If you’ve ever popped into The Bike Forge in Tulbagh for a pizza and a pint, chances are you’ve noticed a striking green blazer proudly framed on the wall — a sartorial shout-out to one of South Africa’s most legendary motorcycle daredevils: “Dynamite” Dan Joubert.
This isn’t just any jacket. It’s a 1956 South African Motorsport Springbok Blazer, awarded to Dan in recognition of his fearless international racing career and multiple national motorcycle championship wins. Yep, this is the kind of heritage that comes with grease under the fingernails and dust in the air.
Who was Dynamite Dan?
- A man with a motorcycle strapped to the back of his farm truck, casually propped up against a straw bale, ready to take on the best riders in the world. That was Dan Joubert. Known as much for his passion as for his chutzpah, he was a regular thrill-bringer at Killarney Raceway, where he became somewhat of a local legend.
One of his most talked-about moments? Overtaking none other than World Champion Geoff Duke on the inside — an audacious move that had Duke swearing never to race against “that madman” again. You can’t buy that kind of street cred.
Dan even tackled the notorious Isle of Man TT, where he staged a jaw-dropping comeback after forgetting to open his fuel tap (we’ve all had off days, but still!). Not only did he recover, he finished second and set a 350cc lap record that remained untouched for years. When asked why he didn’t go back, his response was classic Dan:
“The circuit scared the hell out of me.”
Why It’s Hanging at Bike Forge
After Dan passed away in 1994, his family entrusted his treasured blazer to long-time friend and fellow racing legend, Dudley de Reuck, who has now made sure this piece of history is on proud display at Bike Forge — where good food, bikes, and great stories all meet.
So next time you’re sipping a cold one or tucking into a Ducati Pizza, give a nod to the green blazer above the bar. It’s more than fabric and stitching — it’s a symbol of South Africa’s motorsport legacy, the spirit of fearless riders, and a reminder that life’s a race best lived full throttle.
Fuel your body with food, your soul with stories, and your heart with horsepower — only at Bike Forge, Tulbagh.
De Heuvel Estate Tulbagh, Cape Town
073 281 0896
bikeforgetulbagh@gmail.com
