This was the third time we’ve been to this event and, once again, it was memorable to say the least. Riding our long-term GSX-S1000 GX, there, around, and back, was only part of this superb adventure.
The Numbi Hotel in Hazyview was the place of rest and partying, hosting the 100 strong eager crowds. After the 400km first day’s ride we all enjoyed a festive evening with a spectacular buffet type outdoor meal, and soon retreated to bed once fed to the brim.
The next day was obviously the major attraction with a 220km+/- ride through the outstanding scenery around this area of South Africa. Hazel, Damon and his wife Nanette (from www.doctorsbikes.co.za) were virgins to this gathering so we decided to join forces in a quest to win the converted Suzuki Weekend Away first price, which unfortunately we didn’t, ahh well there’s always next year?
Still, it was a perfectly executed experience with the “Dream Team” sending us to various locations to answer questions and participate in games to make us laugh, and argue. The idea was to take the best pictures at each stop, to win points for our group of four, riding two similar GXs. The games began at 9am and concluded at 4pm sharp, if you hadn’t completed by then, tough! The two ladies were certainly glad when we arrived back at Hotel Numbi because their battered buttocks certainly took a beating during the vigorous tour. Damon and myself had no such issues though and felt slightly sorry for their bruised behinds, maybe?
A few drinks later and the pain soon dissolved for them with the assistance of liquid fueled anesthetics. That night was the big crazy party with more brain teasing games, prize giving, and even more delicious chow from the Numbi personal. Like I said, we won nothing, Oh hang on, we did get a lovely long-sleeved t-shirt and a handy Suzuki first aid kit, so at least we went home with something to cherish.
Bitterness aside, from myself at least, we did make new friends and before long everyone was already looking forward to the 2026 event. You’ll certainly need a few days to recover afterwards, well I did. I must enforce it’s not just for Suzuki riders, and there was also an interesting Adventure bike course if you fancy that, as well as the usual road option. You just have to do this event at some point in your life so keep your eye on the Suzuki Bookface page and also on their web site, we’d predict the information to join in will be around Feb/March next year – so see ya there folks!
www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za
Click on: www.hotelnumbi.co.za for accommodation any time of the year.
Also visit: www.dreamteam.co.za and let them construct an exciting event for you too.
The 8R Cup has been approved as a class for the 2026 regional session. The 8R Cup is a single make series with as close to standard road bikes as possible. The racing will be held in Gauteng with a vision of expanding in years to come as the demand increases. The racing is also as cost effective as possible with a new bike on the grid for as little as R190 000. With only one set of tyres allowed for each round, the costs are under control.
