do it now magazine #14 - adventure, sport & lifestyle

inDEX// DINList and CALENDAR: p. 4 An exciting three-month calendar focusing on Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle events.

// Team & Contributors: p. 6-7 DO IT NOW magazines team, as well as regular and guest contributors.

// Subscription Page: p. 13 DO IT NOW Subscription Form and competition.

// inFO: p. 14-15 Information page, check out our competitions,

feedback and updates.

// inSTORE: p. 16-17 Exciting products and subscriber discounts.

// inFOCUS Reader Competition p. 124 Stand a chance to WIN R500 by entering the reader

photo competition.

// inVOLVED: p. 126-129 Incredible stories of involvement in the community,

environment, marine, wildlife and other areas of life.

// inCLOSING: p. 130 A sneak preview of upcoming features and articles.

p. 20-23 inTRANSIT: Exciting and entertaining travel stories from Africa and beyond. p. 24-29 inGEAR: Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle activities

featuring vehicles with gears. p. 30-43 inH2O: Water sports and adventures. p. 44-45 inALTITUDE: Aerial / high altitude adventures. p. 46-49 inCREDIBLE PLACES: Articles about

incredible and magical places. p. 52-55 inTRODUCING: Featuring informative articles

on a number of sports and why athletes compete in them.

p. 56-83 inACTION: Information and feedback on various sporting events.

p. 84-91 inPREPARATION: Information, tips and or training programmes for various sporting activities and events.

p. 92-99 inSHAPE: Important information covering topics such as health, nutrition and exercise.

p. 102-103 in THE HOLE: Golfing articles and celebrity interviews.

p. 104-111 inNATURE: Outdoor experiences and activities such as fishing and hiking.

p. 112-113 inDULGE: A wine and dine section with a twist. p. 114-115 inSURE: Valuable information about insurance

and related topics. p. 116-117 inTERTAINMENT: Movie, music and gaming

reviews. p. 118-125 inFOCUS: Photography section with a

competition and event-specific photography tips.

Base

Regulars

Vol 3 | Issue 6 | 2011 | www.doitnow.co.za

KEY: ADVENTURE | SPORT | LIFESTYLE

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8010 DO IT NOW December | January 2012

Adventure p. 18-49

107

// inTRANSIT 20-23 OLD FAITHFUL Discovers Botswana and Namibia, Part 2: Central Kalahari to the Okavango

// inGEAR 24-29 IN REVIEW: BMW X3 xDrive35i 25-29 Get Ready for the Toyota FJ Cruiser// inh2O 30-31 Setting Sail 32-34 Discovering Baffin Island A Young Explorers Dream Playground! 36-38 Diving the SS Thistlegorm 40-43 The Great Barrier Reef and Beyond - Australia Part 1 of 2

// inALTITUDE 44-45 Wingsuit Meets Parachute: Team XRW Takes Off and

Gives Back

// inCREDIBLE pLACES 46-49 An Unforgettable Trekking Adventure in Laos The Gibbon Experience

// inTRODUCING 52-53 Alt X: Alternative and Extreme Sports Expo 54-55 Trampolining - Bounce Your Way to Better Skating// inACTION 56-59 To Hell and Back 60-62 The 2011 Wildcoast Wildrun - Wild, Wet and Wonderful 63-64 Trail Runners Dazzle at Diamond Dash 66-68 2011 ISUZU 3 Towers A Celebration of Cycling 70-72 Riders Ride to Rescue Rhinos 74-77 South Africa Triumphant at Waveski World Championship 78-79 Lifesaving SA comes to the Rescue 80-83 Redstars Redmist Raceway BOTTS Race 84-86 The Road to Dakar 88-91 Christmas Kayaking// inShApE 92-94 Nia Love your Body, Love your Life 96-97 Are you Supplement Savvy? 98-99 WHIPLASH: A Minor Injury with Major Symptoms

// in ThE hOLE 102-103 Back in the Firing Line// inNATURE 104-106 Discovering Natures Bounties 107-109 A Closer Look at Fynbos 110-111 Namaqualand by Mountain Bike

// inDULGE 112-113 Recipes: Classic Kentish Gypsy Tart and Lemon Garlic

Steamed Mussels

// inSURE 114-115 Uncertain Times Call for Smarter Saving Solutions// inTERTAINMENT 116-117 Music, Movie and Game Reviews// inFOCUS 118-123 SHOOT! A Night Race// invOLvED 126-127 Rhino Skydive a Great Success! 128-129 Vet Books for Africa

DONT HESITATE! DONT PROCRASTINATE! DO IT NOW!

www.doitnow.co.za 11

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Sport p. 50-99

Lifestyle p. 100-129


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inGEAR: Words by Francois FlamengoPhotos by DO IT NOW

Get Ready for the Toyota FJ Cruiser

Any serious 4X4 enthusiast will agree that the Toyota Land Cruiser range

is as good as it gets when it comes to going off-road. These vehicles are

very capable, durable, powerful and reliable in the most hostile and

unforgiving environments. I have had the pleasure of driving one of

these awesome off-road vehicles for the last five years, and used it in

just about any kind of terrain that is out there .


When I saw the Toyota FJ Cruiser on a website more

than five years ago, I was really excited about the

prospect of this vehicle coming to our shores. The

retro-styled FJ, which is based on the old model, went

into prodution in 2006 after popular demand at the

February 2003 Chicago Auto Show, where it featured as

a concept model. It has been a long wait, but finally it is

now available at your local Toyota dealer. The question

is, was it worth the wait?

McCarthy Toyota Lynwood extended an invitation to me

to take one of their FJs for a spin. I was totally amped to

take it off-road and find out if it was worthy of its Land

Cruiser badge.

Onca Off-road Development has also been keeping an

eye on the new FJ and developed a complete set of

accesories for it. When I asked them if they could get

a vehicle ready for testing, they immediatly said yes. I

would now be testing the standard FJ against a pimped-

up version this was going to be very interesting.

With the vehicles arranged, I now needed a playground in

which to test these new toys. I decided on Wakkerstroom

and the reason was very simple. Coming back from a

diving trip in Ponta do Ouro, hectic roadworks between

Pongola and Ermelo led to me having to take a detour

through this little gem of a town. What I saw was an area

rich in opportunities for adventure and I couldnt wait to

DO IT NOW in Wakkerstroom. Testing the FJs here was

the perfect excuse to go back.

Now it was a matter of setting a date and booking

into one of the many lodges available in the area. We

decided on the weekend of 28-30 October, and after

some investigation online, we found Balele, a farm 15km

outside Wakkerstroom.

Our test weekend finally arrived and I collected

the pimped-up FJ from Onca Off-road on the Friday

afternoon. It was fitted with a EFS suspension, which

gave it a lot of clearance, and a macho yet stylish bull

bar, all complimented by a set of Lightforce Genisis spot

lights, rock sliders and a complete tow bar replacement.

The standard 265 Dunlop tyres had been replaced

by 285 BFs. The final product looked very sexy and

aggresive, but not over the top.

Morne, from DO IT NOW, was on his way to pick up

the standard FJ and we agreed to meet on the road to

Bethel. It was time to start up those engines and see

what these puppies could do.

Making my way out of Johannesburg, I felt very relaxed

behind the wheel. The vehicle handled extremely well

and the ultra smooth 4-litre V6 was reving comfortably at

2,000rpm when cruising at 120km/h. The gearing from

the five-speed automatic transmission was flawless and

gear changes were almost undetectable. The instrument

layout was also simple to understand and operate, and

with the controls within easy reach. Some of the features

from the model I drove included park distance and active

traction control, a rear diff lock, low range and leather

seats. The vehicle is powered by normal two-wheel

drive, which I believe is great for fuel economy. Should

four-wheel drive be required, it was a simple shift away.

We arrived in Wakkerstroom around 19h00

in wet weather, having taken a dirt road

from Amersfoort. I was impressed at how

well the EFS suspension complemented

the FJ, and the drive on the dirt road was a

breeze and I always felt in total control.


We drove to Balele and after being shown to our rooms

by owners Cobus and Estelle, we kicked back and

relaxed around the braai and enjoyed a cold Windhoek

Lager. After some excellent company and a fabulous

dinner, it was time for bed.

The group met at breakfast and the plan was to get

the show on the road by 9am. Estelle gave us a picnic

basket for the day and our coolers were filled with some

cold drinks and water. It was then time to check the tyre

pressures, and once everyone confirmed their pressure

at 1.6 Bar, we were off.

Cobus joined us and pointed the way to the start of a

4x4 track. It was an old farm road that made its way

to the top of Balele Mountain and back down again to

the farm. It would keep us busy for four hours, should

nothing go wrong, and be a perfect course to test the

vehicles on.

I shifted my FJ into low range at the start of the pass

leading up to the top of the mountain, facing the first

rocky obstacle. From past experience I would have

engaged the rear diff lock to ensure good traction,

but decided to leave all the features off to start with.

The vehicle started to move forward in low 2 and to

my surprise simply rolled over all the rocks with ease,

thanks to the great suspension travel and approach and

departure angles. The only thing I had to do was steer the

vehicle through a good line and feather the accelerator

when it had to roll over some of the bigger rocks. We

continued onwards and upwards and every time I

expected the FJ to struggle, it overcame the obstacle

with pure ease. We reached the top after a few hours

and I spoke to Len to compare his experience with the

standard version. It seemed that the only real difference

was the lack of clearence, which forced him to use the

rear diff lock over some of the more dangerous areas on

the way up. Without this, it would have still reached the

top, but there definitely would have been damage to the

lower parts of the vehicle.

At the end of the day the pimped-up FJ made mince

meat of the track and it never felt like it was going to

struggle. Anything in its way was overcome effortlessly.

When compared to the Pajero, Hardbody, Fortuner and

Land Cruiser Pick Up Ive been in, the FJ was by far the

easiest to drive in similar off-road conditions.

I am confident the standard FJ will become a legend on

our roads over the next few years. Although some might

think that its an entry level 4x4, they will be pleasantly

surprised to find it to be fun to drive, extremly capable,

durable and dependable, and worthy of the Land Cruise

badge. This dedicated off-roader is a great all rounder

that offers the driver a very smooth ride over any terrain.

So what about the pimped-up FJ? Onca Off-road

succeeded in transforming the FJ into a fantastic 4x4.

The only problem I foresee is that drivers may get

themselves into dangerous situations because of the

vehicles amazing capabilities. I strongly recommend

going for training if this is your intention and you have

little experience.

In summary, the FJ is a lot of car for the money you will

be spending. My only critisim is that if you have a large

family, the space for the rear passengers is a tight fit. But

on the flip side it is not a fault in the design, but rather

part of it - this is a vehicle for sport and adventure. So

if you are in need of more space, there are plenty of

alternatives to choose from in the Toyota family, which

also offer very good all-round capabilities.

South Africa, or rather Africa, can get

ready to welcome the new kid on the

block, and its ability off-road and style

give us plenty of reasons to like it. Theres

no doubt that the FJs forte is conquering

terrain where the pavement ends.

Yip, it was definitely worth the wait!

inH2O: Words by Colette StoltzPhotos by Various Photographers


Crew Cape Town to Simonstown 2011 Photo Garth

First regatta 2011 Cape Townto Langebaan

First time helming -Photo Ronnie Roos

Second time sailing -Photo Ronnie Roos

Langebaan2011 bay race

Sunset, two weeks out of CT en route to Tortola - Photo Richard Porter

Then a couple of years later I moved to the Mother City and it took me some time to understand that the wind would drive you crazy if you let her and the ocean would drive you wild if given the opportunity. Surf her, swim her, sail her; she's never the same from one day to the next and that is what makes her so alluring and irresistible.

One day, while sitting on a rubber duck after a fantastic dive off Malongane in Mozambique, I asked our skipper how he came about his calling. This conversation led to a promise to myself: to sail and never stop exploring.

Many years have passed since that first ocean dive in Mozambique and my promise to set a different course for my life. Looking back, I haven't accomplished even a small part of what I set out to do, but I haven't given up and spend my life dreaming and planning my next adventure on the water. Just recently I had the opportunity to play helmswoman onboard an ancient Spirit 28, and I almost took out the bow of a neighbours moored yacht. This happens to the best and my promise never entailed being the best.

For me, being outdoors is a necessity and a day on the water, preferably sailing, is deeply rewarding. My dream has taken me in all directions, from hostessing on a luxury yacht, scrubbing decks, crewing on a delivery yacht to the Caribbean, training with the NSRI at the Waterfront and racing a regatta rookie style, to sitting at a yacht club watching the yachts sway from side to side, as a southeaster blows against the backdrop of a golden sunset.

Don't get me wrong, sailing isn't just about chilling in the summer sun and drinking scotch; although that happens too. There is so much to learn about yachts, including the main parts and the use of each, sailing at different angles to the wind, handling the boat, leaving and returning to the dock, safety on the water, required safety gear and equipment, sailing laws and regulations to name but a few of the skills and knowledge required to take to the water. Then just when you think you are competent, the wind changes and a new challenge faces you, such as making a good bowline not just on land, but in the dark, in the rain and in 20 knots of wind, while shaking uncontrollably from the cold and the adrenalin coursing through your veins, as you fall about hoping for your sea legs to arrive. You will get rope burn and black knees, and on some days you hit land thinking, What was that?

But when the sun is on your face and the wind at your back, and you are surrounded by the vastness of the ocean and a feeling of tranquility descends upon you unlike anything experienced on terra firma, it hits you to your core just how alive you feel.

Sailing is the single best thing in my life, emotionally and recreationally, and I am sure that if you tried it, you too will find that peace and adrenaline is one and the same. Its living, but not as you know it. It will change your life, challenge you and you will learn something new every day you are on the water. And it will keep you young and stoked.

Until the next time, safe seas.

The first time I went sailing was on a dam in Gauteng. Even though I didnt understand much about what needed to happen, I loved being outdoors, on the water and in the sun, removed from the normality of being on land. Everything seemed so much slower and I felt more aware of my surroundings.

SettingSail

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure 31


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inH2O: Words by Henk Badenhors

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On board the luxurious Scuba Scene Yacht (SSY), we watched a fascinating documentary on the history of this majestic vessel. We learnt that the SS Thistlegorm, a British armed merchant navy vessel, set sail on her fourth, and final, voyage from Glasgow on 2 June 1941, destined for Alexandria, Egypt. The vessels cargo included rifles, munitions, aircraft parts, Wellington boots, trucks, motorbikes and two LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives. Due to German and Italian naval and airforce activity in the Mediterranean, the SS Thistlegorm sailed as part of a convoy via Cape Town, where she refuelled before heading north up the east coast of Africa and into the Red Sea. While anchored in the Straits of Gubal, in the northern Red Sea, she was sunk by a German bomber during the early morning hours of 6 October 1941, and now rests at a depth of around 30m. World renowned diver and founder of the well known diving brand Aqualung, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, discovered the wreck in the early 1950s. Today it is one of the most popular diving spots in the northern Red Sea and also considered to be THE best wreck site in the world.


inH2O: Words by Steven YatesPhotos by Steven Yates & Spirit of Freedom


the great barrierreefand beyondaustralia part 1 of 2

a splash. the sound of bubbles. hundreds of metres of clear blue water in every direction. the abyss looming below, punctuated with a shiver of sharks. laura and i where finally diving the great barrier reef and coral sea.

We were collected bright and early from our little backpackers hostel in the heart of Cairns and whisked off to the airport to board our low-level flight to Lizard Island, where we met our luxury live-a-board, Spirit of Freedom. It was Lauras first flight in a light aircraft and the Cessna Caravan provided a superb experience as we whizzed north above the largest barrier reef in the world, en route to Lizard Island. We were unlucky not to see whales as the other plane transporting some of our fellow divers spotted a pod just ahead of us, but that was a small and our only disappointment of the four days spent on the Spirit of Freedom.

Most live-a-boards leave early in the morning so a night in Cairns prior to your departure is highly recommended. The final day onboard is usually a full day of diving, so try to book your flight out of Cairns in the late afternoon or early evening to prevent yourself from being restricted by your no-fly limits.

Spirit of Freedom has a capacity of 26 passengers and offers Padi Advanced and Padi Nitrox Courses onboard.

Spirit of Freedom can be contacted [email protected] orwww.spiritoffreedom.com.au/

iDINfo box


Luxury Boating

Turtle Our chariot awaits

Giant gorgonian fans Mystical world Skunk Clown hinding out

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure 43www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure 43

The Spirit of Freedom is by far the most luxurious live-a-board that Laura and I have ever been on, with double beds, en suite bathrooms, wine with dinner and nightly photo shows of the days diving. It was truly a great experience and the staff, led by Captain Tony and Cruise Directors Nick and Dayna, where magnificent and catered to our every whim. The never ending cookie jar was a massive hit, almost as much as the personal touches like a bottle of bubbly for a honeymooning couple and the celebration of Lauras 100th dive, as well as one of the other divers 600th dive.

Our dive schedule was crammed full. The Spirit of Freedom left Lizard Island as soon as we were aboard, for the outer barrier and our first two dives. We then cruised overnight to Osprey Reef, some 150 nautical miles off the coast and into the Coral Sea, where we would do nine dives in two days before overnighting it back to the Barrier and another day of four more dives. Fifteen dives in three-and-a-half days WOW.

The first two dives were more orientation dives so that the team of instructors could gauge the guests experience levels for themselves and create dive groups, which would allow the most amount of freedom while diving. Laura and I were allowed no limit diving without an instructor, which was fantastic as we could dive at our own pace, depth and time, and not feel pressurised by those going deeper and longer. The dive groups were not larger than six and with only sixteen divers on our trip it felt as if the whole ocean belonged to us.

Once outside the protection of the Barrier Reef and en route to Osprey Reef, the night trip was very rough and everyone welcomed the sea sickness tablets provided. We woke up to a beautiful morning, with a deep blue ocean lapping up onto the aqua shallows of the Osprey and our first dive. With five dives in one day, what was seen on which dive becomes a bit of a blur, but some of the highlights where the scalloped hammerhead (Lauras first), a massive manta ray, countless white tip and grey reef sharks, silver tip reef sharks and two friendly potato cod. Our dives on Osprey Reef were predominantly wall dives, with coral drop-offs descending thousands of metres into the oceans depths. This provided for excellent dive profiles, with our first dives heading down to around 35 metres and then slowly zigzagging up the walls to spend our final 20 minutes at less than 10 metres. In most cases the top of Osprey Reef sits at just three metres below the surface, so the longer mandatory safety stops of five minutes were a marvel of colour and offered some of the best spotting opportunities for smaller critters living in the coral. A particularly remarkable dive site is The North Horn, where nutrient-rich currents flow along the outer wall and provide the perfect environment for colossal gorgonian fan corals of all colours. Another favourite is Around the Bend, a cleaning station at 30 metres that is a great spot for manta rays, sharks, trevally and tuna. Admiralty was also a notable site as it was very different from the normal walls, with long coral gullies penetrating into the atoll at a depth of about three to eight metres and is home to garden eels, puffer fish and plenty anemone and their clownfish.

The trip back into the Barrier Reef was not as rough as the trip out or maybe we were all just getting our sea legs.

The next morning heralded Steves Bommie as the location of our first two dives back on the Barrier. A small pinnacle of coral rising from 35 metres to just five metres below the surface, Steves Bommie is a wonderfully relaxed dive that allows divers to slowly circle the pinnacle, starting at the bottom and working their way up to the plateau.

being much more protected in the barrier reef, there were fewer big things to see, but the abundance of fish life was magnificent, with schools of fusiliers, octopus, lionfish and even the odd turtle. the plateau was once again a fantastic place to explore while completing our safety stop and was where laura andi saw our first-ever stonefish.

We found three; two of which were well camouflaged and very menacing looking. The third was covered in algae growth and almost impossible to spot, but was kindly pointed out to us by one of the instructors. Apparently the algae-covered stonefish had not moved in over six months and there were questions as to whether it was still alive but of course no one would dare touch it to check.

Unfortunately Laura and I had to miss the last two dives as we had to ensure that we could fly the following morning. After three days of so much incredible diving we were both happy to enjoy a bit of relaxation in the scorching north Queensland sun with a good book.

Thanks to everyone on Spirit of Freedom for a magic experience what an amazing underwater world.

The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system and forms a line of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia.

Diving on the Great Barrier Reef contributes in the region of two billion Australian dollars to the Australian economy.

The Great Barrier Reef is primarily made of six types of reef structures; Ribbon Reefs, Fringing Reefs, Lagoonal Reefs, Cresentic Reefs, Planar Reefs and Deltaic Reefs.

There are no atolls in the Barrier Reef system, but beyond the Barrier in the Coral Sea more than 20 atolls beckon divers.

Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea is a submerged coral atoll, roughly oval in shape. It is about 195km2 in size, with an internal lagoon of up to 30 metres in depth.

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Words by Damien LairdPhotos by Lerissa KempinTRODUCING:

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Bounce Your Way to Better Skating


As a passionate skateboarder and wakeboarder

myself, I totally understand what its like to be

really stoked on sticking a sweet session after

having made riding plans for a specific day. Let me

emphasise that I also know how plans do not always

work out as planned. So if you are in this situation,

where youre stuck at home and left with a burning

desire to be busy flipping yourself or your board

over, then allow me to introduce you to practising

on a trampoline.

This nifty apparatus, often residing neglected in the

garden, is waiting to show you how to have endless

hours of fun. Trampolines have a multipurpose

function in the way that they can help you to cultivate

and appreciate the body actions within each

trick, whilst providing an extensive cardiovascular

workout, thus building stamina that will mature into

consistency and a cleanliness of style. It does not

take long to find out that constant bouncing coupled

with complex movements necessitates a great deal

of fitness. When describing the means for simulating

your preferred outdoors activity, it is best to talk

about each sport individually, although they are all

related.

If you dont have a spare skateboard deck on the

side, it is now time to remove the trucks from the

board you do have. Take your plain deck to the

trampoline and enjoy the ability to recreate all the

tricks you already perform on your board and more.

As you bounce apply heavy pressure on your back

foot, as this has the same effect as popping off the

tail on a skateboard. Additional rear-foot pressure

will increase the height that the deck rises above the

trampoline mat. Once you have the basics covered,

youll essentially mimic the different skateboarding

kicks on the trampoline. With added hang time in

the air, the method in which you execute each trick

is slower than on your skateboard.

The practice known as Skampolining can be

recognised as a sport within itself. Start by landing

shove-its with a simple scissor kick as you lift into the

air. Move onto learning each flip from the rudimentary

kickflip and as they build in difficulty and intensity,

you will find yourself able to stick high-level stunts

such as bigspin flips, inward 360 degree heelflips

and even 540 flip variations. Become professional

by stomping everything normal and switch.

Snowboarding is a growing sport in South Africa and events are held at Afriski in the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho. These guys flip their entire bodies around, rather than the board under their feet. It is good to establish your balance off the ground by spinning on the trampoline. The easiest spin, in the form of half a revolution of the body, is known as a 180. Add 180 degrees to each jump so that you spin as much as possible in one jump. You may find that two revolutions or 720 degrees is not the maximum you can spin. We are always pushing the limits and people have been known to achieve 1,440 degree plus spins! Your newly acquired spatial awareness and body control skills can be used when executing the many backflip, frontflip and sideflip spin variations. Make sure that you are comfortable on the trampoline and remain in the middle of the mat at all times. Try strapping your skateboard deck to your feet to tweak out snowboarding-related grabs.

On the trampoline wakeskating is the same as skateboarding, and wakeboarders do similar flips to snowboarders barring one difference when practising water-based sports; you jump with a handle firmly in the grip of at least one hand. Here, a rope with a handle at the end is attached to a tree or strong structure a few metres above the trampoline. This imitates the tow of the rope experienced behind a boat or cable on the water. This provides added stability to every trick performed against the pull of the handle, as the rope is fixed in a specific place. Certain spins are initiated with a tug of the handle towards the relevant left or right hip. A trampoline is also an excellent resource to use for wakeskating and wakeboarding training, as the spring of the mat is very much like the pop felt on water. In either case it is essential to exert the force of your weight downwards before you are able to lift off whichever surface you are on.

So dont delay finding a trampoline if you are currently without one. It can be used whenever you have some free time and want to ride. On those days that the convenience of hours at the skatepark or on the river are not available, call a friend over and test each other with trampolining. This will not only maintain your level of riding, it will actually improve your talents and fitness. Bouncing on the trampoline is definitely the most fun substitute or addition to any nature of board riding.

Have fun and always be safe in attempting this recreational hobby.

For all the skateboarders, wakeboarders,

wakeskaters and snowboarders out there

who feel most at home when standing on a

board, heres something you have got to try!


inACTION: Words & Photos by Stephen Cunliffe

Forget the Marathon des Sables, forget the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon, forget every other endurance race Ive ever competed in when cramps gripped my quads 26km into the Otter Trail Run, I would have sworn that this was the hardest, most gruelling trail marathon Id ever signed on for. With a swim across the Bloukrans, three steep climbs and 16km still to go, my sub-seven hour finish was looking like an impossibility. In fact, just completing the event within the eight-hour cut-off was suddenly looking like the ultimate challenge.

How tough is the Otter?I was not the first person to find this a tough race. Hardened trail runners described the inaugural 2009 Otter Trail Run, which attracted some of the best endurance athletes in Africa, as the pinnacle of outdoor endurance events. And, although its only been on the scene for three short years, this epic event has earned a deserved reputation as one of continents toughest trail runs.

Race organisers, Magnetic South, in association with SANParks and chief sponsor Hi-Tec, offer an incredible opportunity to energetic outdoor enthusiasts to run the full length of the Otter Trail once every year, with the Otter Run and Ramble being the only times when trail running is permitted on this legendary trail. The Otter Run, with a cut-off of eight hours, is recommended for the more serious trail runners, while the Otter Ramble, with its more lenient 11-hours cut-off time, can be completed by any reasonably fit person.

Salt River Prologueand the AbangeniThis incredible two-day adventure begins with registration, safety equipment checks and the Salt River Prologue. The Prologue is an essential part of the Otter Trail Run and the demanding 4km course functions as a seeding race for the main event the next morning. Upon completion of the Prologue, the fastest 16 runners become known as the Abangeni or Challengers and these top athletes start in one bunch ahead of everyone else. A four-minute delay follows their departure, after which the rest of the runners are set off in groups of four participants, according to the ranking of their Prologue results. The seeded groups are deliberately spaced 30 seconds apart to spread the field, as the narrow trails of the Otter would never cope with 200 athletes charging off en masse straight into a single-track bottleneck.

TO HellanDBack

Dubbed the Grail of Trail, this brutal 42km full trail marathon weaves its way along the very same route as the legendary Otter Trail South Africas most iconic and spectacular hiking trail as it traverses the rugged coastline and crosses the many rivers within the majestic Tsitsikamma National Park.

The OtterAfrican Trail RunAt the final race briefing, race director Mark Collins scared the hell out of all the competitors, especially the first-timers like me, with nightmarish stories of the ordeal that awaited us early the following morning. It astounds me that there are 200 maniacs out there willing to voluntarily take on Africas toughest and most technical trail marathon you are all crazy people, he concluded. After scoffing down a huge plate of carbo-loading pasta, I slunk away to my bed and ruminated on his terrifying words and the huge challenge that lay ahead.

On the morning of Friday 30 September, 200 endurance athletes from around the country, along with a sizable international contingent, gathered in the inky blackness below a star-studded sky at Storms River mouth. Nervous tension mingled with an electric atmosphere in the cool morning air ahead of first light. As dawn broke on a picture-perfect day, we set off running through indigenous coastal forests, into deep ravines, over imposing mountains, past stunning waterfalls and across the fynbos-clad slopes of the Garden Route National Park.

Eventual Ramble winner Maritz Theron wades across the Lottering River at the 20km mark.


The Otter terrain involves technical trail running such as jumping over tree roots, ducking under branches, hopping over slippery rocks, running across unstable pebbles and charging through rivers. The first 4.5km is the most sustained technical stretch of the race and requires focus and concentration. The briefest lapse will cost you your race, with a twisted ankle or worse. Our race was no different to previous years, with 12 competitors forced to retire early due to sprained and swollen ankles.

Hugging the shoreline for most of the way, the course demands competitors cross four sizeable rivers, all of which involve getting more than just your feet wet! The third of the big rivers is the infamous Bloukrans River, which involved a long wade followed by a short swim and a scramble onto the slippery, mussel-encrusted rocks on the far side. Lifeguards, safety personnel and emergency response equipment were a welcome sight at the Bloukrans crossing and Im sure I wasnt the only exhausted runner that silently thanked Magnetic South for putting such thorough planning and preparation into the safety aspects of the event not least the crossing of this perilous river.

But, ultimately, the big rivers proved the least of my worries. The Otter Run involves no fewer than eight significant climbs, with three of these exceeding 100 vertical metres for a total elevation gain of 2,700m overall. The endless ups and downs of this brutal course soon took their toll on fatigued legs. Some of the climbs would best be described as inhumane, with the extreme gradient forcing even the strongest athletes to walk on some of the steepest stepped sections.

After the Bloukrans swim and two more tough climbs, I was suffering badly and rapidly approaching a wall. The run was starting to blur in my memory, cramps niggled at my quads and I felt as if I had long since crashed through the pain barrier. Friendly SANParks rangers gave vocal support and encouragement to us, while thoughtful race marshals also provided the rugby scores in the SA-Samoa World Cup match, but my increasing exhaustion was distracting me from the surrounding beauty of the landscape.

It took 34km before the course finally hit its first sustained section of flat trail. Unfortunately, by this late stage, most runners had become involuntary walkers like myself, and it was a monumental challenge to try and force my cramping legs and empty fuel tank to take advantage of the easier trail conditions. However, stunning views of huge waves crashing onto a pristine rocky coastline under bright blue skies buoyed my spirits, providing a surge of endorphins that helped me dig deep for one final push around the infamous Cramp Corner, down onto the beach and across a precarious floating bridge, before finally finishing at De Vasselot campsite in Natures Valley.

Returning from his epic victory in the gruelling Leadville 100-mile ultra-marathon in America, Ryan Sandes, the soft-spoken trail runner extraordinaire, dominated one of the strongest trail running fields (Ryan Sandes, Andr Gie, Will Robinson, Bruce Arnett, Greg Goodall, John Collins and Victor Gugushe) ever assembled on South African soil to clinch first place and the coveted Grail in Africas premier off-road running event. Shaving an impressive seven minutes off Andr Gies record, Sandes finished in a blistering 04:40.

From left to right: The stunning Garden Route shoreline | The notorious Bloukrans River crossing | A precarious floating bridge provides one final obstacle before the finish | Race rules require competitors to carry a predetermined list of compulsory safety equipment in case of injury and bad weather | Swept by waves and strong currents, the Bloukrans crossing is not for sissies! | Riana Vorster powers her way around the Salt River Prologue course ahead of the Otter Ramble | The treacherous terrain calls for total concentration. Far right: Otter Ramble competitors contendeding with 60mm of rain and flooded river crossings.

In the last nine kilometres I was feeling it, but what a stunning route and privilege to run here. And swimming across the notorious Bloukrans River was definitely a first for me in a trail race, enthused the victorious Sandes.

In recognition of their achievement and as part of the race legacy, all winners get to name a memorable spot on the trail. When Sandes was asked for his contribution, he replied without hesitation, Sandemans Surge on the Bloukrans. While crossing the Bloukrans in challenging mid-tide conditions, Sandes was washed into a swirling eddy where he floundered for a few minutes before managing to clamber onto the rocks and continue running. So, if youre ever fortunate enough to participate in this amazing race, keep an eye out for the commemorative plaque that will immortalise Sandes ordeal.

The Otter is undoubtedly one of the hardest and simultaneously most exhilarating events Ive ever taken part in. I staggered over the line, with the other mere mortals, two-and-a-half hours behind Sandes and the Abangeni in 110th place, but, thankfully, well within the eight-hour cut-off time.

Mark Collins summed it up perfectly at the final dinner and prize-giving ceremony when he said, This race never ceases to amaze and humble me. Two hundred trail runners completed the Otter in under eight hours, which blows my mind. And we saw an impeccable display of athleticism and running, especially from those who battled home in a gruelling 12 hours in tough wet condition on the Ramble.

Much like the Comrades, from next year Magnetic South will be introducing the up run from Natures Valley to Storms River mouth, and thereafter it will alternate on an annual basis. Its a tough prospect, but the breathtakingly beautiful Otter is a realistic proposition and well within the grasp of any keen trail runner, who is willing put in some hill work. So, dont put it off, sign up now for the experience of a lifetime on South Africas Grail of Trail.

Otter Trail Run contact details:Race website: www.theotter.co.zaOrganisers website: www.magneticsouth.netEmail: [email protected]

iDINfo box

Motorbike routes through South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland Detailed descriptions of each journey with maps & GPS points All routes have been personally driven by the author, Greg Beadle Includes useful traveller info including biker-friendly accommodation spots Q&A section from experienced riders

AVAILABLE IN STORES NATIONWIDE FOR R250.

0860 10 5050 | WWW.MAPSTUDIO.CO.ZA


Words by Kurt SchultzPhotos by DO IT NOWinACTION:

Tuesday 11 October Its just three days until the start of the Isuzu 3 Towers

Stage Race and Challenge and Im off to Sabie Cycle Junkies for some new tyres

for my metal steed. For the Challenge, the assistant recommended that I go for

a serious front tyre, one that looked more like a motocross tyre to me, which I did and it was to prove a smart move.

Wednesday 12 October - Two days to go and counting. Im starting

to get real nervous as I complete my last 20km bike ride before the big

event. Sleep eludes me as stories Ive heard about stage racing and the

renowned Mankele course consume my every thought. I keep telling

myself that what doesnt kill me will make me stronger

Thursday 13 October - One more sleep. To allay my nervousness, I

call Max Knox for some last-minute advice. Being a local in Hazyview,

I have been privileged to ride with Max and Louens Luus, two of South

Africas top MTB riders. His words of wisdom are, SMASH THEM.

Friday 14 October Its race day! Im up with the birds at 04h30

and my stomach is tied up in knots as I make my way to Mankele with

my trusted Ghost bike. Having never taken part in this event, never

done more than a 45km ride before, never ridden three days in a row

and never with a partner, this event is going to be a lot of firsts for me. So although I dont know what to expect, Im hoping for the best and

looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the Challenge, with

my partner Mohamed Asvat.

Arriving at Mankele, I am stunned, and seriously impressed, with how well organised everything is. My tent has already been erected, the race village is ready for action and a breakfast, with everything we need for the race, is waiting to be tucked into. There are numerous tea and coffee stalls operating, and I was soon to find out that the three meals provided each day were nutritious and delicious. From the squeaky-clean ablutions to the highly professional and thorough daily pre-race briefings, there was nothing I could find fault with over this three-day event. Credit must go to the organisers for doing such an outstanding job.

Lining up at the start of one of the most technical mountain bike races around, the tension is tangible. The big boys in the Racing class are off first at 07h00, with a distance of 70km to be covered on day one. Shortly thereafter, Mohamed and I set off with the Challenge class, grateful that our route is only 50km long.

2011 ISUZU 3 TOWERS

A CELEBRATION OF CYCLING


DAY 3 (53km): Shammy creamOur final day starts off with a muscle-crunching five-kilometre climb, before the route took a turn through a tunnel so small that it almost took my head off. Next up is an incentivised climb, where the first 29 riders who make it to the top receive R500. Alas, I was not one of those riders as I had to push my bike up the last 100m. Once at the top, the 360 view was spectacular. From here, switch backs dominated for the next few kilometres and is where many riders took a fall, including yours truly. And then we heard the music again, as it came and went on the wind, buoying our spirits and tired bodies the end was getting near.

Todays ride had been incredibly tough with long, continuous climbs and very steep drops. At the 10km mark we passed a sign, LAST LEGS clearly the organisers had a sense of humour too. After another energy-sapping climb, it was all down hill past Sudwala Caves and across the finish line. Ive done it!

This is the kind of race that separates the men from the boys. I had passed the test and can proudly take my place alongside the real MTB men. However, this opportunity would not have been possible without my partner, Mohamed, who gave me the chance to discover just how incredible this race is.

it is real mountain biking in every sense, it is breathtaking, it is exhilarating and it is possible. Roll on 2012!

Day 1 (50km): Living LifeLiving in Hazyview, we are fortunate to have some of the best mountain bike trails around. Sabie, Graskop, no fences, few people, minimal traffic, just nature its what you call mountain biking heaven. And then theres Mankele; renowned for its sometimes technical, but always flowing, fast single track and big mountain trail riding. As the organisers limit the number of entries, there are no hold ups and you can just let go on the kilometre after kilometre of fast single tracks; and going fast is what I love doing most on my Ghost. Then just as youve had your fill of speed, there are the bush tunnels, narrow and more fast flowing, very technical rocky sections and disc-burning descents, and the scenery is truly amazing what more could you ask for?

Day 2 (52km): Learning about lifeTodays challenge is 52km of which 33km is up, up, up and some more up. We dig deep as the going is tough and very slow, but manageable. As we near the peak of the second tower, we can hear loud, vibey music, pumped out by the DO IT NOW team as they encourage all the riders to the top. Their water point at the summit is a welcome relief, with loads of goodies on offer. But it is their sound system that makes you feel like a 16 year old sneaking into The Doors underage and buying your first drink, knowing its just a question of time until you are asked to leave.

The remaining 19km section is made up of extremely fast descents that test skills to the max. Next up is another bush tunnel and once through, theres around 5km to 7km of very fast and technical riding. At this point, I felt like Greg Minaar on a downhill bike. Closing in on the finish, we hammered it.

I struggled to keep up with Mohamed today; I think he thought he was last in the queue for a bunny chow.

The organisers never cease to amaze and even arranged complimentary Shammy cream for the riders, which they handed out at the pre-race briefing held later that evening.


Words by Gerrit RautenbachPhotos by Hendrik Steytler & Brett Nattrass from PixelateinACTION:

Ride the Rhino is an annual mountain bike stage Race held in aid of the dwindling and endangeRed RenosteRveld in the westeRn cape. this yeaR, the oRganiseRs went one step fuRtheR. they used the Race to cReate awaReness of the thReat Rhinos aRe facing.

The PSG Konsult Ride the Rhino started in Langebaan on Friday 30 September and ended after three gruelling days on Sunday 2 October, at Nitida Wine Estate in Durbanville. This is the second year it has been held and is the brain child of Justin Basson, a passionate nature lover and conservationist. Living in Durbanville in one of the secluded left-over patches of Renosterveld (there is

a mere 4% of it left in the whole of the Western Cape), Justins objectives for the race are to create awareness and raise funds to help with conservation efforts. One of his long-term plans is to build mountain bike corridor paths between as many of the left-over patches of Renosterveld as possible.

Renosterveld probably got its name from the fact that there were many rhinos roaming the area when the first Europeans arrived in the Cape. This was a close enough link for the race organisers to add rhino poaching to this years awareness campaign.

But first, back to the race. When you have a tough and challenging route and you serve it up with great organisation, live entertainment and some pampering, you will get good riders queuing up at the starting line.

RideRs Ride to

Rescue Rhinos

Early Friday morning saw 288 (a very special number, but more about that later) riders peddling from the Langebaan Country Club towards Darling on what seemed at the time to be an easy ride. En route riders were treated to beautiful scenery, flora and fauna, as well as well stocked refreshment tables at !Kwha ttu. While cruising through Buffelsfontein, all the riders had their eyes nervously peeled for a buffalo that had calved that morning, but in the end it was an ostrich on heat that helped one of the riders break the land speed record on a mountain bike.

That evening the good food, cold drinks and superb entertainment, provided by Darling IAfrika Mamas and a San trio from !Kwha ttu, helped riders forget about their aches and pains, and in no time at all the party was in full swing.

With a John Deere tractor leading the pack out of Darling, this stage had its own unique set of challenges in store for the riders, as they made their way towards Malmesbury. The notorious Dassenberg, which indicated the halfway mark of the race, was one such challenge, as what goes up must come down. But in the case of Dassenberg, it doesnt quite work out that simple. The downhill section is far longer and a lot more technical than the uphill. So that debunks the myth: the going up is not always worth the coming down, and many a rider had to resort to walking this four-kilometre section. But by this time, the camaraderie amongst the riders was incredible to witness, as they worked together to conquer each challenge.

The evenings entertainment and a humongous, protein-boosting steak were once again just what the riders needed to wipe away the memory of the days hardships and suffering.

While everyone was relaxing and enjoying themselves, the riders received a very special surprise; a surprise that would unite them even more. As mentioned earlier, the 288 riders taking part in this event was also the same number of rhinos that had been killed by poachers up to the day the race started this year. So the surprise was specially designed red Rhino shirts for each of the participants, kindly sponsored by Raiel. This meant that each rider, from that moment onwards, was riding on behalf of a rhino that had been shamelessly and senselessly killed.

duRing the whole of 2007 only 27

Rhinos weRe poached, compaRed to the

288 in 2011. this means that oveR the

last fouR yeaRs, Rhino poaching has

incReased by a staggeRing 1,000%

stage 1 - langebaan to daRling (80km)

stage 2 - daRling to malmesbuRy (85km)



As 288 riders set off on the last leg to Durbanville, all looking identical, it was a sight to behold and a very emotional moment. For the first time in the history of cycling in South Africa, every rider in the pack wore the same shirt.

This stage saw the riders having to dig deep to conquer the gruelling, monster climb up Paardeberg, and thereafter all that remained between the group and the finish line was the killer single track to Nitida Wine Estate. While both climbs were seriously harsh, the true destroyer was the ever-present, bad old Cape Doctor. This relentless southeaster can knock the wind right out of a riders sails like nothing else, and even the toughest competitors had a hard time getting through.

Fortunately, there is nothing as short as a sportsmans memory. The southeaster, sweat and tears were once again forgotten as participants enjoyed a well-earned picnic and some of the countrys best wines at Nitida Wine Estate. That glazed mind-over-matter look they all had in their eyes on the last uphill made way for a look of total satisfaction and pride. In fact, the riders looked as strong as Arnold Schwarzenegger by their first sip of wine, and they sounded like him too, saying the same thing over and over again. Ill be back ...

Well done to everyone who took part and supported these worthy causes, and the race results were as follows:

ladies team:1. Team Bizhub - Yolandi Du Toit and Nicci Grobler2. Team Daisyway - Erica Green and Louise Jansen van Rensburg3. Jag Ladies Team - Eulogy Du Plessis and Naomi Rothmann

mens team:1. Endangered Tortoises - Riccardo Stermin and Billy Stelling2. Team Wilde - Reniell Matthysen and Timo Cooper3. Jag Mtbdestinationdotcom - Matthys Beukes and Gerrie Beukes

mixed teams:1. Contego Sludge - Erik Kleinhans and Ariane Kleinhans2. Neotrend Property Developers - Dirk Nel and Ronel van Wyk3. Team Oneplan Trek - Craig Caseyhughes and Maritza Terblanche

ladies solo black:1. Desiree Loubser2. Janine Wencke3. Sonja Saunders

men solo black:1. Fourie Kotze2. Mark Bennett3. Henry Fagan

JunioR Rhinos:1. GU Prg - Matthew Lombardi and Stephan Senekal2. Sludgestellenberg High - Louw Kriel and Sybrand Strauss3. Paul Roos - Bethel Muller and Stian Venter

For more information on Ride the Rhino 2012 go towww.renosterveldmtb.co.za

stage 3 - malmesbuRy to duRbanville (80km)


Compiled by Tracy KnoxPhotos by Dennis WalthewinACTION:

Its summer time and with the festive season upon us, water

safety is of extreme importance, especially when you consider

that approximately 70% of our population is not proficient in

swimming. Sadly, drownings account for the second highest

cause of accidental death

amongst children under the age

of 15, and for every child that dies from drowning, five are left with permanent brain damage as

a result of the prolonged lack of

oxygen. It takes only four minutes

without oxygen for irreversible

brain damage to occur.

Says Prof. Paul Singh, Chief Director: Sport Support, Liaison, Events and Facilities, Sport and Recreation South Africa, The large number of drownings is simply not acceptable, and awareness campaigns about water safety and basic swimming skills must become a priority in every province and household.

One such association that has played a significant role in promoting water safety and safeguarding against the loss of life from drowning for many years is Lifesaving SA.

Established in 1933, Lifesaving SA has provided a voluntary lifeguard service that benefits our communities and country at large. Today, it has around 5,500 members, who perform voluntary lifeguard duties, operating at 62 coastal (Surf) clubs and some 56 inland (Stillwater) clubs across South Africa.

Their commitment to water safety has been unstinting and the results speak for themselves: approximately 92,340 rescues have been performed and 3,128 first aid cases attended to. In addition, more than 2,000 life guards are trained per year and over 400 communities have been reached through its water safety education programmes, which focus on raising awareness about lifesaving, and empower children and youth with water safety knowledge, basic resuscitation training and lifesaving rescue techniques. SA Lifesavings phenomenal contribution has led to many popular bathing coastlines becoming drown-free zones.

However, saving lives is not these unsung heroes only focus. Sport is an intrinsic aspect of lifesaving and Lifesaving SAs National Team has successfully competed in many international competitions and recently came second in the 2011 Commonwealth Stillwater Championships held in Durban. Lifesaving as a sport is the only discipline that requires its competing athletes to first gain certification in criteria to save a life.

LIFESAVING SACOMES TO THE RESCUE


2011 Commonwealth Stillwater ChampionshipsKings Park Aquatic Centre, Durban

By Tommy Ballantyne

Eight nations attended the championships, which were taken over by Lifesaving South Africa at short notice when India found they were unable to host this prestigious event. The event was held at Durbans Kings Park Aquatic Centre from 28 September to 1 October. Australia retained both the National and Development team titles at the 2011 Commonwealth Stillwater Lifesaving Championships.

Host nation, South Africa, were runners-up to Australia in the race for both titles, as they have been on the last three occasions the championships have been held. The next championships will be held in Canberra in 2013.

Australias margin of victory over South Africa might have been a lot less had the SA team not suffered as many disqualifications as they did for basic rule infringements, in a sport that demands exceptionally high standards of competition.

The most outstanding male competitor was South Africas Armand Marais with 60 points, followed by Tim Schofield from Australia with 53 and Nelson Giraldo from Canada with 50. The corresponding female results were Zara Williams from England with 63 points, Sarah Henderson from Northern Ireland with 56, Felysia Konakoff from Australia with 53 and Gail Findlay-Shirras from Canada with 52.

The top South African girl overall was Eloise van Gysen who tied with Englands Josie-Louise Williams with 50 points each.

In all, eight new championship records and three Commonwealth Sport records were set, of which South Africa claimed four. This is a fantastic achievement and we are all very proud of the teams outstanding performance.

NATIONAL DIVISION South African Results

Mens individual events: 200m obstacle swim: 1. Tim Schofield (Aus) 01:57:17 (Championship

record), 2. Sam Bell (Aus) 02:01:28, 3. Werner Bosman (SA) 2:01:98

100m manikin carry plus fins: 1. Armand Marais (SA) 00:50.82 (Championship

record), 2. Mitchell Parkes (Aus) 00:52:60, 3. Barjo van Niekerk (SA) 00:53:09

50m manikin carry: 1. A Marais (SA) 00:30:73 (Commonwealth Sport

record), 2. B van Niekerk (SA) 00:30:92, 3. Andrew Bowden (Aus) 00:31:56

100m manikin tow plus fins: 1. A Marais (SA) 00:55:99, 2. W Bosman (SA)

00:56:96, 3. Ian Leitch (Can) 00:58:03 Womens individual events: 100m manikin carry plus fins: 1. Pamela Hendry (Aus) 01:01:14, 2. Felysia Konakoff

(Aus) 01:01:99, 3. Guinivere Rogers (SA) 01:04:79 200m Super Lifesaver: 1. F Konakoff (Aus) 02:35:83, 2. Eloise van Gysen

(SA) 02:39:74, 3. G Findlay-Shirras (Can) 02:40:18 100m manikin tow plus fins: 1. G Findlay-Shirras

(Can) 01:06:00 (Championship record), 2. Eloise van Gysen (SA) 01:07:39, 3. Samantha Plumb (SA) 01:07:43

TEAM EVENTSMEN:: 4x50m obstacle relay: 1. South Africa 01:42:47 (Championship record), 2. Australia 01:43:04, 3. England 01:47:32 4x25m manikin relay: 1. Australia 01:14:75 (Championship record), 2. South Africa 01:15:81, 3. England 01:19:42 4x50m medley relay: 1. South Africa 01:33:57 (Championship record), 2. Australia 01:35:13, 3. England 01:37:76

WOMEN: 4x50m medley relay: 1. Australia 01:47:66 (Championship record), 2. South Africa 01:50:81, 3. England 01:52:00

MIxED:: 1,650m SERC Relay: 1. Australia, 2. N Ireland, 3. Canada, 4. England 5. Scotland, 6. South Africa

OVERALL POINTS CLASSIFICATION

National Division: 1. Australia - 515 points, 2. South Africa - 449, 3. England - 401, 4. Canada - 398, 5. Northern

Ireland - 309, 6. Scotland - 269 Development Division: 1. Australia Dev - 496, 2. SA Presidents Team - 445,

3. England Dev - 375, 4. Canada Dev - 369, 5. Mauritius - 142, 6. India Dev -130

Words by Dave Griffin - Super Bike RacerPhotos by Ronny Hall www.rsrpix.co.zainACTION:



Words by Francois FlamengoPhotos by DO IT NOWinpREpARATION:

TheRoadTodakaR

I was anxIous when I opened the much-antIcIpated emaIl from the organIsers. congratulatIons mr. d. curtIs, your entry for the 2012 dakar has been accepted. my dream of takIng part In the bIggest off-road race In the world was to become a realIty. I was on the road to the famed dakar rally.

These were the words from a very excited Darryl Curtis when I asked him to describe how he received the news about his entry to the Dakar Rally, which takes place from 1-15 January 2012, through three countries Argentina, Chile and Peru and covers a gruelling and mind-blowing distance of almost 9,000km.

This process might sound pretty standard and straight forward; you mail the organisers and asked them for an entry form, complete it and you are in. In reality though, it is actually a lot more complicated than that because even if you have the close to a million rand to burn on a chance to take part in the Dakar as a complete privateer, your entry is screened and only if you have all the correct credentials on your racing CV are you accepted. For Darryl this criteria was not a problem. With more than 20 years of riding experience in some of the most difficult races around the world, he had the right minerals to tackle an extreme race like the Dakar, also known as the most dangerous race in the world!

x



But entering was the easier part. The real hard work now was to secure enough sponsors for the race, get a bike to race on, sort out all the logistics and start training for this endurance race.

Broadlink came to the party as the title sponsor. Mike Brown from Broadlink is also a very enthusiastic motorsport supporter and when he was presented with the opportunity to become Daryls title sponsor, he grabbed it with both hands.

ktm sa supplIed the bIke for the race, and when It arrIved at bandIt sIgns you could feel the excItement In the aIr. we couldnt waIt to see what was InsIde the box that rolled In on a forklIft. the bIg whIte stIcker on the sIde read 450 rally factory rep, a sIgn that the toy InsIde meant serIous busIness.

Once the KTM Dakar Beast was revealed, it was easy to see why these bikes are perfect machines for this type of race. The Beast came standard with an Akrapovic exhaust, a Scott performance steering damper and navigation system for the race book, all finished off with some very stylish carbon plates and mountings. In a nutshell it had all the bells and whistles for a rider to simply through a leg over, start her up and get her onto a race track. It definitely lives up to the manufacturers slogan Ready to Race. The pressure was now on Darryl.

I asked Darryl about his training programme for this race and how it would differ to his normal training schedule. He explained that the biggest changes were having to go on a strict calorie-controlled diet and supplement his training schedule, of six days a week, by adding three Pilates sessions, two three-hour mountain bike stints and some 300 XCW training on the weekends, either taking part in a race or out on a training ride either in Lesotho or around Johannesburg. Pilates is great for strengthening the core, which is very important if you have any aspirations of finishing the race.

Some of the other challenges facing Daryl, besides the logistical nightmare of getting all his equipment to the starting line, were preparing his body to cope with very little sleep and long days in the saddle, staying focused throughout the race and learning how to navigate each stage, to get him from point A to B timeously each day.

It was time to call in the specialists. Darryl hooked up with Ingo Waldschmidt and the guys from Africa Motions Tours in Namibia, who specialise in training rides for the Dakar. They would help him to tackle each of these challenges, as well as two of the most important aspects of his training; riding the bike through some massive dune terrain and how to find all the hidden checkpoints en route. Ingo Waldschmidt, a seasoned rider from Namibia who has competed in two Dakar rallies, shared his experiences that he had learnt the hard way. When it came to the dunes, it was absolutely amazing to see how the bike handled in the sand, practically gobbling up the massive sand monsters with ease. However, the challenge was not to get up the dune; it was learning how to navigate through all the nasty dangers that lurked beneath the sand. The smallest lapse in concentration will see you come short, either by falling down a slip face or into a blind hole in the sand. Anyone who has done big dune driving in Namibia will understand exactly what Im talking about.

With all the preparations for the Dakar well underway, we wish Darryl a fantastic race and look forward to following him through each stage. In the February issue of DO IT NOW, Ingo will give us insight into his past experiences of the Dakar race, to help us really understand what Darryl was facing.

god speed!

I would like to thank everyone who shared their wonderful experiences with us and invite all of you reading this article to come and play with me. Step into your own joyful journey with Nia and positively shape the way you feel, look, think and live, and share some experiences of your own.

A few months ago I plucked up the courage and joined Nia in Lonehill, and I have never looked back. I love going to class, I feel that its real me time, no one judges me, I do everything at my own pace, the music is great, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, the teachers are special and while doing Nia I get to appreciate my body. Nia has definitely helped my posture; its also keeping me trimmer and fitter. At first I was a bit nervous that Nia would only be for young people and that I would make a complete idiot of myself. Not true, if you enjoy Nia age does not matter. I find it very invigorating and refreshing, Nia is such a fun way to get fit. Shona Yates

I love the freedom of Nia. It gives the impression that you

can just let go and move with the music, to be swept away!

It was only after a friend of mine did the Nia White Belt

training that I realised how much structure is built into the

programme. As a student you get all these benefits, without

ever feeling restricted. I suppose it is part of the Nia magic,

that these two often opposing experiences are so seamlessly

blended together! Liezl van Rensburg

Nia is proving to be an amazing holistic experience for me. Everybody has a story, suffice to say, mine has had its share of challenges. The healing art of Nia has helped me access more joy, wellness and enabled me to progress into a stronger space. It is an energising workout without even realising just how happy your body is! It is such fun as you move into the rhythm of the music, learning to let go of the mind chatter. Literally leaving it all behind, somehow the troubles shift with more perspective. The more one is able to access the joy, the more powerful experience I have found ensues on many levels. The sense of community with other folk is special, spontaneous, supportive and completely non judgemental. Unique in todays world! Gail Williams

Coming from a more competitive and regimented dance background, Nia provided me with the opportunity to truly let go and dance like no one is watching. I have been teaching Nia since 2006 and through expressive but purposeful movement, Nia has allowed me to de-stress, improve my fitness, strength and flexibility; get in touch with my body and free my spirit! The first principle of Nia is The Joy of Movement, which is what I inspire in my students and espousing that every day is an opportunity to dance through life. Shelley George

When I started Nia two years ago I lived in my head

predominantly, I was very disconnected from my body. Nia

helped me reconnect that and put me into my body. For me

its also a wonderful barometer of how Im feeling, as some

sets I feel free, easy and able to do things at a level 3, then

another one pushes some emotional button for me and I

have to keep it small. That then starts me thinking about

what it is about that movement thats pressing my buttons.

Nia helps me to remain centred and in my body, which is a

fantastic place to be. Katrina Evans

Nia was born out of the 80s aerobics craze in the USA. In 1983, Debbie and Carlos Rosas took off their shoes and eliminated the repetitive jogging up and down that embodied traditional aerobic exercise, to create a barefoot blend of east meets west fusion fitness. Nia is now taught in over 45 countries.

In 2002, the Nia technique was brought to South Africa by Black Belt trainer, Kathy Wolstenholme from Colorado, who has a studio in Cape Town.

Laura runs a studio in Lonehill and her contact details can be found on www.nialonehill.co.za. Classes are available throughout South Africa. To find a teacher near you, go to www.niagp.co.za andwww.niasouthafrica.co.za

iDINfo box



Words by Dr Rikus ScheepersinShApE:

Whiplash is a non-medical term used to describe a hyperextension or flexion injury resulting from sudden force applied to the spine, more towards the neck. It is most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when hit from behind by another vehicle, However, it is also a very common injury among athletes participating in sports where collisions and falls are likely to occur, such as mountain biking, horse riding and motocross to name a few.

The first cases of whiplash were documented around 1919 after passengers involved in a train collision suffered from severe neck pain and stiffness. But back then these injuries were described as having railroad spine, as the main mode of transport was by train. With the invention of cars, the terminology has changed to whiplash and describes the mechanism of injury to the spine that most commonly occurs from car accidents.

Symptoms of whiplash usually only start presenting 6-12 hours after the injury. The delay often results in whiplash regularly being missed or under diagnosed as a minor soft

tissue injury, because no fracture, dislocation or acute symptoms are present at the initial examination. Once these symptoms start they persist, and if still present after 12 months they are likely to become a permanent problem.

In my practice I have found that most patients with recurring and chronic neck pain have had previous whiplash or a contusion-type injury that wasnt treated and managed appropriately at the time of the trauma. This may have happened many years ago and was initially just a niggle that got progressively worse.

The Chiropractic Approach

WHIPLASH:A Minor Injury with Major Symptoms

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+ SPINAL WELLNESS CLINIC

Cause of pain and future problemsAlthough the exact mechanism of the injury and cause of pain is still debated, it is believed that the sudden hyperextension and change in the position of the head, as it is snapped back, causes micro tearing of the stabilising ligaments and tendons in the neck. These multiple small injuries result in an inflammatory response that starts in the days following the accident. This response causes muscle spasms and stiffening of the ligament and deep muscles around the cervical vertebra (neck bones and joints). The stiffening of a joint segment is a natural protection response from the body, but if not treated and loosened it will form a permanent area of mechanical dysfunction. It is believed that this stiffening is the reason for whiplash symptoms and progressive degenerative changes that follow these injuries if not treated correctly.

It can be compared to an arm that is in a plaster cast for six weeks; the muscles become very weak and the elbow joints stiffen until trained again.

Recommended treatmentThe Quebec Task Force was a study done in Canada by 18 health-care professionals over two years. Their aim was to determine the best treatment for whiplash-type injuries, to reduce the large cost associated with the management of chronic whiplash injuries.

The findings were that mobilisation treatment that includes manipulation, cervical traction and soft tissue therapy will provide the fastest recovery and lowest risk of developing chronic problems. One of their main recommendations is that a neck collar shouldnt be worn for more than 72 hours after a whiplash injury involving only soft tissue and that treatment is started as soon as possible.

This changes the REST approach of managing soft tissue injuries to one of active rehabilitation that is far more successful.

What should you do if you havea whiplash injury?The truth is that whiplash injuries are serious. If you have sprained or bumped your neck and start to experience any of the mentioned symptoms, it is advised to consult your GP or Chiropractor, who are trained to assess the injury and rule out instability or fractures as soon as possible.

Once diagnosed, treatment should be started with a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist. Recommended treatment should consist of spinal mobilisations including manipulations, traction and home exercises.

Soft tissue therapy should include deep tissue massage, IFC, ultra sound and heat therapy. Progress should be monitored during the treatment and exercises adjusted so that the patient can regain full, pain-free range of movement.

Travel safely over the festive season and good health to you all.

The most common symptoms experiencedafter a whiplash injury are: Neck pain and stiffness Tenderness on the front of the neck Headaches Swelling in the muscles Middle back pain

Other symptoms can include: Numbness and pain in the arms Dizziness Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Decreased concentration Tiredness

Chronic whiplash symptoms are: Neck stiffness, with limited range of movement Regular headaches Cracking noises in the neck when rotating the

head Difficulty looking in the blind spot when reversing Neck pain when waking up in the morning


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The area, formed by the Elgin near Grabouw to the north, Kleinmond to the east and Bettys Bay to the south, is considered the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere. The Cape mountains, pushed up through the earths crust over millennia, show only the sandstone stumps of a mountainous region originally five times higher. Yet this geology has enabled the fynbos to thrive in a super balanced ecosystem for some 65-million years, and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world at the higher levels of this mountainous area. If you can get there. Being so remote, this area has remained inaccessible for most until recently, when organic farmer turned conservationist Brian Pickering created access to these parts through guided motorised and electric transport.

Pickering started Nature Discovery, an ecotourism concern located within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, at the Grabouw Country Club, and offers visitors a previously unavailable opportunity to explore and appreciate the reserves biodiversity using four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles and electric two-wheeled off-road Segways. Both vehicle types were chosen and adapted to cause minimum impact on the environment.

He says the vehicle trails penetrate deep into the pristine wilderness, opening up a whole new world for both the adventure traveller and wildlife enthusiast. Anyone who rides with us will find this eco-adventure educational and stimulating.

The trails lead high into the mountains, where around every corner new views, species and a world of discovery await. The number of species found within small areas, for instance, would in some cases equate to areas smaller than half a soccer or rugby field, yet accommodate the total world range!

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Its fynbos - and increased access to one of the Western Capes greatest assets is what draw botanists, conservationists and adventurers from all over.

The Kogelberg Biosphere is criss-crossed with pathways and trails that for decades have opened up its treasure of beauty and discovery of remote areas to visitors. Yet the fascination does not seem to wane and its only when you look at the nature of fynbos, if youd pardon the pun, that one begins to understand this love affair.

Fynbos is the predominant vegetation type of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only six floral kingdoms in the world. The Cape Floral Kingdom stretches from Nieuwoudtville in the north, to Cape Town in the south and east to Grahamstown in a crescent-shaped band.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is both the smallest and richest floral kingdom in the world, with the highest known concentration of plant species at a staggering 1,300 per 10,000km. Over 7,700 plant species are found in fynbos, an astonishing number for such a small area. Of these, roughly 70% are found nowhere else in the world.

Fynbos Mimetes Hirtus Proteaceae


Some of the specie diversity per square metre is the most dense in the world. Yet many of the species found here are threatened with extinction. Of the more than 580 species of ericas or heaths that grow here, only 26 are known to occur in Europe.

At first glance, the most striking feature of fynbos is the presence of many conspicuous members of Proteaceae (protea family) and Ericacae (erica family), and the numerous Resionaceae (reed and sedge family) that fill the spaces usually occupied by grasses elsewhere. However, the largest family in number of species is the Asteraceae (daisy family), with just under 1,000 species of which more than 600 are endemic.

Furthermore, fynbos is very rich in geophytes (bulbous plants) and many species from the family Iridaceae (iris family) have become household names, such as Bibiana, Freesia, Gladiolus Iris, Moreae, Sporaxis and Watsonia.

Though fynbos is not particularly

rich in reptiles and amphibians, many

of the species living there are both

endemic and threatened. The very

rare Geometric tortoise is found in

only a few surviving fynbos areas

and is regarded as the worlds second rarest tortoise.

The Cape is home to more than half of South Africa's frog species. Of the 62 different frogs occurring here, 29 are found nowhere else on earth. The Table Mountain Ghost frog lives only in the mountain's fast-

flowing, rocky streams. The tiny Micro frog and Cape Planata are restricted to a few surviving vleis* in the south-west Cape. Besides these, a number of other endemic frogs also occur in fynbos.

Hiking or biking through pristine fynbos in such remote areas brings home the reality that this ecosystem is extremely sensitive. Many species have such a tiny range that ploughing a field or building a single house can wipe out the entire worlds population of a unique form of life. Alien plants such as Hakea, Rooikrans, Port Jackson and Pine trees from Europe vie for scarce water resources and once established, simply displace sensitive fynbos.

The Capes flora is an ecologically balanced system. While fires form a normal part of fynbos ecosystem regeneration, too many fires and burning in the wrong season easily upset the delicate balance required for normal functioning. As a result of this, and combined with the naturally limited range of many species, urbanisation and the spread of agriculture, numerous fynbos plants are now seriously endangered or extinct. Part of the dilemma is whether or not to tell members of the public where a rare species occurs so that they could help act as watchdogs. But doing so may put the species at risk to unscrupulous collectors and cultivators.

As always, the answer most likely lies in education and here, conservationists like Brian Pickering play an important role by making possible a first-hand experience of our more remote natural treasures.

* The word vlei is of Dutch/Afrikaans origin, meaning 'pond' or 'marsh'. Vleis is the plural form of the word.

Fynbos Witsenia Maura Fynbos Erica vistita


inDULGE: Words by Chef Neil RossPhotos courtesy of the Inanda Club

Classic KentishGypsy TartThis is a TarT ThaT defies iTs inGredienTs! iTs a desserT for any oCCasion and your GuesTs will beG you for The reCipe.

inGredienTs: 400g Tin of evaporated milk 10 oz Dark muscovado sugar 10 inch Cooked shortcrust pie shell or make your own Whipped cream to serve Rum

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