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The gravel was loose, and the road undulated beneath the tires
Route 62 would be complete journey would take them through planned nor expected.
without a stop at the famous Tradouw Pass, a stunning At first, Ian didn't think much of
Dung Beetle Restaurant in mountain pass that winds its way i t — g r a v e l r o a d s a r e n o t
B a r r y d a l e . T h i s q u i r k y t h r o u g h t h e L a n g e b e r g uncommon on long motorcycle
establishment, named after the Mountains. The pass is famous journeys, and they often add a
fascinating beetles that are a for its tight corners, steep sense of adventure to the ride.
s t a p l e o f t h e K a r o o ascents, and dramatic views, But as the gravel road continued
ecosystemhas become a well- making it a favorite for riders who for 10 kilometers, and then 15,
known stop for travelers and crave a challenge. Ian began to realize that this was
riders alike. Its rustic charm, Ian, who had ridden many not just a small stretch of dirt
eclectic décor, and delicious passes before, was eager to take road—it was a full-on gravel
food make it the perfect place to on this one. The tight curves and track that extended for a full 25
take a break, stretch the legs, switchbacks offered the perfect kilometers. The thought of
and refuel both the body and the opportunity to test the handling navigating this on a heavy
bike.
of the Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson was enough to
As the riders rolled into experience the raw power of the make anyone nervous
Barrydale, the sight of the Dung bike as it surged up the pass. The gravel was loose, and the
Beetle's welcoming exterior The view from the top was road undulated beneath the
made it clear that they had breathtaking—an expansive tires. Riding on this type of
arrived at a place of local legend. vista of rolling hills, craggy surface requires a delicate
The restaurant, known for its peaks, and valleys that seemed balance of speed and control,
hearty Karoo lamb dishes, fresh to stretch on forever. It was and Ian found himself gripping
salads, and inviting atmosphere, moments like this, Ian thought the back seat with a renewed
was a hub of activity. Ian took the that made motorcycling such a sense of focus. The weight of the
opportunity to mingle with fellow special experience. Harley-Davidson made it more
riders, enjoying a warm meal and Stopping briefly at the top of the challenging to maneuver, but
sharing stories about their own pass to take in the view, Ian Ian's experience and skill as a
motorcycle journeys.
snapped a few photos, capturing rider helped him keep his cool.
During this stop, Ian took some the rugged beauty of the Behind him, the other riders were
time to talk to the riders around landscape. The riders, too, also struggling with the rough
him, noting their diverse paused to appreciate the terrain, their bikes slipping and
backgrounds but shared love for scenery, with many taking the sliding as they fought to maintain
the Harley-Davidson brand. The opportunity to talk about their control.
rally was still a couple of days experiences and the journeys For the next 25 kilometers, the
a w a y, b u t t h e s e n s e o f that had led them to this point. It group battled the gravel road.
c o m m u n i t y w a s a l r e a d y was a reminder that the road is Dust kicked up from the wheels,
palpable. As he looked around at not just a means to an end, but a and the sound of roaring engines
the gleaming motorcycles journey in itself—a journey filled was replaced by the more muted
parked outside, Ian reflected on w i t h s h a r e d m o m e n t s , crunch of gravel beneath their
t h e s i g n i fi c a n c e o f t h i s challenges, and rewards. tires. It wasn't until they finally
journey—not just as a writer but reached the end of the gravel
as a rider who was part of a stretch that the group let out a
larger, global motorcycle culture. The Unexpected Challenge: A collective sigh of relief.
Gravel Road Surprise
Ian had learned an important
After crossing Tradouw Pass, lesson that day: the road is
the group continued toward their unpredictable. No matter how
destination. Ian, still riding much preparation you put in,
b e h i n d o n t h e g l e a m i n g there will always be surprises.
motorcycle in the group, was T h e g r a v e l r o a d , w h i l e
enjoying the smooth tar roads challenging, reminded him of the
that stretched before them. resilience and adaptability
However, as they rounded a required in motorcycling—and
The Journey Continues: corner, the smooth surface of the
Through Tradouw Pass road began to change. The tar how much of the experience is
a b o u t o v e r c o m i n g t h e
After lunch, the group hit the road turned into loose gravel, and the unexpected
again, heading east toward riders found themselves on a
Ladismith. The next leg of the section of road that was neither
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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 13 mAY 2025
