Hitting the road on a Harley

FIFTEEN bikes glinted in the morning sunshine. Riders chatted while adjusting straps holding down bulging overnight bags, and added extra scarves and long sleeves against the winter chill.

This was the start of the Ladies of Harley 2013 ride from Durban to Clarens in the Free State. My first long distance trip since buying my Harley Davidson Sportster 18 months earlier, and my first since passing my licence barely a month before.

We set off in a well-ordered pack, our trusty road captain leading the way. It was a leisurely ride in that we stopped frequently for petrol (the tank on my ‘sporty’, as the model is affectionately called, takes only eight litres!) and photo opportunities. But an efficient ride too, with a top speed of 135km/h on some of the best roads in the country.

Situated between two mountains, the entrance to the quirky town of Clarensis majestic and inviting, welcoming visitors into its bustling midst. Our ‘chief’ Lady of Harley took the lead then, guiding us around the town square.

Unbeknownst to the pack, however, she wasn’t quite sure which turn-off to take and we lapped the square twice, looking like a bunch of showoffs making a grand entry!

Once found, the right road turned out to be a hold-your-breath-don’t-use-your-front-brake dirt road which led to our guest house. We cracked open the champagne after shaking out our helmet hairdos and then set off on foot to enjoy the town.

Here we were welcomed with open arms and some surprise as the ‘biker chicks who looked quite normal’: no tattoos, chains or nose rings (come to think of it, a nose ring might be quite nice …)

The next morning saw us back in the saddle once more, enjoying the outdoors on a pleasant cruise home. After several ‘firsts’ (for example, a five hour trip one way, top speed that wasn’t scary after all), I look forward to some new adventures; North Coast, South Coast, inland, or even a visit to the USA, the land that gave birth to the Harley Davidson Motorcycle.