We're all about exploring mountain passes and hidden destinations off the beaten path they can take us, and the occasional long trip.
In a past life, I led Overland Safaris in Southern Africa. 24 years ago, I switched gears to software and adventure motorcycling and never looked back. From my first BMW 650 Funduro to my current R1150GS, each ride brings a new level of freedom.
Now, let's set the record straight: I'm no pro when it comes to making videos. Expect some bloopers along the way because hey, that's all part of the fun, right?
As they say in French, "On y va" - which basically means, "we're going (there)"
So hit that like button, subscribe, and let's dive into the adventures together.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for even more behind-the-scenes action. See you on the road! 🏍️
When I was doing this video afterwards, I was wondering if there is a Guiness world record for doing the most mountains passes in a day, in the Western Cape with the right route, I recon you could do 50 or maybe more in a day... Sounds like a Challenge for the future, Thoughts?
It was great to see the entrance to Saasveld the old forestry college - I studied there some time ago - now part of NMUniversity. A pity the road was closed from there onwards - the F1150GS are big bikes but feel so light when riding - really enjoyed your video - thanks again
Thanks for the encouraging words, Where is the forestry, college on the Saasveld, road, next time I go down that way,I will glad take you down memory lane. Yes, the road washed away, and at the moment they have no money to fix it due to the cost of repairs on the N2. Lets hope that changes, because it's a Stunning Ride.
@@SeankOverThePass The turn-off to Saasveld was on the lefthand side - right there at the road closed sign . It’s an outstanding campus - probably one of the most stunning in the World -
I truly loved the stay there, and I would Highly recommend the place. The Ablutions are awesome, everything has hot water and there is also a shared Gas Freezer, if you need to store some goodies and you have no fridge. There is also an abundance of wild life, we saw Knysna Loeries, and there is obviously the baboons. There is also fish in the river. www.charlesford.co.za/
A friend asked me if I ever stopped to eat while on the road, so obviously, i stopped to eat, pee, etc... but I figure, that this is motorcycle riding video, and not so much a foodie and camping video. I'd be happy to show some of the places I stopped, like Diesel and Creme. Just let me know if you would like to see the experiences, as it's all about the journey, not always about the destination.
Excellent video again - thanks for sharing. We really enjoyed the unreal scenery. Looked a bit cool with the cirrus clouds. Typical stop-go traffic chaos - which seems to be global now.
Yeah , it was a stunning day for a ride,and the route really lends itself for the ride. Sadly, the traffic was caused by storm damage from October 2023. But it's almost abnormal to see 20km traffic jams in South Africa that I reserve for Germany. There is a gravel mountain pass between the Tradouw and Gracia Pass that comes at the back of Heidelberg, that I will do in a less rushed fashion, that road shows the true beauty of this area of south Africa, as it's not well travelled and a two track road...
The song name is "Riding" by Edward Smith, South Africa song write composer from Pretoria. Super catchy tune - Check more of his music out here. Super talented - soundcloud.com/theedwardsmith/edward-smith-riding-vlog-no-copyright-music-background-music-for-videos - Go check this catchy tune out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZAMe9TCSxiQ.html
Thank you so much... I will definitely check it out.... Also, is it not dangerous doing these adventures on a bike?... I want to start doing it but I'm not sure if bike or get a bakkie 🤔🤔?
@@Luvaido I bough my first motorcycle in 1999, an original BMW F650 Funduro, and Love it, but when I got on the R1150 I was hooked. I rode to work many years in Pretoria from JNB, issue free, and never had an accident till before COVID, while working in Stellenbosch. but Bikes are safe if you are aware of your surroundings. I used to have an overland company and travelled half of Africa in a Mix of Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, Samils and Mercedes trucks, and a 4x4 is great and will get you to many places, but a motorcycle just offers a different set of freedoms. And I decided it was time to this my motorcycle, show people places we don't usually see. Both have their place, and I recently acquired a 1999 Landcruiser 105 as a Project, and I might take that to other places on the channel, but depends entirely where you want to go and how much skill you want to acquire. Check our www.youtube.com/@maki.wabiker she started with a small BMW 350 is having a blast
@@SeankOverThePass thank you so much for the information... I really love overlanding.. And I love nature and be where there are less people.. And I want to visit places that are off the usual "everyone's holiday destination" so yeah. I will see on which one I get into , because I do love both car and bike.. But I want to do the over landing safe... So, maybe a rig will be better.. But will see what budget also allows me.. Thank you so much again..
WOW !! Brilliant - we, in Natal only have flat sugar cane lands to ride , unless we go to the Natal Midlands or Drakensberg What time of the year is best to bring the old V Strom to Cape Town to ride. Thank you for a really great and informative video. Brilliant stuff
Catch the first section if the first of the passes in the Western Cape. This is a pure riding video, shout out if you like it, not not let me know how we can improve... The mic will be sorted in the next series Promise
@@SeankOverThePass - I fully identify with that - I was very privileged to have worked in nature conservation in Namibia back in the 80’s and do miss the country greatly - but we are moving in our plans to get back ‘home’ next year with our bikes - logistically a bit of a nightmare and rather costly
I might be going to to Michaelhouse, in beginning of July and borrowing mates 1250GS Rallye and riding down from JNB. I want to go ride some passes there -2 and all. Some awesome trails to ride in Richards bay too... I just noticed, George too, I come to the southern Cape reasonably often... Definitely will let you know
wowow very interesting and entertaining. you and a female solo rider of another channel give me inspiration. i've ridden thousands of k's around my country australia and yet to see many places and would love to ride through southern africa and namibia as well someday.
Southern Africa, has some of the best motorcycle roads and destinations you can ride. Namibia is probably the country, I love to travel too the most, but Angola has just opened its borders, and I am really starting to consider a trip there, Namibe region is stunning and there are some epic roads. All I can say is get out there and do it.
I’d look at Tankwa, Cederberg, Southerland areas - would be a great ride and one we are hoping to do when we get over to SA - some stunning passes and mountains.
Thanks very much for the compliment, idea of doing this was more the lack of wanting to take photos to show friends. I will do it again, less rushed, will fit a smaller screen, and take things slower. I got new Microphone so will sort all that type of stuff. As an ex-field guide in Southern Africa, its very hard to show everything... All I can say is watch this space, and I will do some more.
Breathtaking. There is confusion in Orangemund now due to lots of Oil discoveries West off its coast. The oil boom will have a huge impact on the two towns of Luderitz and Orangemund. Mushrooming investments are already visible in Luderitz like land applications to build hotels, large private hospital etc including plans to build a new International airport at Luderitz, new port 10 km west of Luderitz, 10 billion usd Green Hydrogen plant, 20 billion rand salmon farming etc. There is just alot happening.
I was chatting with the owner of the house we stayed and interestingly enough, she was saying at the moment it's very hard to buy houses in the town, as it was a closed town. So it makes it rather exclusive or if you are lucky to be able to own one. The other thing is the new port at Luderitz, makes more sense then Oranjemund, and South Africa is doing to same, as sometimes it's easier to start fresh then near a river mouth, where there are no rock masses and coastline feature that create deep water
Glad you enjoyed it, I'm thrilled to hear you're enjoying the videos, and getting a glimpse of my first-time video adventures, exploring the country side.
@@Chase-the-Sun You're most Welcome, I used to be an overland field guide, and if you need any advice or route idea's just let me know, happy to assist. I sent a message via Instagram
