I am a senior citizen of South Africa and have travelled most of the roads you rode on, and you so ably commented upon. I wholeheartedly agree with all the positive remarks in the comments section. However your reports on South Africa serve a bigger and more noble purpose you ever thought. People of South Africa, and in particular us older blokes, have over the past 25 years developed a rather negative and cynical outlook on life in this country, not least as a result of a collapsed infrastructure, potholed roads and an inept government. Then here you come along, and with prudent selection of routes, your incredible photography and positive comments, you put us to shame. Your visit to SA and energetic reporting on its splendour and higher significance to be enjoyed for free, has jerked us into a new perspective and positivity. Thanks and may you have a blessed journey
We take our country for granted. People travel the world but have yet to see their own beautiful country. There is a bit of Noraly in every one of us, we just need to get out there and do it, before we are too old.
Who else was rocking in there chair helping Noraly get out of the sand ? Another great video I wonder what adventures are awaiting you in the next country 👍🏍
@@cantbendknee Maybe to you. But probably not to most people. Most people aren't so hyper-sensitive. They understand the compliment, and the spirit with which it was given. Well said, Hoekstes. I'm sure Noraly agrees.
Well said Hoekstes. Your comment contained an obvious biological, anatomical truth that normal people can understand. My reaction to this episode was not ,WOW fantastic production but -SHE IS TOUGH. I would want her on my team
@@randydodd9587 Yes every time my small niece acheives something I'm going to qualify it with 'good job for a girl'. I would encourage you to do the same so that you will show who you are to the women in your life. Making a case = being sensitive. Noticing= being sensitive. No don't want to speak that way to women? Didn't think so.
@@КузькинаМать-т8з "Wood" : What trees are made of. Also a slang term for a portion of the male anatomy in a certain condition. You meant to mean "would" ( conditional case of the past tense of "will". English has great bunches of "homophones" (words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings.) And, I have discovered, many non native English speakers have mastered this complication better than many Americans. You seem to be one of those. I am impressed.
"A Whole World in one Country". From big game and beautiful beaches, to sophisticated cities and luxury resorts, South Africa has it all. Bring it on. Springbok. Here she come's. Make way for Noraly. There is no stopping her. 🏍
@@Dave-sw2dm Nope, america is maybe the furthest from “the whole world”. When you’ve seen the US, you seen the US. And that’s beautiful, but the world a whole lot more diverse and different.
Starting from getting Savanah, those incredible passes, the incredible caves, the time with the South African community, the beach rides, the wildlife with penguins, the great archaelogical remains and to the intense Diamond war... we learnt so much about incredible Africa with you with its breathtaking beauty. Thank you Noraly! You make these stressful times a lot more mangeable! :-)
I guess due to her VISA she only showed you 5% of SA. Namibia is by far the most photogenic country. We SA's 4x4 love Namibia. I am curious to see what she can cover in Namibia on her bike, she did impress me in SA, because most of the roads she travelled are 4x4 tracks. Respect.
You may or may not see this, but here we go. The past 3 months following you on this adventure has been absolute joy , and I thank you for that. I grew up in South Africa , and had no idea just how stunningly beautiful and varied it is. You have shown us parts of the country that most of us never knew existed .It is safe to say that you have captured the heart of this amazing country. To you Noraly, I can only say a VERY BIG THANK YOU 👍🏼👍🏼 for letting all of us be a part of this amazing adventure with you. Long may your adventures continue. Oh Yes......We’ll be following you all the way (That didn’t sound creepy at all 😂)🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Your vlogs are of such quality that they could be broadcasted directly on national TV in South Africa (SABC). You are and remain relaxed (except in Peru), you experience adventures, you offer a dose of education and you show a country with all its special features. And - not unimportant - you do not participate in advertising messages. Noraly, you are world class. South Africa is my favorite country and I loved having you as a guide for three months. En tenslotte, ik ben er trots op ook Nederlander te zijn.
Just freaking wow. The drone shots had me in tears. What you have shown us of South Africa is so much more than media and history books have told us. I am humbled. Eternally grateful to be on this journey. Also, I ride, and during the tricky sand and corrugated sections I was on your bike with my vision fixed on the road! I'll have to re-watch to notice the landscape:)
Speechless. About what a remote areas this women is crossing alone, on her own. Just by watching video I feel stress/afraid of her running out of water, gas, broken engine somewhere there... while Noraly seems like "whooop whoop" perfectly ok. Respect.
I agree. I watch on the edge of my seat shouting advice. “No no, take the right hand side of the track,” and all from the perspective of utter ignorance. And another thing, she gets off the bike after that terrible sand road, takes off her helmet and she looks a million dollars, even her makeup looks perfect! What a girl.
She changed her own inner tube flat by herself. She should be an Ambassador for The Netherlands. She’s got people skills, she knows the country, and rolls with the flow. She is the peacekeeper.
In that stretch of sand I was worried about the clutch. Obviously it held out as we now see Noraly safely at her destination. That looked like quite a workout.
Okay Noraly, I am officially nominating you into the "Dutchmasters" organization. I was in Vietnam in 1968-69 as member of the Blackhawks, 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry. My company was B Troop and we were named the Dutchmasters. We kept working on, 15 hours a day or more, to keep the Hueys Cobras and OH-6A helicopters flying to get the missions accomplished. Your tenacity at getting through the roughest conditions and pressing on exhibit the finest traditions of those dedicated to a cause or goal. You've won the admiration of thousands of other riders around the world with your adventures. Good luck and carry on.
I can imagine and I have been stuck in the middle of no where, some of these roads have maybe one vehicle driving in a day …. and that one person will stop and help, it is just the way people are on these out of the way roads, I blew a head gasket once on a 96km dirt road between Fraserburg and Williston at a spot where there was no cell reception .. a farmer stopped to see if I was ok and in the end towed my into town for 47km. The hearts of the people in these areas are still strong and pure.
I lived in South Africa back in the 70s for four years. Havent been back, but having seen many of these fabulous videos from all over South Africa, I currently have an airbnb tab open, a google flights tab open, a rent a car in Cape Town airport tab and a few Roadtrips in Northern and Western Cape tabs open and am planning a September trip. One month of driving down some of her roads.... maybe not the corrugated roads or the sand roads, but I will be in search of the clean air, the blue skies, the friendly small towns and the brilliant scenery that she has so wonderfully shown us all. Ive also been to Namibia so am looking forward to her showing us some of the places I might know and Im sure 100s of places Ive not seen ! Total respect for a lady who really SEES the world, and is noticeably so polite to every single person she encounters whether gas attendant, airbnb host or whoever.
The drone footage really gives a sense of the vast, empty space you are traveling through. Breathtaking! Just the few moments you stopped to let air out of your tires, the wind was starting to cover them with sand. I was struggling in my chair as you rode. Three months! I can't believe it, either. With every episode more and more fascinating. I can say Xhosa with a (possibly) proper click now from practicing with your videos. :)
Noraly, thanks for bringing SA to our screens. You've made me miss home so much. I think you've done more for SA tourism in these episodes than what the official country organisation has done for SA in 2 decades. You're awesome!
Farewell Itchy and I hope you've enjoyed SA as much as I have enjoyed watching your travels and experiences. From what I've seen you have shown us the hospitality for which South Africans are known and I hope you leave with warm memories of us.
Oh my God Noraly, passing through all that sand shows how courageous and determined you are. Nothing can stop you. When you were leaving the private diamond patrol, I felt there was a connection that you all shared, like a family of your brothers. I too have learned a great deal of South Africa that I think without you showing me, I may have never known. Once again Noraly, thank you.
Good morning Noraly, it is 12:18 in the morning and a big 👍's up. Watching your last video I could not help but reminded of the time you spent with the villagers. SA is country of contradiction. Beautiful and sad.
So, Noraly has completed her South African adventure. What gems can we glean from her 3-month journey through this amazing land? First, South Africa is HUGE, at 1.2 MILL square Km it is the 24th largest country in the world, twice the size of France and four times the size of Italy, 3 months is waaay too short to see all the beauty, even if you travel every day. Noraly missed a lot in her short 3 months here. Second, although statistically SA has one of the highest crime rates in the world, most crime is contained in the high density urban areas and townships, out in the country it is highly unlikely that a traveler, even a solo female traveler will run into any trouble. The truth is that there is just not a murderer hiding behind every bush waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting traveler, contrary to what you may have heard. Third, South Africans are generally very friendly to strangers, and that goes for Black and White South Africans. Afrikaners, in general, are brought up with strict Calvinistic morals and are mostly members of one church (Dutch Reformed) Afrikaans children are taught from an early age to respect their elders, every grown up is an Oom (Uncle) and Tanie (Aunty) to an Afrikaans child Hospitality for strangers is an old farming tradition sent down through the generations when farms were placed quite far apart and travelling meant hopping from one farm to the next, Noraly demonstrated this hospitality time and time again when strangers would stop to ask if she was okay and offer help with directions and information. If you are stuck on the side of a road no Farmer will drive past without offering help. South African men generally have great respect for women, (it goes back to their parents and upbringing) Staying overnight with a group of burly South African men, with guns, from a private security firm poses far less danger to a female traveler than it sounds. I would have been very surprised if Noraly experienced any negative behavior in this environment. Fourth, South Africa has great Infrastructure, the roads are good, there is cell phone reception just about everywhere, accommodation is abundant and the food is great. Lastly, there is very little animosity between Black and White (outside of the political spectrum) different population groups on a whole exist side by side in peace, there is no systemic racism, black people have as much opportunity as white people (some would argue more) and all races are treated, on a whole, with respect by each other in most places. Sure, there may be some individual racist attitudes, like in any country, but generally South Africans co-exist in peace with one another. Having said that it’s interesting to note that even in a mixed diverse democracy population groups, in general, prefer to stick with their own kind. White South Africans generally don’t have a ton of Black friends, and vice a versa, and everyone is okay with that. It’s not forced, it seems to be a natural process to enjoy the company of your own cultural group, if that’s what you prefer. So, good bye to South Africa Noraly, come back soon, you hear.
@@cold_jay if you look at that in isolation it makes it seem as if farmers are murdered more than any other group which is totally false. Home invasions and murder is high as whole so this narrative of making farmers seem like one special group of victims is absolute nonsense.
@@nlocnil3602 Precisely my point. The OP was trying the emphasise that only the big cities have the problems with murder and attacks. Farms being on par with the average says that outside areas are not any safer unlike what he says.
@@cold_jay Farm murders are very targeted and specific crimes. They are also mostly premeditated. For the average traveller in South Africa these things rarely apply to them. I have travelled SA extensively by myself, and with avoiding high density urban areas and townships with known criminality you are almost never confronted with crime. The truth of the matter is that residents of South Africa are far more at risk in the day to day from our crime rate than foreign travellers are (of course there are exceptions). The data on tourist fatalities shows that South Africa is really not bad.
I was nervous for Noraly when she went with the security guys at first and then I was really nervous for her when she got stuck in that sand. I almost teared up because I knew she was having a real struggle. I kept thinking what if this poor little bike breaks down now. I was thinking maybe she took a phone number for the security guys ……. They could come out in that mad max truck and rescue her. Each video I watch I am just constantly in awe of what she is doing. I watched her live video chat the other day and was annoyed to hear how people make nasty comments which upset her. Good god what is wrong with people………. There is absolutely nothing I could say negative about this beautiful woman. Her intelligence and integrity are off the scale. I would like to take those haters and drop them off in the desert for a day
Noraly ....you are doing a great job and service to us all....thank you... Not only are you beautiful but you have a great heart as well. Be safe and I will continue to pray for your safety and endurance.....
Noraly, three months have passed incredibly fast and thanks for taking us along on your trip as I am sure that everyone who is watching your video’s has learned a lot about the beauty of South Africa. I watched every video like a great documentary and every time you impressed me with something new, fantastic video’s, visits to unknown areas, great riding skills, great background stories and above all your positive attitude even in difficult times. Thanks and looking forward to your next episodes
I'm sure those guys have a lot of respect for you and what you are doing, especially as you are totally funding it and doing it all alone ! You get my total respect too !
.......other than your abuse by the sand, a great ride! Thanks for taking me along, phenomenal! There might be diamonds where you were, but you are the real gem.
As always, you have once again presented us with a view of South Africa that few will ever see. The wash board sand desert roads are difficult to ride, much less with all your gear onboard! Much respect to you. Thank you for all the beautiful views and your perspective on the terrain. Ride safe Noraly!
It becomes a physical experience watching through the technical parts. My shoulders get tense, then my body. I really experience this in a powerful way. Keep riding! I'll keep watching.
@@fritzjohnson6129 that is good to remember. I feel each mile she shows us. We used to have a Harley, but we never got off the pavement, ever! This is so fun basically riding pillion from the couch.
Hoi Noraly ik vond het interessant om je reis door Zuid Afrika te volgen op youtube. Ik heb door jou ook een heel ander beeld van het land gekregen. Je heb een aantal leerzame filmpjes gemaakt over diverse onderwerpen. Stoer van je dat dit helemaal alleen doet en dat het ook weer steeds lukt om overal doorheen te komen. Met je charme krijg je elke keer weer veel voor elkaar en je gaat hier ook heel respectvol naar iedereen mee om. Wat me wel is opgevallen, en mogelijk heb jij een andere ervaring, is dat er nog steeds een sociaal/economisch verschil is tussen blank en zwart. Daarnaast is iedereen wel behulpzaam en het ziet er ondanks de verschillen tussen de diverse groeperingen vredig uit. Ik had een veel crimineler land verwacht en dat in het bijzonder geeft mij een ander beeld van het land en daardoor de mogelijkheid om vrij en veilig door het land te reizen. Veel succes met het vervolg. Groet Cees uit Breda
Understatement of the day........"I don't believe this road is used that much." Believe we could count on one hand the number of vehicles that were on the road with you. Great videos, Noraly, and looking forward with great anticipation of your next adventure. ❤❤
Africa is not for pissies... Lol. All jokes a side, huge huge respect for fighting those sand. It is mentally and physically draining. Then you add the mini panic attacks when stuck with no one around and you are so tired and just want to give up cause nothing seems to be working. Major respect and well done.
You have to gas it hard on sand otherwise you’ll plow. Find a rut to ride in, slide back on the seat and gas it hard. That will let the front wheel ride over the sand instead of plow. Don’t make any sharp steering movements in sand. The faster the better. It’s counterintuitive but believe me it works. The faster you go the less twitchy the steering will be.
Yes I know this, and it’s very easy to say this to other people. As I said in the video, I am not willing to risk crashing at high speed while riding alone in the desert in South Africa. When you travel solo, you sometimes have to make other choices than to just ride faster.
In my experience you crash less in sand when your moving over it while accelerating. This has worked for me on little dual sport bikes like yours as well as 600lb adventure behemoths. I’m not suggesting you need to be accelerating all the time. This is just a technique that is commonly used in those patches of deep sand. Try it one day with no load on the bike just to see.
You are missing the point 😂 Of course I know that going faster makes it easier to get through thick sand.. this is not my first time riding sand 😉 The point I am making that if you are riding 190 kilometers through sand, alone in one of the hottest deserts in South Africa, I have other things to consider. You might crash less often, but a lot harder at speed. That’s something I can’t risk.
Guys are suckers for a pretty smile that arrives out of nowhere. I'll bet they are all teddy-bears on the inside. You were SO LUCKY to be invited in. Awesome for you 👍😊
You were greeted like a long lost baby sister to those bored security guards, their somber faces showed how sad they were to see you leave, your stay had just made their day. Stay safe and greetings from South Texas USA
Wow Noraly. As a Canadian, I worked in SA many, many years ago (15 or more years ago) - I took a deep interest in so many parts of SA and traveled as much as I could (as much as they would give me time off). About 3 months ago the RUclips algorithm suggested your channel and I have been avidly following you. You have taken me on such a wonderful trip - thank you... and wait it is not over!!! . . Ironic that I undertook studies to pave or maintain roads in various parts of Africa, and here you are avoiding all the roads I worked on!!
Please, be careful, South Africa is sooooooo beautiful also Argentina, watching from Canada, you are my favorite, love you stay safe. Sometimes I pray for you.
Thank you so much for the amazing scenic routes of South Africa. I never knew how beautiful that country was until you did this series. Ride free sister and good luck at the Namibia boarder crossing!
My son was watching the movie "Wonder Woman" yesterday....and I was thinking of you !!!.... Your Intellect, grit and stamina amazes me !!! a true Dutch lady !!!
There's heavy snow and frost on the high ground around Lesotho now. But Noraly is passing through, what the old South African anthem called; 'Ons ver verlate vlaktes'
This girl just won’t stop. The name Itchy Boots somehow doesn’t quite tell the real story. We are blessed with the videography of her amazing journeys. That Savanna is one tough motorbike and lucky to travel to all these places. 👍🏼
Good on you for taking the road less travelled!!! The Richtersveld is a stunning part of SA. Those roads have prepared you for what lies ahead in Namibia, wich will blow your mind as far as scenery goes. I am envious!!!
And there was so much more to see! Augrabies Falls, Lesotho, Cape Town botanical gardens, the northern Drakensberg, Umhlanga beaches, Golden Gate park, the Magaliesberg and Cradle Of Mankind, river rafting the Tugela and Vaal, the Vredefort Dome impact crater, Gkaddigaddi National park... I'm sure I've missed some. What a great adventure, Noraly.
This episode could be called Perseverance or any of these: persistence · tenacity · determination · resolve · resoluteness · staying power · purposefulness · firmness of purpose · patience · endurance · application · diligence · sedulousness · dedication · commitment · doggedness · pertinacity · assiduity Well done!!!
It's quite tricky to ride alone in this barren, sometimes flat in a deserted landscape and also this vast surface looks like it's totally located somewhere in other planet.
watching you deflate the tires to pass this sandy area, I said to myself: she must have sore shoulders in the evening!!!! But, what a pleasure to watch these videos...beautiful images, documented just enough.....I'm enjoying it!!0 👍👍👍😘
The scenery and heat and sand reminds me of the Gibb River road in Australia. Be glad you have a lightweight 250 cc bike and not a behemoth GSA1200 or a ditto KTM....
That sand was a massive CHORE! I admire your strength and determination so much. The Diamond guys were fascinating = what a treat to see how they operate!
“I am broken!” Noraly you did more than well in that terrain, your stamina amazed me. Even in my younger days when I was really fit today’s ride may have beaten me! I too would have felt broken! Looking forward to your next adventure “Noraly in Namibia”
Observing your journey through that vast uninhabited land raised several questions in my mind. The first question concerned Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX fame and who is a native of South Africa. One of his goals is to send people to Mars in this decade and to eventually terraform Mars. My thoughts viewing the vast wasteland you struggled through Noraly was why doesn't Elon terraform his own home country, all it needs is irrigation with water from the Orange river to make the desert bloom. My first question triggered my second question, which is why does Israel and the Palestinians fight over such a small area of land when there is all that land in S. Africa where so many people could live if it was irrigated but men instead fight over the land of South Africa for rocks called diamonds. We are a strange species, we Earthlings. Happy Trails Noraly and stay safe and Let's go! :)
Noraly, you will give Lyndon Poskitt a run for his money. And your camera presence is now at a professional level which makes the videos so much more interesting and educational. Your new slogan..."Itchy Boots-one person bringing the world to many."
We are so honoured to have had you in our country Noraly and to have shown the world a little of what it looks like over here. Please come back again sometime! Now I would like to see what you make of my country of birth, Namibia!
I am also curious to see where she goes in Namibia, as she doesn't camp or cook her food as compared to us 4x4 guys. For us Namibia is heaven. But then again she surprised me in SA taking routes meant for 4x4 campers
What a 3 month tour that we have been so lucky to be a part of. Thank you Ms. Itchy Boots! This has been a fantastic ride. South Africa has been displayed to its full glory and is definitely on the list of countries to visit as soon as normalcy is regained in this Covid-19 infested world. I now look forward to following you on your journey through Namibia.
It was great exploring our country with you in a way I and many other South Africans would not be able to see. Thank you for the awesome videos ... i could not wait for the next one .. Have save travels further ... keep save and God bless
They say New Zealand has the world scenery in one country you will have to ride there and at the moment, it is covid free. Now that has to be a bonus. South Africa for me has been very surprising. Great trip Noraly, it will certainly rate high amongst your videos as an interesting place. For me, the most dangerous ride was Sani Pass. You had me on the edge of my seat with those sheer ravines just a few metres away. Coming down must have been a nightmare you daren't touch that front brake. Most non-riders don't understand that if you lock both wheels, you have no gyro so the bike falls down and is easily done on loose gravel. The front wheel is critical for balance. Great Riding Noraly, you could end up as a riding instructor one day with your experience. I love the way you stay so cool and calm when under pressure.
My name is Noraly, sorceress of the motorcycle, look into my eyes and do what I say. Take me places you wouldn't bring others. Give me food, fuel and a place to sleep, oh, and fix things on my motorcycle. 😁 I'm glad people go out of their way for you. It's all great fun to watch.
You are sooo tough and it comes across in such an understated, unsuspecting way. You don’t present yourself as a tough hero, but someone who smiles and laugh in the face of adversity. True grit...
I read the blog earlier today, I was anxiously waiting to see how you made out. Were you able to get any sleep that night? Considering where you were and what potentially could happen around you. I breathed a sigh of relief when you reached pavement as you worked hard ridding in the sand. Great episode, thanks
I too am a solo female rider who loves trip taking. My 2 main priorities are - personal safety and ride/trip safety - especially when riding on long stretches of ‘deserted’ roads. Take care Norale!
Sand, sand and more sand? No easy riding today. Sad that we will not see you riding in SA anymore, but great that we can still follow your adventures! Hamba gashle!
I am a senior citizen of South Africa and have travelled most of the roads you rode on, and you so ably commented upon. I wholeheartedly agree with all the positive remarks in the comments section.
However your reports on South Africa serve a bigger and more noble purpose you ever thought.
People of South Africa, and in particular us older blokes, have over the past 25 years developed a rather negative and cynical outlook on life in this country, not least as a result of a collapsed infrastructure, potholed roads and an inept government.
Then here you come along, and with prudent selection of routes, your incredible photography and positive comments, you put us to shame. Your visit to SA and energetic reporting on its splendour and higher significance to be enjoyed for free, has jerked us into a new perspective and positivity.
Thanks and may you have a blessed journey
We take our country for granted.
People travel the world but have yet to see their own beautiful country.
There is a bit of Noraly in every one of us, we just need to get out there and do it, before we are too old.
Bravo sir ! Very nicely put.
Well said x amen. Your people and land are fantastic. The Bellamy's UK xxxxxx
Well said
You said it so well...a new perspective on your county..what a blessing!
Who else was rocking in there chair helping Noraly get out of the sand ?
Another great video I wonder what adventures are awaiting you in the next country
👍🏍
For a lady you’ve got massive balls of steel. Respect!
I wanted to say that long before this ride.
The 'For a lady' qualification invalidates your compliment, nice try though.
@@cantbendknee Maybe to you. But probably not to most people. Most people aren't so hyper-sensitive. They understand the compliment, and the spirit with which it was given. Well said, Hoekstes. I'm sure Noraly agrees.
Well said Hoekstes. Your comment contained an obvious biological, anatomical truth that normal people can understand. My reaction to this episode was not ,WOW fantastic production but -SHE IS TOUGH. I would want her on my team
@@randydodd9587 Yes every time my small niece acheives something I'm going to qualify it with 'good job for a girl'. I would encourage you to do the same so that you will show who you are to the women in your life. Making a case = being sensitive. Noticing= being sensitive. No don't want to speak that way to women? Didn't think so.
You are the best 👍🏻....love from india 🇮🇳
Those security men were awesome. They treated you so well, Noraly. You get what you give, as you've proven time and time again. Thanks, Noraly! 😎
I guess they gave her a nice run during her stay, so much testosterone in there that I realized I wood.
@@КузькинаМать-т8з "Wood" : What trees are made of. Also a slang term for a portion of the male anatomy in a certain condition. You meant to mean "would" ( conditional case of the past tense of "will". English has great bunches of "homophones" (words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings.) And, I have discovered, many non native English speakers have mastered this complication better than many Americans. You seem to be one of those. I am impressed.
"A Whole World in one Country". From big game and beautiful beaches, to sophisticated cities and luxury resorts, South Africa has it all.
Bring it on. Springbok. Here she come's. Make way for Noraly. There is no stopping her. 🏍
"South Africa is the whole world in one country"
You summarize it the best!!!
Really Argentina is. Sea, Ices, Lakes. High Mountains, Glaciar, desert, Jungle, Cities, Cold, hot ...
Or the United States.
@@Dave-sw2dm Nope, america is maybe the furthest from “the whole world”. When you’ve seen the US, you seen the US. And that’s beautiful, but the world a whole lot more diverse and different.
And do not forget India., please! ❤ 🙏
Starting from getting Savanah, those incredible passes, the incredible caves, the time with the South African community, the beach rides, the wildlife with penguins, the great archaelogical remains and to the intense Diamond war... we learnt so much about incredible Africa with you with its breathtaking beauty. Thank you Noraly! You make these stressful times a lot more mangeable! :-)
SA blew our minds too. What a beautiful country did you show us. And now up to Namibia. We're coming along with you🤗
I guess due to her VISA she only showed you 5% of SA. Namibia is by far the most photogenic country. We SA's 4x4 love Namibia. I am curious to see what she can cover in Namibia on her bike, she did impress me in SA, because most of the roads she travelled are 4x4 tracks. Respect.
I loved all the videos from south Africa .
¡ DITTO !
These videos should be taken up by a major network to show what a positive experience motorcycle riding can be .
Anyone else likes the video before watching it? You know it will be another awesome episode! Thank you Noraly!
Yes, of course! Who doesn't?
You may or may not see this, but here we go. The past 3 months following you on this adventure has been absolute joy , and I thank you for that. I grew up in South Africa , and had no idea just how stunningly beautiful and varied it is. You have shown us parts of the country that most of us never knew existed .It is safe to say that you have captured the heart of this amazing country. To you Noraly, I can only say a VERY BIG THANK YOU 👍🏼👍🏼 for letting all of us be a part of this amazing adventure with you. Long may your adventures continue. Oh Yes......We’ll be following you all the way (That didn’t sound creepy at all 😂)🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
Your vlogs are of such quality that they could be broadcasted directly on national TV in South Africa (SABC). You are and remain relaxed (except in Peru), you experience adventures, you offer a dose of education and you show a country with all its special features. And - not unimportant - you do not participate in advertising messages. Noraly, you are world class. South Africa is my favorite country and I loved having you as a guide for three months. En tenslotte, ik ben er trots op ook Nederlander te zijn.
I think She has sponsor and maybe Also an equipe with her. Obviously you can t see it exactly for the reason you said
I want say thank you for letting me see this amazing world .. especially in these horrible time ..❤️☮️‼️
I cańt beliebe what this woman is doing. The utmost respekt! 👏🏻
Just freaking wow. The drone shots had me in tears. What you have shown us of South Africa is so much more than media and history books have told us. I am humbled. Eternally grateful to be on this journey. Also, I ride, and during the tricky sand and corrugated sections I was on your bike with my vision fixed on the road! I'll have to re-watch to notice the landscape:)
Speechless. About what a remote areas this women is crossing alone, on her own. Just by watching video I feel stress/afraid of her running out of water, gas, broken engine somewhere there... while Noraly seems like "whooop whoop" perfectly ok. Respect.
I agree. I watch on the edge of my seat shouting advice. “No no, take the right hand side of the track,” and all from the perspective of utter ignorance.
And another thing, she gets off the bike after that terrible sand road, takes off her helmet and she looks a million dollars, even her makeup looks perfect! What a girl.
She changed her own inner tube flat by herself. She should be an Ambassador for The Netherlands. She’s got people skills, she knows the country, and rolls with the flow. She is the peacekeeper.
I agree, sometimes I get "anxious and nervous" for her. Amazing young adventurer!
Totally! Wow.
In that stretch of sand I was worried about the clutch. Obviously it held out as we now see Noraly safely at her destination. That looked like quite a workout.
Okay Noraly, I am officially nominating you into the "Dutchmasters" organization. I was in Vietnam in 1968-69 as member of the Blackhawks, 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry. My company was B Troop and we were named the Dutchmasters. We kept working on, 15 hours a day or more, to keep the Hueys Cobras and OH-6A helicopters flying to get the missions accomplished. Your tenacity at getting through the roughest conditions and pressing on exhibit the finest traditions of those dedicated to a cause or goal. You've won the admiration of thousands of other riders around the world with your adventures. Good luck and carry on.
Another nail biting ride. Can you imagine getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. Great job by the diamond mine security people to help you.
I can imagine and I have been stuck in the middle of no where, some of these roads have maybe one vehicle driving in a day …. and that one person will stop and help, it is just the way people are on these out of the way roads, I blew a head gasket once on a 96km dirt road between Fraserburg and Williston at a spot where there was no cell reception .. a farmer stopped to see if I was ok and in the end towed my into town for 47km. The hearts of the people in these areas are still strong and pure.
I lived in South Africa back in the 70s for four years. Havent been back, but having seen many of these fabulous videos from all over South Africa, I currently have an airbnb tab open, a google flights tab open, a rent a car in Cape Town airport tab and a few Roadtrips in Northern and Western Cape tabs open and am planning a September trip. One month of driving down some of her roads.... maybe not the corrugated roads or the sand roads, but I will be in search of the clean air, the blue skies, the friendly small towns and the brilliant scenery that she has so wonderfully shown us all. Ive also been to Namibia so am looking forward to her showing us some of the places I might know and Im sure 100s of places Ive not seen !
Total respect for a lady who really SEES the world, and is noticeably so polite to every single person she encounters whether gas attendant, airbnb host or whoever.
The drone footage really gives a sense of the vast, empty space you are traveling through. Breathtaking! Just the few moments you stopped to let air out of your tires, the wind was starting to cover them with sand. I was struggling in my chair as you rode.
Three months! I can't believe it, either. With every episode more and more fascinating. I can say Xhosa with a (possibly) proper click now from practicing with your videos. :)
Noraly, thanks for bringing SA to our screens. You've made me miss home so much. I think you've done more for SA tourism in these episodes than what the official country organisation has done for SA in 2 decades. You're awesome!
Farewell Itchy and I hope you've enjoyed SA as much as I have enjoyed watching your travels and experiences. From what I've seen you have shown us the hospitality for which South Africans are known and I hope you leave with warm memories of us.
The quiet achiever … you do us proud 💯🇦🇺
Oh my God Noraly, passing through all that sand shows how courageous and determined you are. Nothing can stop you. When you were leaving the private diamond patrol, I felt there was a connection that you all shared, like a family of your brothers. I too have learned a great deal of South Africa that I think without you showing me, I may have never known. Once again Noraly, thank you.
I felt the oposite. I was nervous about her among these armed guys in the middle of nowere.
@@pcaridad the men were well behaved with her, they felt admiration for the courage to travel alone through that vast country
@@pcaridad You mean those mercenaries with excessive firepower right! Yeah I was nervous too.
Good morning Noraly, it is 12:18 in the morning and a big 👍's up.
Watching your last video I could not help but reminded of the time you spent with the villagers. SA is country of contradiction. Beautiful and sad.
So, Noraly has completed her South African adventure. What gems can we glean from her 3-month journey through this amazing land?
First, South Africa is HUGE, at 1.2 MILL square Km it is the 24th largest country in the world, twice the size of France and four times the size of Italy, 3 months is waaay too short to see all the beauty, even if you travel every day. Noraly missed a lot in her short 3 months here.
Second, although statistically SA has one of the highest crime rates in the world, most crime is contained in the high density urban areas and townships, out in the country it is highly unlikely that a traveler, even a solo female traveler will run into any trouble. The truth is that there is just not a murderer hiding behind every bush waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting traveler, contrary to what you may have heard.
Third, South Africans are generally very friendly to strangers, and that goes for Black and White South Africans. Afrikaners, in general, are brought up with strict Calvinistic morals and are mostly members of one church (Dutch Reformed) Afrikaans children are taught from an early age to respect their elders, every grown up is an Oom (Uncle) and Tanie (Aunty) to an Afrikaans child
Hospitality for strangers is an old farming tradition sent down through the generations when farms were placed quite far apart and travelling meant hopping from one farm to the next, Noraly demonstrated this hospitality time and time again when strangers would stop to ask if she was okay and offer help with directions and information. If you are stuck on the side of a road no Farmer will drive past without offering help.
South African men generally have great respect for women, (it goes back to their parents and upbringing) Staying overnight with a group of burly South African men, with guns, from a private security firm poses far less danger to a female traveler than it sounds. I would have been very surprised if Noraly experienced any negative behavior in this environment.
Fourth, South Africa has great Infrastructure, the roads are good, there is cell phone reception just about everywhere, accommodation is abundant and the food is great.
Lastly, there is very little animosity between Black and White (outside of the political spectrum) different population groups on a whole exist side by side in peace, there is no systemic racism, black people have as much opportunity as white people (some would argue more) and all races are treated, on a whole, with respect by each other in most places. Sure, there may be some individual racist attitudes, like in any country, but generally South Africans co-exist in peace with one another.
Having said that it’s interesting to note that even in a mixed diverse democracy population groups, in general, prefer to stick with their own kind.
White South Africans generally don’t have a ton of Black friends, and vice a versa, and everyone is okay with that. It’s not forced, it seems to be a natural process to enjoy the company of your own cultural group, if that’s what you prefer.
So, good bye to South Africa Noraly, come back soon, you hear.
What an excellent comment! Very informative. Thank You.
Every looked at the statistics of Farmer murders?
@@cold_jay if you look at that in isolation it makes it seem as if farmers are murdered more than any other group which is totally false. Home invasions and murder is high as whole so this narrative of making farmers seem like one special group of victims is absolute nonsense.
@@nlocnil3602
Precisely my point. The OP was trying the emphasise that only the big cities have the problems with murder and attacks. Farms being on par with the average says that outside areas are not any safer unlike what he says.
@@cold_jay Farm murders are very targeted and specific crimes. They are also mostly premeditated. For the average traveller in South Africa these things rarely apply to them. I have travelled SA extensively by myself, and with avoiding high density urban areas and townships with known criminality you are almost never confronted with crime. The truth of the matter is that residents of South Africa are far more at risk in the day to day from our crime rate than foreign travellers are (of course there are exceptions). The data on tourist fatalities shows that South Africa is really not bad.
Used the word before: "epic" drone shots and landscapes. Wow. This is what a Grand Tour should be
gas gas gas nothing i almost past out watching
I was nervous for Noraly when she went with the security guys at first and then I was really nervous for her when she got stuck in that sand.
I almost teared up because I knew she was having a real struggle. I kept thinking what if this poor little bike breaks down now. I was thinking maybe she took a phone number for the security guys ……. They could come out in that mad max truck and rescue her.
Each video I watch I am just constantly in awe of what she is doing.
I watched her live video chat the other day and was annoyed to hear how people make nasty comments which upset her.
Good god what is wrong with people………. There is absolutely nothing I could say negative about this beautiful woman. Her intelligence and integrity are off the scale.
I would like to take those haters and drop them off in the desert for a day
16:45 When a left turn is the best thing all day. Safe journey ahead, and thank you for the ride-along through my homeland, South Africa
Noraly ....you are doing a great job and service to us all....thank you...
Not only are you beautiful but you have a great heart as well. Be safe and I will continue to pray for your safety and endurance.....
That’s was so cool 😎 of the security crew to look after you and fuel savannah !! Loved the tour of South Africa 🇿🇦👍🏻🍻🇨🇦
I guess they fueled up not only savannah, but also had a godly unload.
So you don't think they are murdering racist bastards by any chance ? Just a jolly bunch of fellows. How naive.
@@КузькинаМать-т8з What is this supposed to mean? Please enlighten!
Noraly, three months have passed incredibly fast and thanks for taking us along on your trip as I am sure that everyone who is watching your video’s has learned a lot about the beauty of South Africa. I watched every video like a great documentary and every time you impressed me with something new, fantastic video’s, visits to unknown areas, great riding skills, great background stories and above all your positive attitude even in difficult times. Thanks and looking forward to your next episodes
I'm sure those guys have a lot of respect for you and what you are doing, especially as you are totally funding it and doing it all alone !
You get my total respect too !
South Africa is no match for this !!! well done xxx
Girl
Wow Noraly. What a tough day. Your "can do" attitude is an inspiration!
.......other than your abuse by the sand, a great ride! Thanks for taking me along, phenomenal! There might be diamonds where you were, but you are the real gem.
Greetings from a snow covered El Calafate, Patagonia.
Noraly, You are the very epitome of special. One day you will be very famous, and very rich, and you will thoroughly deserve both.
Well done Noraly! Sand can be a struggle & nerve wrecking. Lot’s more ahead in Namibia! 😁
As always, you have once again presented us with a view of South Africa that few will ever see. The wash board sand desert roads are difficult to ride, much less with all your gear onboard! Much respect to you. Thank you for all the beautiful views and your perspective on the terrain. Ride safe Noraly!
It becomes a physical experience watching through the technical parts. My shoulders get tense, then my body. I really experience this in a powerful way. Keep riding! I'll keep watching.
I had the same experience with this episode, I had to remind myself that she posted so she made it!
@@fritzjohnson6129 that is good to remember. I feel each mile she shows us. We used to have a Harley, but we never got off the pavement, ever! This is so fun basically riding pillion from the couch.
I, too.... and sometimes a little bit of swearing in the high places.
Hoi Noraly ik vond het interessant om je reis door Zuid Afrika te volgen op youtube. Ik heb door jou ook een heel ander beeld van het land gekregen. Je heb een aantal leerzame filmpjes gemaakt over diverse onderwerpen. Stoer van je dat dit helemaal alleen doet en dat het ook weer steeds lukt om overal doorheen te komen. Met je charme krijg je elke keer weer veel voor elkaar en je gaat hier ook heel respectvol naar iedereen mee om.
Wat me wel is opgevallen, en mogelijk heb jij een andere ervaring, is dat er nog steeds een sociaal/economisch verschil is tussen blank en zwart. Daarnaast is iedereen wel behulpzaam en het ziet er ondanks de verschillen tussen de diverse groeperingen vredig uit. Ik had een veel crimineler land verwacht en dat in het bijzonder geeft mij een ander beeld van het land en daardoor de mogelijkheid om vrij en veilig door het land te reizen.
Veel succes met het vervolg.
Groet Cees uit Breda
Happiness is a way of traveling not a destination
I dont think its either, happiness is an unpredictable consequence of action, sometimes from others!!!
One of the best series of travel I have ever seen...should be on a mainstream Netflix channel
Understatement of the day........"I don't believe this road is used that much." Believe we could count on one hand the number of vehicles that were on the road with you. Great videos, Noraly, and looking forward with great anticipation of your next adventure. ❤❤
Africa is not for pissies... Lol. All jokes a side, huge huge respect for fighting those sand. It is mentally and physically draining. Then you add the mini panic attacks when stuck with no one around and you are so tired and just want to give up cause nothing seems to be working.
Major respect and well done.
You have to gas it hard on sand otherwise you’ll plow. Find a rut to ride in, slide back on the seat and gas it hard. That will let the front wheel ride over the sand instead of plow. Don’t make any sharp steering movements in sand. The faster the better. It’s counterintuitive but believe
me it works. The faster you go the less twitchy the steering will be.
Yes I know this, and it’s very easy to say this to other people. As I said in the video, I am not willing to risk crashing at high speed while riding alone in the desert in South Africa. When you travel solo, you sometimes have to make other choices than to just ride faster.
In my experience you crash less in sand when your moving over it while accelerating. This has worked for me on little dual sport bikes like yours as well as 600lb adventure behemoths. I’m not suggesting you need to be accelerating all the time. This is just a technique that is commonly used in those patches of deep sand. Try it one day with no load on the bike just to see.
You are missing the point 😂 Of course I know that going faster makes it easier to get through thick sand.. this is not my first time riding sand 😉 The point I am making that if you are riding 190 kilometers through sand, alone in one of the hottest deserts in South Africa, I have other things to consider. You might crash less often, but a lot harder at speed. That’s something I can’t risk.
“I’ll easily make it today” … famous last words for the day … :-)
Guys are suckers for a pretty smile that arrives out of nowhere. I'll bet they are all teddy-bears on the inside.
You were SO LUCKY to be invited in. Awesome for you 👍😊
You were greeted like a long lost baby sister to those bored security guards, their somber faces showed how sad they were to see you leave, your stay had just made their day. Stay safe and greetings from South Texas USA
I agree with you! They were her guardian angels in a very unknown area. Glad they treated her like their sister, from Middle Tennessee, USA.
you prove your credibility in every episode.. always a pleasure to watch.
Wow Noraly. As a Canadian, I worked in SA many, many years ago (15 or more years ago) - I took a deep interest in so many parts of SA and traveled as much as I could (as much as they would give me time off). About 3 months ago the RUclips algorithm suggested your channel and I have been avidly following you. You have taken me on such a wonderful trip - thank you... and wait it is not over!!!
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Ironic that I undertook studies to pave or maintain roads in various parts of Africa, and here you are avoiding all the roads I worked on!!
Amazing footage of Norally 's shadow pulling Savanah forwards.
Noraly, you've inspired me to ride again at 46 (after 22 years)...have a nice journey ahead...can't wait to 'ride along' with you in Namibia...
Please, be careful, South Africa is sooooooo beautiful also Argentina, watching from Canada, you are my favorite, love you stay safe. Sometimes I pray for you.
10:57 Really interesting to see how the plants are following the Sedimentary Layers of the rocks, in long straight lines.
Thank you so much for the amazing scenic routes of South Africa. I never knew how beautiful that country was until you did this series. Ride free sister and good luck at the Namibia boarder crossing!
My son was watching the movie "Wonder Woman" yesterday....and I was thinking of you !!!.... Your Intellect, grit and stamina amazes me !!! a true Dutch lady !!!
There's heavy snow and frost on the high ground around Lesotho now.
But Noraly is passing through, what the old South African anthem called; 'Ons ver verlate vlaktes'
I’m inspired by your resourcefulness and determination.
So glad to see that you made it through the tough stuff.
Happy Trails
Really impressed that you got through without breaking your neck.
Enjoy Namibia.
Have loved watching your journey through South Africa 🇿🇦 Never realised what a lovely and diverse country it is
Let’s go for 1 million subscriber for Ichy Boots!
This girl just won’t stop. The name Itchy Boots somehow doesn’t quite tell the real story. We are blessed with the videography of her amazing journeys. That Savanna is one tough motorbike and lucky to travel to all these places. 👍🏼
Good on you for taking the road less travelled!!!
The Richtersveld is a stunning part of SA.
Those roads have prepared you for what lies ahead in Namibia, wich will blow your mind as far as scenery goes.
I am envious!!!
Me too am enviuo. 😏😊
And there was so much more to see! Augrabies Falls, Lesotho, Cape Town botanical gardens, the northern Drakensberg, Umhlanga beaches, Golden Gate park, the Magaliesberg and Cradle Of Mankind, river rafting the Tugela and Vaal, the Vredefort Dome impact crater, Gkaddigaddi National park... I'm sure I've missed some. What a great adventure, Noraly.
This episode could be called Perseverance or any of these:
persistence · tenacity · determination · resolve · resoluteness · staying power · purposefulness · firmness of purpose · patience · endurance · application · diligence · sedulousness · dedication · commitment · doggedness · pertinacity · assiduity
Well done!!!
RESPECT - your patience, your light bike, your reasonable distance expectations per day, and your courage - a winning combination in the desert sand.
Most Brave and Strongest Women on Earth Salute Dear
It's quite tricky to ride alone in this barren, sometimes flat in a deserted landscape and also this vast surface looks like it's totally located somewhere in other planet.
What an amazing ambassador for The Netherlands, motorcyclists, women, and human beings. Bravo.
Noraly, South Africa was such an adventure! Thank you so much.
watching you deflate the tires to pass this sandy area, I said to myself: she must have sore shoulders in the evening!!!!
But, what a pleasure to watch these videos...beautiful images, documented just enough.....I'm enjoying it!!0
👍👍👍😘
The scenery and heat and sand reminds me of the Gibb River road in Australia. Be glad you have a lightweight 250 cc bike and not a behemoth GSA1200 or a ditto KTM....
That sand was a massive CHORE! I admire your strength and determination so much. The Diamond guys were fascinating = what a treat to see how they operate!
“I am broken!” Noraly you did more than well in that terrain, your stamina amazed me. Even in my younger days when I was really fit today’s ride may have beaten me! I too would have felt broken! Looking forward to your next adventure “Noraly in Namibia”
Your the Master of SAND… well done..👍👍👍🇦🇺
congrats Noraly and thank you, you have awakened the rider in me, you influence is felt. last week I did about 360kms in one day in the Northern SA.
How you take the drone shots
Observing your journey through that vast uninhabited land raised several questions in my mind. The first question concerned Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX fame and who is a native of South Africa. One of his goals is to send people to Mars in this decade and to eventually terraform Mars. My thoughts viewing the vast wasteland you struggled through Noraly was why doesn't Elon terraform his own home country, all it needs is irrigation with water from the Orange river to make the desert bloom.
My first question triggered my second question, which is why does Israel and the Palestinians fight over such a small area of land when there is all that land in S. Africa where so many people could live if it was irrigated but men instead fight over the land of South Africa for rocks called diamonds. We are a strange species, we Earthlings.
Happy Trails Noraly and stay safe and Let's go! :)
Your courage and adventure as a woman is admirable 🙏
Noraly, you will give Lyndon Poskitt a run for his money. And your camera presence is now at a professional level which makes the videos so much more interesting and educational. Your new slogan..."Itchy Boots-one person bringing the world to many."
We are so honoured to have had you in our country Noraly and to have shown the world a little of what it looks like over here. Please come back again sometime! Now I would like to see what you make of my country of birth, Namibia!
I am also curious to see where she goes in Namibia, as she doesn't camp or cook her food as compared to us 4x4 guys. For us Namibia is heaven. But then again she surprised me in SA taking routes meant for 4x4 campers
What a 3 month tour that we have been so lucky to be a part of. Thank you Ms. Itchy Boots! This has been a fantastic ride. South Africa has been displayed to its full glory and is definitely on the list of countries to visit as soon as normalcy is regained in this Covid-19 infested world. I now look forward to following you on your journey through Namibia.
It was great exploring our country with you in a way I and many other South Africans would not be able to see. Thank you for the awesome videos ... i could not wait for the next one .. Have save travels further ... keep save and God bless
Nice ride beautiful nature sands rocks mountains red red & red colour very very very good video Noraly 👌👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍👍🙏🙂
Amazing, and you will be always be welcomed back.
They say New Zealand has the world scenery in one country you will have to ride there and at the moment, it is covid free. Now that has to be a bonus. South Africa for me has been very surprising. Great trip Noraly, it will certainly rate high amongst your videos as an interesting place. For me, the most dangerous ride was Sani Pass. You had me on the edge of my seat with those sheer ravines just a few metres away. Coming down must have been a nightmare you daren't touch that front brake. Most non-riders don't understand that if you lock both wheels, you have no gyro so the bike falls down and is easily done on loose gravel. The front wheel is critical for balance. Great Riding Noraly, you could end up as a riding instructor one day with your experience. I love the way you stay so cool and calm when under pressure.
Once I get my license I'm going off road (dirt..)
I'm in Bloemfontein the central part of south Africa u inspired me and my friends 😭
Please be careful, U must understand Noraly has super gifts. Not any one of us can do the same with the same determination. Enjoy.
A course in riding off road is a good idea.
My name is Noraly, sorceress of the motorcycle, look into my eyes and do what I say. Take me places you wouldn't bring others. Give me food, fuel and a place to sleep, oh, and fix things on my motorcycle. 😁 I'm glad people go out of their way for you. It's all great fun to watch.
Another impressive video. The photography is epic and the music is perfect.
I'm impressed with the image stabilization on your equipment even on the worst of the corrugated roads.
An expert on tyre pressure! Next time you must visit Schoenmakerskop near Port Elizabeth. May God be with you🌹
Nou net gekyk op die internet - ‘n pragtige plek onbekend aan my.
You are sooo tough and it comes across in such an understated, unsuspecting way. You don’t present yourself as a tough hero, but someone who smiles and laugh in the face of adversity. True grit...
I read the blog earlier today, I was anxiously waiting to see how you made out. Were you able to get any sleep that night? Considering where you were and what potentially could happen around you. I breathed a sigh of relief when you reached pavement as you worked hard ridding in the sand. Great episode, thanks
I also breathed a sigh of relief to know she was safe. That last episode made me so worried. I feel a bit like her Mom!
Obviously she is fine , otherwise she couldn’t post stuff online
@@ekimandersom4478 always aware of that, she did mention that there were things she couldn’t talk about.
A trip like on another planet. Savanah and Noraly surely can take a beating!
The drone footage showing the beautiful landscape is something to be proud of, thank you for your continued view of the world.
I too am a solo female rider who loves trip taking. My 2 main priorities are - personal safety and ride/trip safety - especially when riding on long stretches of ‘deserted’ roads. Take care Norale!
Sand, sand and more sand? No easy riding today. Sad that we will not see you riding in SA anymore, but great that we can still follow your adventures! Hamba gashle!
Thanks for taking us along for the ride.