The Wild Buggers recently took to the heights for our Paarl Mountain run, and what an epic day it was! There is something special about seeing a convoy of air-cooled legends climbing those winding mountain passes. Despite a few “speed bumps” along the way, the spirit of the club was on full display as we navigated the scenic route from Bothasig to the top of the rock.
Mechanical Gremlins and Roadside Teamwork
We kicked things off at our usual meeting spot in Bothasig, but the drama started early. One of our members, Tony, had a fuel pump issue before we even hit the road. In true VW classic car club style, everyone jumped in to help, and within minutes, the problem was sorted. We left as a group, because no matter what you drive, we make sure everyone reaches the finish line.
The drive toward Paarl was a beauty, with the mountain looming large in the distance. However, the heat and the incline began to test some of the older motors. We had a few more technical pitstops—including a loose fan belt and a stubborn carburettor—but that is all part of the charm of running vintage machines. These moments are where the experience of our members really shines.
Conquering the Rock: Views from Paarl Mountain
Once we reached the gates of the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, the real climb began. Navigating those steep, narrow roads in a beach buggy is a thrill like no other. We eventually made it to the picnic area at the top, where the views over the valley were absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the fleet of buggies and Beetles parked against that backdrop was a proud moment for the club.
We spent the afternoon under the trees, enjoying a lekker lunch and sharing stories about the “battle scars” our cars earned on the climb. It was great to see new faces joining the ranks and experiencing the unique camaraderie that only a dedicated VW classic car club can offer. Whether your ride is a show-stopper or a work-in-progress, you are part of the family on Paarl Mountain.
The Descent and the Journey Home
The drive down was much cooler and smoother, allowing us to really enjoy the coastal breeze as we headed back toward Cape Town. We wrapped up the day feeling accomplished—we conquered the mountain, fixed the gremlins, and made some fantastic new memories. If you missed out on this high-altitude adventure, make sure you are ready for the next one!
Relive the Mountain Climb and Join the Next Run!
The photos from the summit are some of our best yet.
- Check the Highlights: See the buggies at the top of the rock in the Paarl Mountain Run Photo Album.
- Don’t Miss the Next One: Want to test your ride against the Cape’s best passes? Visit our Next Event page for all the upcoming details!
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