I was lucky enough to do some driving and riding during my time there. Temperatures were quite pleasant despite the fact that it is their winter right now.
I would like to thank Riel Smit and especially Peter Short. Peter's generosity in lending my his BMW R1150RT was very much appreciated. It helped stave off the motorcycle withdrawal I was beginning to experience, and it gave me the chance to experience South Africa in a way that was very enjoyable and familiar to me.
Familiar, except for the fact that one must always remember what side of the road you must be on!
I was there mainly to work, but found the time to enjoy riding. SA of course has a troubled past, and despite the fact that there is hope and optimism amongst residents for a brighter future, there is high unemployment and crime there. Most properties have fences topped with barbed wire surrounding them. Sometimes it looks as if one is in a prison.
It would certainly be a shame not to experience everything possible, and I did my best. I even traveled to neighboring country Botswana. This to rehearse for perhaps a longer multi-country tour one day. One day.
Here are a few pics and videos.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6HbmPTYKoFyvu38S5gy8dO7voyWk802I3hExdpcnTs8OLoyVpsgZnjgE2gbHrVoa2Rq4-tyLYxePJzN1xcQbxE8PVc7odc3hCmi8qzXarRpeHr3a5D1isTSRsy3O0kb-ihu8TiR_0RpY/s400/june27_2009+009.jpg)
The very nice BMW R1150RT
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgMPQkWxrZfnLUIz8zgEbu7MHdBm6UY7BVv2AUr3GTP5N-tApQiUF3SmlHFusm6i4-cl55hoeu5zslme90KQULxvSvk3cap1nU7B3yD8OpD6jz8jBBuGYVPwgjSgceG3rVdGCghXnfiXe/s400/june23_2009+001.jpg)
Little dualsport that was running around called the Wildfire. I don't know the origins of this make.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz864SelsljhHCT5UhbRdoYaCSd1eqC3g6eYh_R1YMFtl9gSWffc0ACjC_7ioIthsMs27QOPLBck5O9Rl6E0abzbAStzkKq1NnBdTx0sKbUgphy32VKzNg-lb4J6Lw2H5_jU6I82wnnH52/s400/june21_2009+024.jpg)
Visit to the Apartheid Museum.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQmzSssXU6oSCfzuRoQOe9KQo5ENEeEmD-oDIFnEGrFmQHESoOaDR6G41cv8X8G3DrW02efRUYktiLHosLBn2ECuKunU7fGgKMonmUX4FyAYDMFE01BJIMnud-f32_M-_1IYb3Wwha2u3/s400/june09_2009+008.jpg)
Two stroke Suzuki GP125.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakSmwXirooyoe2-OvArVVV4jf6LeGkR2NI1SSgVQxGF3d4LURgOYAqDVfLVBjyIAx3MVW7lbqXrmNniLNGBRaM5f1zDvBUNoCvVq9RvKngeHGyUVez9G4Vo2naYoXH3gD04wAf2pcf8OQ/s400/june05_2009+016.jpg)
Jonway cruiser. This is a Chinese made bike - 250cc. This is the first bike I saw in SA after arriving there.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGQBAiiKLDt2QoCz5HbVaqiYOy-IDVIf7r2BVvVZv_NJTMLpuQeQqhyl54HP5-PzhI1qLInQo_mSu2ODHNYtxq1aWUDJC08BX7nSwUaeiGaObpA6EUhICde1Zzj3sKfYhP0mV3mxyz9Gz/s400/botswana-3.jpg)
My trip to Botswana.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHYwwgyqQfSjnzWtUOuwG9Ogztxqnr184Gbo99snEipZR_A2nybaJFIKWRcETqz7sWW0tK9C8OH7B9jmpbAaiYQeoxyFHG3DoIh8kVtXPCU5Nc2d1LuPSiSeiAFas0JE7VyW_a6g0mMYl/s400/botswana-1.jpg)
Impala crossing!
Hi Thane:
ReplyDeleteThe Wildfire is a Yamaha for the Europe/S.Africa market. It is similar to the TTR series that we have in N. America
BG
South Africa, a country rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, captivates with its vibrant history, landscapes. Watch Tata Ipl From The USA From the bustling cities to the majestic wildlife reserves.
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