During Saturday 7^th September we were invited to admire a few of the new MX models from the 2025 Gas Gas range. This was being held at the Terra Topia Motocross track, an obvious choice in Gauteng.

A delightful sunny day for all to enjoy was the reward for the South African importers team (part of the KTM SA division of course). As mentioned, only a few of the range was on display, these being the MC 50, MC 85, MC 125, and the MC 250F representing the four-stroke corner.

However we were more than impressed to see an interesting, and very desirable, selection of electric Gas Gas machines designed to entice new kids into the off-road MX scene. This ‘clever’ idea most certainly seemed to have worked as we saw many thrilled cheeky faces trying out the electrifying Gas Gas range on offer.

The only problem after that ‘childish’ exercise will probably be the poor parent who’s going to have a very expensive Christmas list dropped onto their lap. Then once these infants grow they can move up to the bigger Gas Gas two-strokes and enter a race class, which is perhaps the idea behind a launch like this. We’d like to promote heavily any activity to get these little urchins off their phones, right folks?

Anyway, after having a closer look over the models on display we were impressed with the build quality and especially liked the red/red distinctive colour scheme, offering something a little different from its siblings.

The people who chose to ride the bikes came away with nothing but praise for the new engines and handling attributes, especially the MC 125. The MC 50 was a predictable choice for the kids and took a good beating but came away unscathed, again a testament to the build quality and desirability for budding new MX competition riders.

So, all of these new 2025 bikes are now available at your local Gas Gas dealer, so drop in and check them out. Meanwhile click onto www.gasgas.com/en-za/models/motocross.html for more information and pricing.

Also visit www.gasgas.com to view the entire 2025 range, including their new Enduro range and specifications.      

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Rider Portal on the Roof of Africa website. Our team has been diligently working to enhance your experience and streamline the process from entry through registration till event completion.

Key Features of Our New Portal:

1.⁠ ⁠Simplified Registration: Your data is securely stored in your personal portal, eliminating the need to re-enter information for future events. Simply log in, verify or update your details, make payment and you are set to go.
   
2.⁠ ⁠Digital Documentation: All essential documents, including medical consent forms, rules, regulations, and waiver forms, are now accessible online. This shift to digital means significantly shorter queues on registration day.
   
3.⁠ ⁠Race Preparation: Race routes will be available for download in the portal a week prior to the event, allowing you ample time to prepare your GPS's without the hassle of waiting in long queues.
   
4.⁠ ⁠Post-Race Benefits: After completing the race, you can download your finisher's certificate directly from the portal—perfect for sharing your achievement or plain bragging rights.

5.⁠ ⁠Access to Historical Data: From this year all race results will be stored in your profile and you can track your performances over time. 

Next Steps:

Existing Entrants 2024 (Paid): Your information is being migrated to the new system. Our support team will reach out shortly to provide access to your updated profile.

Existing Entrants 2024 (Unpaid): Your registration details are also being migrated. You will receive access from our support team, after which you can easily complete your payment through the portal by clicking on the payment tab. 

New Entrants 2024: Please register using this link. Upon completing the entry process and payment, you will receive your portal access details via email.

*Note not all features on the portal will be active at the moment but will become active over time as we get closer to the event or when needed.

We encourage you not to delay securing your spot in the 2024 Race. Prepare for an adventure that tests your limits and leaves you with unforgettable memories.

Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our support team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

And the Winner is…

Well it certainly wasn’t this group pictured here, however ‘We’ did achieve a highly commendable third place out of 40-odd teams. Now that’s quite impressive for a dubious mix of various journalists and their partners, and the reward was a 3rd placed medal to proudly display at their homes, made from a not very exotic material - tremendous all the same.

A far better result than Hazel and myself achieved last year when a violent front wheel puncture ended our quest for fame, and we sadly had to retire. This traumatic retirement haunted us for the rest of the year, well maybe a little. Not so in 2024 and the iconic Suzuki Weekend Away was a resounding success of note. Held once again at the Numbi hotel in Hazyview from the 8th to the 10th of June, and yes, it was a bit chilly seeing as we’re well into winter and hence the shrinking of the reproductive organs and chattering teeth was mandatory, well mine at least. Still the games and activity venues were memorable on every count once again, as you can see from these images. 

The very clever adoption of phone technology was once again used to direct riders, and car drivers, to their next destination where various activities commenced. There were also numerous questions to answer before the next route opened, covering around 200km+\- before returning back to the hotel. The whole event takes around eight hours depending on how clever (questionable) you are and how long it takes to take photographs (copious giggling hinders this), to load onto the App for your specific team, which are relayed to Base Camp at the hotel. These photos are primarily what wins you the event and according to the judges ours were the best - so there! Still didn’t win though. In fact ‘We’ were told we only lost to first place by around 100 points (what a picture carries), so it must have been the girls fault somewhere along the line, right girls? I look forward to the response, which’ll probably be strong verbal abuse and a flat hand.

Anyway, childishly pointing fingers aside we did enjoy the new bikes we rode over the weekend, being the new GSX-8R and the GSX-S 1000 GX. I’ll cover those in our New Rides section in the near future. The scenery around this area of SA is truly spectacular and well worth a visit if you’ve never been, even for Adventure bikes. There was a class for ‘them’ this year but with a poor turnout of only ONE, after many requests to do so, that part was a little disappointing. So I’d predict it’ll be road riding only in 2025. 

Solving puzzles, taking pictures, discovering things, is all what the Suzuki Weekend Away event is all about, and of course bonding with team mates and other competitors. You don’t have to ride a Suzuki bike either to enter, so there’s no excuse to not participate next year?

Let’s not forget one of the main reasons for attending a Suzuki Weekend Away, it’s one hell of a party. The night after the riding finishes, in the main hall, is filled with alcohol consumption, more games, lots of prizes, and awards, all expertly performed by the Dream Team who host the event. Not forgetting the input and arranging from Suzuki motorcycles HQ and all from there, oh, and the Numbi hotel for exceptionally nice food and accommodation. 

Be warned, by the time you return home on the Sunday you’ll be exhausted both physically and mentally, which shows you’ve had an outstanding experience, which we most evidently did. Suzuki motorcycles, The Dream Team, plus all the staff involved need a medal for hosting this 2024 event, but they’re definitely not having mine as I wear it daily, perhaps? Make it a plan for next year folks, you won’t regret it, that’s for sure.

Check out   www.dreamteam.co.za/about-us  and please use them for any event you choose, because their expertise is exemplary.  

Also use www.hotelnumbi.co.za for accommodation in that stunning area of SA, at any time of the year - all motorcyclists welcome.

And of course the www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za tribe, Mbali, Stuart, Kyle and Corrie for another wonderful time.