Being a club that strives towards the old school way of life, we embarked on a journey. A journey which speaks to every bone in our body. A ride through a few of our beautiful country’s most scenic routes, wind blowing through our helmets and clothes, freezing us right down to the bones. Friendship with those on the roads and with those that rode with us and the most important aspect at the end of the day, the smile on our faces and the feeling of freedom.

What am I on about?

 Well, for those who are unaware, a local Cape Town club, the CLAWRIDERS, held their annual rally, in the beautiful town of Villiersdorp. The Deal’ers, being close friends of the Claws, rode through and supported them. This journey began with our meeting spot at the Engen garage located at the Soneike Mall in Kuilsrivier. Staying true to the attitude of spreading the ways of the old school biker and being a proper M.C, we invited some individuals to join with us to see what we as a club is about, and what being a “biker” is all about.

The journey continues through the back roads through Stellenbosch and over Helshoogte. The ride saw us enjoying many a sweeping bend through the mountains on route to Franshoek. Then through the main road of the beautiful picturesque town until we ended up at junction for the Franshoek pass. While turning left to heads towards the pass, a sense of excitement and enjoyment fills the soul. The ability to ride free through such scenes is one that always makes a “biker” happy.

Despite the weather warning for a storm to be hitting that area while we would be riding through, we rode onward towards Villiersdorp. The cold air nipping at us, the wind playing us like an instrument, and the wet roads that would give any normal person shivers, was not a single deterrent for the Deal’ers and friends to ride on.

Stopping at the end of the pass, we took a moment to appreciate what we went through and exchange our experiences with one another, just like the brotherhood that we strive to promote. Other clubs also made a stop around the same area to regroup in a similar fashion. And for those that past in a flash, a quick hand up to acknowledge each other and a beep of their horns to reciprocate was all that was needed for each other to know that we are all one and all gathered for the same reasons.

Upon arriving at the rally site, with the rally already being underway for some time now, we were greeted by familiar faces and some that were new to us. Organisation of the rally was smooth and our entry was sorted out quickly and efficiently in the effort to get us to the main reason why you became “patched” and that is to enjoy the company of your brothers and sisters.

Crowd was lekker and the atmosphere was perfect. As far as we noticed, no incidents at all, and everyone were there to have fun. The Friday night came and went, and the Saturday morning fast approached. All hours there was always something happening depend which tent you went to, or which chalet you visited. With us, we had some visitors and they left smiling. For all that has spent time with us, so far, we have heard only good things, and to this day, they all have remained friends and family.

Mass ride and stunts were done through the town main road, and then most stopped for brekkie in the town. Most of all everyone had fun, but in true human nature, there were some that like to ruin the mood of others. In an example of this, there was an adventure/offroader motorcyclists that made a very generalised statement about those who rode superbikes or sportsbikes. Upon hearing these comments, we had to rectify him and point out that yes there are some, but that applies to all on the road, be it in a car or any type of bike. There is still a lot of education for some of the users of these machines out there. But in true nature of the old school biker, we didn’t let it faze us, and we continued to have our fun.

Back at the campsite we continued the jol, and had lekker food and lekker company. A short visit to the marquee for the concourse and then back to the party back at our stomping ground. With prize giving’s disappointment at not winning the first prize over, it was back to our friends and the members gathered around a warm fire and a warm sense of togetherness.

After a very short sleep, the Deal’ers packed up site, and made sure that nothing in or around our site, would put our club to shame. We then said our fond goodbyes to our rally friends and new friends and climb back unto our bikes for the ride home. Back the same way we came, we rode with no worries in our minds and only fond memories of a successful weekend.

Riding with fellow bikers we tackled the pass with the respect it deserves. And in true fashion, when we came through Franshoek, we were then stopped by the traffic cops for a routine road block. After a check of our bikes and licences, we were then on our way. Arriving back at our original meeting place, each member and fellow rider that was with us, said our goodbyes and well wishes and thanks for the lekker weekend. Then each went their own way, only to meet up again on the road or at our club gatherings.

Till the next function, day jol, or rally, from one biker to all those out there, biker and motorcyclists alike.

Ride Safe and Ride Free.