Sunday morning brekkie run to Denneysville in perfect riding conditions

Autumn sunshine on my back, demon in my right wrist. Today's target, Denneysville, is a small town on the banks of the Vaal Dam in the Free State province of South Africa. Up at first light ( bit of a struggle as we are well into Fall), I clutched out by 7.00 am with the barometer reading 12 degrees. Screw it, no need for activating the heated hand grips or the heated seat for that matter. My ride this beautiful sunny and mild Sunday morning took me out of Johannesburg on the M1 South toward the old coal mining town of Vereeniging. Vereeniging is one of the most important industrial centres in South Africa and cables, chains, steel tubing, farm implements and many other products are manufactured here. Not a pretty place to look at as you can imagine....the true gem lies just a little further south, the Vaal Dam. The lake behind the dam wall has a surface area of about 320 square kilometres and is 47 meters deep.

The Vaal Dam lies on the Vaal River, which is one of South Africa's strongest-flowing rivers. Other rivers flowing into the dam are the Wilge River, Klip River, Molspruit and Grootspruit. It has over 800 Kms of shoreline and is South Africa's second biggest dam by area and the fourth largest by volume. A picturesque area, Denneysville which lies on the shores of the Vaal was established in 1939. In early stone-age times, the San had settled along the shore of the Vaal River, where Deneysville is established today. They were followed by the Khoikhoi. The ruins of their stone dwellings can be seen in the area today opposite the Municipal buildings. There is an interesting exhibition of artifacts in the towns library which is situated behind the Municipal offices. The Town is today a fast developing recreational center with many new holiday homes adding to a permanent working and retired population.

I stumbled upon Marina Castle which was built in the early 1950's by an Englishman, Lord Sumner, who fell in love with the area, the vast body of water and the rich history of Deneysville. Sadly the recent owner of the castle passed away in October 2013 and the executors are in control of the property. Nobody knows what the future has in store for what is certainly a landmark in Deneysville!
My interest in Denneysville is the quaint motorcycle museum housed on the property of the Lake Avenue Inn, a popular bikers spot which offers a top value petrol head brekkie and coffee, as well as a boma style pub decorated with biking memorabilia. Interestingly enough Dave Barr ( featured in the movie Why we Ride) made an appearance here a few days ago. He is currently touring SA on his Bike! Food, food, food for a hungry biker is a ruffled biker. For the princely sum of $4.00 I was served two coffees with a scrumptious breakfast made up of toast, scrambled eggs, beef, sausages, baked beans, bacon and an assortment of jams! The setting is fantastic...just lots of old bikers and some young ones too! The Historic motorcycle museum charges a modest fee of ZAR 20, approx $1.80 and houses an array of stunning beauties. Displays include some of the most unique Historic Motorcycles to be found anywhere in the world! The first dedicated Historic Motorcycle Museum in Africa, at the moment showcasing race bikes and classic machinery. The history of Famous South African, Northern and Southern Rhodesian race champions are showcased here as well. This includes 6 time world champ and TT Isle of Man winner Jim Redman. Regrettably nothing on Kork Ballington nor the Petersen Brothers or for that matter Rod Gray. Perhaps in time...?
Denneysville is about one and a half hours ride South of Johannesburg, roughly 109 Kms away. The roads are in good condition although the ride itself is not that interesting, with no real twisties to brag about. So a straight road encourages the occasional over-twist of the throttle! This ride is all about the destination and immersing ones soul in a true bikers haven! Signposts en route threaten potholes, prevalent along many of South Africa's roads these days. Surprisingly and despite the warnings, no potholes were to be seen. Safely back at my doorstep by 11.20 am, soul recharged. The trusty Beemer is just such an effortless mile eater....love it. Can't wait for the next ride!