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OFF THE BEATEN
TRACK
Newsletter
Quarter 1 2015
March 2015
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... 2
From the driving seat ..................................................................................................... 4
Outings Reports ............................................................................................................ 5
Secret Falls – 22 – 23 January 2015 ......................................................................... 5
Atlantis Dunes Outing – 7 February 2015 .................................................................. 8
Khomeesdrift Camping – 21 – 22 February 2015 .................................................... 11
Matroosberg Camping – 13 – 15 March 2015 ......................................................... 15
Welgelegen Outing – 22 March 2015 ...................................................................... 15
4 WHEEL DRIVE CLUB EASTER WEEKEND 2015 TRIP ...................................... 18
Outings Calender 2015 ............................................................................................... 25
Lesotho - 24 April – 4 May 2015 .............................................................................. 25
April ......................................................................................................................... 25
May .......................................................................................................................... 25
June ......................................................................................................................... 25
July .......................................................................................................................... 25
August ..................................................................................................................... 25
September ............................................................................................................... 25
October .................................................................................................................... 26
November ................................................................................................................ 26
December ................................................................................................................ 26
Other Opportunities ..................................................................................................... 27
Trip by Gerard Schuite ............................................................................................. 27
General ....................................................................................................................... 28
Outings Philosophy .................................................................................................. 28
Mozambique Travel Requirements .......................................................................... 30
Children of Members ............................................................................................... 31
Code of Conduct ...................................................................................................... 31
Noggins ....................................................................................................................... 32
May .......................................................................................................................... 32
June ......................................................................................................................... 32
July .......................................................................................................................... 32
August ..................................................................................................................... 32
September ............................................................................................................... 32
October .................................................................................................................... 32
November ................................................................................................................ 32
December ................................................................................................................ 32
Outing Wish List .......................................................................................................... 33
New Members ............................................................................................................. 34
Birthdays ..................................................................................................................... 34
April ......................................................................................................................... 34
May .......................................................................................................................... 34
June ......................................................................................................................... 35
The Committee ............................................................................................................ 36
From the driving seat
This year the intention is to try and do as many worthwhile outings as possible. The
attempt is to do at least one weekend trip and one day trip per month. The winter
months the weekend outings become a little bit problematic due to the weather
conditions, but new and different places in the Cederberg or Karoo will be visited then.
The challenge is to try and keep the travel time for weekend trips down to under 2
hours, taking cognisance of the fact that some people tow caravans and trailers.
Another burning issue, especially after the recent carnage on our roads over the
Easter weekend, is the general attitude and lawlessness of some drivers. One of the
trends is that people speed by going 20km/h faster than the speed limit. They justify
this by saying it’s only a little bit over the speed limit. Then comes the not stopping at
orange robots that eventually become red robots.
We as a club can play a small role in this issue by asking all our members to adhere to
the rules of the road at all times. Just be aware of the fact that if you do stop for an
orange light you need to take cognisance of what is going on behind you. Also that
when we travel anywhere in a convoy, we try and stretch the convoy a bit when on
major roads to allow vehicles to pass and slot in between us, but also to move over as
far left as is practicable to allow vehicles to pass. Just remember the requirements of
the law when you do move over.
Let’s try and enjoy the 4x4 lifestyle as much as possible this year.
Also as a final note this year’s Atlantis Fun Day will be the tenth running of this event
and the planning has already commenced for this event. Please diarise the date of
24th October 2015 now already.
Yours
Adrian
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, the club or
committee and they do not accept liability for them. While every care is taken with
reproduction of photos and other submitted formats and articles, the persons above do not
accept liability for loss or damage to the articles supplied.
Outings Reports
Secret Falls – 22 – 23 January 2015
Secret Falls – Tulbagh. By Tim Wichman
The outing we had to Secret Falls near Tubagh was an awesome relaxing time spent
with the 4x4 club. On arrival to the gate at the camp you are met with a extremely
steep gravel road leading up the mountain. 1st gear low range is engaged with rear diff
lock if you have. Then the climb starts all through the trenches and bushes. Not
dangerous at all but nerve recking for the driver if your brakes aren’t any good.
We arrived on top and were met by the Tinkers who had already setup camp and were
looking relaxed. As evening grew closer more and more members arrived and setup
camp, George and Malcolm towed their trailers up and had fun reversing them in tight
spaces.
That evening a communal braai was held were all the details of the town of Napier
were dicussed, I thought that the TV series of Dallas and 7de laan has nothing on the
folk living in Napier. Well what happens in Napier stays in Napier, hey Malcolm….
The rock pool came in useful as the temperatures rose and we could cool off.
The view is to die for and the distance is not far from Cape Town.
In finishing I would like to recommend that if you havent camped at Secret Falls, make
the call and go, you will not be dissapointed at all.
The owners are from Switzerland and make the best wooden houses around, just by
looking at the ablutions you will see the quality of build.
Some photos below:
Cheers for now
Tim
Atlantis Dunes Outing – 7 February 2015
My second trip with the club.
As newcomers to the club, my wife and I looked forward to our first “Noggin” last
Friday night. We didn’t know what to expect and arrived very early. We met Adrian and
Lorraine and soon felt very welcome. As the time went by, we met more of the
members and some faces we recognized from the year end function.
Now you may ask, what does the Noggin have to do with the Atlantis day? Well, for
me it was supposed to help me make up my mind if I should go with Fred’s group or
with the “play” group. Needless to say, I left the evening even more uncertain as what
to do. I have been to the dunes a couple of times before, but never with so many
experienced and way more powerful vehicles than my 2.5 diesel Isuzu.
Saturday morning and I made up my mind. Go with Fred, go with Fred, go with Fred.
Seeing as I know Fred and the guidance he gave us at Koningskop was invaluable
and as we are human we tend to stick to what we know.
However after chatting with Gerard Buitenhuis , the play group’s very competent
leader, it was decided that at some stage I would have to cross the line, cut the cords
or whatever you call it and just go for it. Now or never!
I started off with 0.8 front and 0.8 back tyre pressures in the parking lot. After some
small dunes, we stopped and checked tyre pressures and we were all good to go,
after I deflated to 0.7 in the front and 0.5 at the back.
From there on, or at least for the first part it went really well. Then as it got hotter and
the dunes seem to become taller and softer, I started struggling here and there.
Checked the tyre pressures again and due the heat, ambient and friction, my tyre
pressure had crept up again. Simple cure, let some more air out. This worked so well,
that I considered blowing my spare wheel off as well, haha . For most dunes it
worked. Take note, for most dunes. On one dune I realized that there is no way that
this 2.5 diesel is getting up there, so I had to settle for the bypass. There was just no
way up there for me, tyre pressure already at absolute minimum.
Then came I think dog’s leg or something like that. Long bend, then sharp turn and
steep up and over. For me it was long bend, sharp turn and steep up, but not over. I
tried it a couple of times but no go.
The rest of the dunes went well and restored some faith in my 4x4.
We went looking for a shady sport to have some food and had a couple of laughs with
the guys.
All in all an excellent day and I am glad I went for the “play” group. I would never have
attempted some of the dunes was it not for the support from the rest of the group. A
big thank you to everybody for the support and comrade.
Lessons learned:
Tyre pressure can make or break the ride. Pressure of 0.1 bar too high will make a
major difference. I do know that the tyre guys will have a fit if they find out that you are
riding on 0.5 bar, but it worked for me. I never got stuck and none of the tyres came off
the rims.
Oh and last thing. I rented a radio from the club and found it very helpful. I will highly
recommend having a radio on outings.
And, if you fit a Gopro camera to your car, remember to turn it on! Haha!
Best regards
Frans Stander
Khomeesdrift Camping – 21 – 22 February 2015
MY FIRST 4X4 OUTING WITH THE CLUB
I live in Riviersonderend and my first outing happened to be to Khomeesdrift camping
site, just outside Riviersonderend.
I got there early and set up camp before anyone else had arrived. I went back to town
to fetch my son Storm, who came home from boarding school for the weekend. When
we got back to the camp two more couples had arrived. I introduced myself to Anne
and Vic Rademan from Bredasdorp and Erma and Gerard Schuite from Struisbaai.
They had also decided to come through a day earlier. We had a braai and got to know
each other. So far so good very friendly people.
On Saturday we entertained ourselves. We all went to town to do things. Anne, Vic,
Erma and Gerhard went to breakfast at our new coffee shop and then went exploring
Riviersonderend. The second hand shop, the pie shop, the biltong shop and more.
Early afternoon we received some visitors on their motorbikes. Gerard Buitenhuis,
Leon Levitt and Tim Wichman. They stayed and braaied some sausage with us. Then
Lorraine and Adrian with their two kids arrived followed shortly by Andy Bracken and
his wife Candy from Claremont. They had come via a couple of dirt roads and towns
from Cape Town. The bikers left in the afternoon.
We made a huge fire and everyone sat chatting and having a great time. I think the
club has a fantastic group of people. We, Storm and myself, felt very welcome.
On Sunday, after breakfast people started packing and making their way home with
“see you soon at the next get together”.
It was a good first outing even though it was only a camping outing. I would have like
to have met more people, but there are many more meeting coming up soon to meet
everyone else.
Lisa Storemburg
Matroosberg Camping – 13 – 15 March 2015
This trip was cancelled due to only one member responding before the cut-off date.
Welgelegen Outing – 22 March 2015
Welgelegen expedition - 22 March 2015
At 9h30 all the members were in attendance with deflated tyres and ready for the
driver’s briefing. Adrian Flack was taking the lead on the day and the briefing was
short and quick – radios on channel 14, safe follow distance and enjoy the track.
The event was attended by Fred Bartens, Andre Cloete, Peter Cloete, Anton de Waal,
Henry Meyer, Connie Hillebrand, C Louw and yours truly. Out of the nine vehicle
attending, there were 4 LR Discoveries, 3 Cruisers including a Prado and an amazing
Suzuki Jimny.
We started off with a short climb without any issues and then had our first pitstop.
After following some more orange markers we landed in the rockys. Although Adrian
issued a warning over the radio the body parts of grand vehicles hitting some rocks
were unavoidable. Luckily all of got through safely with echo dents here and there.
After that we got to a dry riverbed which required a bit of reversing and churning up of
sand to get back out again. All the vehicles including the LRs got out and back onto
the track.
After the rockys and the sandpit came very relaxing sand track driving with a few
technical sections now and then. All of a sudden we stopped and had to go and
inspect a newly graded incline which hence will be referred to as Fred’s Hill. Fred’s
Hill was strewn with big rocks and very loose darkish brown sand at an angle that
made walking difficult and on the right hand side a very dangerous rock. Fred Bartens,
our competent driving instructor indicated that he will get up the hill after further
deflating the tyres of his green Gelandewagen. On the first attempt he started sliding
close to the ominous big rock and tried again. In lots dust he just made it look easy as
a good driving instructor would do. Then Connie Hildebrand came along with his much
admired LC 76, took the right line, missed the big rock and made it to the top in lots of
dust – well done.
The rest of the farm road took us to the highest point where we parked and enjoyed
the views across to Paarl and the mountains. A winding downhill road took us back to
the start of the track where we inflated tyres and headed of home or to a lekker braai.
It was a good day where we enjoyed the outdoors and honed our 4x4 skills.
Thanks Adrian and fellow 4x4 drivers.
Henri du Toit
4 WHEEL DRIVE CLUB EASTER WEEKEND 2015 TRIP
The 4 wheel drive clubs Easter weekend trip kicked off with everyone meeting at the
Winelands Engen from where we set off on a smooth and uneventful drive to our
destination, the beautiful Karoo National Park which spans a vast 90 000 hectares and
is home to over 500 species of wildlife and 200 bird species.
On Arrival and after a quick check in at reception we made our way to the campsite
and began the task of setting up camp. At around the same time as most of us had
just finished the assembly of our temporary weekend homes the heavens opened and
we were given a display of Mother Nature’s power with thunder, lightning and driving
rain! Being the resourceful and tough 4x4 crew that we are we didn’t let a little thing
like a thunder storm throw us off our game and proceeded to braai our supper under
the (partial) shelter of some lovely trees. After the meat was eaten and the drinks
drunk we called it a day and retreated to our tents to try and get a good night’s sleep.
Waking up bright and early Saturday morning and looking forward to exploring some
serious 4x4 trails we set off on a drive through the park anticipating the many sightings
of wild and bird life species we would make. We hoped to get really lucky and catch a
glimpse of the lions. Unfortunately as we progressed we discovered that the 4x4 trails
were closed due to the amount of rain that had fallen so we consoled ourselves with
the fact that we were fortunate enough to be in such beautiful surroundings and still
enjoyed a scenic 5 hour drive through the park making many sightings of wildlife such
as Springboks, Steenboks, Red Hartebeest, Gemsbok, Elands, Zebras, Baboons and
Ostriches just to name a few. The Lions however managed to evade our search! After
finishing our drive we headed back to camp and relaxed for a while before we began
the prep for Saturday night’s braai. With chairs, food and drink in hand we all made
our way to the area we had christened the night before as “our” braai spot. We were
quite a sight to behold with everyone sitting in one large group enjoying a lekker kuier
together! We were definitely the liveliest and most gesseleg gang in the camp site! It
was a great end to a great day.
Hope was held out that Sunday morning would greet us with the good news that the
4x4 trail would be re-opened but unfortunately this was not to be. The trail was still not
deemed safe enough to use so instead we went on another long drive through the
park again managing to spot loads of wildlife along the way. Midway we stopped for
lunch and sitting in the protected picnic site situated in the middle of the game park
knowing that we were surrounded by the wild and all its inhabitants was a surreal
experience. The drive back saw us explore some different areas of the park and we all
agreed that a return visit to further explore the many areas we had not yet had time to
cover was essential, especially the 4x4 routes! The day finished with our final braai of
the weekend and an early night to bed.
Waking Monday morning it was time to pack up and get ready for the trip home. With
all belongings securely packed, trailers and caravans hitched and tyre pressures
checked we were ready to head off to Beaufort West to fuel up for the ride home. The
back roads were chosen as the route home and with all the vehicles in convoy with
radios on and drivers at the ready we headed off.
The beauty of the surroundings that these quiet and sometimes rough back roads
allowed us to see cannot be over emphasised enough. Before we were even well on
our way we had already spotted 2 majestic Black Eagles regally perched up on the
high rocks of the mountain next to us. The Ouberg Pass was breath-taking, both from
a scenic and adrenalin producing point of view!
The sun set made way for the most spectacular full moon that most of us had ever
seen. Although the drive home took “slightly” longer than we had anticipated everyone
kept their sense of humour and rallied together to make sure that we all made it safely
back to our homes.
All in all it must be said that a wonderful time was had by all!
Outings Calender 2015
Lesotho - 24 April – 4 May 2015
This trip has had to be cancelled due to work commitments of the outings leader.
April
Saturday 18th - Melkbos 4x4 day trip – Led by Adrian
Sat 25th to Monday 27th - long weekend - Skurweberg 4x4, provisionally booked – Led by Fred
May
Sat 9th - Driver Training – Led by Fred
Sun 10th – Mother’s Day Outing – Led by Tim
Fri 15th - Ou Trek Pad Night Drive – Led by Adrian
Fri 22nd – Sun 24th – Murasie (Elim) Trip – Led by Henri Du Toit
June
Sat 6th - Gravel Roads to Riebeek Kasteel – Led by Johann Marais
13th - 16th - Long Weekend - Baviaans Kloof – Led by Adrian
July
Fri 10th - Sun 12th - Onrus Honingklip Weekend led by Gerard Schuite
Sat 25th – Versfeld Pass Day Trip – Led by Adrian
August
Sat 1st – Sun 2nd – Hex River 4x4 – Led by Gerard Buitenhuis
Sat 8th – Mon 10th – Long Weekend – Gamkaskloof – Led by Adrian
Sat 15th – Welgelegen Day Trip – In the Mud
September
Sat 12th - 2 Oceans Day Trip – Led by ??
Thurs 24th – Sun 27th – Tankwa Karoo Trip – Led by Tim, note this clashes with trip in the same area of LCCSA
October
Sat 3rd – Sun 4th – Papkuilsfontein flower trip – Led by Adrian
Sat 10th or Sun 11th – NSRI Open Day
Sat 24th – Atlantis Fun Day
November
Sat 7th – GPS Funs Day – Led by Johann Marais
Fri 13th – Sun 15th – Trip to Lamberts Bay with camping and dinner at Muisbosskerm
December
Fri 4th – Sun 6th – YEF -
Other Opportunities
Trip by Gerard Schuite
We are planning a trip to Epupa falls during April/May 2016. At this stage I have set
out a preliminary route which will cover approx 5600 Km over a span of 21 days
starting 16 April 2016. I estimate that the cost for camping should not be more than
R7 000 and fuel is dependant on the vehicle and driver.
The basic route will be Sendelingsdrif –(197)– Aus –(346)– Sesriem –(347)-
Swakopmund –(408)- Kamanjab –(440)- Epupa falls –(352)- Ondangwa –(208)-
Namutoni [Etosha] –(134)- Okaukuejo [Etosha[ –(588)- Harnas Wildlife [100km N of
Gobabis] –(440)- Hardap (Mariental) –(471)- Ai-ais. (Value in brackets is travel
distance)
I offer a “tag along” for club members. Anyone interested please send me an email.
Regards
Gerard Schuite
Struisbaai
General
Outings Philosophy
Responsibilities of outings originator
Any member of the club can decide to originate an outing. Normally the originator of
an outing will also be the leader of the outing but this is not necessarily the case on all
outings. We as a club understand that for most members the club is a second,
although probably, the more preferred activity, but work for most of us has to come
first. The outings originator identifies the outing, ie day trip, weekend camping trip, or
longer trip. The outings originator also determines how many vehicles they would be
willing to have along on the trip. This information is then passed onto the outings
coordinator.
Responsibility of outings coordinator
Once the outings originator has passed on the details to the outings coordinator, it is
the responsibility of the outings coordinator to draw up the advertisement and to have
it published. The outings originator can also assist with this. The advertisements for
the various outings need to be published as follows:
long trips - at least 6 months in advance
weekend trips - at least a month in advance
day trips - at least two weeks in advance
The outings coordinator is responsible for making contact with the resort, or following
up with the resort after contact has been made by the outings originator. Once
availability has been confirmed, the outings coordinator is to run the bookings and
payments. All payments are to be completed and paid over to the venue timeously.
The outings coordinator is also to ensure that the attendance register is drawn up and
sent to the outings leader before the event.
Responsibilities of outings leader
The outings leader leads the outing. The outings leader does not have to drive in front
for the full duration of the outing, or even at all, but has to position themselves in the
best location to be able to control the group. Also if the group is too big, the outings
leader may decide to split the group. The outings leader is responsible for the safety
of all the attendees on the day and therefore has the final say on the outing.
The outings leader must ensure that all attendees sign the attendance register.
What happens when the outings originator cannot lead
If the outings originator cannot lead the outing for whatever reason the following will
apply:
Day trip
Any of the other members that are attending may be asked to lead the outing. This will be done with due consideration of experience levels. If no members are willing to lead, one of the committee members will make themselves available to lead the outing, but this will be a last resort.
Weekend trip
The same principle applies as for a day trip.
Longer trip
Longer trips are a lot more complicated. Depending on the nature of the trip and the destination and duration there are two scenarios that will apply. The first is that the same principle as for day trips will apply. Unfortunately if the outing is of such a nature that the outings originator has to lead it, and he or she is not available, then the outing will have to be cancelled. The decision to cancel an outing will not be taken lightly and all other alternative options will be evaluated beforehand.
Responsibilities of the members
Members also have a few responsibilities when it comes to outings. These are:
First and foremost to have fun
to respond to requests for indication of attendance and payment of deposits
and final amounts as soon as possible. In general deposits will not be
refundable unless the slot is filled by another member.
To adhere to the rules of the club and to listen to the outings leader
We also acknowledge that sometimes members cannot commit at an early date, or
that even if they have their work situation or even home situation may have changed
and therefore we try and leave the dates for final confirmation and payments as late as
possible. This is not always possible however.
Mozambique Travel Requirements
Children of Members
It has been decided by the committee to allow children of members to join the club at a
reduced fee.
All current Adult children of members may join as members in their own right.
Children of members who have matriculated, and continue to study and are
financially dependent, are members by virtue of a parent being a member.
The club waives the joining fee for these children of members joining the club
as individuals.
The club sets the membership fee for the first year of membership at 50%.
Code of Conduct
Towards human beings
Be considerate and helpful to all.
Towards authorities
Be of positive attitude when interacting with them, understanding and abiding by their rules.
Toward vehicle perfection
Maintain a sound, presentable and roadworthy 4x4. Always carrying sufficient spares and tools.
When travelling on road
Drive defensively, setting an example to others.
When travelling off road
Drive to survive. Maintain communication with your group.
Preplan food, fuel, medication, access and camps.
Contribute to the group's wellbeing.
As a custodian of nature
Take only photos, leave only tyreprints.
Accept responsibility for your group.
Drive gently, follow existing tracks, make none.
Preserve and respect all living things.
Noggins
May
Fri 8th - Noggin - Show and Tell, Charl, Adrian and one other
June
Fri 5th - Noggin - Camping and 4x4 Gear Boot Sale
July
Fri 3rd - Noggin (No Topic)
August
Fri 7th – Noggin – No Topic
September
Fri 4th – Noggin No Topic
October
Fri 2nd – Noggin – No Topic
November
Fri 6th – Noggin – No Topic
December
Fri 4th – Sun 6th – YEF -
Outing Wish List
Below are some of the wishlist items we have received from members:
Pat Bush 4x4 trail Robertson
Klipspringer Mc Greggor
Groot Toren 4x4 Klipspringer Lodge
Boegoeberg Clainwilliam
Gatsrivier
Buffelspoort Rubicon 4x4
Cederberg
Namibia
Walker Bay
Yzerfontein
Helderberg
Cape Nature parks
Riviersonderend 4x4 Trail
Tankwa Karoo
Gamkaskloof/Die Hel
Baviaanspoort
Baboonspass
Seweweekspoort
Bontebok Pass
New Members
Henry Meyer Single. Joined 7-1-15
Dave and Elena Burrows joined 9-1-15
Lisa Smorenburg joined 19-1-15
Birthdays
April
Ladies
JENNY MASPERO 9-Apr
ARLENE MINITZER 15-Apr
MARION OOSTHUYSEN 18-Apr
ELENA BURROWS 24-Apr
SHEREEN BALL 26-Apr
RIHETTHA SMITH 27-Apr
Men
JOSE GALHARDO 7-Apr
HEIN BURNETT 12-Apr
BILL HALL 12-Apr
ANDREW BRACKEN 12-Apr
May
Ladies
KARIN DONALD 4-May
JILL YATES 4-May
MARLIZE NEETHLING 11-May
SAM HUDEK 13-May
JOLIETA KRUGER 13-May
CHRIS MARAIS 14-May
Jocelyn DALY 15-May
RENE PAGE 25-May
Arina DU PLESSIS 26-May
MARINA VOGES 28-May
Men
LEON LEVITT 3-May
KEN STURGEON 11-May
PETER VENTER 14-May
JOHN HISCOX 16-May
STEPHEN SOKOLIC 29-May
BARTHO SAAIMAN 29-May
June
Ladies
ALISIN VAN SCHOOR 6-Jun
VAL Mc FALL 13-Jun
TANYA VAN SCHALKWYK 28-Jun
Men
WAYNE McNAMARA 2-Jun
SCHALK LOUW 10-Jun
STADLER LE ROUX 12-Jun
LOUIS MINITZER 16-Jun
KEVIN YATES 17-Jun
CLAUS RIDING 17-Jun
GERARD BUITENHUIS 17-Jun
TONY ROBERTSON 20-Jun
HENRY SEPTOE 21-Jun
ROY VAN SCHOOR 29-Jun
SAUL STEIN 29-Jun
The Committee
The New Executive Committee for 2015 is:
Chairman Adrian Flack [email protected]
Vice Chairman André Cloete [email protected]
Hon Treasurer Henri du Toit [email protected]
Hon Secretary Fred Bartens [email protected]
Immediate Past Chairman Bruce Cook
The co-opted members who made themselves available for portfolios are:
Membership Administration: Charl Kruger [email protected]
Outings Coordinator Lorraine Flack [email protected]
Newsletter Lorraine Flack assisted by
Theresa Cloete
Radio Officer Geoff Nell [email protected]
Club shop Gavin Africa [email protected]
Social Tim and Fellicity Wichman [email protected]
Training Fred Bartens [email protected]
ORRU Johann Marais [email protected]
Conservation Anton De Waal and Dave Burrows [email protected]
Webmaster Frans Stander [email protected]
