Ignis en die Blomme

Jy wil wat? Ek wil Hel toe ry met die Ignis. Hoekom vat jy nie die bakkie nie? Want die Ignis maak ‘n beter storie!

So het ons Ignis avonture begin. Die parmantige buksie lyk nie net soos ‘n sportnuts nie. Sy 180mm grondvryhoogte gekombineer met die kort asafstand, asook die feit dat sy wiele heel in die hoeke van die motor sit, maak dat hy redelike slegte paaie kan baasraak. Nee, dis nie ‘n 4×4 nie. Nie eers naastenby nie. Maar as jy dit stadig vat, dan kom hy oor redelike ruwe terrein. Grondpaaie is geen probleem nie. Verskeie passe, klowe en ander grondpad avonture is aangepak, en toe hoor ons van die blomme.

Boeke is oopgeslaan. Streke soos Boesmanland en Namakwaland, met dorpsname soos Nababeep, Kommagas, Kleinzee en Gharies. Wie kan dit nou weerstaan? Die plan was in werking. Ignis se volgende avontuur mik Blomme toe.

Dit was ons eerste blommetoer en so toer werk bietjie anders. Die bestemming is vaag. Daar is nie ‘n spesifieke plek waar jy die blomme kan gaan kyk nie. Jy moet gaan soek. Nie net op die regte plekke nie, maar op die regte tyd en temperatuur. Want sien, die blomme kom op daar waar die kondisies die gunstigste is. Hulle maak ook net oop as dit warm genoeg is, so jy hoef nie, soos in die wildtuin, dou voor dag in die pad te wees nie. Jy kan bietjie inlê en wag tot die blomme ook wakker word.

Die Namakwaland en Boesmanland is deurkruis met grondpaaie. En geskiedenis. Daar is dus iets interessants om elke draai. In Keimoes se hoofstraat is ‘n bakkiespomp (Persiese wiel) wat steeds werk en vandag nog lande om Keimoes besproei. In Nababeep by die myn museum staan Klara, die smalspoor-stoomlokomotief wat die kopererts na Port Nolloth vervoer het. Mens sou dink die wêreld is plat, maar beide Spektakel Pas en Wildeperd Pas slaan jou asem weg. Spektakel Pas het sy naam gekry na Simon van der Stel die spektakel-mooi uitsig gade geslaan het.

Maar die blomme, niks berei jou voor vir die eerste keer wat jy oor ‘n heuwel kom en plate en plate blomme sien nie. Dis ‘n skouspel! Wit, pienk, geel, oranje, blou en pers, met name soos Bobbejaangesiggies, Spookasem, Bergkalkoentjie, Gansogies, Konsertinabossie, tot Pietsnot! Soms is die hele wereld net een kleur en soms lyk die vlakte soos ‘n skilders-palet waarop die kleure lekker deurmekaar gekrap is. Die skouspel wat jy hier sien as die blomme oor die vlaktes baljaar laat jou in verwondering. En doer, oor die randjie verdwyn die grondpad en jy kan nie help om te wonder, as dit hier só lyk, hoe lyk dit dan anderkant dáái heuwel nie? Gelukkig vir ons, ry ons met ‘n Ignis. Met al die ry en stop en soek het die karretjie maar ‘n skamele 5,2 liter per 100km gebruik, so daar is altyd nog bietjie petrol vir dáái bult. Net om weer, as jy die Ignis se neus oor die bult steek, jou asem te laat wegslaan met wat jy voor jou sien.

Die ekonomie vandag is nie die beste nie. En petrol pryse is vir seker nie laag nie. Maar dit help nie om by die huis te sit en kla nie. Avonture soos die is steeds moontlik. Jy hoef nie met die tamaai (dors) viertrek te gaan nie, Die Ignis sal hom net so goed van die taak kwyt. Ry net bietjie stadiger. Kyk rond. Geniet die rit. Dis miskien nie die ideale motor vir ‘n gesin van vier met bagasie nie, maar in ons geval van twee was niks meer nodig nie. In ons eerste avontuur was ons Hel toe. In die laaste was ons in die hemel. Die keuse van ons volgende bestemming is letterlik so wyd soos die Heer se genade.

Die Ignis GL verkoop vir R204 900 en die GLX waarmee ons gery het verkoop vir R 236 900. Daar is ook ‘n GLX outo model vir R253 900.

Fotos: Waldo de Waal

Uncle George Party

UNCLE GEORGE PARTIES 2022 – Meet Santa, the Fairy and his friends at the Magical Castle. Enjoy A FUN FILLED evening out for the WHOLE family. We are open for bookings, parents to WhatsApp or sms PARTY to 071 433 6961 before 31 Oct !! The BIGGEST family event in Garden Route from 5 to 21 December – 17:00 – 21:30 @ Step-Aside Farm, George www.unclegeorgeparty.co.za

What is Uncle George Party ?

In 2021 we had 1500 people that attended . Its a fun evening where Families come together and in a picnic setting enjoy a FUN FILLED evening where Families meet Santa and a  fairy and their friends from 17h30 to 21h30 between 5 and 21 December 2022 at Step Aside Accomodation in George.  

How much does it cost?  

R100 per adult. R100 per child. Babies under 1 is FREE 

What do I get for R100 ? 

a fun filled evening over 4 hours THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY will NEVER forget , ask the over 1500 parents that attended last year . Each guest gets a ICE CREAM from Noddy and his friends and each gift receiving child gets a packet of sweets from the Fairy 

What about the presents ?

You as the parents bring your own child a present ( not bigger than a shoebox size please ) and put it in a black bag and our elves will collect it at the Gate when you arrive . Please also bring CASH for a donation we take each evening for GOOD CAUSES and also for Coffee on sale at the event etc . NO CARD FACILITIES 

Where is Step Aside? 

the entire Farm is given free of charge to UNCLE GEORGE PARTIES , they also have lovely accomodation ( chalets etc ) and wedding venues and conferences etc . Visit their website at

www.stepaside.co.za

What else can you expect? 

a magical castle and a magician and a marching band and Noddy and his friends and Ice creams and singing Carols under the stars and calling Santa and the Fairy ( and blow the lights out , theres no switches here ) 

What about supper? 

Parents bring own supper and when we call for supper then supper time will begin 

Who does these parties support? 

We give a percentage of proceeds to GARDEN ROUTE FOOD PANTRY AND FUREVER CATS NPC AND MORESON CHILDRENS HOME. so you are SUPPORTING A GOOD CAUSE 

Now I want to book..how  ? 

Just WHATSAPP or SMS the word PARTY to 071 433 6961 AS easy as that ! Remember bookings close 31 October 2022 strictly. All payments need to be made before 31 October 202

Join our Facebook Group

NSRI Open Day

Saturday 1 October 2022 (10am – 3pm) NSRI Rescue Base in Wilderness (next to Salina’s Restaurant)National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Wildersness is inviting the public to their annual Open Day on Saturday, 1st October 2022. Please join us as we open our doors to showcase our life saving operations. Volunteers will be on hand to answer all your questions and give you a peak at what we do everyday. There will be fun activities for the whole family.NSRI Lifeguard team will also be hosting the final swimming assessment to join the 2022 “Zero To Hero Lifeguard Project. “Piloted in 2021, the aim of the Zero to Hero initiative is to ensure that access to training and employment as lifeguards is available to everyone, specifically disadvantaged communities who have may not previously been able to access training due to historical and socio-economic barriers. As an organisation, we strive to make a positive impact in our communities that we live and serve in. We want a better shared and safer future for everyone – this lifesaving initiative aims to achieve that,” To register for this exciting opportunity, applicants must attend the swimming assessment on Saturday 01 October 2022 at 10h00 at the NSRI Rescue Base in Wilderness. Mike Vonk Station Commander – NSRI Station 23 (Wilderness)

Garden Route District Municipality Firefighters deliver outstanding performance at TFA-SA

The past weekend, 16 and 17 September 2022, a lot of Garden Routers and visitors from other parts of the country, travelled to Mossel Bay to witness the first South African Toughest Fighter Alive (TFA-SA) competition since 2019. The TFA didn’t take place for a few years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.This year’s challenge marked the seventh official competition.  The event was hosted in the Garden Route at the De Bakke Beach in Mossel Bay and attracted more than 160 South African competitors.The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters performed well in the competition, with Emile Conrad winning an overall runner-up position in the competition. For the relay event, the GRDM men’s team ended almost at top in second (2nd) position. They beat 28 other teams.In the events linked to various age categories, the GRDM landed the following top three positions per age category:– Males, Age 30-34: Henrich Leslie – (2nd). He came 5th overall.– Females, Age 35-39: Bonita Conrad (2nd)-Males, Age 35-39: Emile Conrad (1st)– Males, Age 45-49: David van Niekerk (1st); and Petrus Jordaan (3rd)Read more: http://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/09/21/21-september-2022-media-release-garden-route-district-municipality-firefighters-deliver-outstanding-performance-at-tfa-sa/

Die dinge wat jou keer.

5 km voor die Waterval-Boven tonnel, rigting Pretoria, is daar ’n plek genaamd Kruger Hof. Ek het al soveel keer daar verby gery, maar vandag het ek gestop. Voor ’n plekkie met die naam The Tickled Trout het Desmond gestaan, besig om gietwerk te doen. Ek vra hom of hy koffie het. Hy het, maar nie ’n kaartmasjien nie. Alles in die haak. Toe ek instap, sien ek pragtige skilderye en verskeie kunswerke, maar my oog vang dadelik ’n pragtige model skip. Ek vra hom uit daarna, en toe begin Desmond se storie.

Die betrokke model kom van Mauritius af toe hy daar gewerk het in die laat 80’s. Hy het ’n boot gekoop in Frankryk en daar tussen die eilande rond geseil. Hy het ook in die Karibiese eilande en die Rooi see geseil. In die Seychelles het hy gesukkel om werk te kry en is toe Mauritius toe. Daar het hy daagliks mense uitgevat en mense het hom beny vir sy sorgvrye lewe. Maar as hy vir hulle sê om dit ook te kom doen, dan kom die verskonings en die dinge wat hulle verhoed om daardie lewe te lewe. Die kar, die huis, die werk. Desmond het gelewe. Voluit.

Nou, baie jare later het hy sy klein winkeltjie wat hy deel met sy kolliehond, Jessie. Jessie wil net bal speel. Terwyl ek my tweede koppie koffie drink, stap daar ’n man in met ’n bierblikkie. Sy vrou het vir hom die verkeerde bier gekoop, en hy vra vir Desmond of hy dit mag omruil. Desmond sê vir die man dat die drankie wat hy nou vat, goedkoper is as die een wat sy vrou gekoop het, en dat hy vir hom krediet sal gee. Die boekie kom uit met die man se aankope in. Ek onthou “Die boekie”. Jy koop op skuld, en betaal as jy betaling kry.

Ek sal graag weer vir Desmond wil gaan kuier, want ek dink hy het soveel stories in hom wat nog moet uit. Maar ek moet jaag. Na my kar, my huis en my werk.

Artikel:Brian Cheyne

Ducati Mystery Ride 4 – Ducati lending a helping hand

Back in 2020, I was one of 75 motorcycle enthusiasts who set out to visit Verneukpan in the Northern Cape. When I mentioned my fondness for motorcycle travel to Jos Matthysen, head of Ducati in South Africa, it must have struck a chord. He promptly invited me to take part in the first Ducati Mystery Ride. The idea is simple: you pay an entrance fee, and then you follow Jos on an amazing journey though South Africa. The only known variable is the distances you will travel each day. Since then, two more Mystery Rides have taken place and the number of participants have grown.

The forth iteration of the Mystery Ride took place at the end of April and this one was really special. The trip was to start in George, and wind its way back to Ducati’s shop in Centurion. At our rider briefing the night before we left, we had a fundraiser for the JJ Watson home for the elderly in George. It was quite emotional to hear about their basic needs. They identified and prioritized a few critical projects that needed doing. Simple things like a broken gate motor or a few half-painted rooms. Jos arranged a professional auctioneer to sell off a few items and some of the riders were also “fined” for transgressions. For each Rand we raised, Ducati SA matched that value. A total of well over R305 000 was raised.

The next morning, 53 Ducatis snaked their way through some of the most spectacular roads in the Western Cape. As we had no idea where we were going, we just followed Jos and his merry band of marshals. We ended up at Goudini Spa on the first day and in Hermanus on the second. This part of the country has some amazing roads and on a Ducati it is just a delight! From Hermanus, we rode the twisty way back to Plettenberg Bay. As we said our goodbyes to the Cape, we made our way inland to the flatlands of the Free State. That evening we slept over in Ladybrand. We had the traditional Fines Committee who fined riders for minor offences during the four days of riding. Prizes were also awarded to those riders that managed to correctly guess our destination for each day.

I asked one of the riders, Gerrit van Dyk, why he chose to come on a Mystery Ride. “First of all, I have to say, it is the people. This is my second Mystery Ride and it feels like family. Then there is the scenery and the riding. What awesome places we see, and all that on the best bike you can ask for. The enjoyment of riding with likeminded people and the sharing of this experience with family.”

To me, giving back to the community was the highlight of this trip. Garden Route Motorcycles in George is now a Ducati service centre, so if you own a Ducati, you know where to have it cared for. If you would like to be part of this, keep an eye out on Ducati’s Facebook pages. The next one will be around October.

Article: Brian Cheyne

Chery se Sewe nou beskikbaar

Sedert Chery in November 2021 sy hertoetrede tot die Suid-Afrikaanse mark gemaak het, het die maatskappy se reeks en handelaarsnetwerk gegroei, en ‘n derde modelreeks is pas in Suid-Afrika bekendgestel.

Die Tiggo 7 Pro vul die gaping tussen die Tiggo 4 Pro, die eerste modelreeks wat hier bekendgestel is, en die huidige vlagskip van die reeks, die Tiggo 8 Pro. Die Tiggo 7 Pro volg Chery se huidige ontwerprigting; die vooraansig beskik oor ‘n seshoekige sierrooster met die Chery-embleem aan die bokant een dun kopligte wat van om die hoeke van die voorkant krul. Aan die kant is daar 18-duim allooiwiele en ‘n karakterlyn wat agter die agterdeure na boontoe loop terwyl verdonkerde glas standaard toerusting is. Die agterligsamestelling strek oor die hele breedte van die agterklap, en die Chery-naam is net onder die agterruit uitgespel. Daar is ook ‘n drukvlerk op die dak, asook twee uitlaatpype in die agterstamper. Die kombinasie maak vir ‘n besonderse aantreklike voertuig.

Net een enjin en ratkas is beskikbaar. Die turboaangejaagde viersilinderenjin van 1,5 liter word aan ‘n palwissel (CVT)-ratkas met nege stappe en ses gange in handratmodus gekoppel. Hierdie enjin lewer 108 kW en wringkrag van 210 Nm.

Daar is twee modelle in die reeks, naamlik die Distinctive en die Executive. Albei modelle is goed toegerus, en spog onder meer met die volgende kenmerke: ‘n elektriese bestuurdersitplek met ses verstellings, ‘n veelfunksiestuurwiel wat met leer oorgetrek is en op vier maniere verstel kan word en sleutellose toegang met ‘n aansitknoppie. Daar is drie digitale vertoonpanele; voor die bestuurder is ‘n digitale instrumentepaneel met verskillende verstellings wat alle inligting oor die voertuig in ligte en donker toestande so duidelik as moontlik vertoon. In die middel van die voorpaneel is die inligting-en-vermaakstelsel wat onder meer ‘n klankstelsel met Android Auto, Apple Car Play en Bluetooth, asook ‘n trukamera bevat. Daar is twee USB-kragpunte voor en een agter. Die inligting-en-vermaakstelsel kan ook deur middel van stemopdragte beheer word. Die derde skerm bevat die kontroles vir die klimaatbeheer wat standaard toerusting vir albei modelle is. Dit kan gebruik word met fisiese kontroles wat dit vir die bestuurder moontlik maak om die klimaatbeheerstelsel te gebruik sonder om sy of haar oë van die pad af te haal. Atmosfeerbeligting en ‘n koordlose selfoonlaaier is ook standaard toerusting vir die hele reeks, terwyl die Executive met ‘n panoramiese sondak en elektriese verstelling vir die voorste passasiersitplek toegerus word. Swart leerbekleedsel met kontrasterende stikwerk word vir albei modelle gebruik.

Die hele reeks spog met veiligheidskenmerke soos skryfremme op al vier wiele, met die voorstes wat geventileer is, sluitweerremme met elektroniese remkragverspreiding en noodremhulp, wegtrek- en afdraandehulp, ‘n blindekolmonitor en ‘n agterste dwarsverkeermonitor. Die Executive voeg die volgende kenmerke by: voorbotswaarskuwing, ‘n baandwaalmonitor, outomatiese noodremhulp en ‘n 360 grade rondomkamera met ‘n grafiese beeld van die verkeer wanneer ‘n kruising binnegegaan word. Die Distinctive word met vier lugsakke toegerus en die Executive met ses. Al die modelle word toegerus met ‘n funksie wat deure en vensters met afstandbeheer sluit, asook ‘n elektriese agterklap waarvan die hoogte verstel kan word. Die Tiggo 7 Pro het volpunte in die Chinese NCAP-toetsprogram behaal.

Die pryse van die verskillende modelle is R 409 900 vir die Distinctive en R 449 900 vir die Executive. Dit sluit ‘n waarborg van vyf jaar of 150 000 km, ‘n diensplan van vyf jaar of 60 000 km en padbystand van vyf jaar ongeag die voertuig se kilometerlesing. Eerste-kopers kry selfs ‘n enjinwaarborg van tien jaar of ‘n miljoen kilometer!

Artikel: Gerrie Smit

Viva die Papierkaart

In die digitale wêreld van GPS, selfoon toepassings en karterings programme is die goedige papier kaart gerelegeer tot die agterste gestoeltes. Die nuwe tegnologie kan vir jou met die druk van ‘n knoppie afstand, reistyd en verskeie ander inligting eensklaps beskikbaar stel, sodat jy jou reis tot in die fynste detail kan beplan. Tog, as daai selfoon of GPS se battery die gees gee is dit die ou betroubare papier kaart wat jou uit die panarrie gaan red.

Soos met koerante, boeke en tydskrifte is daar ‘n bekoring daaraan om die régte papier kaart in jou hande te hou. Dit voel meer, eg. Iemand het eendag gesê ‘n GPS wys waar jy is. ‘n Kaart wys wat om jou is.

Daar is niks soos ‘n regte kaart om ‘n avontuur aan die gang te sit nie. Met ‘n GPS en / of karterings programme tik jy ‘n ligging of ‘n naam in, met ander woorde jy weet reeds daarvan, maar ‘n regte avontuur lê selde in die bekende. Op ‘n kaart sien jy ander dinge raak. Soos jou oog dwaal sien jy ook die onbekende dinge. Dinge wat jou prikkel om te gaan kyk. Wat presies is dan nou by Toorwater, byvoorbeeld. Kyk hierdie pad, Nooitgedagt. Kan dit die pad in die liedjie wees? Het jy al gehoor van Zoar? Kom ons gaan kyk! En skielik bevind jy jou by ‘n warmwaterbron, ‘n spoorweg sylyn waar Paljas verfilm is, ‘n asemrowende poort, ‘n prag pad tussen Canola lande deur of voor ‘n besonderse Lutherse kerk. Dit sou jy nie met die GPS gekry het nie, tensy jy reeds daarvan geweet het, natuurlik. ‘n Afdraai naby Swellendam met die naam Vaandrigsdrif het ‘n avontuur ontketen wat my verby Botlierskop in die Suid Kaap tot by Katot Meyer in De Vlugt geneem het.

Daar is mense wat ‘n veerpyltjie na ‘n kaart gooi en waar hy land, dis die bestemming. Probeer dit nou met ‘n GPS…

Die beste dinge in die lewe is die mense vir wie jy lief is, die plekke wat mens sien en die herinneringe wat jy maak. Lank lewe die papierkaart. Gaan loer bietjie watse avonture wag.

Artikel: Johann van Tonder Foto: Brian Cheyne

Triumph Tiger 1200 – Redefining the large adventure bike

Triumph is getting very serious about capturing a larger slice of the Adventure bike market. The Tiger 1200 was almost ready to go to market, but as their Tiger 900 was already proving to be a phenomenal motorcycle, Triumph decided to ride the Covid wave and rethink the 1200. Much of what made the 900 so successful was incorporated into the new 1200 and they share similar design cues. Triumph then pitted the 1200 against it nearest competitors to make sure that they brought something really spectacular to market. To see if they achieved that, Triumph invited us up to Whiteriver, Mpumalanga to come and experience the bikes first-hand.

The range is divided into two distinct models, namely GT and Rally. The GT has a definite road bias with alloy wheels and a 19” front wheel. The Rally on the other hand has a more off-road bias and nothing says that better than spoked wheels and a 21” front wheel. Both the GT and Rally models have an Explorer version that adds more standard equipment and a 30 litre fuel tank, compared to the standard version’s 20 litres. The Explorer version also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring that will alert you to a vehicle in your blind spot. This happens via a very bright orange light located on the mirrors.

What Triumph achieved with weight saving on the new bike is nothing short of remarkable. To achieve that, the subframe is now bolt-on, just like on the 900, and the rear swingarm has been made lighter, but stronger. The engine has also shrunk in capacity, but has more power. Overall the new Tiger is a staggering 25 kg lighter than the model it replaces. It rides on the all new Showa semi-active suspension and stops with the latest Bremo Stylema brakes.

When you see the new Tiger in the flesh you will appreciate how small the bike looks. The bike also has a narrow waist and the seat tapers to the front. That means that you can easily plant your feet while the bike is stationary.

Riding the bikes was a revelation. The GT performs well on the road and the Rally model is equally at home when the tar ends. The engine is still Triumph’s triple and it has a raspy tone to it, urging you to ride it hard. What I really appreciated though was the suspension that you could adjust while you are riding, setting it firm for the twisty bits, and then to comfort on the long stretches. We rode through varying conditions on the Rally from hard packed gravel, to sand, to mud and even a small river crossing and the big rig just took it all in its stride.

Triumph set out to make the most agile and manoeuvrable large adventure bike, and I personally think that they exceeded their expectations. Triumph also has an extensive catalogue of accessories to kit out your Tiger. I would personally choose the GT version, purely for its no-fuss riding fun!

Article: Brian Cheyne, Photos: Joe Flemming

World Clean-up day

Join George Municipality in Big Cleanup Project for World Cleanup Day Issued by George Municipality 14 September’s 2022 for immediate release

George Municipality’s Cleansing team together with other government stakeholders will be holding a Big Cleanup Project from 19-21 September 2022, from 09:00-13:00 each day, in celebration and to raise awareness of World Cleanup Day. According to Grace Notshokovu from the Cleansing department, an education/ awareness campaign will also be part of the project.World Cleanup Day unites millions of volunteers, governments and organisations in 191 countries to tackle the global waste problem and build up the new and sustainable world.The day is held over the course of a 24-hour period, on the 3rd Saturday of September annually. World Cleanup Day aims to raise awareness of the mismanaged waste crisis by mobilizing all spheres of society to participate in cleanup actions. It is coordinated by the global organisation Let’s Do It! World.Members of the public are welcome to join in and assist in their areas with with cleanup project.See the schedule, dates and where to meet below: Parkdene -Bontebok Street (along the N2): 19 September 2022 Lawaaikamp – Bottom of Garcia Street (along the N2): 19 September 2022 Thembalethu Zone 9 -(along the N2): 20 September 2022 Rosedale – Genesis Street (along the N2): 21 September 2022Please bring with gloves, a hat, water and comfortable shoes – we will provide bags for the litter.