PONDO RALLY 2010

The 2nd Pondo Rally Black Dragons (Mthatha) Mcc 19-21 Feb.

Held at the Langeni Forest ± 45 km from Umtata on the banks of the Mabaleni Trout Dam R170.

Nestled in the tall trees of the forest on the banks of the dam, was a stunning camp site. The trees reached high with pine branches and closing over us like a huge umbrella. The camp site was constantly cool with a few soft sunrays penetrating to the pine needle filled floor. Braai stands and Hot showers were erected for the rally. The showers were a little shoddy but constant hot water made the balancing act worthwhile. The portable toilets on the other hand could have been kept a lot cleaner…

They could not have chosen a more pleasant site. The booze area and main tent were well laid out with good strong tables and chairs. I could not falter the music.  They had arranged a dyno machine and the guys had some good fun.

The mass ride was a windy, twisty ride up the mountain through the pine plantations to the top. A beer had been arranged for us and taking in the awesome view of the surrounding valleys was an experience I will always remember.

The drag racing went well and was held on the tar road to the entrance of the camp site.  It was great to have NO traffic (cars) during this event.

Wendy from Durban had set up a tattoo stand and was extremely busy with her art all weekend. I (Geoff) had my first tattoo with the watchful eye of Pastor Paul of the CMA, who later got a tat from Wendy too. Ellen had her tat titivated and it felt good to brag about it.

We took our own grub with but had a quick interim meal from one of the food stalls and ate there the whole weekend, man it was good stuff and priced just for the budgeted pocket.

Prize giving, wet tee-shirt and the lucky draws were enjoyed by all in a tent that became a little small with so many attendees. The lucky draw was very lucky for us!  Third prize a new helmet to our own Ellen and shockingly the second prize, an ice making machine to Geoff. The first prize of R 10 000 went to one of the Dooby brothers.

We slept well that night and were sad to leave the beautiful setting of the mist rising off the water on the dam on Sunday morning. The trip there and back was also quite eventful, with a few very close shaves. Anybody driving in that area will have to be alert, as vehicles overtake on blind rises and there are no keeping safe distances from vehicles being overtaken.

A small rally and for us it was a rally well enjoyed.  In the 2010 April issue of Bike SA, there is an article on the Pondo rally starting on page 58, with visuals of the Old Order Colours and a pic of my bike MERLIN on the dyno machine.