Friday 24 March 2023 sees the launch of a planned annual Royal Enfield ride in to Barrydale: ‘Royal Barrydale’. Hopefully it’ll be a town take over like HarleDale has become” says Rick Melvill of event hosts ’the Karoo Art Hotel.
www.karooarthotel.co.za
Royal Enfield is an iconic bike brand with a fascinating history that’s well worth a read
https://www.royalenfield.com/in/en/our-world/since-1901/
With the company name having been inspired by the original founders links to the Royal Small Arms Factory of Enfield, Middlesex, it’s carried the evocative ‘made like a gun’ trade mark since 1893. Made like a gun they certainly are. They’re all steel. There’s nothing plastic about these retro machines that have stood the test of time and evaded the vagaries of fashion all the way . in the 1950’s the Indian army , in search of an indestructible motorbike to patrol its Himalayan borders chose the Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc. India fell in love with both the Bullet and the brand and Royal Enfield eventually became India based . if you’re sitting at the top of Katbakkies pass on your KTM your GS or your Haska don’t be surprised when a Royal Enfield comes up the hill - typically driven by a rider with an open faced helmet and seemingly scant regard for modern bikers gear .While millions have been sold in India since the 50’s where they remain the go to bike in a country where daily practicality and reliability comes way before weekend fashion , there are only around 300 Royal Enfield’s in SA . But with a seriously dedicated brand following . It’s this group that the Karoo Art Hotel and Cape Town based RETZA , Royal Enfield Hire of South Africa are throwing their doors open to from the 25th/26th March.
www.retza.co.za
There’ll be a meet and great in the Karoo Art hotel bar with live music on Friday night. Then there’ll be a program of outrides on the Sat followed by an immersion into all the village has to offer on Sat PM.
Saturday night will feature a Mad Hatters Ball in the Karoo Art Ballroom . It’s not only for Enfield riders - everyone is invited ! Just bring a mad hat and your dancing shoes . Band of Hats are playing .. The weekend will also see the launch of a Barrydale passport which is the key to great deals on the strip - available through the hotel.
Numbers
Sabrina Schroder of RETZA 0826165997
Wilko Spangenberg of Karoo Art 0825536367
Karoo Art reservations 066189757