Leo's 2010 Parys DeAar Adventure rally

Somehow the scene didn’t quite fit the event. We were supposed to smell of dust, waterlessness and the odd dash of petrol and oil thrown in for good measure. Picture four grown men, three of them fast approaching their “Sell By Date” sitting in a steam bath wearing the finest white towels, sipping Perrier water from cocktail glasses with sweat pouring out their weary bodies while majoring in talking kark. The view through a steamy window was that of the mighty Orange River flowing past at one helleva rate. Yes we were at the Orania Spa, enjoying one of life’s finest pleasures while being treated better than Queen Elizabeth on her last visit to darkest Africa. Once again my thoughts are running away from me, so let me start from the first day.

The annual Paris De’Aar adventure rally takes place around April and is a fun, pioneering event from Parys in da Freestate to De Aar in the Northern Cape. The rally follows the successful formula of participants navigating their own way from overnight stop to overnight stop while a suggested route is proposed but not enforced to follow. It is not a race, and how and when you get to the overnight stop is down to your own initiative and navigational skills.

Nice stickers, fleece jackets t-shirts, etc handed out by the organiser.



2010 was the 3rd year of the running of this event - every year the organizer makes some changes that enhance the overall event more and more. The group consisted of 29 people, 25 bikes and a whole lot of excitement. The Cape Town winter rains we were experiencing here in Gauteng politely faded minutes before we got on the bikes on Saturday and we managed to get to Parys without so much as a drop of water on our riding gear.

Some of the usual suspects were riding along – firstly Basil on his 1200Adv



Patman on his 1150 Adv straight from the dealership after a R40k makeover



…. And Jean on his 800 Lewensgevaarlik



Shaun was going to join us, but he had to mount a new rear shock and eventually only joined us in Parys



As in previous years the starting point was the Berakah 4X4 training facility outside Parys where we were treated to a traditional South Africa braai while we got to know each other – some of us really dug into festivities while others remained calmly observant about the situation.
Sunday morning was a hype of activities as all were trying to be up first, get showered and on our way before the next guy. Less than 5 km’s into day one we were halted as Pat’s unbreakable 1150 Adv has sprung a major oil leak. His bike was just fixed at Bavaria and I guess one of the guys must have pinched an oil seal during the assembly part. Be that as it may, he had to ride in the backup till we could arrange a replacement part or a semi permanent fix. All the rain of the previous few days certainly provided plenty entertainment on the gravel sections which now were a muddy mess to say the least.

The offending oil seal on Pat’s bike



Some of the crowd before departure



Some interesting paint schemes



…. and some interesting choices of bikes for the trip



Watching the rugby at Legends in main road Parys



The camp site at Berakah



Gradually as we moved further south thing dried a bit and the going got better. Ben certainly pulled out all the stops when he planned the route as we were treated from little 2 spoor sandy dirt tracks to open gravel highways.

Some sections was seriously muddy



……..this ultimately resulted in this. Sorry Jean, you know the rule – first photos then assist.



Shaun showing his skills



One of Bruno’s coffee stops. That espresso machine ultimately caused the bike a jump start on Tuesday morning



Crossing a bridge not long after the start



A Zamalec break at the Kameeldrif Hengelklub



Dirt highway on the way to Bloemhof



Timkulu game reserve once again was our destination for the day and we were received at the main gate by Chris who promptly poured each and every entrant a glass of Jeripicho or Hanepoot. There was still plenty of daylight left and we used the opportunity to dry our tents and fly sheets which were soaking wet from the previous night’s dew.

Chris welcoming us all with something alcoholic



Shaun enjoying life’s little pleasures



Unfortunately we were not treated to a visit by some wild life as opposed to last year were several antelope and a Rhino decided to grace us with their presence. I guess all the rain had provided for sufficient grazing so there was no need to venture so close to the lodge.

Some of the game at Timkulu was wondering what all the noise was about



We were treated to a traditional cooked meal – Bobotie, pampoenkoekies met kluitjies and some malva pudding. The next morning Bruno set out early to take pictures of all as they passed the grass lands, but I guess somewhere in the translation things went astray as people were left all over the reserve and Bruno with very few pictures to proof. Somehow all made it back to the main gate and start the next leg of our journey.

The end of a great day riding – sitting around the tent with something cold talking serious kark



Basil contemplating what the weather was going to do



One of the larny chalets at Timkulu



Group settling around the fire at Timkulu



Colin doing the evening prize giving for matters good or bad. She had a bad fall and broke a few bits and pieces off her Dakar



Shaun enjoying Bobotie, pampeonkoekies and more



All seated outside in the open



Father and Son combo leaving the grasslands of Timkulu



From here we rode to Boshof on roads that can only be described as dirt highways before we, Basil, Jean, Shaun and myself broke away to join Pat at Sovereign motors where his bike was going to be fixed. From Boshof to Kimberley there is another delightful road, just north of the main tarred road which also allows for frequent travel. By 09:30 we were sitting in the lounge at Sovereign waiting for the mechanic to fix the oil leak.

Road signs in the Freestate have a hard life. If the sun doesn’t bake them into namelessness, they get shot at.



Some of the faces and bikes on the way to Boshof - Tjaart on his R50



…Andries on his kwagga



PM on his sweet sounding 950 SE



……and Rufus on a great sounding Capanord



Three 1150Adv’s in Boshof



Not sure why this is called the Modder river – seems more like the slime river



Well lets just put it this way, work was eventually started after lunch and by 2 pm we were ready to hit the road. Our initial plan was to ride back to Boshof and from there follow the planned route but after the preferential treatment we got in Kimberley there was no way we were going to manage that before the sun set.

Waiting for the mechanic to do his thing



Mannewales in the Kanon kroeg



…visit this when next you’re in Jacobsdal. Fun place.



From Kimberley we followed the Modderfontein road that runs straight to Jacobsdal. A delightful straight section where a loaded GS could max out at 198km/h. As we waited several hours due to Pat’s negligence it was payback time so we opted for a cold one at the Kanon Bar in Jacobsdal. Things almost got out of hand here, but at least it ensured that our progression from here was a lot quicker. Upon our arrival in Orania we were cheered by the masses, who were convinced by now that we had some or other mishap along the way. Fortunately none.

A quick stop at a local watering hole in Orania to replenish depleted reserves



Within minutes we had our tents erected and rushed to the boat to catch the booze cruise with the sun setting over the orange – truly a fitting closure to an otherwise less inspiring day. I guess if we didn’t waste so much riding time in Kimberley this would have been one of the greatest days in a while. The cruise was followed by lotsa kark praat and plenty of laughter before settling for a buffet prepared by the staff of the Aan die Oewer restaurant. Some had booked themselves a session at the Spa, but due to our late arrival we had to use all our verbal diahree to convince the proprietor of that fine establishment to allow us a session in the steam room, albeit the next morning. I guess Basil’s charm manage to get us in the end.

Booze cruise – skipper on the left



What a sight



Vehicles courtesy of our proud sponsors



The camp site at Aan die Oewer



Ben’s tent was put in a not so easy to find spot by someone so he had to go naked all night. The next morning a bird dropped it’s guts and narrowly missed Ben. I hope you have found the culprit Ben.



In Orania, a white’s only community, all is done by locals, no hired laborers



Breakfast on the banks of the Oranje river





Karen runs the Oranja Spa and managed to squeeze us in despite a hectic full program



The famous Koeksister monument. No it’s no sweet and it’s made of glass fiber



Tuesday morning, after the mother of all breakfasts we found ourselves in the situation as described at the start of this story, while the rest of the crowd put km’s under their tyres. Once we had our entertainment we followed suite and spend hour after hour riding what can only be described as awesome roads. The karoo definitely had a fair bit of rain, but the roads were generally smooth and allowed for splendid riding. Ben, thanks you really are going to battle to top this one.

This oke bliksemed of his bike a few weeks ago and also hurt his shoulder



Statues of famous guys in Orania – from left to right, Dr DF Malan, Hendrik Verword, Jan Smuts, Basil Howsyourmuffer and Paul Kruger



At the Hendrik Verwoerd memorial house we bumped into Andre Rossouw, famous actor in amongst other – Fiela se Kind



Basil fooling around on the Havenga bridge across the Oranje



Majestic Van der Kloof dam



The Karoo had lotsa rain



……but still the roads were bordering on dirt highways







……with plenty slow pedestrians



In “Die Bar op De Aar” called Pringle’s things were progressing smoothly and lotsa laughter and plenty kark praat has us chasing the setting sun with maybe a bit too much to drink.

Parking space reserved for weary bikers



Some of the festivities in the pub







One of the husband and wife teams - each on their own bike









The other husband and wife team – each riding their own bike









We truly are a rainbow nation – even at what we drink





Nevertheless we all managed to get to Brandfontein guest farm where Ian and his mom prepared chicken and lam potjies which we couldn’t finish. Sorry Ian, I guess you’ll be having potjiekos for the next week or two.
Wednesday morning some of us had to head home at best speed to be in the office on Thursday while the more fortunate amongst us set of to Foeriesburg from where a trip to Sani Top, Sani Pass and eventually home was on the cards.

Chasing the setting sun after quite a few sharpies on the way to Brandforntein



………..while the rising moon was chasing us





Shaun and Jean relaxing in the luxury of one of the benches at our overnight stop.



Wednesday we left while the moon was still observing our escapades



Ben thanks for another memorable Parys De Aar trip. To those who fell and injured themselves, speedy recovery and hope to see you all back next year.

Lastly I would like to add that entry to the PDA is strictly by invitation and limited, so if you want to come along next year get in touch with Ben and ensure your name appears on the invitation list. Thereafter it’s up to how soon after invited you can book and pay for your place to ensure that you would also be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of this wonderful trip in a truly awesome part of this magnificent country.

Link here:

http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=48963.0

Lekkerte! Thanks for sharing Leo!!

Top notch report again as always Leo.

So Dani, where are your pictures!!!!

That trip looks amazing! Nice report too!

Great report Leo! Looks like a must do trip.

Lekker - lyk my die ry & kuier was ewe suksesvol

Thanks Leon for the report back.
Your trips are always awesome.
Great photos
Gotta join you sometime
Thanks again

Lekker Leo!!!!!!!

Lyk blerrie lekker!!

Is dit Zonkel op daai Versys?

KnopKop wrote:Is dit Zonkel op daai Versys?

Jip. Nogal met 'n 15" voorwiel.

Het eers gedink dis 'n HD Fat Bob met daai dik voorwiel, maar Zonkel het hom nie van stryk laat bring nie. Gery soos 'n "Bat out of Hel"

DaveS wrote:Top notch report again as always Leo..

Agree.. thanks for another great Ride Report Leon,
and for helping me and my 800GS on the sidewalk in Parys.. ..

DaveS wrote:..So Dani, where are your pictures!!!!

Nope, I cant ruin Leo's RR!

[I didn't have the guts to take my camera with as I really didn't know what to expect regarding degree of difficulty, rain, etc. Yep, we left in pouring rain on the Saturday morning... with only soft luggage... on an amazing adventure!
As Marius and I were ready to leave our drive-way, I decided at the last minute to borrow my daughter's smaller cheaper camera. The camera without a cable....
I wont make my problem yours... but until I have a few pics in hand, enjoy Leo's 2010 Parys DeAar Report!]

Leo wrote:

KnopKop wrote:Is dit Zonkel op daai Versys?

Jip. Nogal met 'n 15" voorwiel.

Het eers gedink dis 'n HD Fat Bob met daai dik voorwiel, maar Zonkel het hom nie van stryk laat bring nie. Gery soos 'n "Bat out of Hel"

Ja nee, ek het hom sommer op 'n myl gespot!! Sy koppie werk nie altyd so lekker nie. Ons moet weer reel vir 'n braai daar by Hein, Zonkel is ook altyd daar. Hein dreig my nou al hoe lank!!!!