Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Dads On Motorbikes: Mojaki Rammoneng

In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Mojaki Rammoneng and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.

Vuyi mpofu – editor

Fantastic Father: Mojaki Rammoneng (39)

Married to: Tumi (37)

Full time job: Husband and Fantastic Father of two gorgeous girls Kabelo (12) and Tshegofatso (2)

Between 8 & 5: Works as a Quality Assessor

Brrrps around on a: Honda Africa Twin Adventure CRF 1000 D (2018 model)

When I arrived home on a super bike my wife didn’t speak with me for 3 full weeks!

– Mojaki Rammoneng

1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling? 

MR: I did a bit of off-road driving and enjoyed the adrenalin rush. When I stopped due to financial reasons, I realized that a cheaper way of getting the same adrenalin rush would be on 2-wheels; so I decided to explore biking. 

2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride, what was your first motorbike? 

MR: Surprisingly, I am self-taught. I simply dived into it! First, I bought a 250cc scrambler and headed for the bush. A couple of falls later, I started to get the hang of it. Next, I bought a road legal 250cc Motomia and hit the road. 6 months after that I took a deep breath and went for a Suzuki GSR600. Since 2018 I have been in the saddle of a Honda AfricaTwin Adventure and have made many happy memories.

Mojaki currently rides the AfricaTwin CFR 1000D Adventure bike he won in 2018. Image courtesy of Mojaki Rammoneng
3. H&H: What made you choose the Honda Africa Twin Adventure CRF 1000 D over other adventure bikes on the market?

MR: To be honest, I stumbled into the Adventure Bike category by sheer luck. I was a super bike rider at heart but decided to enter an off-road biking competition in 2018, the Honda Quest. To my delight and I emerged as the first placed winner! In fact, I won the bike I currently ride. Immediately I got home I sold the super bike because I had fallen in love with adventure riding.

Riding with Kabelo has provided us with invaluable bonding sessions

– mojaki rammoneng

4. H&H: What do you like most and least about your bike?

MR: I have a lot more likes than dislikes, hence I haven’t sold it yet. The things I like most are:

  1. My bike is a DCT.  Riding a bike with an automatic transmission makes a world of a difference especially when I go off-road.  It gives me confidence and takes away a lot of things that would otherwise run through your mind during a ride..  On a manual transmission bike I would worry if I am in the correct gear; if I might stall the engine. I would also have to constantly wonder if I need to drop a gear in order to get more power.  All those thoughts are not particularly conducive to a safe riding environment.  The environment in an off-road situation can change in a heart beat and riders need to focus on staying upright more than anything else. 
  2. I only need to service my AfricaTwin Adventure every 12000kms. This is a much longer interval than most brands.  I like that I can ride for much longer periods without having to frequently take my bike in. 
  3. Cost of ownership is “wallet-friendly”.
  4. My AfricaTwin Adventure is incredibly comfortable, a feature whis comes in handy when I go on long haul rides.  I have hardly ever arrived at a distination with a sore back. 

The only think I dislike about my bike is that it is now what I would consider an older model.  It lacks the latest rider-aids and technologies such as heated grips and cruise control. 

I’ve learnt to enjoy my own company and often have the most enlightening conversations with myself!

– Mojaki Rammoneng

5. H&H: When you initially started out, how did Tumi feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?

MR: She didn’t take it well at all! She was ok with the 250cc scrambler. No disrespect but a 250cc isn’t very intimidating so maybe she didn’t quite consider it as a real motorbike. That all changed though, the day I came home on a super bike. The best way I can describe it is to say it became World War 3! She didn’t speak to me for full 3 weeks but I didn’t back down.

At aged 12, Kabelo is already an experienced pillion! Image courtesy of Mojaki Rammoneng
6. H&H: How do your daughters feel about you being a biker?

MR:  My 12 year old daughter Kabelo loves it to bits, she insists on riding with me every chance she gets. As you can imagine it was nerve wrecking the first few times, but having her as a pillion has enhanced my safety consciousness. I find that riding with Kabelo makes me even more careful on the road. I am extremely grateful to my wife for supporting Kabelo to ride with me given her personal misgivings. It is a true testament of her trust in me and support of Kabelo’s obvious passion. My riding times with Kabelo have proved to be invaluable bonding sessions. Soon she will be teenager and it is vitally important to me that she sees me as both a parent and confidant. At age 2, Tsego doesn’t have an opinion as yet!

My tumble highlighted just how fragile and short life is.

– Mojaki rammoneng

7. H&H: Picture this. Kabelo announces that she too wants to ride ‘just like daddy’. What immediately goes through your mind?

MR: First thought? Absolutely! Second thought? What will Tumi say? Third thought? I’m dead! Assuming Tumi agrees I would definitely teach Kabelo to learn how to ride. Attending riding courses will be mandatory of course. I cannot overemphasize the importance of defensive riding skills. Biking will expand her horizons, give her something to focus on and hopefully keep her out of mischief! On a serious note though, I look forward to the first breakfast ride – with Kabelo commanding her own bike. That will truly be special.

8. H&H: Motorcycling is an enjoyable lifestyle. Share with us 3 most memorable highlights of your biking journey thus far.

MR: Without a doubt winning the Honda Quest in 2018 and riding off on an incredible machine is top of my list! I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to ride with industry legends. Movers and shakers such as Mat Durrans (Presenter, The Bike Show) and Donavan Fourie , (Editor, Bike SA Magazine). I have watched these reputable bikers for the longest time and riding with them was quite surreal. Through biking, I have travelled to amazing places. I have ventured to stand out destinations such as Tankwa Karoo, Namaqua National Park, Vioolsdrif Richtersveld. Lesotho is one of my favorite destinations. Its breath-taking mountain passes and fantastic off-road routes make my heart sing!

Every now and then I feel the need for speed. I think the best tool for that job will be the R1 2011 Big-Bang

– Mojaki Rammoneng

9. H&H: It can be said that riding a motorcycle is quite dangerous. What is your scariest biker memory?

MR: Having an accident on my super bike easily comes to mind. Thank goodness it wasn’t fatal. The silver lining of that incident however, is that it changed my attitude towards these amazing machines. Motorcycles are not toys. They should be treated with respect at all times. My tumble highlighted just how fragile and short life is.

10. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?

MR: Being on a motorbike has reminded me to live and enjoy life to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. Of course that can be said about any aspect of life. The reality is that long life is not guaranteed. We need to appreciate every day that we are blessed with. Furthermore, biking has taught me to be ‘alive’ and to be ‘present’ in all my waking moments. Biking has also taught me to be more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve learnt to appreciate my own company; so much so that I regularly have the most enlightened conversations with myself while riding – all in my helmet of course!

Image courtesy of Mojaki Rammoneng
11. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places you have ventured to?

MR: I ride to work at least 3 days a week and dedicate every second weekend of the month for dirt/gravel riding. I sometimes ride with friends but I usually ride alone because that’s my ‘me time’. Time alone is a critical part of my emotional and mental health. It allows me to regain balance in my life and I re-emerge as a much better man, father and husband.

Also read – https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/dads-on-motorbikes-mnoneleli-ntshauzana/

12. H&H: If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?

MR: That would be a very big ask. I would turn into an extremely miserable father and husband. I sincerely hope I am never asked to do that!

 
13. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)

MR: There’d probably be 3 bikes on that trailer.

  1. The 2020 AfricaTwin Adventure. This bike hits all the right notes for me. It is equipped with all the rider-aids you can think of and is brilliant to ride off-road.
  2. The Yamaha YZF-R1 Big-bang. Every now and then I feel the need for speed. I think this bike would be best tool for the job.
  3. BMW K1600 GTL or Honda Goldwing. To prove to Tumi that you can still ride long distances with compromising on comfort. These bikes, which some people affectionally refer to as couches – are as cushy as a luxury car.

You can follow Mojaki’s adventures on @mojakirammoneng (Instagram)

The everyday habit which cost us our daughter’s life

I was hesitant to meet with Tinus and Elize Strydom. I knew their story would be difficult to hear and even more challenging to write about. On the one hand I wanted to cover their story but on the other,  I was petrified at the thought of hearing it.

Vuyi Mpofu, Editor – heels and horsepower magazine

Settling into the seats across the table from me, Tinus leans towards Elize and plants a light kiss on her forehead. She sighs happily, throws a shy glance at me, and visibly relaxes her shoulders. I don’t quite know where to begin and my hesitation is visible because Elize reaches for my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.   

“Thank you for seeing us,” Tinus begins.  

 “This isn’t easy but we have to tell other parents how we lost our son. It would be horrible to hear that this happened to someone else.” 

I nod in empathetic agreement and he continues.

It had begun to drizzle lightly. Nothing hectic, just a soft patter…

Here’s our story…

“We were on our way back to Johannesburg after spending time with family in Empangeni. Before departing on our 6 hour drive Elize and I had agreed to share driving responsibilities and stick to the 120km/hr speed limit. After refuelling both the vehicle and our tummies in Newcastle, Elize had opted to climb into the rear seat to tend to our 5 month old daughter Opal. Our eldest, 6 year old Ruan couldn’t believe he would be allowed to sit in the front passenger seat because we always place him in his booster seat behind the driver.”

Soon Ruan and Tinus were in deep conversation about the size of the rugby ball his Oupa had given him and how Ruan and his cousins had hidden Ouma’s teeth in the fridge after finding them in a tumbler on her bedside table.  

The car was now facing the vehicle I had overtaken just minutes earlier but was still travelling in the direction we had been facing

We all chuckle woefully. Clearing his throat Tinus continues.  “It had begun to drizzle lightly. Nothing hectic, just a soft patter, the kind that makes you lie on the couch when you are home.”  

The gentle, light and steady rain, didn’t seem a threat but little did Tinus know that his life was about to turn upside down. 

“I must say, I felt content,” Tinus smiles softly. “My family was with me, I was playing my favourite music, the car had been serviced and the rain wasn’t heavy so I continued driving without giving the task much thought.” 

THE ACCIDENT

“I remember glancing in the rear-view mirror and seeing Elize sleeping peacefully with Opal in her arms.  Ruan also asleep, had managed to slip the shoulder belt of the car seat behind his upper body and I remember making a mental note to retrieve his booster seat from the rear when next we stopped. The next thing I recall the car was skidding towards the edge of the road towards the grassy embarkment. I stomped on the brakes and tried to straighten the vehicle but it spun a further 180 degrees. I felt like I was in a movie. The car was now facing the vehicle I had overtaken just minutes earlier but was still travelling in the direction we had been facing. The last thing I remember hearing was Elize screaming, a loud bang and the crunch of metal before everything went dark.”

She had been flung out of her Elize’s arms and had become a fast moving projectile within the car…

When he regained his consciousness, (less than 5 minutes later) Tinus was horrified by the sight that greeted him. “I could only see Ruan’s right arm from beneath the massive airbag; Elize was slumped over and I couldn’t see or hear little Opal.” Panicking Tinus stumbled out of the car and passed out in the arms of the motorist who had been driving behind them.  

The couple would later learn that Tinus had driven through a pool of water, the car had aqua-planned and he had lost control of it.   Fortunately, their injuries were not serious however, the children weren’t so lucky.  

THE AFTERMATH

Ruan, who had only been secured by the lap belt when his father’s car had crashed into a nearby tree, had been thrown forward with an incredible amount of force. The lap belt, without the corresponding effect of the shoulder belt had become like a sharp knife, cutting into the 6 year old’s underdeveloped abdominal fat and muscles, and causing a part of his intestine to rupture and spill out of his severed belly.

If only I had put her back in her car seat after burping her…

Opal on the other hand was the most affected by the accident because she had been in her mother’s arms and not in an appropriate restraint. She had been flung out of her Elize’s arms and had become a fast moving projectile within the car, bouncing against the back of her brother’s seat, and crashing into the right hand passenger window, before hurtling across the width of the car to the far left hand corner of the rear window before being stopped by the headrest of her mother’s seat.  

Tinus’ gruff voice, thick with emotion came to me from a distance, as if I was underwater. I fought back tears and vaguely heard Elize say that Opal had passed away almost instantly due to her vast injuries. Her tiny body had become a ping pong ball within the cabin of the car and her head had struck various objects within the car before she landed on the rear shelf behind the back head rests. Both her arms and left leg had snapped during her uncontrollable rebounding within the car as had her delicate neck.

Ruan was hospitalised for several months during which time he was operated on repeatedly.  Although doctors saved his life, his life in turn has changed drastically. He has had to relearn how to walk, and can only eat food that has been mashed smoothly.  

I don’t believe we are the first parents to lose our child like this.

A WORD TO ALL PARENTS

“We carry our children on our laps all the time,” Elize’s pained voice pierces my thoughts.  “It’s just natural to do so especially when they need to be comforted. If only I had put her back in her car seat after burping her,” her voice trails away.  

After comforting his wife, Tinus adds “We just want other parents to be aware that this sort of thing can happen. We talk about head-on collisions and hijackings and all the rest but these types of accidents don’t get mentioned and I don’t believe we are the first parents to lose our child like this.”

I watch as Tinus and Elize slowly walk away arm in arm, but notice that they are in fact, leaning on one another.  To anyone else it looks like a romantic walk but I know that they are in fact drawing enough physical strength from each other to remain upright.  I marvel at the courage it’s had taken them to recall that horrific incident and share it with a complete stranger. 

Even though it’s part of their healing process I too sincerely hope that no other parent experiences what they are going through.

Innovation loading… MINI Sharing comes to South Africa

MINI is taking on a pioneering and innovative role in advancing urban mobility in South Africa

– Shaun Willis, Head of MINI South Africa

It’s no secret that MINI offers drivers an unrivalled exhilarating go-kart feel, transforming even the most mundane journey into something much more fun.

The BMW Group has identified digital mobility services as one of the fields to advance as part of its NUMBER ONE NEXT strategy. With its increased commitment to the D-ACES (Design, Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services) topics, the company is playing a leading role in shaping mobility of the future.

In a South African first, MINI prepares to launch MINI Sharing this year, a service to enable MINI and non-MINI drivers alike to get behind the wheel of their favourite MINI with just a few taps on their smartphones.

“MINI drivers are always ahead of their time and, with MINI Sharing, we will enable a group of MINI fans to participate in the burgeoning sharing economy in this country,” says Shaun Willis, Head of MINI South Africa.

“MINI is taking on a pioneering and innovative role in advancing urban mobility in South Africa,” Willis continues. “MINI Sharing creates new opportunities to share the MINI experience and this technology fits perfectly with our desirable cars and our innovative customer demographic.”

The car-sharing scheme is being tested for local conditions ahead of its launch in the third quarter of 2020 as a pilot programme in the key urban area Sandton, in Johannesburg. Initially, MINI Sharing will be available to a closed group of users, although plans are afoot to expand the offering to other quintessentially urban locations within South Africa

Why I learnt how to ride a motorcycle (& why other women should consider it too)

Our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu shares her reasons for learning how to ride a motorcycle, courtesy of Honda Motorcycles South Africa.

 

After years of driving motorcars, I decided to earnestly peruse my curiosity about riding motorcycles.  I had attended a couple of beginner’s motorbike riding lessons in the past but had never actually followed through with biking on my own.  All that changed in 2019 when I wrote a list of the things I had, in previous years, promised myself I would do but had let fall by the wayside.

Women on the other hand are generally raised to be demure and delicate – characteristics which obviously don’t quite play out well in relation to straddling a motorcycle.

– Vuyi Mpofu, Editor – heels & horsepower magazine

I went about obtaining my learner’s license, but didn’t tell anyone, least of all my 75-year-old mother for obvious reasons; the culture of motorcycling doesn’t harmonize well with the traditional expectations of who I am preordained to be and what I am predestined to do with my life as a Black Woman.  

Sadly motorbiking is still considered as the domain of tough, fearless and in some instances, rebellious men – which is not necessarily who male bikers are. Women on the other hand are generally raised to be demure and delicate, characteristics which obviously don’t quite play out well in relation to straddling a motorcycle.  

My venturing into motorcycles had more to do with silencing a loud voice within me that demanded to know why I was trying to fit into a societal cage.  By allowing myself to explore the world of 2-wheelers I not only fulfilled an life-long dream but also discovered many reasons to remain in the saddle.  Here are a few:

I ride a Honda NC750x DCT which I’ve christened “The Blue Wildebeest” because it is short, stocky, powerful and well – blue!

– vuyi mpofu, editor – heels & horsepower magazine

REASON #1:  FREEDOM

BENEFIT: I discovered that the ‘she-must-be-rebellious’ hype about being a female motor biker worked to my advantage.  Rather than explain myself to those people who were determined to misunderstand my rational, I proudly plastered the proverbial ‘rebel’ sticker on my forehead and used it as an excuse to push self-imposed cultural & societal limitations about who I am (or not) as a Black Woman on a motorcycle.  Thanks to the world viewing me differently I have embraced the courage to become more of the woman I have always been inside, but have never been encouraged to express.

REASON #2:          ADVENTURE

BENEFIT:                I ride a Honda NC750x DCT which I’ve christened “Blue Wildebeest” because it is short, stocky, powerful and well – blue!  It is the vehicular equivalent of a soft off-road SUV and allows me to go off the beaten track to explore places I would otherwise need a bakkie to get to.  Being light on fuel, (approx. 350km out of its 14litre tank) allows me to go on adventures without the burden of hefty fuel prices.  Plus, it has a handy luggage compartment which can store up to about 5kg of clothes, cosmetics and gadgets for my trips.

When I ride, I can feel the wind all around me as Blue Wildebeest whistles along the road.

– vuyi mpofu, editor – heels & horsepower magazine

REASON #3:      INDEPENDENCE      

BENEFIT:            Face it ladies, there are times you would like to just leave everyone and everything behind and be completely on your own.  Nothing gives you more cost-effective independence than being able to strap on your helmet, crank up the engine and ride away to collect your thoughts.  When I ride, I can feel the wind all around me as Blue Wildebeest whistles along the road. I am more in touch with nature than when I am in a car.  When you ride (even when riding in a group) you are completely in the moment, without distractions from a phones, radio or talkative passengers.  

REASON #4:          COMMUNITY

BENEFIT:                Speaking of group rides, being on a motorcycle has opened my world to people of all walks of life and I have formed friendships with folk I may not ordinarily have met had I not on a motorbike.  I have developed a network of ‘biker-gals’ across the continent and it has been interesting to share and learn from more experienced riders who relate to my ‘newbie’ biker experiences.  For instance, helmet hair is a real problem (that’s when your hair just flattens against your head or spikes up in all different directions when you take you helmet off) as is finding protective gear that comfortably fits my build. 

The saying “there is nothing to fear except fear itself” is absolutely true. 

– vuyi mpofu, editor- heels & horsepower magazine

REASON #5:          CONQUERING MY FEARS

BENEFIT:                The saying “there is nothing to fear except fear itself” is absolutely true. I have discovered that what I had perceived as reasons not to ride (e.g., traffic, the weather, speed etc.) are what makes biking exhilarating.  Unfortunately, motorists tend to drive as if bikers are invisible beings, however the sun, wind and rain all make for  memorable experiences.  As for speed, well, I ride as fast or as slowly as I feel comfortable and keep a strong sense of self-preservation high on my list of priorities. 

Motorcycling has become a large part of my self-love process and I wouldn’t hang up my riding boots for anything in the world.  I would strongly encourage women to give biking a try, bearing in mind that you can’t write something off until you’ve determined what it is about. Who knows, the biking bug might bite you and open you up to a life you never knew existed. 

BMW SA supports the battle against Gender-Based Violence with donation of five cars

…for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure.

– Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production.

Rosslyn, Tshwane– BMW SA on Thursday donated five cars to aid the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in South Africa. The donation underlines the company’s long-term commitment to South Africa and to the upliftment of its people.

The five BMW i3s were handed over to SA Business Coalition on Health and AIDS (SABCOHA) Chairperson Dr Lesego Rametsi in the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chancellor Angela Merkel, Minister of Women in the Presidency Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Patel and BMW Group Board Members Milan Nedeljković and Ilka Horstmeier.

Through SABCOHA, BMW Group is proud to join other private sector partners in the fight to end all forms of violence against women and children, to seek the end of impunity for perpetrators, and to strive to create private and public safe spaces for women and children.

BMW SA was instrumental in the formation of SABCOHA and the cars will be used to support community-based care workers in their work in prevention and support of victims of gender-based violence.

That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge

– Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

A committed partner in our community

BMW Group has been building cars in Rosslyn, Tshwane, since 1973, and the company has long-standing commitments in the communities of Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa.

Dr Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production, said that “for us it’s about more than just producing vehicles for sheer driving pleasure. It’s about being an integral part of society and improving the livelihood of our employees, their families and their surrounding communities.”

Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources, commented at the handover that the participation of women and young people in the economy was critical to a healthy society: “We are here today to offer our support and promote the acceptance of all people no matter their background. We as a company, both as an employer and our employees, see it as our responsibility to promote and invest in the future of South Africa. ”

 “Our commitments to education and health in our Rosslyn communities are well-known,” said Tim Abbott, CEO: BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. “However, we’re always looking for new ways we can improve life in South Africa. That’s why we’ve chosen to donate five cars to the Presidency’s specialised GBV unit. Gender-based violence is a scourge, and I’m pleased we can do something to help,” Mr Abbott concluded.

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE BMW CONCEPT i4

The BMW Group is opening a new chapter in its history with the unveiling of a pure-electric Gran Coupe. The BMW Concept i4 takes electric drive to the core of the BMW brand and heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure. The BMW Concept i4 represents a look ahead to the BMW i4, slated to enter production in 2021.

 

It provides a whole new take on the dynamic excellence for which BMW is renowned and blends a modern, elegantly sporty design with the spaciousness and functionality of a four-door Gran Coupe – all while generating zero local emissions.

 

“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.” The drivetrain’s standout numbers include a range of up to 600 km (WLTP), output of up to 530 hp, 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 60 mph) acceleration of approximately 4.0 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph). However, the driving qualities of the BMW Concept i4 cannot be expressed in figures alone. The virtually silent delivery of power creates an entirely new sensation of dynamism. 

 

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” adds Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the BMW Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way.

At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.” As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will make an appearance in both the BMW i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.

 

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” adds Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the BMW Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.” As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will make an appearance in both the BMW i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.

The ABC’s of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Levels

Of course I can drive. I’m not that drunk.

We all know that drinking and driving is a lethal combination which could lead to embarrassing legal implications, serious injury or death; yet every evening, thousands of intoxicated motorists across the country make declarations of a similar nature, confident in the false knowledge that they are safe simply because they have in the past, gotten home alive. 

  1. Reaction Time: The more alcohol you consume, the longer it takes for your brain to process vital information. For instance, a movement such as lifting your foot off the accelerator might ordinarily take you 1 second, but under the effects of alcohol your reaction time could increase to 2 seconds or longer. 
  2. Impaired Vision: It is not unusual to experience blurred or double vision after a few drinks. Alcohol impairs your peripheral vision, meaning motorists become less aware of what is going on either to their left or right. Further, resulting in an inability to accurately identify pedestrians, trees, road signs and other vehicles. 
  3. Reduced Concentration: Driving requires your undivided attention for relatively minor tasks such as staying within one lane, monitoring vehicular, identifying obstacles etc., all of which diminish significantly when alcohol is introduced to the brain. 
  4. Lack of Coordination: Eye, hand and foot coordination are essential for driving but after a couple of drinks some motorists struggle with tasks as simple as inserting the key into the ignition.
  5. Poor Judgment: Your ability to plan, react, think, make sound decisions and process information become affected even with the smallest amount of alcohol in one’s system, all of which affect your ability to adopt to rapidly changing events on the road.

There is absolutely no justification for driving after drinking, particularly with the availability of apps such as Uber, Bolt not to mention the value of pre planning like arranging a designated driver or calling a friend. 

The decision not to drive after drinking is one which each and every one of us can and should make, and in order to keep the roads safe for all the right decision would be not to drink at all if you will need to drive afterwards. 

Remember, law enforcement agents do not prevent people from driving drunk, all they can do is punish those caught in the act. 

Road Trip! Taking the long route to Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

There is a straight-forward way to get from Johannesburg to the iconic natural wonder which is Hole-In-The-Wall in the Wild Coast; a route that follows the N3 to Howick, proceeds to Mthatha along the R612 before culminating in Coffee Bay.  

That, however, was not the route my friends and I took when we set out on our annual Ubuntu Adventure / Pride of Africa Ride. Instead, driving my sponsored Christmas wheels from Isuzu SA and riding sponsored bikes from Honda SA we travelled the long way round;  first to Ladybrand (near Maseru), then to East London before finally heading for Coffee Bay. With some of our party travelling in the comfy 7-seater mu-X and the others on Honda’s iconic Africa Twin 1000cc adventure motorcycles our trip was peppered with loads of humour, challenging weather conditions and numerous rest stops.

Day 1: Farewell Jozi!

Taking command of the impressive Isuzu mu-X, I had fairly heavy-duty expectations of Isuzu’s first-ever SUV.  The vehicle would have to prove itself on several fronts, namely fuel efficiency over our 2600km trip.  It would also be required to effortlessly transverse roads of varying degrees of maintenance ranging from the smooth surfaces of national highways to hair-raising strips of tar dominated by pot-holes, each the size of an average two-bedroom apartment; lug my brand new (sponsored) 230kg Honda NC750X motorcycle; have enough space to comfortably seat 3 adults; securely tow luggage for 4 women and a man, (whose ‘tog bag’ could never really count as luggage) as well as the mandatory ‘above-average’ size, cooler-box.   

My familiarity with the interior properties and storage capabilities of the mu-X was not in question thanks to the partnership between Isuzu South Africa and the Gals Garage Driving Experiences; so it was easy to tick off its ability to cater for our luggage, but had to fold the 3rd-row of seats down in order to do so.  

I had never towed anything as heavy as a motorcycle before hence my concerns relating to the weight of the bike, fuel efficacy, and vehicle performance were a the fore of my mind. Fortunately, these were quickly muted. For a start, the weight of the bike (a.k.a “Blue Wildebeest”) might as well have been a feather thanks to the mu-X’s 3-tonne towing capability and the Isuzu’s trusted 3.0-litre, 130kW, turbodiesel engine.  

I had driven from Johannesburg to East London countless times before and was surprised that the fuel consumption on this trip averaged what it usually was, with only a need to replenish the 65-litre fuel tank twice.

Stopping every 2-hours to stretch our legs and replenish ourselves and the machines, our rest stops included Bethlehem for a hearty breakfast in Bethlehem, Ladybrand for a comical photoshoot, and Queenstown for ice-cream before overnighting at our family home in East London.

Day 2: eMdansane (East London) to Coffee Bay

After breakfast and a lengthy farewell ceremony which included prayers travelling mercies, we  made our way to Drifters Raceway Theme Park, an outdoor adventure and amusement park in Cambridge Hall.  Our intention had been to have fun testing our quad-biking skills along the narrow, twisty inclines of the track; but what was meant to be an hour’s stop over culminated in lunch on the wooden deck over-looking the plush greenery of the Park’s surroundings.  

Hunger pangs subdued, we began the 4-hour journey to Coffee Bay, which proved to be more eventful than anyone could have anticipated.  At this point I had unleashed the Blue Wildebeest from the shackles of the trailer and handed the mu-X key’s to one of our party.  

Commanding my bike, I did my best to keep up with my more experienced friends on their Africa Twin motorcycles and the only reason we rode on par was because the road conditions compelled them to stay at my pace. The three of us dodged, bobbed and negotiated our way around potholes, speeding motorists, crazy bus drivers, oblivious pedestrians and unperturbed livestock leisurely sauntering across the roads. At one point I caught a glimpse of the mu-X dancing its way through the same obstacles and imagined that its entire braking system – ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) – had been rudely awakened to active duty.  

Bringing my focus back to my immediate need for self-preservation, I quickly re-acquainted myself with the Honda’s traction control settings and responsive front and rear brakes.  Perched 1.35 metres above the tar and moving at 120km/hr whenever conditions permitted, the ever-changing nature of the road provided me with an opportunity to practise everything Morag Campbell had taught me during our biking lessons.  At times, the fact that the world sharply fell away beyond the metal incentivised me to slow down and re-position myself within the lane, and at other times, the twists, long curves and hair-pin bends reminded me to distribute my weight appropriately.  

I can best describe the road directly to Coffee Bay as uncompromisingly hostile for drivers and as an extreme sport for bikers. It was along this stretch of road that the agility of the mu-X and Honda bikes were severely tested.  Screaming gusts of wind howled around mu-X, and threatened to tear us off the bikes seats, whilst on ground level, all bikers and the mu-X driver discovered pothole avoidance skills of MBA-level! As daylight kissed us farewell, the Bi-LED projector headlights of the mu-X came to our aid, to illuminate the bits of tar between the potholes.  

6-hours after leaving East London, battered, tired and without a trace of humour, we arrived at Eagle’s Nest Backpackers Lodge. We each claimed the first bed we saw and awoke the following morning to witness the sun  shimmering over the Indian ocean. The Lodge’s wooden patio provided a worthy setting for our scrumptious breakfast.  Our bottoms befittingly numb and perhaps because the weather was a little sour not one of us gave the motorcycles a sideward glance as we set off for a spot of sight-seeing, fresh air and local ‘jewellery shopping’ from the hard-negotiating mamas at the beach.

Day 3 & 4: Hole-in-the-Wall, Eagle’s Nest Accommodation

Still smarting from the ride, neither the Isuzu mu-X nor the motorcycles received any attention from any of us until the late afternoon when we made our way to Hole-in-the-Wall, a mere 10km drive away. Unfortunately we arrived as the tide was coming in and only had enough time to pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the milestones of 2019.  The walk from the parking area to the actual sight is magnificent and dogs are permitted, however it is marred by local boys insistent on being guides.  

Day 5: Jozi Bound

We arose in the hopes of making up time along the hazardous road we had to use to get back onto the N2.  This time though, taxi drivers presented more threat to life than the enormous potholes and we had to pull over twice to give way to fast moving traffic which seemed to glide over the gaping potholes.

Re-fuelling in Mthatha allowed for a collective drop in heart-rates, before embarking on the 5-hour ride and drive towards Howick Falls in Kwa-Zulu Natal.  Rest stops included scenic views, garages and food stalls at which we bought the freshest breads, fruit juices, and creative ornaments almost as proof of our having been there.  The actual Falls were impressive albeit affected by the drought and I could hardly believe I had never been there in spite of my countless drives to Durban.  

If I could have conjured up a helicopter to transport me back home from that point I would have been the happiest little novice biker on the planet, but in lieu of a magic wand I opted to fasten the Honda onto the trailer and snooze in the comfort of the passenger’s seat back to the City of Gold. With fellow adventurer Songo Didiza confidently at the wheel, my last thoughts before drifting of into lala-land was that the more experienced bikers were barely aware of the mu-X’s existence and we next caught up to them in Harrismith. 

Our epic, annual Ubuntu Adventure end over coffee in the lounge right where it had begun a few days earlier.  It had been long and challenging but most rewarding. The Isuzu mu-X proved that it is the best long-haul partner to travel providing superior safety, unparalleled comfort, adequate space, and value-for-fuel-money. Similarly, my Honda NC750XD upheld it’s premium position as being one of the best motorcycles for learner bikers thanks to its features and rider-ease.

How Well Can You Really See?

A woman has the ability to note that the left toe-nail of another woman 10m away is in need of a trim and colour fill but has difficulty seeing the SUV she reversed into in the parking lot.  You laugh but you know it’s true.

90% of the information motorists need is received through the eyes, therefore it stands to reason that good vision is a prerequisite for safe driving.  

Let’ s face it. If you can’t see properly, you can’t drive safely, it’s simple – Thembela Moyo

There are different types of visual functionality necessary for driving, and should any of these be impaired your level of safety on the road becomes automatically compromised.  These are:

COLOUR VISION helps you identify things like traffic signals, different coloured road signs, indicator and brake lights.

DEPTH PERCEPTION is the ability to see things in three dimensions (length, width and depth) and to judge the distance of various objects in relation to where you are.

VISUAL ACUITY gauges how clearly you can see and visual field is how wide of an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point. 

VISUAL FIELD is how wide an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point.

PERIPHERAL VISION enables you to see things to your left or right such as the sides of your car, animals, cyclists and pedestrians without the need to glance away from the road.  

NEAR VISION is the ability to quickly and effectively adjust your focus from something far away such as the bend in road ahead, to something near such as the information on your dashboard.

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It is incredible that the above (and more) work together almost instantaneously and to a large extent are the determining factors used in making critical driving decisions.  

Asides driving distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, other reasons which affect our ability to see properly include:

  • Normal age-related degeneration
  • Glaucoma – a disease which damages the eye’s optic nerve leading to the development of blind spots in your central or peripheral vision 
  • Macular Degeneration – a disease in which a part of the retina (called the macula) becomes damaged, causing loss to central vision
  • Diabetic Retinopathy – a disease in which high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina, depriving it of both central and peripheral vision
  • Cataract – a progressive clouding of the lens in the eye, causing halos around lights, blurry vision and difficulty in seeing properly in bad weather conditions, poorly lit environments and at night.
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Nothing signals that we are aging quite like deteriorating eyesight which is one of the leading reasons most people avoid having their eyes tested.  There is no shame in admitting that your vision isn’t quite what it used to be and thanks to modern technology, there are many corrective solutions for various eyesight deficiencies – which don’t involve thick unsightly glasses!  

Please let me know how about your eyesight and driving experiences by leave a comment below and tagging @freshvisionopt on Instagram and hashtag #heelsandhorsepowermag

About the Author: Thembelo Moyo

Falcon Wraith features most detailed Rolls-Royce embroidery ever

The design required hours of observation of a Peregrine Falcon

– Josh Liles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Embroidery Specialist

The most detailed ever single embroidery to feature in a Rolls-Royce motor car has been designed and created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. A Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird in the world, famed for its power and speed, has become the subject of scrutiny for the marque’s talented Bespoke Design team. An embroidery featuring the bird of prey is befittingly lavished on Wraith, Rolls-Royce’s powerful, dynamic Grand Tourer.

This intricate embroidery is the latest masterpiece from the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. The bird of prey, designed by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Team, is interpreted in photo-realistic complex detail amongst clouds on Wraith’s headlining. Consisting of nearly 250,000 stitches, the dramatic embroidery took a team of designers, craftspeople and engineers over one month to develop.

Josh Liles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Embroidery Specialist is highly skilled at interpreting clients’ wishes and translating them into embroidery. Before becoming an apprentice in the Rolls-Royce leathershop, Liles was trained in Mechanical Engineering and 3D Design and Architecture. After nine years with the marque, he now leads a team of talented craftspeople assuming responsibility for all of the marque’s embroidery.

The Falcon embroidery became a labour of love

– JOSH LILES, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BESPOKE EMBROIDERY SPECIALIST

“The design required hours of observation of a Peregrine Falcon – we needed to understand the musculature, the movement, the shading of the feathers. We wanted the bird to adopt an alert and predatory stance. We created multiple iterations of the embroidery – the direction, length and spacing of the stitch can have a great impact on the final image. We purposefully shaped the beak and angled the eye to create a sense of aggression.” Liles commented.

He continued, “The Falcon embroidery became a labour of love. Technically, it is exceptionally difficult to embroider this density of stitches onto leather. Embroidery puts stress and tension on leather causing a physical wave in the material, which naturally, is unacceptable in a Rolls-Royce.”

The sky resonates throughout this specially commissioned Wraith with signature elements expertly incorporated into key focal points of the motor car. Inspired by towering contemporary architecture that reaches into the clouds, a distilled artistic motif features throughout the car’s interior which can also be read as an abstract interpretation of a Falcon’s wing.

The design is initially encountered on Wraith’s Bala Blue and Andalusian White exterior in the form of an Arctic White coachline, painted by hand using a fine squirrel hair paintbrush. Inside, the motif is used as an embellishment between the rear occupant’s seats. Additionally painted onto the motor car’s piano finish fascia, the motif brings the interior leather colour of Charles Blue to the forefront. A Bespoke Rolls-Royce clock completes the aesthetic in Baby Blue, with guilloché inspired detailing – most commonly found in fine jewellery and horology.

Strict Motoring Rules For 2020

Motorists will soon have to adjust their driving style in order to keep our of trouble with the law!  

Two major traffic laws come into effect in June 2020, according to Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula.  These are the new Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act as well as a new zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving.

0% ALCOHOL LIMIT

Initially discussed in November 2019, Minister Mbalula has confirmed that motorists will no longer be permitted to mix alcohol and driving whatsoever.  Simply put, a 0% legal blood-alcohol limit will be effected meaning that the presence of even the smallest trace of alcohol detected in anyone operating a motor vehicle will be illegal. 

At present, South African legal limit is 0.05% and drivers who adhere to the stipulated alcohol unit permissible have been considered a within the legal alcohol limits.  The new law however does away with this completely from June 2020. 

According to Police Minister Bheki Cele, over 24, 000 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol over the 2019/2020 festive season, a figure which translated to clost to one-third of all road related arrests made over the holiday period. This clearly shows just how dire the problem of drunk driving in our country is. 

AARTO

In addition to the zero tolerance for alcohol law, Minister Mbalula also confirmed that June 2020 will see the introduction of the AARTO system, in which all traffic fines dispensed throughout the country will carry the same penal value.

That said, not all infringements will result in demerit points as roughly half of the violations laid out in Schedule 3 of the AARTO regulations do not bear any demerit points at all. 

The AARTO system stipulates that a drier may incur no more than 12-demerit points on their license.  Should a driver incur a 13thpoint however, their license, would be suspended for a period of 3-months per every point over the 12 points ‘allowed’. 

In spite of the criticism from organizations such as the AA and OUTA, Minister Mbalula remains undeterred and strongly warns motorists to prepare themselves for the introduction of the demerit system. 

“We are going live. We take points. We take away your driver’s license.  The President has signed this into law and now we are implementing it,” he said.