The Birth of Via

We were a group of BMXers and Skateboards wanting to go on mission from Cape Town to Durban. Our goal was to find new spots of BMX and Skating interest. This meant that we would take the back roads up to Durban instead of following the traditional N2 route that so many similar roadtrips are accustomed to. December 2007 came and 10 of us set of in two 4x4 vehicles.

We embarked on one hell of a trip as we would camp every night or find free accommodation with friends along the way. Everything was flexible as there was no formal structure and no pre-booked accommodation. We knew where we wanted to go and how many days we had to reach Durban. It was life on the road with limited money, dirty clothes and living out of a bag for 18 days: All for the love of BMX, Skating and Traveling.

In Cintsa Wayne got stabbed by a drunken redneck and just outside Port Edward a bakkie drove into the back of our vehicle as we waited for cows to cross the road. This did not bring our spirits down as we wanted to complete the journey together as friends. In Durban we hired a trailer and it was all systems go coming back home as we crammed 10 guys into one bakkie.

Plywood Boards, a Generator, Spades, Lights, a Machete ect was brought along to make spots rideable. Everyone pushed themselves to ride and skate harder. We would only be at a spot for a day and had to make it count.

We found amazing spots, met the coolest people and saw the most beautiful sceneries. This was the beginning and inspiration for ‘Via the Back Roads 2’ that we completed in December 2008.

All Photo’s by Wayne Reiche

Transkei Hike 2007

In July 2007 we set out to hike from Msikaba to Port St Johns situated in Pondoland Transkei. This 90km hike would take us 5 days to complete and was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had with a group of friends.









The idea of this trip came about when I met Caine on a previous visit to the Transkei in 2006. Caine is a local guide in the Mbotyi region. He mentioned that he would be able to arrange us a trip from Msikaba south towards Port St Johns. We would be staying with people he knew and they would let us stay in their huts and make us local food every night.





It didn’t take long to get 14 guys together for this trip. Each guy with his own backpack and snacks for the day set out for a truly unforgettable experience.

Caine picked us up with a mini bus and we got dropped off at Rasta’s Spaza Shop. From here we hiked along the coastline south towards Port St Johns covering about 17km a day.

It was a custom that upon arrival every afternoon in the villages we would receive tea which would usually be followed by Samp & Beans and Chicken. Every night passed as we sat next to the fire drinking Black Label Quarts and chatting to the local villagers

We were the first group that Caine had ever taken on such a big trip as he would usually only show people around for day trips. Caine knew every one along the way and was a well educated guide leading the way.

Most Villages we stayed at had never seen hikers stay in their village before, as hikers would either make use of adventure companies like Drifters, camp in campsites or on the beaches. This was therefore an enriching experience to witness other cultures and embrace the beautiful sceneries of the Pondoland coastline.

one small step

June 2006 was the first trip I ever organized for myself and four good friends. We visited the Transkei coastline for a week. Driving my father’s bakkie and camping every night at backpackers saw the beginning of many similar trips. The trip was basic and the concept simple: 5 friends, 8 days, one vehicle, camp at backpackers along the coast and just chill out. The best recipe for any roadtrip!