Ah, long weekends—the perfect excuse to escape, unwind, and (sometimes) make impulsive but well-intentioned decisions. This past weekend, my wife Maryna and I set off to visit her father at Pearly Beach, a peaceful coastal retreat. What started as a simple visit soon turned into an unexpected road trip filled with rock 'n' roll, tattoos, and a whole lot of heart.
Friday Night Shenanigans & A Birthday Celebration
Friday evening kicked off in true holiday spirit: burgers, drinks, and the kind of conversation that only gets better as the shots keep coming. But before things got too wild, we had something special to celebrate—Marinda’s birthday! With laughter, good company, and a few toasts in her honor, the night quickly turned into a proper celebration.
Somewhere between birthday cheers and questionable dance moves, we started talking about our good friends Jessie and Noulen, who were in the middle of their Wredekloof Tattoo Tour. They were set up at Barrel & Blues in Swellendam for an event called Blood & Beer 4 Cancer—an epic combo of donating blood, getting inked, and raising funds for a good cause.
In our drunken wisdom, we decided—why not? Tomorrow, we were hitting the road to Barrel & Blues!
Saturday: The Road to Swellendam
A slightly groggy but determined group, we set off on Saturday morning—Maryna, her father, and Marinda, and I—fueled by caffeine and the excitement of an impromptu adventure. When we arrived, the atmosphere was electric. The event was in full swing, and the MAC motorcycle club was present, bringing their signature mix of leather, brotherhood, and pure biker energy. They had a braai going, some initiations happening for their new prospects, and were there to support the cause.
Jessie, the queen of multitasking, was busy taking tattoo bookings and selling merch, while Noulen and Mark (from EXVLE Arts) were hard at work making sure attendees left with more than just memories—permanent souvenirs in ink. Marinda, still riding the high of her birthday, decided to make the most of the event and booked herself in for a tattoo—a cool floral design that suited her perfectly.
Capturing the Moment: Camera in Hand
Of course, no adventure is complete without my camera. Before we left, I made sure to pack my gear—because you never know when the perfect shot will present itself. From the moment we arrived, I was in my element. The mix of motorcycles, inked-up artists, and gritty rock ‘n’ roll vibes was a photographer’s dream.
I snapped shots of the atmosphere, the intricate tattoo work in progress, and the raw energy of the venue. The contrast between leather-clad riders and the soft glow of the bar’s neon lights made for some epic compositions. And then, of course, there were the candid moments—friends laughing over drinks, the camaraderie of the MAC members, and the excitement on Marinda’s face as she got inked.
Every frame told a story, and by the end of the day, I knew I had captured something special—not just images, but the very essence of the event.
The Vibe: Rock & Roll, Motorcycles & Good Causes
Barrel & Blues is not just any bar; it’s a shrine to rock and roll, complete with acoustic guitars nailed to the ceiling (as one does when you run out of wall space). Live artists filled the air with music, adding to the already buzzing energy of the day. The weather couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be scorching hot or pour down in dramatic bursts of rain, but that only added to the experience.
We were there with Maryna’s father and Marinda, enjoying the atmosphere, catching up, and sharing in the excitement of the day. Meeting up with an old friend, Marc, added an unexpected wave of nostalgia. We had spent many nights together at a bar called Buckleys, battling it out over foosball. Seeing him again in a completely different setting, but still surrounded by good times and good people, felt like a throwback to some of our best nights.
Between catching up with friends, soaking in the scene, and enjoying a fantastic lunch, we sipped on drinks, admired the inkwork in progress, and watched bikers share laughs and stories. It was one of those days that reminds you why spontaneous adventures are always worth it.
The Takeaway
A weekend that started with a simple burger ended in an unforgettable mix of music, motorcycles, and meaningful moments. Blood & Beer 4 Cancer was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community, charity, and the rebellious spirit of those who dare to mix good times with great causes.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. Would we maybe plan it a bit better next time? Probably not. Because let’s be honest—sometimes the best memories come from the most unplanned decisions.
Until the next adventure, keep rocking, keep riding, and keep supporting the causes that matter!
Wredekloof Tattoos & EXVLE Arts
A big shoutout to Wredekloof Tattoos and EXVLE Arts for their incredible work at the event. These talented artists didn’t just create stunning tattoos—they brought a whole experience to the day. Whether it was Noulen and Mark's expert tattooing skills, or Jessie keeping everything organized while running the merch stand, they made sure every guest left with a piece of art and a great story to tell. If you’re ever looking for top-notch ink, these are the artists to see!
Get in Touch
If you loved this adventure and want to see more, check out my photography page for all the highlights from Blood & Beer 4 Cancer and other epic events. Follow along on social media for more spontaneous road trips, behind-the-scenes captures, and all things photography!
📸 Leon van Eeden (Photography & BTS Content)
🖋️Noulen Basson (Tattoo Artist, Videographer: Wredekloof)
🖋️Mark Elliott (Tattoo Artist: EXVLE Arts)
🍔Barrel & Blues Bar & Grill in Swellendam
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