A Trip to Rhodes
By Trevor Babich

On the way from "gangsters paradise" to Bloemfontein Terry discovered a shortcut before we got to Bloem - we took it, some guys by the name of Stocks and Stocks were panelbeating the road with hordes of others using very heavy duty equipment.

It is a new road to Lesotho. Heaven only knows why! I have yet to hear complaints from the cattle rustlers and purveyors of "happy weed" about the existing transport infrastructure. Methinks a look (if you can find them) at the state of the white lines in our cities would be a more urgent priority than this new road. The scenery was amazing, we reduced the distance to Rhodes by 100 km but the journey took us an extra 3 hours!!

Route for the new road

There are streams everywhere

The recommended road from Barkley to Rhodes is fine for a normal vehicle. If you intend doing some traveling in the Rhodes area a vehicle with a decent ground clearance is a must. If you do not have a 4X4 it is advisable to carry a set of wheel chains in case of rain. If the locals tell you it is an hours journey to your destination, add about 50% to the time and you will find it about right. Treat the roads with respect, the locals may travel very fast but then they know their way about, even if they do seem to drive on your side of the road.

We used a Nissan Patrol and idiot that I am did not know that the sticker on the inside of the door for tyre pressure was in pounds. Consequently when I went into the bends with their fine continuous corrugations and the wheels pumped too hard the vehicle bounced and tended to slide. Reducing the pressure solved the problem and also gave a far more comfortable ride.

The worst road of the lot was the one to the Tiffendall Ski Resort.

There are some lovely dams up at the resort and it is well worth the trip. The following pics will give you an idea. Take it easy!!!