GREG BAXTER
RECENTLY, my friend Gerard decided that he wanted another motorcycle, because it has been 35 years since he last owned one. And, it was not long after buying his used Yamaha XT660 Tenere – a watercooled single cylinder dual-purpose motorcycle – that he felt the urge to hit the open road.
At supper one night, the suggestion came up that Clarens would be a great destination because many parts of the route were very scenic.
The plan would be that he and I would go solo on our bikes and ladies Jennifer and Mandy would go in Jen’s Hyundai i10.
Before you shout, let me point out it was practicality and not sexism which drove that decision: having a “chase” car would free the bikers from carrying their luggage on their bikes.
I was keen to go on my recently purchased Honda NC700X, which was designed as a fuel-efficient allrounder or commuter. On a recent motorcycle economy rally a similar bike achieved 2.7 litres per 100km.
The route we chose from Joburg was via the R59, on to Sasolburg, Heilbron, Bethlehem and Clarens. Stopping off to fill up in Bethlehem, I found I achieved a consumption of 33km per litre (Editor’s note: 3.3 litres per 100km, Greg!) and Gerard’s Yamaha achieved a figure of 27km per litre (3.7 l/ 100km!).
Now, to put this into perspective, as the editor will know, my technique regarding fuel consumption is not great (Ed’s note: nor is your sticking to acceptable consumption calculations, like all bikers!), and except for tiddlers and puddle jumpers (small motorcycles) I rarely get into the 20km per litre range (5l/ 100km – aaaaarrrrgggh!).
Arriving in Clarens on a warm sunny day with blue skies and phenomenal mountain scenery as far as the eye can see, I think the phrase gobsmacking scenery about sums it up!
We had pre-booked into two chalets in an establishment called Eddies, where the hostess greeted us warmly. Being quite new, the chalets were comfortable and also had DStv.
The following morning, we took a ride into the Golden Gate National Park and rode from one end to the other and back.
The speed limit being 60km/h, we trundled through the park, stopping off at the cultural centre for coffee.
Later on, I found that the Honda had achieved 40km per litre in the park. This is 2.5 litres per 100km. I was astounded!
Our favourite hangout in Clarens was the Clarens Brewery craft beer emporium. Life in Clarens is very laid back, especially during the week when all the weekend visitors have gone home.
I have been to Clarens a few times, but this was the first time I had stayed over, and as always, the town did not disappoint. It is well worth the effort.
Eddies cost R325 per person per night, no meals.
We stayed two nights, returning home via Bethlehem, Frankfort, Oranjeville, Denysville, and Vereeniging.
Oh! And we popped into Reitz for lunch on the return trip at a place called Chocolat. A lovely, peaceful garden setting with great food and reasonable prices. Try it!