Sofala

wally · Posted: November 29, 2009, 5:15 am Post subject: Sofala

Just a few blokes out for a ride to Sofala NSW Australia

despecial · Posted: November 29, 2009, 1:29 pm Post subject: Re: Sofala

...did you know...

Sofala used to be the chief seaport of the Monomotapa Kingdom, whose capital was at Mount Fura. It is located on the Sofala Bank in Sofala Province of Mozambique.

The site of the oldest harbour documented in Southern Africa, medieval Sofala took its name from the Sofala River which enters the Indian Ocean nearby. Vasco da Gama's companion Tomé Lopes left a narrative which identifies Sofala with the Biblical Ophir and its ancient rulers with the dynasty of the queen of Sheba.

Sofala thrived from about the year 700 AD. The Arabs had frequented the coast since 915, followed by traders from Persia. They conquered Sofala in the 1100s and strengthened its trading capacity by having, among other things, river-going dhows ply the Sofala and Sabe to ferry the gold extracted in the hinterland (mainly Zimbabwe) to the coast. In the 14th and 15th centuries Sofira was controlled by the Sultan of Kilwa, whose capital was in present-day Tanzania.

Until, of course, the portugese turned up in 1505.....

...i recognise these blokes except for the 2nd from right

wally · Posted: November 30, 2009, 3:09 am Post subject: Re: Sofala

Did you know
y old mans dead &
I dont need to listin to Did you knows now!!!!
but now some times I here myself saying to my son now (Did you know ) & I see the same glazed over look in his eyes as i had when told these storys
LOL

despecial · Posted: November 30, 2009, 6:08 am Post subject: Re: Sofala

- but then in retrospect sometimes i wish id listened to my oldman...reinventing the wheel can be a bitch

weekendrider · Posted: November 30, 2009, 9:48 am Post subject: Re: Sofala

Wally what roads did you ride? Or are you local and just kickin it downtown? The road that leaves 86 and runs into Sofala then turns north and meets with 86 again looks like a nice ride. Hope the dust settles down there soon.

wally · Posted: December 1, 2009, 5:04 am Post subject: Re: Sofala

Sydney to Sofala
maps.google.com.au/map...8&t=h&z=10

Then on to bathurst, rode around Mt Pnorama
www.mount-panorama.com/

Then back home
maps.google.com.au/map...9&t=h&z=10

It was a dusty Sunday after a very hot saturday
A good day out with friends Good roads between lithgow & bathurst there was a lot of laying on the tank & hammering it as best a 650 can go

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