New Adventure.
I’ve heard of ‘Suzuki’s Weekend Away’ event many times before but never had the opportunity to attend one, until now. Oh yes, during the weekend of the 2-4th June we had the pleasure of being there for the first time, and it most certainly won’t be the last time.
It was held, as usual, at the Numbi Hotel situated in Hazyview, but this time around it was something new and different. After the Friday arrival and ‘greetings’ we eventually climbed into bed. A predictable beginning shall we say. However the ‘treasure hunt’ type event on the Saturday (the main attraction for being there), used to commence with a tangible map given to competitors in the morning, before setting off, but not this time…
Oh no folks, the modern world has arrived as we were told to download the directions using a phone App directing us to the next competitive check point. Once there we all had to answer questions, and or, compete in sometimes embarrassing antics in a quest to attain points. The winner, or winners, will be announced that evening in a heavily driven, and warranted, alcoholic party – how cool is that for a day out in the hills?
We had the new V-Strom DL1050DE for the day, which was the perfect bike for two people to chase the checkpoints with. First point of call was the superb Motor Museum at Castlebridge, White River. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area, check them out on Facebook for location details. After various disagreements regarding the questions answers we were on our way once again using the phone App for directions. Some of the older/mature competitors we’re a bit confused by it, but help from the expert Go Team organizers of the event soon negated that.
The total loop from Hazyview, and back, was around 240km+/-, with 10 stops or so on the way. Each stop was mainly question driven and without answering either right or wrong you couldn’t continue, all cleverly monitored back at the Numbi Hotel by the Go Team crew. We did get lost a few times, but thankfully we gelled into a small group and helped each other out. After a long (lost) section though (100km or so), Hazel’s bum, she said, felt like it’d been used for cricket bat practice, or similar? Shame, welcome to fast pillion riding down a twisty and bumpy road…
Anyway, battered buttocks aside we made it to the half-way point where we had to stick our hands into a soapy bath and describe the contents sunken inside, amusing, but not so 10km up the road shortly after. Why me? Can you believe it? Just as we came into twisty bend heaven before Nelspruit ‘our’ DL developed a front tyre puncture. I skillfully managed to wrestle the mighty V-Strom to a halt without any calamity in a professional manner (my words no one else’s), and our quest on the DL was over, and we sadly finished the event sitting in the Suzuki van.
So, did we win you ask, err, no, but I did win an odd and ‘disturbing’ naked Greek men wrestling trophy for something, possibly superb bike control, maybe? That night was again filled with many drinks of course, and a very entertaining quiz using tablets placed on the dinner table (not Ecstasy that is, in case you’re wondering)?
Sunday morning came too soon and we all returned home with various states of headaches, if you know what I mean? If you’ve never attended one of these gatherings make sure you do next year, and I must enforce it’s not just for Suzuki bikes and cars. All makes were there, KTM, Kawasaki, BMW, Triumph, Honda, etc. So there’s no excuse and maybe bring your Ferrari too? See you in 2024; we’ll be there for sure.
Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Talking of cars we drove there in the new 2023 Grand Vitara. Starting at only R340,000 this is one serious family car with superb comfort levels. My lower back always hurts after a long drive in a car. Not this time, we did close to 1,000km and I was so delighted with the lack of back pain, due to the comfort levels on offer. It’s extremely quiet inside and effortlessly devours the kilometers, and it has a large touch-screen for GPS, phone connectivity, and the like. A very highly recommended test drive is in order if you’re after a new family car like this.
Go to www.suzukiauto.co.za for more information and to book a test drive
I’d just like to end by giving a big thanks to the Suzuki team for their delightful
Weekend. Keep in touch on www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for next year’s dates.
Also, well done to www.dreamteam.co.za for the entertainment. Check them out if you’re after something different for any forthcoming event.
And www.hotelnumbi.co.za a grand place to stay, and eat, if you’re in the area.
