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The Karoo sky was set ablaze with the Karoo Burn

   Arrival in Ladismith                             Gem on Route 62 in Zoar          belly ribs, pizzas, and fresh fish. A
                                                                                     standout  item  is  the  300g  beef
   Ladismith,  a  picturesque  town         Nestled along the scenic R62 in
   nestled  in  the  Klein  Karoo,  is      the quaint village of Zoar, Frikkie      schnitzel, made from sirloin steak,
   known for its serene landscapes          s e   G a t   i s   a   c h a r m i n g   smothered  in  mushroom  sauce,
   and  rich  history.  The  event  was     establishment  that  seamlessly          and topped with cheddar cheese,
   held  at  Karoo  62,  a  venue  that     blends the warmth of a local pub         served  with  homemade  onion
   seamlessly  blended  luxury              with  the  rustic  appeal  of  a  farm   rings  and  chips  .  Gourmet
   accommodations  with  the  rustic        shop.  This  unique  venue  offers        milkshakes are uniquely served in
   charm  of  the  Karoo.  Attendees        travelers and locals alike a taste of    authentic  ostrich  eggshells,
   had  the  option  to  choose  from       authentic South African hospitality      adding  a  playful  touch  to  the
   l u x u r y      e x c l u s i v e       The ambiance at Frikkie se Gat is        dining experience.
   accommodations,  glamping                both  inviting  and  eclectic,  with         C.  Die Smitswinkel
   experiences,  or  self-catering          decor that reflects the rich cultural     Is  a  distinctive  farm-style
   options. For those seeking a more        heritage of the region. The menu         restaurant  and  pub  located  on
   immersive  experience,  camping          features  a  variety  of  traditional    L a n g e n h o v e n   R o a d   i n
   facilities were available, allowing      South  African  dishes,  prepared        Oudtshoorn,  along  the  scenic
   riders to connect with nature and        with  locally  sourced  ingredients,     Route 62. Known for its eclectic
   fellow enthusiasts.
                                            ensuring a flavorful experience for       d é c o r   f e a t u r i n g   v i n t a g e
   The rally itself was everything Ian      every  palate.  Popular  items           motorcycles,  cars,  and  other
   had expected and more. It was a          include  hearty  meals  and  light       curios,  it  offers  a  nostalgic
   celebration of everything Harley-        snacks, catering to a wide range         atmosphere that appeals to both
   Davidson  represents  –  freedom,        of preferences.                          locals and travelers.
   adventure,  and  community.              Beyond  its  culinary  offerings,         The  establishment  serves  a
   Riders from all over South Africa        Frikkie  se  Gat  also  serves  as  a    variety  of  dishes,  including
   had  gathered  in  Ladismith  to         hub  for  local  produce.  The           burgers,  pizzas,  seafood,  and
   s h a r e   t h e i r   p a s s i o n   f o r   attached  farm  shop  is  stocked   traditional South African fare. It's
   motorcycles, to enjoy the beautiful      with homemade goods, artisanal           particularly popular for its hearty
   Karoo scenery, and to participate        products,  and  unique  souvenirs,       meals  and  generous  portions.
   in the festivities.
                                            allowing  visitors  to  take  home  a    While  many  patrons  appreciate
   Over  the  next  few  days,  Ian         piece  of  Zoar's  charm.  The           the  unique  setting  and  diverse
   i m m e r s e d   h i m s e l f   i n   t h e   friendly staff are always eager to   offerings,  some  have  noted  that
   excitement of the rally, attending       share stories about the local area,      service can be inconsistent during
   live music performances, meeting         enhancing the overall experience.        busy  periods.  Nevertheless,
   fellow  riders,  and  exploring  the     Whether  you're  passing  through        Smitswinkel  remains  a  beloved
   surrounding area. The event was          or  planning  a  leisurely  stop,        spot for those seeking a relaxed
   a perfect blend of adventure and         Frikkie  se  Gat  promises  a            dining experience with a touch of
   relaxation,  with  opportunities  for    memorable visit that captures the        local charm.
   thrilling  rides,  socializing  with     essence of South African culture         Unfortunately  and  sad  to  say,
   other enthusiasts, and, of course,       and hospitality                          we had a bad experience there.
   plenty of great food and drink.
                                                B.  Zamani Grill                     2. Themed Burn with Fires and
                                                                                     Braais
   Event Highlights                         Is  a  charming,  family-run
                                            r e s t a u r a n t   l o c a t e d   a t   2 5   As the sun set, the Karoo sky was
   1.  Scenic  Ride  Through  the           Voortrekker  Road  in  Calitzdorp,       set  ablaze  with  the  Karoo  Burn.
   Karoo
                                            along South Africa's iconic Route        The  event  featured  a  party
   One of the rally's main attractions      62. Known for its warm hospitality       atmosphere  complete  with  a
   was  the  scenic  ride  through  the     and rustic charm, it offers a cozy        bonfire  and  braais,  creating  a
   Karoo.  Riders  embarked  on  a          dining  experience  with  inside         warm  and  inviting  ambiance  for
   journey  through  the  captivating       seating  for  12  and  an  outdoor       riders  to  share  stories  and
   vistas  of  the  Karoo,  creating        courtyard  accommodating  36             experiences. The communal spirit
   unforgettable  memories  on  the         guests. The establishment is also        was  palpable,  with  attendees
   open  road.  The  route  offered          home  to  the  “Smallest  Bar  on        bonding  over  shared  meals  and
   breathtaking views of the region's       Route  62,”  seating  just  6–8          tales of their riding adventures.
   unique  landscapes,  providing  a        patrons.                                 3. Culinary Delights
   perfect  blend  of  freedom  and         The  menu  features  a  variety  of
   adventure.                                                                        The rally catered to every palate,
                                            hearty,  homemade  dishes,               o ff e r i n g   a   v a r i e t y   o f
       A.  Frikkie se Gat: A Hidden         including  burgers,  steaks,  pork


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   LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 13                                                                                                                mAY 2025
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