If you’re looking for a fun, scenic drive that combines camaraderie, stunning views, and all things VW air-cooled, the Wild Buggers Winelands Breakfast Run on 13 October 2024 was just the event for you! With buggies roaring down scenic routes, pit stops for ice-cream, and an overall adventure vibe, it was a run packed with laughter, good food, and memorable moments. Let’s take a detailed journey through the day’s adventure and give you a taste of what you missed—or experienced if you were lucky enough to join!
The Start of the Journey
We kicked things off at Engen Winelands 1 Stop, where we had an impressive turnout of 21 buggies (according to Mickey’s count, but we’ll let that slide if it was off by one or two). It was a beautiful sight to see all the VW air-cooled vehicles lined up and ready for the ride. Notably, Mielie Pit, the rugged Baja Bug we hadn’t seen in ages, made a surprise appearance, much to everyone’s delight. We also welcomed Hugo on his first run in his T Bug—a first for the club! Let’s not forget the mysterious guy with the white Beamish bug and a rooftop cargo carrier, which turned a lot of heads (someone needs to remind me of his name!). Cobus brought along his trusty VW air-cooled Veep, completing the diverse range of buggies in attendance.
Before hitting the road, we had a quick meeting where Chris and Sandra explained the route and expectations. There was also a brief refresher on convoy driving, though Andre and I had a bit of a disagreement on the “follow the man behind you” rule. But hey, what’s a road trip without some good-natured debate?
The Road to Potbelly Coffee Shop
At 10 am sharp, we revved our engines and cruised onto the N1, taking the Stellenbosch turn-off without a hitch. Our first stop? The ever-charming Potbelly Coffee Shop on the R44. As we rolled in, we were greeted by onlookers snapping photos and videos of our colourful convoy of buggies—a grand entrance, if I say so myself! Breakfast was pre-ordered, and Chris and Sandra kindly footed the bill to save time. We all paid them back later, making the meal a seamless affair.
As always, there were some highlights: Wiehann finally caught up with us at Potbelly and was thrilled to receive his club t-shirt. And shoutout to Sam, Clive, and Linda for snagging their Wild Buggers caps—looking sharp! Clive and Linda even completed their second club event and are now officially part of the Wild Buggers family. Welcome!
Helshoogte and Beyond – Scenic Bliss!
After breakfast, it was time for the best part of the day—a long, scenic drive through Helshoogte Pass. As we made our way up the winding roads, we couldn’t help but be in awe of the stunning mountain views. A quick viewpoint stop at the top had us all out of our buggies, chatting, snapping photos, and soaking in the beauty. It’s easy to forget how breathtaking this country is until you’re out there, surrounded by nature.
The drive continued through Pniel and Franschhoek, with a few more pit stops along the way for toilet breaks and to take in the changing scenery—think vibrant vygiebos and their luminous purple blooms. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and we were all in high spirits.
However, not everything was smooth sailing. Merinda, ever the observant driver, noticed a few screws falling to the floor while driving. When we stopped, she found that three of the six screws holding her steering wheel were completely out, and the others were barely hanging on. Crisis averted, but that could have gone very wrong!
Sweet Treats at Peregrine Farm Stall
Our next stop was Peregrine Farm Stall in Grabouw. If the Wild Buggers have one weakness, it’s a sweet tooth! Ice cream, melktert, carrot cake, and muffins were the order of the day, with everyone enjoying a quick treat and some laughs. Peregrine is always a fun stop, with plenty to see and do—though a few members had to leave early to attend to other plans.
The Strand – A Few Bumps in the Road
After Grabouw, the plan was to head to Strand for more ice cream and a final get-together. But, as with any adventure, there were a few hiccups. Corne had a flat tire, and Brent managed to lose his buggy keys! After some frantic searching and a good laugh, the keys were found hiding inside his buggy. Crisis over, and we were back on the road!
Right, let’s go. Mario was the front runner of our convoy, but the other convoy was nowhere to be seen. Gone. Disappeared. Who was the last buggy in the first convoy that didn’t look for the man behind him? (Mnr Welsh, dis hoekom). We were following Mario, and the next thing I see is that we’re on the R300. Somehow, we missed the Strand turnoff (well, that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it, bwahahaha). I hope the ouens in Strand enjoyed the ice cream and the extended drive—sorry I missed that part!
Year-End Function & What’s Next
Now for some exciting news! The Wild Buggers Year-End Function is just around the corner on 9 November, and it promises to be a fantastic event. However, attendance is limited to paid-up members only, as the payment deadline has passed. But if you completed your second club event on our recent run, you’re still eligible to settle your dues and join in the fun! But don’t worry if you’re not a member—there’s another event you can look forward to. On 30 November, we’ll be hosting our annual Lights for Life Run, where we invite all other VW clubs to join in on the fun. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
Join the Conversation
We had an unforgettable time on the Winelands Breakfast Run, and we want to hear from you! Were you there? Share your favourite moments in the comments below. Thinking about joining us for a future run? Let us know and be part of the adventure!
For more information on our upcoming events, head over to our Events Page, and stay tuned for more fun-filled, air-cooled adventures!
See the photos of our Winelands Breakfast Run
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