What was meant to be a weekend of scenic rides and shared camaraderie turned into heartbreak for the Lowveld biking community this Easter. Three riders, Ilze Schultz (56), Frans ‘Boepa’ Nothnagel (35) and Riaan ‘Stoffie’ Griesel (42), passed away in separate incidents, leaving friends and fellow bikers in mourning.

ALSO READ: Lowveld mourns beloved Ilze Schultz after fatal motorcycle crash

Schultz was killed in an accident on the R37, about 15km outside Sabie, on Saturday, April 4. She had been riding with her husband, Tyron Bodenstein, who sustained injuries and remains in high care.
Her daughter, Chanté Smit, described her mother as ‘fun and bubbly’ and said riding was her first passion.

“She loved motorcycles since childhood. She was always on the road, touring Kaapsehoop, Sabie, Graskop and Hazyview,” Smit said.

Funeral arrangements have begun, but no date has yet been confirmed.

Nothnagel, a Crusaders MC South Africa member, was killed in a collision involving two motorcycles on the N4 Elands Valley near the Ngodwana/Kaapsehoop intersection on Good Friday. He had been en route to Mbombela with 12 fellow bikers after meeting at Aloes Country Inn.

ALSO READ: Good Friday sees over 40 accidents and multiple fatalities on the N4

Nothnagel got his nickname from his best friend’s daughter who couldn’t pronounce “Boeta,” as his friend called him and instead called him “Boepa”. His mother, Linda, described him as her ‘awesome child.’ His funeral will take place at the Volle Evangelie Kerk on Friday, April 10.

Two other riders injured in the crash were treated at Rob Ferreira Hospital and have since been discharged.

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On Sunday evening, April 5, news broke of Griesel’s passing. The 911 Riders MC member suffered a heart attack while riding with a family member outside White River. Shaun Terblanche, Mpumalanga president of the 911 Riders, paid tribute to Griesel as a man of honour, loyalty and true brotherhood.

“He always held his place in the line and never hesitated to stand up for his brothers and sisters. The road ahead will be quieter without him, but his spirit will always ride with us,” Terblanche said.

Griesel is survived by his wife and two sons, with his family requesting privacy during their time of grief.