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For those of you with super fast internet or "buffer" patience, here is the link http://moto-africa.com/video_old_postal.htm to a video of our most recent "Old Postal Route" ride.

The Old Postal Route - Tankwa Karoo - Cedarberg

Images from this epic ride between Tankwa Karoo and the Biedouw Valley

Time for the annual Post Retief Rally again. Klipplaat here I come!

Klein Karoo Moto Jamboree. Die Gravel Gang rides again. Die keer die Klein Karoo. Story and pictures available here :http://moto-africa.zimzala.co.za/?p=92

A lekka trip in the Tankwa Karoo - Cedarberg Wilderniss http://moto-africa.zimzala.co.za/?p=46

The Old Postal Route – Cedarberg Tankwa Karoo | moto-africa.com Moto Tours & Trips The Old Postal Route – Cedarberg Tankwa Karoo February 3, 2015 Willem Leave a comment Approximately 17 kms north of the Cedarberg hamlet of Wupperthal lays the Biedouw Valley which also marks the start/finish of the little known “Old Postal Route”. The rough 4×4 jeep track over th…

The annual Post Retief bike rally, as always, delivers on great routes and sincere rural hospitality in a region steeped in history. A visit to the ruins of the Post Retief barracks/fort brings to life some of the hardships experienced during a previous era.

"During the 8th Frontier War the fort was held under loose siege for 3 months with the refugee farmers and what was left of their belongings and stock huddled together within the forts walls for their mutual protection , their farms lay looted and burned. The actual Siege of Post Retief , a siege within a siege , occurred in early February 1851 when the fort and its 60 occupants was held under tight siege for 4 days by rebels from the Kat River Settlement under Kiewiet , Van Beulen and English deserter Shaw formerly of the 7th Dragoons.
Further down the valley 1820 Settler John Joseph Smith’s fortified farm Haartebeestfontein was at the same time also under siege and eventually the tense situation was relieved after four gruelling days by commandos of 130 burghers from Grahamstown and Somerset East , and a levy of 140 Fingoes under commandants Bowker , Pringle , Kruger and Seevogel "

A great gravel ride along the Addo perimeter fence towards Riebeeck East and then a brilliant detour around and over the mountains to reach historic Riebeeck East with its magnificent sandstone church. The scenic gravel journey continues to arrive at Post Retief by late afternoon

The next morning it is off to Jansenville and some more glorious gravel loops before entering the Addo National Park and a relaxing stop next to the Darlington Dam to reflect on the beauty of the region.

From Willowmore my route followed the scenic Grootrivier towards Klipplaat. Klipplaat used to be a busy train junction from yesteryear. Not so anymore. A rusted out locomotive, neglected church building and Hotel Charles is all that remains from the the glory days. The Hotel Charles is well worth a visit with its authentic bar a memorable experience.

Images from a recent bike trip to the great Eastern Cape. Destination Post Retief. Riding through the Karoo to Prince Albert, Klaarstroom, Vondeling and Willowmore.