only for actually doing the 4 points as a rider but also for being the driving force an initiator in our Extreme Award quest. Well done girl, I am mighty proud of you and it was a privilege to share it with you. To the third member in our party – good show so far, 2 down......keep it up young man

Excellent!!! Well done you 3.

And nothing less than "Extreme" you've experienced. Now Mermaid can start thinking about a GOLD!

Sounds like it was an exceptional experience on this leg. Well done on completing all four - the last three in about a month I think?

the morning after

Well done

Nice!!!

What road did you take from Jozini to Kozi? I thought they were all dirt and the only tar-link was via Hluhluwe.

Some very nice photo's there !!!

The P522 but to say ALL the way tar, you have to use a bit of imagination as well.....in theory yes but as stated elsewhere, still manageable on a road bike

Well done !
Thanks for the pics and trip report.

Wow guys, amazing pics. I am SOOO jealous.
Well done to all 3 of you.

Well done!

Well done and welcome back.

Well done and congratulations!!

Great trip! Thanks for sharing

Congratulations!!!

Lekker julle!

Well done all 3 of you!!!

Thanks for the report and pics, always great to read about the adventures of others.

DaveS wrote:......the last three in about a month I think?

Well spotted.

We visited Alexander Bay on 25/9 and Pontdrift on 03/10 with the plan to do Kosi Bay on 10/10. When I realized we might have a shot at Gold, I (partly) convinced my riding partner to try and re-do Cape Agullas within the allowed 21 days.

Planning was partly hampered by a bit of soreness after our Pontdrift mishaps but it was still sort off on the target board to try and go for gold. Just after our Pondrift return, Vanes came down and we delayed our Kosi Bay trip with at least a week. By this time it was very difficult if not impossible to try and do Kosi Bay and Cape Agullas before 15/10. So close and yet so far……..

In the end we settled for Silver but we are equally as proud on Silver