Gravel and Tar

Gravel and Tar Welcome to my page, where I share my motorbike adventures across South Africa!

Join me as I explore mountain passes, gravel roads, coastal areas, charming towns, and more—any place my trusty Transalp 700 can take me.

Motorbike Adventures & Art – My Creative Visual Diary BeginsToday I’m starting a brand new series where I combine two th...
08/03/2026

Motorbike Adventures & Art – My Creative Visual Diary Begins
Today I’m starting a brand new series where I combine two things I truly love: motorbike adventures and art.
For years I focused mostly on riding and neglected my art, even though I studied art at university. Now I’ve decided it’s time to bring those two passions together. On my travels along beautiful roads and landscapes, I’ll stop along the way and create artwork inspired by the places I discover.
This series is more than just riding or drawing — it’s a creative visual diary of the places I visit and the art they inspire. Every ride becomes a moment to slow down, observe the landscape, and turn it into a sketch or artwork.
If you enjoy motorcycles, creativity, and beautiful scenery, this series is for you.

Today I’m starting a brand new series where I combine two things I truly love: motorbike adventures and art.For years I focused mostly on riding and neglecte...

My Honest Review: Turkana Bags & Rockfox Luggage on My Honda Adventure Bike!After putting my adventure setup through rea...
22/02/2026

My Honest Review: Turkana Bags & Rockfox Luggage on My Honda Adventure Bike!

After putting my adventure setup through real riding conditions, I’m sharing my honest experience using Turkana bags and Rockfox luggage on my Honda. From storage capacity and durability to real-world travel performance, this is a practical review based on actual use — not just first impressions.
If you’re looking for reliable motorcycle luggage for touring, off-road riding, or long-distance adventures, this video will help you decide if these bags are worth it. I break down what works, what doesn’t, and how they perform when it really counts.

After putting my adventure setup through real riding conditions, I’m sharing my honest experience using Turkana bags and Rockfox luggage on my Honda. From st...

The George Old Car Show Never Disappoints! 2026Today I went to investigate the George Old Car Show — and as always, it d...
15/02/2026

The George Old Car Show Never Disappoints! 2026

Today I went to investigate the George Old Car Show — and as always, it did not disappoint! This incredible yearly event brings together beautiful classic cars, passionate enthusiasts, and an atmosphere full of nostalgia and excitement.
From timeless vintage machines to lovingly restored masterpieces, every corner has something special to admire. It’s more than just a car show — it’s a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and community.
If you love classic cars, great people, and unforgettable experiences, this is a yearly event you simply have to support!

Today I went to investigate the George Old Car Show — and as always, it did not disappoint! This incredible yearly event brings together beautiful classic ca...

My first Light Rider Run of the year on my new bike!Brotherhood, Bikes & Brunch Near Cango CavesToday marked the very fi...
08/02/2026

My first Light Rider Run of the year on my new bike!

Brotherhood, Bikes & Brunch Near Cango Caves

Today marked the very first Light Rider Breakfast Run of 2026, and what a way to kick off the year. We rode out to Wilgewandel, just 10 kilometers from the iconic Cango Caves, where a big group of biker friends came together for an awesome breakfast brunch. It was great seeing so many familiar faces, sharing stories, and starting the year united by our love for riding and friendship.

oday marked the very first Light Rider Breakfast Run of 2026, and what a way to kick off the year. We rode out to Wilgewandel, just 10 kilometers from the ic...

My last day of the Lesotho tour!Pushed Through | Finishing One of My Most Epic RidesToday was meant to be a short riding...
08/02/2026

My last day of the Lesotho tour!

Pushed Through | Finishing One of My Most Epic Rides

Today was meant to be a short riding day, but it turned out very different — and I decided to push all the way home. The wind, heat, and rain were relentless from start to finish, testing both body and bike. But in the end, I rolled in knowing I’d just completed one of my most epic motorcycle journeys yet. I rode from Maletswai to George - a long day!

Today was meant to be a short riding day, but it turned out very different — and I decided to push all the way home. The wind, heat, and rain were relentless...

Day 8: From Ficksburg to Maletswai | Rain, Potholes & a Peaceful Overnight StopToday wasn’t a long riding day as I made ...
07/02/2026

Day 8: From Ficksburg to Maletswai | Rain, Potholes & a Peaceful Overnight Stop

Today wasn’t a long riding day as I made my way from Ficksburg to Maletswai. And what’s a ride without a bit of rain and dodging potholes along the way? Riding solo for most of the day, I kept hoping Dirk would catch up. I eventually arrived at a lovely guest house where I enjoyed a peaceful, restful stay — the perfect place to recharge both body and bike before the next adventure.

Today wasn’t a long riding day as I made my way from Ficksburg to Maletswai. And what’s a ride without a bit of rain and dodging potholes along the way? Ridi...

Day 7 in Lesotho – Cold, Wet, and Completely UnplannedDay 7 of my Lesotho adventure turned into one of the toughest ridi...
04/02/2026

Day 7 in Lesotho – Cold, Wet, and Completely Unplanned

Day 7 of my Lesotho adventure turned into one of the toughest riding days of the entire journey.
The morning started with heavy thunder and rain, and I made the call not to attempt Sani Pass in these conditions. Dirk and I split up, and I headed toward Semonkong to visit the famous waterfall. On the way, the weather deteriorated fast — rain poured down so hard I could barely see through my visor.
When I finally reached Semonkong, the road was extremely wet and slippery, forcing me to turn around. The rain came down in buckets, and I ended up seeking shelter at a filling station, shivering from the cold.
With no sign of the weather improving, I decided to push on and cross the border at Maseru, hoping for better conditions. Thankfully it was drier on the other side — but the wind was relentless, fighting me every kilometre as I worked to keep the bike on the road.
Eventually, I arrived at my guest house, the Kersiehuis. A warm shower, a comfortable room, and some much-needed rest finally brought relief after an intense day.
This was one of those rides that tests both rider and machine — a day I won’t forget anytime soon.
Thanks for riding along with me. If you enjoyed this journey, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Day 7 of my Lesotho adventure turned into one of the toughest riding days of the entire journey.The morning started with heavy thunder and rain, and I made t...

Malealea to Maluti Lodge – Part 2: Beauty Beyond the Breaking Point.Part 2 saw the tough road continue, pushing me right...
28/01/2026

Malealea to Maluti Lodge – Part 2: Beauty Beyond the Breaking Point.

Part 2 saw the tough road continue, pushing me right to my limits — but every struggle was rewarded with breathtaking scenery. After hours of challenging riding, finally arriving at Maluti Lodge felt like a dream come true. We wrapped up the day the best way possible: cold Lesotho beers, tired bodies, and big stories shared after an unforgettable adventure.

Part 2 saw the tough road continue, pushing me right to my limits — but every struggle was rewarded with breathtaking scenery. After hours of challenging rid...

Malealea to Maluti Lodge – Part 1: Pushed to My Limits in LesothoPart 1 was an absolute test of endurance and skill. Aft...
26/01/2026

Malealea to Maluti Lodge – Part 1: Pushed to My Limits in Lesotho

Part 1 was an absolute test of endurance and skill. After a good night’s rest in Malealea, we faced the extremely challenging entrance road out of the village. It was tough, but I handled it far better than expected. From there, we searched for the best route toward Ramabantla and Maluti Lodge, taking a few wrong turns before finally finding the right road.

A short stretch of tar gave way to gravel once again — and this gravel pushed me to my limits. It turned into the most difficult off-road section I’ve ever ridden. There were moments of complete exhaustion, but I pushed through, helped greatly by Dirk’s constant encouragement.

The adventure continues in Part 2.

Part 1 was an absolute test of endurance and skill. After a good night’s rest in Malealea, we faced the extremely challenging entrance road out of the villag...

Barkley East to Malealea Part 2 | Lundins Pass, Borders & Lesotho Backroads AdventurePart 2 of my adventure from Barkley...
22/01/2026

Barkley East to Malealea Part 2 | Lundins Pass, Borders & Lesotho Backroads Adventure

Part 2 of my adventure from Barkley East to Malealea in Lesotho starts with an intense and challenging ride over Lundins Pass, an underrated mountain pass that proved far more difficult than expected. This episode continues from the breathtaking views of the Drakensberg as we push on along this demanding route. Along the way we were even searched by the South African police, although unfortunately the cameras were off at the time. The border crossing into Lesotho went smoothly and quickly, opening the door to a completely different world filled with beautiful, wide-open scenery. Riding on paved roads felt like a dream, but constant attention was needed for animals and potholes. The day ended with a serious shake-up on the roughly 10 km entrance road to Malealea, a hectic and technical stretch that pushed my skill level to the limit. Thanks to the perfectly balanced Honda Transalp, I was able to ride confidently and enjoy every moment of this tough but rewarding day.

Part 2 of my adventure from Barkley East to Malealea in Lesotho starts with an intense and challenging ride over Lundins Pass, an underrated mountain pass th...

Today we set off with high spirits as we began our journey to Lesotho. The ride took us over the scenic Lundin’s Pass, a...
20/01/2026

Today we set off with high spirits as we began our journey to Lesotho. The ride took us over the scenic Lundin’s Pass, a route that proved more challenging than expected but rewarded us with breathtaking beauty. Lundin’s Nek Pass, also spelled Lundean’s Nek, is a 14.5 km gravel mountain pass in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This highly scenic and technically demanding route crosses the Witteberge mountain range, an outlier of the Drakensberg, near the southern border of Lesotho.

Today we set off with high spirits as we began our journey into Lesotho. The ride took us over the scenic Lundin’s Pass, a route that proved more challenging...

After two unforgettable days in Hogsback, we set off on Day 4 of our adventure, riding towards Barkley East. The day kic...
17/01/2026

After two unforgettable days in Hogsback, we set off on Day 4 of our adventure, riding towards Barkley East. The day kicked off with the familiar challenge of navigating the tricky entrance to our guest house before finally hitting the road.
Along the way, we met a young adventurer eager to join me and Dirk on our journey. Unfortunately, he fell ill, and we rode together to the nearest hospital where we had to leave him behind before continuing our ride.
The route delivered breathtaking scenery, rolling mountains, and wide-open landscapes, but it didn’t come without challenges. Strong winds, heavy rain, and a wrong turn that forced us to backtrack nearly 130 km tested both our patience and endurance. In the end, the raw beauty of the surroundings made every tough moment worthwhile.
This leg of the journey reminded us that adventure riding is never just about the destination—it’s about the unexpected moments along the way.

After two unforgettable days in Hogsback, we set off on Day 4 of our adventure, riding towards Barkley East. The day kicked off with the familiar challenge o...

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