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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Road trip

On Sunday we awoke early, fed the animals and got onto our motorcycle. We were on our way to Johannesburg (350kms/220 miles up the road) to attend a bike club meeting and to get meet meet with other biker friends. It was a glorious morning and we stopped for sunrise photos just a few minutes after leaving home. An hour-and-a-half into the ride, we stopped on the side of the road where we shared a flask of black and bitter coffee (my darling hubby forfeits his sugar and milk for me!) and then we were off again.

Sunrise on the road

An early morning ride through the savanna and farmlands of the Free State cannot be beaten for beauty, wide open spaces ...

...and an exhilirating sense of freedom!

Coffee on the N1 to Johannesburg. Somehow this reminds me of our coffee stops in the desert of Sudan
The traffic was minimal at 8.30 on a Sunday morning in Johannesburg
Most members arrived on their motorcycles. Many wives came later in vehicles. Our motorbike is not visible as it was parked at the other end of this row of bikes
After the meeting, we socialized a little and then it was time to head for home. On the way, we stopped at a Wimpy (where else, ha!) and bought take-away burgers and tea. We enjoyed this while sitting on the wall in the car park. At the same time we chatted to passersby and generally people-watched.  The bike is behind me in this shot

We arrived home during the afternoon, which, once we'd changed from our biking gear, we spent relaxing in the garden with the  pets lying around at our feet.
Angie is always at my side in the garden. She has a gentle sweet nature and loves the cats. Shadow is still very wary of all the dogs but I'm sure in time they'll all be friends
Shadow on the loose! And loving it
Trailing Shadow in the garden. He's walking "free" now. I let him drag the leash around but I stay close behind him

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12 comments:

  1. Hi Jo, Looks like you all had a nice bike ride. Love the sunset picture. Wow!!! Do the bike groups take trips together? Will you all go with them???? There are large groups in this country -and they seem to enjoy traveling together.

    Seems like Shadow is gradually learning the 'lay of the land' ......

    Have a great day.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  2. So glad to see you broadening your horizons again as well as enjoying the comforts of home and your lovely pets.

    I like your fetching biking gear. Two od my granddaughters have bikes too.

    Hugs . . . Arija

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  3. What a super day, Jo. And all those furry loved ones to greet you at home. I'm so happy for you.
    Luv, K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  4. Woosh I could feel the fresh morning air zipping past me. Thanks for the ride. Love the sunrise shot and Angie.

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  5. Wow ! I didn't know that you are a motor biker fan ! The pictures of the landscape look gorgeous ! Little Shadow has a lot to discover in your garden ! Of course he will become friend with the dogs. At the beginning it's always a "tail" misunderstanding, lol ! Dogs waggle with their tail when they are happy, cats don't get that !

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  6. Wow! I've missed a Lot!! The garden, kitties, your Grandson is a DOLL!!!! Looks like you both had a Great ride as well!! It looks like great Fun!!!
    hughugs

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  7. Hi Jo,
    Aww the feel of the open road, I miss the feeling of freedom it gave me. Hubby doesn't have a bike anymore.
    I especially love your first shot, its a real winner, Jo.

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  8. Love the shadow shot. For you to get that you had to e very daring! I'm so glad to see you out and about on the open road ;-)

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  9. Hello Jo, sound slike a great day and bike ride. I love first sunrise shot and the shadow shot is cool. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. I love that shadow shot of you and Grant on the motorcycle. What fun you two have biking around the beautiful countryside! Grant is such a thoughtful husband--foregoing milk and sugar in his coffee for your sake!

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  11. I love the sunrise photos. I imagine you get much the same sense of freedom on your motor bikes as we get from riding horses across the countryside. Looks like a fun outing.

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo