BLISTER BUTT RALLY 2010
(24-26 July 2010)
report by Filly Prinsloo

Upon arriving at the dealership for the registrations and signing up we were greeted by Fanie, who had made coffee for all, and by Linda - with delicious pancakes for all. 63 Riders (including Back-up and helpers) left the Harley Davidson Dealership in Sandton at 6.00am, while it was still dark outside and freezing. We headed for the N1 and made way to the Wimpy at Modimole, which had already been opened early for us and where some riders had coffee and some "a very early breakfast!" Some chose to just fill up and carry on with their journey.

We headed to Ellis Ras where we filled up and started stripping off our thermals. We carried on past Tom Burke and into Potgietersrus, where some filled up again, and had lunch at the Dros. A few stayed on to watch a very disappointing game of rugby and then tackled the final stretch via Groblersdal and on to the Sudwala Caves. The first lot of people started to arrive from 3:00 pm and the last lot arrived just on 6:00pm. We were warmly received by Leandri, Alba and Leana, who took down our final odometer readings and were then treated to a glass of sherry by Elaine of the Sudwala Resort.

Later that evening in the Pavilion we had our prize giving and handing over of the certificates, which was hosted by Johan, Al and Kevin. Afterwards we had a delicious supper of "mutton curry in a potjie and sambals", and for those of us that do not do the "curry thing", they had a potjie of stew. After supper the majority of the painful joints and sore muscles and very exhausted people disappeared to their rooms for an early night and only crept out again the next morning.

Just over half the people hit the road again that Sunday morning to head back home, and those of us that stayed behind, headed to Sabie and Graskop after breakfast. In Graskop we tried out their famous pancakes, then went to the Biker’s Pub around the corner to support the owner who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident. The ladies hit the small curio and art shops in the area. We then headed back to Sabie for lunch at the new Sabie Biker’s Pub and Grill.

After lunch later that afternoon we headed back to the Sudwala Resort. The owners of the resort told us to park our Harleys on the grass around the Boma. We had a braai for supper and sat around the bonfire in the Boma, while DJ Peter played his music. Later that evening the owners joined in on the festivities and even had a surprise for us. Peter was told to play the song: “Beds are Burning”, while Henry and Marcel came running in with a mattress and threw it onto the bonfire. At first, not knowing what was going on, I think a few of us were shocked, only to realise the whole stint was pre-arranged, and a few did an Indian Rain Dance around the bonfire.

The party really got into full swing and we had a few talented people (Mauritz and Haggy) singing for us. Mauritz does a brilliant impersonation of Mick Jagger, with the pouting mouth and strut. The next morning everyone headed back home at their own pace. It was a lovely weekend of fun and laughter.

Filly Prinsloo