Words: Bill Hunter.
It was our fourth visit to this legendary event and the experience couldn’t have been more diverse than before. For the 2026 Weekend Away we had a three-man team from www.BillysBikes.co.za. riding three Suzuki V-Strom 250 SXs. Oh yes, this time around we chose to ‘attack’ the Adventure route, festooned with Mr. Bean facemasks, yes, we are a strange clan indeed. But wait, we also had a female subsidiary team with four eye-catching ladies, Hazel, Jan, Sandy and Shirley, bringing up the rear (so to speak), competing inside Shirley’s brand new Suzuki Fronx. The girls actually designed their own unique outfits and named themselves, Team – ‘Let’s get Fronxed’. It was also the first time Shirley’s car had moved more than 12km in one day, tremendous effort we say!
After a previous wine riddled convention we decided it was paramount to arrive a day early to enjoy the surroundings and delights of Hazeyview more, instead of arriving on the Friday and trying to compress everything in to just two days. If you’re intent on joining next year we highly recommended doing the same. Again we were expertly taken care of by the jovial staff from the Hotel Numbi, so a massive ‘Pat on the back’ goes out to all concerned and involved with this glorious venue.
So, after a few days of profound consumption of various intoxicating fluids and, much merriment, we were ready for the main event, sort of. The previous night before the main event held outside and gorging on Numbi’s vast buffet didn’t seem to have taken its toll as much as we thought on Saturday morning, surprisingly! Now it was time for us all to get serious because we hoped for a podium spot that evening. Once again the Dream Team (www.dreamteam.co.za) hosted the event with Bryan Walter taking charge, he is one very special dude, so Bryan demanded me declare, and will possibly become the next President, due to his exclusive and vibrant manner (that should appease you mate).
Anyway, justified gushing aside. We downloaded the directional App for the day, mounted the bikes (and ‘they’ crammed into the Fronx), and we were off on a 270km trip of discovery, fun, and games. Except for one major major issue. For the first time in four years we had the bliss of mist and chilly rain, WTF, really! Obviously the ladies found this much to their infantile delight as they bathed in the Fronx’s interior heating.
Around ten of us were on the 250s and once again this modest bike impressed us far more than its capacity would suggest. John, was on his own 250 SX fitted with Temu ‘bar raisers, larger front sprocket, and ‘old-git’ top box. Wardy and myself were riding two of Suzuki’s own bikes that they kindly lent us for the event, ‘Big Up’ to Stuart and Kyle for that. The Adventure route took us through challenging trails (for myself, and around 50km), scattered with rocks and water-worn channels. Not once did the 250 SX complain or stall, a remarkable bike for sure, especially at 62k. No matter what type of rider you are everyone should have one of ‘these’ in his or her garage. Most of the road part was flat out and the poor thing, again, absorbed it with zero issues. John was in two-wheeled heaven though, because his bike was wafting past everyone due to his bigger front teeth, a worthy modification for sure.
Meanwhile the girls were enviously warm whilst playing games, and the like, on the road course. We in due course joined them for lunch throwing a bolas for points and eating the food provided, but not at the same time, maybe a good game for next year? Somehow Hazel managed to throw her bolas over her head and land it behind her, impossible for sure, but mentally disturbing all the same. Thankfully after witnessing that debacle it was time for the return journey (120km +/-) back to the hotel, with a game, or two, on the way. The last stop was Graskop, where the rain rudely became even worse. The girls however had zero sympathy and didn’t seem to care – witches! After throwing wet bags into a wet hole on a soggy day the bikers were undoubtedly ready for the hotel and a hot shower, but unquestionably had tons of fun all the same. The final 45km ride back to Hazeyview on the bikes though was ghastly and we soon became wetter than a hake’s bathing costume. But we made it- hurrah!
After that wonderful hot shower and dry clothing changes, and much-earned libations, we entered into the main hall for the prize giving and, even more stimulating games. What a great event and the adverse weather didn’t dampen the superb time we all had. As for the results, well the three ‘Muscabikers’ came ninth out of 34 teams, and the girls 17th. But wait, the ladies also scooped the desirable ‘Best Outfit(s)’ for 2026 Award. Now that’s commendable to say the least – well done ladies. On the other wet glove hand the ‘lads’ had hoped for more, especially seeing as we brought along our Mr. Bean facemask things, we think the judges missed that, maybe?
So, will we be there in 2027, most certainly a resounding YES! Will the girls return in a different car with new costumes, who knows? Make sure you join us folks for another memorable occasion of note in 2027 – you just have to do it!
Thanks to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za. For the bikes, event, and more. They will post next years dates in the beginning of 2027.
Also to. www.dreamteam.co.za for the unique experience.
And to www.hotelnumbi.co.za for the marvelous accommodation.
We recently dropped by our good friends at RAD-KTM and were bowled over to see this gorgeous bike standing outside their premises. ‘They’ have taken a basic, if you can call it that, 990 RC R, and festooned it with factory KTM MotoGP graphics, delicious to say the least.
