The African Express 2009

The History The African Express had it origin on the 16th December 1996. Being a holiday, myself as Vice and Richard Proudfoot as President came together at our usual rendezvous at Barnett Street Sunnyside, called “Eds Diner”. Not knowing where the day would take us, we got an old Transvaal map from Ed and decided to determine our destiny for the day by closing our eyes and with a pencil in our hands around and around determined the place we would visit for the day. As it worked out Richards pencil landed in the middle of Loskop Dam. At that stage I had a lot of clients in that direction and I could speed dial them to organise an” African jol”, in the Kwandabele area.
	After looking at bodies, drinking with the locals at shebeens, dodging the pot holes, swimming with crocodile’s and having a lot of hooligan juice, we decided to make our way home round about 7 o’clock from the dam. The “crowd” that did this first exhibition was totalling six bikes including our great friend and founder member Fritz Dietel now living in Germany and at that stage partner Marley, Steven van Rensburg (owner of War Eagle Custom Bikes in America) and his girlfriend. This became a tradition throughout the years of the existence of Steelwings Pretoria. I feel honoured to say that this would be the fourteenth time that we honour the history of this unique trip and I’ve been the organiser for many years and have never missed one.
This is the only event in any year of Steelwings Pretoria that tradition dictates that anything goes, as long as you have respect for your neighbour. It is Corinne and my honour to guide you on this African Express 2009, and make you part of a long standing tradition and history of Steelwings Pretoria. Hope you have felt the urge to be yourself on this trip and experience our Steelwings Pretoria white knuckle brotherhood as much as we did. Pieter and Corinne.
	The Route 2009 8.30 leaving Trev’s shop – 40km to Wadrif. Arr: 9.15 9.45 Leaving after stocking up with all drinks, biltong, and a take way – 78km to the Dennelton, Philladelpia Hospital sign – right – 700m to Victors Taven right: Arr: 10.45 11.30 leaving, for Kings Lodge - 70km – Arr: 12.30 13.30 leaving, for Great Wall of Frankie – 38km – SW Pta sponsoring Cheesburgers, swim, drink,…. Arr:14.00 15.15 leaving, for the dam wall – 3km – swim with the crocs Arr: 15.30 16.30 leaving for Loskop Lodge, drink, eat, and be merry. Arr: 17.15 Back to Pretoria, Sunday, on the Highway through Middleburg, leaving at 10.00 (All depends if Frankie keeps his keys in his pocket or in the boot. )

"Back to Pretoria didn't happen as planned...... we only left on Monday"