Our first official run for the KZN ZX14 club was held on the 30.01.2011 and kicked off from the roof-top pub, the Firkin, at the Pavilion shopping centre. We had a good turnout for our first event even if half of the bikes there were from the Vaal. We made our way up the N3 and then branched off onto the M13 through Pine Town, then up the twisty Fields Hill passing the very scenic Kloof and Gillets. We then came off the M13 and made our way through Hillcrest along the main road and eventually come up towards Botha’s Hill, where we arrived at the Pot & Kettle. Everyone was amazed and impressed by the stunning view of the Valley of a 1000 Hills from the veranda at the Pot & Kettle. (Some of the members enjoyed the trip so much, they did it twice . . of wat sê ek Petoors?? Tx, Colin and Cliffy for your help with the forgotten bag! Sandra)
We all sat down to a well earned breakfast which I think everyone enjoyed.
At this point I would like to thank Freddie and the members from ZX14 in the Vaal and GP that came down especially for the first run. It was great to have you guys attend. I would also like to thank the KZN members that came on the ride; it was great to see your support. I am hoping that as we do more rides, the attendance will improve.
So impressed with the ride so far, one of the KZN members suggested a further run and, since the weather was perfect to be on the bike, everyone agreed.
We finished up our lovely breakfast and once all the discussions and plans with regards to moving the club forward were over, we hit the road again. We headed back through Hillcrest and made our way back to the N3 and headed for PMB. It was at this point that we said goodbye to Sandra and Johan as they had to ride back to Sasolburg. The rest of us headed on the winding road out to Wartburg, where we stopped at the lovely Wartburg Hotel for some liquid refreshment. Then it was back on the powerful 14’s and hit the road winding our way towards Tongaat. We rode through some fantastic areas of sweeping road and beautiful country side as well passing through some informal settlement areas, much to the amusement and entertainment of the locals. What a site that must have been seeing one ZX14 after another and hearing the roar of the mighty 14 as it went past. Wow, that would have impressed me. Once we reached Tongaat we then turned towards the coast and picked up the Compensation road and headed for Ballito. Once we hit Ballito, we headed for the Hops on the beach front for our last refreshment of the day. It was at this point that I had to say goodbye. Again I would like to thank Colin for taking us on this extended ride and showing us what a beautiful country we have as well a big thank you to Freddie and the ZX14 Vaal and GP members. You made the KZN 1st major breakfast run one to remember.

Regards,
Ken Dyson
KZN Region

(PS: Ken, we will do it again . . . Soon!)

 ZX14 2^nd Major Breakfast Run

East Coast Motorcycles to the Oaks at Byrne

On Sunday 27^th February, the ZX14 KZN region had its 2^nd major breakfast run, which was hosted by East Coast Motorcycles. The breakfast run commenced from ECM and went to the Oaks at Byrne, in Richmond.

The day was perfect for a good ride. We all met up at ECM, where we were greeted by the staff and dealer principal and invited in for an early morning coffee and biscuits - a great way to start the ride off, giving us the chance to meet some of the new members as well as members who had not been on the previous breakfast ride. ECM had also planned a breakfast run to the same venue but left ECM after us in order that the ZX14s could leave as a group.

At 7:30 all the ZX14 members lined up, with their bikes, outside ECM for the usual photos and it was a great sight to see. We had a good turnout of 8 bikes plus the ZX14 that Tracey (DP for ECM) and her husband were riding. I would like to thank Tracey for doing the ride on a ZX14.

After all the photos were completed, we headed off through Umhlanga towards the N2. We followed the N2 until the interchange and then picked up the N3 towards Pinetown and joined the M13, going up Fields Hill, in order to avoid the Toll Road. This is a great piece of road with lots of twists and bends -  maybe not the ZX14’s strongest point but it was still a lot of fun and it must have been an impressive site to see a group of ZX14s fly by. With all the lights burning, there’s not much that won’t get out of the way in a hurry.

Eventually we rejoined the N3 and could let the ZX14s now stretch their legs a little, showing where the 14 really shines.  No matter if you are 1 up or 2, the huge power that the 14 gives out does not miss a beat. We arrived at the Umlaas off ramp and headed for Richmond. This is a very scenic part of Kwazulu Natal, as is most of the Midlands, and always worth doing the ride. As we traveled along the winding roads towards Richmond, a member or two had had too much early morning coffee, causing the call of nature to beckon them! Or perhaps it was just an excuse to speed ahead?!

Richmond itself is not worth much of a mention but then it was on to Byrne and the Oaks. On arrival, we were all very impressed with the tranquility and beauty of the hotel. Again all the 14’s lined up for photos and then it was off for breakfast. The breakfast was tasty, with quick service, and I think everyone enjoyed the ride as well as the interaction at the Oaks.

During breakfast, all members were thanked for making this an enjoyable ride.  I would like to, once again, give a special thanks to the members that traveled up from Margate.  It was great to have you guys attend and apologise that it was such an early start for you. I would also like to thank Tracey and her husband for leading the group and getting us safely to the Oaks. Finally, I would like to thank East Coast Motorcycles for hosting the run. I hope that we will be able to do many more together.

Regards,

Ken Dyson

ZX14 KZN Region