Day 3: Port Alfred to Umhlanga
An 0530 start, heading northeast on the N2, the route took us through East London and our first fuel stop at Kei Bridge, this was the former border post to the independent state of Transkei, now part of South Africa. The road took us inland and over the foothills of the Drakensburg Mountains lying to the north of us. This was a day for concentration and keeping your wits about you, as was the first experience of true Africa, something we will be getting used to during the days and weeks to ahead. All manner of farm animals were out on the road from sheep and goats to cattle. There were dilapidated vehicles, slow moving trucks and high speed cars all battling for road space and a general population with a lack of road sense or speed of the passing vehicles. We road on through Umtata, the regional capital, and on to Kokstad in Kwazulu Natal for refuelling and a late brunch. The combination of hard riding and nerves contributed to ravenous appetites and 6 full plates of Wimpey burgers!! I must say that healthy eating has so far gone out of the window! This had been a hard and fast ride, although Paul (Captain Slow), who is still getting used to going round corners on bike, brought up the rear! At this stage riders went their separate ways for the afternoon as people had various personal engagements to attend to. Paul and Craig heading off to Umhlanga along the highway while Mark and Grant went to visit family in Howick, Rob went home to Pietermaritzburg and Les to finalise some modifications to his bike. We would all meet up later, with the exception of Rob, at apartments on the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean in Umhlanga. Another unhealthy meal of pizza and red wine before an early night, everybody shattered after the 792km ride.
Leaving after a very light breakfast at Steers
Mark, Mark's Dad and Grant in Howick
COMMENTS
Keep it up and keep the piccies coming!
by Andre vdM on May 28 2009, 13:05
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Finally found website the trip sounds amazing although I suspect it'll be tricky at times.
Enjoy it guys :)
by Karen on May 28 2009, 19:45
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howsit guys. lots and lots of love to you. i'll be tweeting your journey for you www.twitter.com/gabyrosario and think you guys should set up your account and keep us updated?!
lots and lots of love.
gab
by Gaby on May 28 2009, 20:41
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Hi, hope you made it into Moz OK and that you didn't get too much hassle (or hand-over too much money) at the border.
Please have some prawns and Laurentina (preta) for us, as we miss that a lot (try the 'Waterfront' restaurant seafood platter) . .more
by Rob on May 30 2009, 10:58
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Thanks for stopping in to visit and waking up Amber Valley!!!
Awesome motorbikes - have a great ride.
Love Dad (and Buppa)
by Buppa on May 31 2009, 21:39
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Have fun dnt break ur necks............................ other wise have a gr8 time! we want a full story wen u get back hy!!!!!!!! C u soon!!!
P.S. u look quite kwl in those biker-suits! ; ) Hahahahahaha bi
by Bex Bristow on June 02 2009, 17:51
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