being a biker or a bike-rider as some choose to call themselves, doesn't necessarily mean we all are doing it because of the iconic movie "easy rider". most of us have totally different reasons for opting for two wheels in stead of the comfort of a car - with central heating, locking and lots of other fabulous features.
for me it's my oxygen tank. yes, i breathe in pollution, fuel fumes and other nasties. but i also breathe in the incredible smell when the first rain hits the dusty roads and vegetation in the karoo, or the blossoms next to the road. i can even tell you when the vineyards are ready for their harvest.
being on a bike allows me all of these and to appreciate the dawn of every day.
usually riding solo, thinking of myself as slightly independent. seeking not much more than some simple sanity and song - which is what i do non-stop every single time i ride. and i ride every single day of my life, come rain or come shine.
I'm not a social animal, thus not enjoying rides out en mass. but once a year I put my solo-stuff behind me and saddle up with thousands of bikers across the country for a good cause: the Toy Run. and i buy toys for boys and girls of all ages, no teddy bears although they look pretty cool on the bikes.
so, yesterday morning amidst a gale, filled the tank and set out for the meeting point. an experience in itself - with donuts (not the edible kind), rubber burning and the revving of all kinds of engines. this is show(-off) time.
being able to give to the less-privileged in such a manner holds it's own reward. hundreds of well-wishers line the route whilst waving, clapping hands and some even having the odd picnic next to the freeway.
it humbles me beyond belief when surrounded by such goodwill. knowing that on this day an average of 65 000 motorcyclists across the country are doing exactly the same can be quite an emotional experience.
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| my trusty old steed, ready and willing to participate |
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| dynamite in a small, yet powerful package |
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| flattened by speed? or excitement |
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| A well-travelled BMW - tagged with destinations across Africa |
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| 'i'm just an American in . . . South Africa" |
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| Classic road map - airbrushed route on tank |
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| Ah, a Harley with a soft heart . . . |
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| super-shiny for a special day |
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| all shapes, sizes, age, colour and capacity |
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| big oops - but rather willing abused little scooter |
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| it it has an engine and no doors, guaranteed to be part of the run |
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| this is my 'not a softy' expression |
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| piece de resistance - my next christmas stocking should contain the keys |
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| oh yes... |
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| a bike or a praying mantis? |
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| don't mess with this painted monster |
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| possibly the most-discussed bike - big bertha |
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| monster lights already tells you this is not a normal bike |
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| big bertha in full glory. any ideas? |
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| classic, classic and classic |
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| a work of designer art |
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| another classic - superior in the looks department |
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| the way real bikes were build |
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| easy rider style |
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trike not on strike
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| can you tell the bears from the bikes? |
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all about the bear necessities
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| sad face - soon to give someone a happy face |
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just grin and bear it . . .
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| bear mountain - two giant containers full |
