Honeydew

20 February 2011

Sunday morning the weather played some games just to test the readers’ commitment.  At first the skies were clear of any clouds and this after a huge storm late Saturday afternoon – then clouds – thick and fleeting across overhead – fortunately only being mist.  Since Friday I had a long ride on my mind knowing that committee members were on their way to Orighstad on a “reckie” of the area check the accommodation and make final arrangements for the annual Gold Rand Rally in Graskop.  The rally seems a long way off – 27 May – this rally is on every ones’ lips – everyone that rides on Sundays – it is part of the discussions! 

Today was no different to any other Sunday and yet again another milestone in our breakfast run numbers.  The News Café was abuzz at 08h15 as 24 Harley’s had taken up parking side by side – 7 pillions.  The rider numbers are encouraging and the folks are certainly having a lot of fun – the rides are safe and the destinations well suited.

Mark Veale – 1^st ride as Road Captain – briefed us on the route - we were to travel mostly by highway. One new rider who attended pack training on Saturday was identified and welcomed.  Theuns and Mary were to fulfil the Biker Buddy post as they always comply with enthusiasm and ensure an incident free ride. Trevor gathered the rear as Sweeper - we were set for a great ride – big pack and all enthusiastic.

The Harley’s had been tanning in the morning sun brightly reflecting the pride of each riders’ attention to detail in polish and buffing of chrome, paint and rubber. Terence had even scrubbed the white walls of his tyres for this outing – no taxi or proud owner of a 1958 Chevy Impala could have improved on this effort.  It was stunning!  All Harley’s were emitting their own beauty – 24 different attitudes – one name – Harley Davidson!

Mark gave the swinging arm signal sending the car park into a thunderous roar.  Engaging a gear we slowly formed the pack that would secure our passage to Honeydew.  We were 31 individuals brought together by a way of Life – living a dream - riding as one - having fun!

We turned onto North Rand road – right onto the R21 leading to O. R. Tambo – take turn-off to Johannesburg/ Edenvale – that’s what Mark said – that’s what Terence and Johan missed – totally.  Guys this is not Heidelberg! - Stay with the program – at least you can review your video to see were you went wrong.  A quick couple of on- and off ramps ensured their rejoining of the pack - Thanks Trevor!

Every outride has a “chop” in either a BMW or Mercedes that loves to split the pack and then just ride amidst the Harley’s at a speed intolerable for any level of patience.  I am sure they cannot afford our lovelies and seem to thrive on a cheap thrill by enduring the Harley’s thunderous roar and blinding reflections of the sun - they just don’t get it!

Taking the Beyers Naudé turnoff the early morning breakfast smell coming from the Big M was the first food smell since our departure from Boksburg. This was a city tour travelling highways and secondary roads to get us to the country views.  The Northern suburbs is a great example of nature and architecture existing in harmony – rolling hills covered with greenery and blossoming Jacarandas  showering the streets with purple flowers – a bikers nightmare on the road surface.  Country trips are great and pleasant and different – N12 route makes you appreciate the highway structure - ease of travelling – perfect road surface – speed tolerance and easy pack riding.  We must do a sunrise video and photo shoot – it will be such an awesome piece – once around our city and through the double decker!

The turn-off to Rusty Hook gets the pack close together again ensuring the rumble down the lane to the final turn into the car park.  There is ample space for the parking manoeuvre.  A cacophony of voices erupts as riders render their excitement to words with arms and hands giving impetus in the portrayal of each story.

We were ushered to the veranda where jugs of juice and a buffet was on offer – 5 stars – 5 course buffet – man, we climbed in big time! - first to quench the thirst and then to settle the hunger pains. The restaurant is situated on a dam with ducks and many bird species having built nests in the reeds of adjacent trees and shrubs.  This is country style as you cannot see the city or hear any traffic – absolute bliss – natures treat to humans. The service is friendly and prompt with the famous numbering system making the ordering and paying an absolute pleasure. 

Here we are, ............ safe and secure, eating great food with our trusted friends and having fun.  Laughter reverberating through the restaurant as funny bones are tickled through jokes and stories of experiences present and past.

Our time is running out as I hear of travelling plans to get back home to waiting families anticipating the roar of that single Harley to the neighbourhood – the legendary rider!

As we were saying our goodbyes – farewells – Ride Safe’s etc. – I met a very interesting individual.  Now I do not write about secrets or “don’ts” – but this I had to put to paper.  My fellow Harley owners know how I feel about the BMW bikers that just stare at us – not understanding what we are about - why we do what we do – why we ride Harley’s.  I had just met a BMW biker that would not ride a Harley ever – even with his wife threatening him.  He succumbed to tell me that after two test rides around the block (+_2km) he came and asked for the papers to purchase a Harley.  Needless to say that since the wife would only be seen on the newly acquired Harley, the BMW was parked and eventually sold.  Well done Louise....

We fired up our Harley’s and left in drips and drabs – trying to linger on in the car park for as long as possible still enjoying a last chat.  Our souls were satisfied since we absorbed all good conversation and memorised this outing in the memory banks of fun.

Mark Veale had achieved what he set out to do:

Lead a pack of Harley’s being ridden by friends to a predestined destination without incident whilst having a lot of fun. - a very successful ride encouraging new and experienced riders to support these breakfast runs and invite more members to join in.

Trevor as the sweeper retrieved his lost sheep and Theuns ensured that no one required assistance.

The arrangements by Terence were superb as we enjoyed the seating arrangements, food and drinks.  

The pack was well behaved (as usual) and mingled freely establishing and reinforcing friendships.  These rides are good practise for the long haul to come – if you are not riding every Sunday you will earn your butt burn medal in May.

May I take this opportunity to invite ALL to join us for the next ride which is going to Harties – “Upperdeck” - the haven of all bikes!  We must be the largest and most talked about group to arrive.  This is the time to where all that Harley bling and strut your stuff – you can visit the dealership on Saturday if you feel to add something special to your attire.  Remember the excitement of being stared at – come and renew your legendary feelings of pride and glory!

Ride Safe,

Albe Naude