Up close and personal with the new, locally manufactured BMW X3 range
The latest iteration of the Proudly South African made BMW X3 has made its debut and it’s an absolute pleasure to drive.
Adulting – The Art of Buying Your First Car
For many young students and graduates their first introduction to adulting starts when they make a decision to buy their first car. This can be a daunting experience as car ownership involves many additional expenses such as fuel, insurance and maintenance which can all impact monthly budgets and cash flow.
Becoming independently mobile can be an exciting prospect, but buying a car is also a long term commitment so it’s important to understand the economics involved.
These tips from WesBank will help navigate the decision making and buying process and ensure that students and graduates are better equipped in their financial journey:
• Track your income and expenses:
This means understanding exactly how much you make versus how much you spend. Draw up a detailed budget including income and expenses to determine what you can realistically afford to spend on a car. As difficult as it may be, stick to your budget.
Purchasing a vehicle can be stressful for students and graduates, especially because they do not always have a credit history.
• Spend less than you make every month:
A budget is important as it helps to ensure that you spend less than what you make each month. If you do not track your spending, it can be easy to overspend and ultimately end up in a debt situation that’s difficult to overcome.
• Minimise on lifestyle inflation:
Being young often means high pressure to go out and socialise, or buy the most expensive items of clothing and gadgets, instead of sav- ing towards bigger purchases, like a personal vehicle, a house, or saving for emergencies. It’s important to be aware of your entertainment needs, and identify other less expensive means of entertainment. Binge spending once in a while is okay, budget permitting, but be careful not to overdo it through lifestyle pressures. The money that you’re spending on unnecessary items, such as excessive entertainment, is money that you could be using towards something that will make a real difference to your life.
• Start saving early:
One of the most common mistakes any working individual makes is thinking they will only start saving once they start earning a certain amount. Saving is one important financial discipline that should not be put off. Even if you start with a small amount, saving is a lifelong decision which impacts how early you can retire as well as having a go-to ‘piggy bank’ in case of a financially demanding emergency.
Purchasing a vehicle can be stressful for students and graduates, especially because they do not always have a credit history.
For those looking to buy their first car, the WesBank Graduate Finance offering provides graduates with competitive interest rates and credit history is not essential. The entire application process can be accessed and completed online.
Wesbank Graduate Finance is designed for graduates who:
- Have a University degree, three-year diploma or NQF 6 qualification
- Have graduated within the past three years from date of application
- Are under the age of 31
- Can provide proof of employment
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Are South African citizens
The Know How About The Tread On Your Tyres
The choice between an illegal, worn out tyre and a safe tyre could be a matter of life and death especially when you consider the various terrains and conditions we drive on.
This is especially relevant when we get flash rains that make the road surface slippery or drive over spillings. Although second hand, worn out tyres appear to be a more cost effective solution, they reduce the performance of a vehicle by increasing stopping distances, raising the risk of skidding and increasing the risk of blow outs.
At the launch of Transport Month in October 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “It pains me that our country continues to experience around 14,000 road deaths each year.”
“With over 60% of second hand tyres in South Africa deemed illegal, road users need to understand the dangers of driving using unsafe, worn out tyres. “Unsafe second hand tyres as well as worn out tyres are one of the major culprits that cause fatal consequences for road users, especially when one considers that the only component of the vehicle which, at any given point, makes contact with the surface of the road, is the tyre,” stated Darren Hayes-Powell, Group Managing Director at Goodyear South Africa.
Transport plays a critical role in sustaining our economy and commuting people to various destinations, therefore it is of utmost importance that we focus on the condition of tyres, the critical component that keeps the vehicle moving.
“It pains me that our country continues to experience around 14,000 road deaths each year.”
– President Cyril Ramaphosa
A simple tyre check at the end of each week will ensure you keep on top of the safety and wear performance of your tyres. As you park, move the steering wheel to the left or right to expose the front tyres when you exit the vehicle. This will give you easy access and view of your front tyres. It is also important you look at your rear tyres as they may also wear differently depending on how you drive.
These simple checks can ensure that you keep yourself, your passengers as well as the pedestrians around you safe as you drive.
Darren Hayes-Powell, concluded by saying, “Always make sure that your tyres are in good condition, that they are not worn out and if you are buying a second hand tyre, make sure that the tread wear indicator is visible, and it is below the tread across the whole tyre and there is no bulging on the side of the tyres. Adopt the habit of parking your car with the front tyres at an angle to make it easier to check their tread depth. This simple exercise, combined with a stringent quality check, can be the thin line between life and death.”
Meet the 2020 AutoTrader Car of the Year Semi-Finalists
South Africa’s premiere motoring journalists have voted. So too have members of the public. The votes have been tallied and 25 semi-finalists have been announced for the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year competition.
One of these semi-finalists will win the most sought-after title in the South African automotive industry, that of 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year.
“The 25 vehicles hail from 16 different car manufacturers, and they include anything and everything from family runabouts to sports cars, and from luxurious sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to bakkies,” reveals Rubin van Niekerk, chairman of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ).
Some of the vehicles on the list have already won major international accolades. The Jaguar I-Pace, for instance, made history when it won an unprecedented three awards – World Car of the Year, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year – at the 2019 World Car Awards. “Were it to win the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year title, it would be the first electric car to take top honours in the 34-year old competition,” notes AutoTrader CEO, George Mienie.
In most competitions around the world, journalists don’t get together to physically drive the vehicles
– GEORGE MIENE, CEO – AUTOTRADER
The Mazda3 has recently been named Supreme Winner at the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards. It also scooped the 2019 Thailand Car of the Year and the 2020 China Car of the Year trophies, while the Toyota Corolla has recently been named a 2020 European Car of the Year finalist.
AutoTrader became the title sponsor for the competition, organised by the SAGMJ, in 2019 – and it has facilitated the successful consumer vote. According to Mienie, public interest in the competition is intense. “This year, the number of public votes by AutoTrader’s car buying consumers has more than doubled. This is a clear indication that South Africans want to have their say in these top motoring awards,” he comments.
And which vehicle did they vote for? “Of all the semi-finalists, the car that received the most public votes was the Mazda3,” Mienie reveals.
Now that the semi-finalists have been named, voting for the finalists will commence; for the first time in the competition’s history, consumers will be able to vote alongside motoring experts. A special event in Johannesburg on December 4 will reveal which cars make up the 14 finalists.
This event will be followed by the test days in March 2020, when 27 of South Africa’s top motoring journalists (our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu being among them) will put the vehicles through their paces. According to Van Niekerk, this is one of the most important components of the competition. “In most competitions around the world, journalists don’t get together to physically drive the vehicles. They simply score them electronically or on paper. In South Africa however, journalists spend two full days evaluating every single aspect of each finalist – from design, technology and engineering to handling, safety and value for money; followed by the final scoring. Our methodology is both thorough and extremely scientific, and yields the most deserving category and overall winners,” he added.
Commenting on the list of Finalists, Vuyi said she was delighted to see the Mahindra in the running, adding that the brand had worked hard to establish itself in the market, “Making it onto the list is not only a huge vote of confidence for Mahindra, but also a clear demonstration that even though South Africans are extremely particular about the brands they drive, they are fair and open to acknowledging vehicles which are not ‘main-stream’.
The category and overall winners will be announced at an event hosted by AutoTrader in April 2020. Herewith a list of the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year semi-finalists
Audi A1
Audi Q3
BMW 3 Series
BMW 8 Series
BMW X5
Citroën C3 Aircross
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger Raptor
Hyundai Atos
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jaguar I-PACE
Kia Sportage
Mahindra XUV300
Mazda3
Mercedes-AMG CLS 53
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan
Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mitsubishi Triton
Peugeot 5008
Subaru Forester
Suzuki Swift Sport
Toyota Corolla Hatch
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Supra
Volkswagen T-Cross
Lipstick VS Dipstick
Ignorance is expensive, and that is evident by the number of female owned vehicles which end up requiring major and expensive repair-work. Being oblivious to the Check Oil warning light leads to severe or irreparable damage yet the solution is quite simple learn how to check the level of engine oil yourself.
Oil is to an engine what blood is to your body and without it, your engine would cease to operate. It also helps prevent dirt and residue build-up effectively prolonging engine life. When the level of oil in your engine is low the risk of friction caused by metal parts rubbing against each other increases which as you can imagine is not a good thing!
Avoid embarrassment and know where the latch to open the bonnet is!
Fuel station attendants are trained to check and top-up your engine oil, but instead of re-touching your make-up or catching up on social media, next time you stop to refuel, surprise the attendant, by checking your engine oil level yourself! Here’s how:
Avoid embarrassment and know where the latch to open the bonnet is! A surprising number of women simply don’t know and I’ve heard many husbands lament about receiving calls during meetings to give instructions. Similarly, practise physically opening and locking the bonnet in place else it might just fall on your pretty little head!
Depending on the type of vehicle, the dipstick is located towards the front of the engine or further back, towards the windscreen. Either way, it is usually easy to identify by its bright orange ring.
Carefully pull the dipstick out and note where the film of oil ends in relation to any one of the markers on the dipstick. These could be 2-pinholes or indentations on either or both sides of the dipstick. Some sticks have the words “Low” / “High” or “Min” / “Max” engraved into them.
Gently wipe off the oil using the paper available near the pumps and slowing insert the dipstick back into its holder. Ideally, a soft, lint-free cloth should be used and if you value the longevity of your engine you may want to keep one in a bag in your boot specifically for this purpose. Sometimes the dipstick gets stuck on the way back in, and you may have to firmly, but gently push it down or pull it out once more and turn it around before re-inserting it. Be aware that the dipstick is flexible so allow it to bend a little as it follows the curve of its container.
Hold the dipstick in place for a few seconds then gently pull it out and observe which marker the oil is at. The higher up the marker the oil is the less you need to worry about topping it up, however the further down the dipstick it is, the more likely your engine is in need of more oil.
NOTE: Before embarking on an engine oil check, read the car’s manual as some manufacturers instruct that oil checks and changes are to be done only by their accredited technicians.
Might Mouse. Meet the Most Powerful Mini Cooper JCW Ever
| At first glance: The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman | |
| New 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology | 225 kW of power and 450 Nm of Torque |
| New 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheel | New exhaust system with remarkable sound development |
| New bigger John Cooper Works sport brake system | MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard |
| New LED headlights with Matrix high beam function and LED rear lights in Union Jack design in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman | Model-specific chassis design and coordination |
I had been tormented by the question of which car to feature on the first-ever cover of this publication even through there were many to choose from. It needed to by something fun, sexy, dynamic with a powerful presence; but when I received my invitation to attend the launch of the latest MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman models to South Africa it was a wrap; problem solved. Not, only did the new MINI models meet all my Car-on-the-Cover criteria, these siblings were the most powerful derivatives in the brand’s sixty year history. Plus, it didn’t hurt that MINI is one my all-time favourite compact vehicles.
Over the years, MINI has mastered the market on nostalgia, then continuously added modern design twists to each new generation; and the latest John Cooper Works models are proof of just that. With short overhands, big scowling face and roundish headlights, the new JCW Clubman and Countryman are undeniable relatives of every MINI produced, since the 1950s.
As soon as I settled into the cockpit, I set about letting the MINI JCW Countryman off its leash. Ignition engaged, the little giant-slayer greeted me with a suggestive, gravelly exhaust note and it was love at first rev. Whoever had driven the Countryman previously had set the mood light setting to neon pink so when the car came alive the entire cabin lit up like an 80s disco ball causing me to blink a couple of times. The characteristic interior sports car flair of the Countryman is partly down to the John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated head rests, the John Cooper Works sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons and the John Cooper Works selector lever.
Armed to the roof lining with the latest tech and bling without being impractical. The toggle switches – for ignition, drive modes and stability control are located under the centre stack for safe and easy reach by the driver. An LED ring surrounding the 6.5” touchscreen interface, illuminates in response to drive mode selection and engine speed. The integrated Connected Media equipment is able to access numerous MINI Connected online services, including Real Time Traffic Information.
Navigating the beautifully twisty roads of Mpumalanga it felt like I was in a remake of The Italian Job as the not-so-diminutive Countryman gobbled up the tarmac. As I built up speed I was thankful for the Heads Up Display (HUD) because there was no ways I was going to look anywhere but straight ahead. Unsurprisingly, the new John Cooper Works Countryman is very stable, without an inkling of a twitch to is nose. With foot pinned to the floor, my body relaxed into the ride although my adrenaline levels had spiked considerably and my attentiveness was sharper than usual.
Flowing through the long meandering curves and frequent sharp bends, the JCW Countryman’s, low-ride height, sharp handling and breath-taking burble worked in unison to deliver good ride quality and make each acceleration an immensely joyful occasion.
Like everything BMW-related, the John Cooper Works range of vehicles are happiest when showing off their powerfully raucous attitude so naturally, I knocked the gear shifter into Manual mode and the Countryman roared back in mutual glee. But of course, using the paddle-shifters is much more fun so, with Sport mode in play I made a commitment to the right pedal and was rewarded with 250Kw and 450Nm of tyre-frying vivacity.
Propelled by the concentrated power of it extraordinarily powerful 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, with MINI TwinPower turbo, the John Cooper Works Countryman delivered an emotionally charged driving experience, sprinting from 0-100km/hr in 5.1 seconds. Even though the previous generation also gave an extreme driving sensation, the model has elevated that to a new dimension of pure, unadulterated fun. That said, it must be noted that for the first time with MINI vehicles, the maximum speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/h.
As the power source for extreme driving fun, I soon discovered that the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which I came to appreciate for its ability to regulate the vehicle’s driving dynamics on loose terrain, and when taking bends with a sporty driving style. Also, the sport brake system has also been redesigned – another useful feature I called upon when a dedicated member of the traffic department leapt out from behind a cover of shrubs to ‘greet’ me.
| WHAT I LOVE | WHAT I DON’T |
| Fantastic looks | Price. Yikes! |
| Comfy, sports seats | |
| Perky 2.0-Litre engine | |
| Paddle shifts which don’t compromise performance when in use |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
