Route 62 Rally 2010
The Route 62 Rally 2010 was HOT
It all started with a guided ride from Cape Town with a stop over at Bon Courage wine estate where all riders were given a bottle of estate wine as a ‘start the rally’ gift courtesy of Andre, the owner and one of our Chapter members.
Riding in extreme heat edging toward 40 degrees and eventually over the last 100kms hitting an average of 44 degrees saw the guided ride enter town to be faced what was aptly described throughout the rally as ‘a site that epitomizes a Harley rally’.
Once parked in the ample bike park parading hundreds of shiny chrome filled machines that drew the attention of those at the rally and the many passers by, it was off to the pool for a refreshing taste of crisp coolness washing over tired weary bodies and then the long weekend started in earnest!
Daytime temperatures remained in the high 30s and early 40s.
The layout of the site absolutely superb; the most consistent comment from the attendees being; ‘this is what a Harley rally site should look like’.
The Harley village rocked with stalls providing Harley gear, biker gear, massages, food, drinks and a stage that kept the feet tapping. The bar remained busy to keep hydrating those enjoying the shade of the tents out of the blazing sun.
The choice of out-rides along superb roads exposing more of the magnificent countryside and the ever changing landscape that makes up R62, gave choice to all, which was evident in the fact that all three rides had almost equal participants.
At night it all started again; with the main stage providing exhilarating entertainment, light shows and lasers that illuminated the crowd in staccato movements as we rocked well into the night; all under the protective shading of the high tents.
The mass ride was so well attended that it stretched in parade formation for over a kilometer.
Dave Eager enjoyed pleasing the crowds that were just as happy when he managed to pop his rear tire!
That made way for the ever popular Harley Games and this year was no exception; great participation, many crowd pleasing events, and stands that were packed out even through the temperatures were soaring into the high 30s.
One of the many highlights was the outride to Prince Albert where we were confronted with some of the reasons why Harley touring is such an uplifting experience.
On the return ride we passed empty dry dams showing their cracked muddy sediment, pockets of olive trees and struggling vineyards neatly supported to survive in the mirage like heat, ostriches standing statue like in the shade of the thorn trees their wings dropping toward the dusty earth to relieve their disproportionate bodies of the scorching heat.
Kredouw pass with it sweeping vistas stretching to layers of mountain ranges on the horizon.
The road like a large black plaster dividing the landscape providing us with the opportunity to be embraced by this ever changing landscape as the road gave us the opportunity to experience encapsulation within what could be described as a lunar landscape of hills and mountain. The bikes purring beneath us like satisfied Persian cats.
Then the desolation was replaced by lush green pockets of oases hidden in the valleys of the dry hills as we entered the majestic Meiringspoort with its prehistoric dinosaur like rock formations.
The ride energizing and rejuvenating us taking away all stress and strain while providing life, and giving meaning to the slogan of ‘Ride to Live’. The experience certainly provided new insight and a kinship with those that have discovered the power of cruising the country on a Harley and this paired with the exceptional experience of a Rally that exceeded expectations!
Additional photographs of Bikes, Stunts and Games under General.
