Towards the end of 2022, Sean Du Toit mooted the idea of a social get-together to celebrate the Yamaha Ténéré 40th anniversary to some riders. They spoke to some fellow owners and found enthusiastic support for the idea. Thereafter we started checking for suitable dates, matched to the availability at one of our favourite Karoo hangouts, Koedoeskloof, outside Ladismith in theWestern Cape, (sort of, mid-way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth). That was where most riders who attended the previous Bash, 10 years ago came from.
Dates were eventually set for arrival on Friday 24 March 2023 and departure Sunday 26 March 2023.
The idea was posted, in mid-January, on Ténéré sites, followed by a growing number of responses.
We had fun with mock-up designs of shirts, jackets, caps and ideas for other goodies that were shared with several riders. Enthusiastic contribution of ideas resulted in designs changing several times, with eventual satisfactory results.
Yamaha SA, in the person of Adrian Bac, responded positively to the request for approval and sponsorship of some Yamaha goodies for the prize giving on Saturday night. Sponsorship came in the form of caps and buffs.
Various dealers around the Cape Town area, like Craigs Motorcycles, Flying Brick Accessories and Helderberg Yamaha, responded to the request for sponsorship. Helderberg Yamaha’s response reflected their reputation as top ranking Yamaha South Africa dealership, calling for a special thanks to Kelly, Gavin, Eugene and the team for the prizes.
Super nice Michnus Olivier of Piki Piki and Turkana fame as well Danny Mulder of Danny Mulder Distributors also contributed some prizes. We are thankful for the support of all the sponsors.
Numbers grew to more than 30 bikes during February, and more than 50 by the end of March, with riders from far-flung places, such as Namibia, Kathu, Bothaville, Secunda, Richardsbay and Kirkwood.
A positive flow of activities, such as designs being finalized and sent for printing, accommodation and meals booked and paid for and bikes serviced, culminated in the final week arriving quickly.
The preceding Tuesday, being a public holiday, allowed some of the long-distance riders to cash in and add some out-of-the-way destinations in this beautiful adventure-travel-friendly country of ours, to their trip. Photos streamed into the Whatsapp group. The weather was changing daily, sometimes almost hourly, with riders getting a bit wet, fording some muddy roads and plenty of water crossings, but in general, all went well and bikes started arriving at Koedoeskloof from around lunchtime on Friday.
Pretty quickly, after a handshake, or two, and maybe a Cold One to wash the dust off, tents started to be pitched, accompanied by a growing flow of banter. From the start of the event, a bunch of pretty-much strangers who share a common love for Yamaha’s Ténérés, became friends.
After accommodation was sorted out, the veranda filled up with happy voices that continued well into the night, supported by a good supper. Some went to bed earlier, to rest after some long rides, the vibration of snoring taking on a rhythm that spoke of peaceful sleep. Others enjoyed the fire and conversation till the early hours of the morning.
Saturday started with breakfast and a group photo. A new record of 54 Yamaha’s, including Ténéré 500s, T7s and S10s, was recorded. Originally, a mass ride was contemplated, but due to varying dirt riding skill levels, the group split into smaller groups. Some rode to the Gamkapoort dam, via the magnificent Seweweweekspoort, and returned the long way around along the Anysberg road, a most satisfying Adventure ride. Some chose to ride to the dam and return whilst others just scouted the surrounding roads, returning for some afternoon conversation on the veranda, aided by a drink or two.
The riders reported back, that lots of enjoyable riding resulted in only one S10 taking a dirt road tumble after a water crossing. Luckily without major injury.
The early evening braai buzzed from the friendly conversation, banter, and even chirping, as friendships became cemented. The prize-giving left every member with at least one item. The criteria for winning a prize varied from the “furthest travelled”, “oldest”, “funniest quirps” and more.
Sunday morning, another scrumptious breakfast got riders to the happy sadness of departing after a great time. Rides home, varied from the 110km to Oudtshoorn to the nearly 2000 km of the Namibian riders over the next two days. The weather forecast predicted some, less-than-perfect riding weather, but for a Yamaha rider, riding a Ténéré is always a satisfying experience.
Feedback indicates that the event was enjoyed by all, calling for another more central event every year. Watch this space.
Sean Says:
Big thanks to all the help from my wife Caroline, Izelle and Pierre and Riaan Bester for input, maps and photography, good man Sidd Pitt and Dennis Mayhem for a fantastic ride to the site. And then naturally also Eugene, Debbie and the staff of Koedoeskloof for the nice venue, catering and friendly service.
Furthermore, thanks to our sponsors and the, too many to mention, other contributors for their thoughts, input and support.
