jeep club sa q3 newsletter

NEWSLETTER / NUUSBRIEF Q3 - 2014

P.O. Box 36086, ANNLIN 0066 Fax: 086 505 0484 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.jeepclubsa.co.za

The Jeep Club South Africa caters for what we believe in - family fun in our Jeeps!

IN THIS ISSUE

◊ MOEGATLE (GP) ◊ BOEGOEBERG (WP) ◊ INCHANGA VALLEY (KZN) ◊ AAWDC INTERCLUB (GP) ◊ THE WEDGE (GP) ◊ STONEY BROOK (KZN) ◊ BRIDGESTONE JEEP CLUB SA

CHALLENGE (WP) ◊ NYAMAZANE (KZN) ◊ RUST DE WINTER (GP) ◊ KILARNEY 4X4 (KZN) ◊ GECKO ROCK (WP)

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For more information and photos see www.jeepclubsa.co.za

http://www.jeepclubrsa.co.za/

NEWSLETTER – Q3 2014

NOTE: THE OPINIONS OF WRITERS IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THEIR OWN AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINION OF THE JEEP CLUB SA. THE JEEP CLUB SA DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOUR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE OR DISABILITY.

Disclaimer: The Jeep Club South Africa has no connection with the website www.jeepclubrsa.co.za and dissociate itself from any publications on this web site.

MOEGATLE – 13 JULY 2014 (GP)

The Moegatle 4x4 trail is situated approximately 30km north-east from Brits in the North West Province, on the property of the Mpudung Community, and is a challenging and adventurous off-road trail which tests the driver and the vehicle to the limit. The Trail obstacles are rated between 2 and 5 and the Trail is referred to as one of SA’s three terror trails. It includes all types of driving situations with the cherry on top being “Koos se Klim”, which tested the already shredded nerves of the braves even further. It was an early morning start for the Jeepers who travelled to the venue, while a few others braved the cold and camped on site.

A total of 32 Jeeps, divided into three groups, started the trail under the capable guidance of Corne, Werner and Armand.

The obstacles have nick names which are very descriptive of the relevant situation encountered, i.e. “Propshaft Valley”, “Ou Ryperd”, “Shake-Shake”, “Prado Killer”, etc.


Since the route is exceptionally long, there was not enough time for a braai afterwards, but the Jeepers were well prepared and “picnic” food was enjoyed along the route.

It was quite late afternoon before everybody arrived back safe at the camp and, as usual, we had strong competition for the traditional awards.

Don’t be fooled by the “action” photos. Most of the trail is surprisingly negotiable (sandy) and very scenic with by-passes for those not wanting to engage in the difficult obstacles – not that any of the Jeep enthusiasts opted for the by-passes. Although driving for most of the day we have not nearly covered all the routes available – we will be back.

As usual some much “deserved” awards were also handed out.

Heksie se Taxi (”Good Guy’s”)

Corne van der Merwe; Werner Schaap; Armand Schaap - thanks for doing a great job of marshalling the Jeepers through the difficult route. (Photo right)

Bosvark (“Bad Guy”)

Giel van Niekerk – arrived late and later got stuck in such a way that a serious recovery operation had to be undertook. (Photos left and right)


Stirrer (“Paplepel”)

Jaco van der Merwe – no fear in showing the Wranglers how it should be done by driving most of the obstacles in his standard Grand Cherokee 5.7V8 - Well done! (Photo right)

Hard Luck (“Spares”)

Martin Nel – damaged the front drive system on his Rubicon while attempting to climb “Klipdrift”, a rated 5 obstacle, and NO, there was none of the obstacle’s “name” involved before or during the event. (Photo left)

Everybody enjoyed the activities of the day and it was agreed that we should come back to Moegatle in 2015 and do the route over two days to ensure all

the obstacles can be done.

BOEGOEBERG - 27 July 2014 (WP)

It was 7pm as we drove down the wet gravel road towards Boegoeberg. The bluish lights shining through the heavy rain of the Grand Cherokee following us occasionally turning orange as another extinction level crater swallowed the car whole and splashed red mud higher than the roof. The traction control light had already given the “this is a bad idea” blink blink.

But when we arrived at the cavernous (it’s made of sandstone rock) lapa we were reminded why the Jeep Club is our kind of people. A few tjops on the braai together with a bit of red / white / brandy wine later, it was time for the first day to end. Nice and comfy in one of the farm cottages, briefly sparing a thought for the less privileged that had the courage to drag off-road trailers all this way knowing they had to stay in them in a weekend full of rain.

Day two, the Jeeps are lining up and my wife is still straightening her hair. Luckily Craig would guide us up, unluckily Mark and Riaan decided today my “city” Grand Cherokee is going to drive to a tower somewhere beyond the clouds. “How hard can that be?” quips my cucumber (cool, not shape. Sies!) like co-driver. As the cars head off into the most beautiful fynbos one has ever seen the usual glazed panicked look comes over me.

We’re not going to a tower; we’re driving up an ancient lava flow that failed as a river bed for being a little too much like a perpetual waterfall. Axle articulation is for sissies as our car balances on two opposing wheels and slowly tips towards the next impossible rock face. 6 degrees outside, but we’ve got the windows open, kids singing “BOOM SHAKER SHAKER” as the suspension says howzit, and the wife’s got the aircon blasting furnace like air at our feet (obviously sourced from aforementioned lava flow).


Cucumber co-driver cracks another biltong stick as he peers down the next valley full of little rocks all anxious to meet up with my sliders. Trail done, nerves done, and in the immortal words of Barry Hilton; “NOU GAAN ONS BRAAI”. Kids have made friends and so have we.

Day three, after farm fresh roosterkoek, a rustige meander through a valley, when all of a sudden the snake like convey slows to stare at another sand covered incline. I hear through the radio something about 45 degrees and assume it’s a lava temperature thing until there’s some slightly disconcerting laughing over the radio and the first car is up the ’45 degrees’. We all follow and are greeted with the most amazing vista of, well; there’s no other way to put it, mist. But still, this way it masks the sheer cliffs a few meters away from my rock pock marked tyres.

And that’s it, everyone packs, says their goodbyes and leaves. We’re all happy and amazed at how breath-taking the scenery is out here, until we start back down extinction alley avoiding Joburg sized potholes, again. Paul Niemantinga

INCHANGA VALLEY- JULY 2014 (KZN)

An outing into Inchanga Valley is always tough and very scenic - also very popular with the members. We also welcomed members from the Mekor Group, a new Jeep Dealer in Amanzimtoti that joined us for the day as guests.


“We all know what the Jeeps are capable of but seeing them in action is amazing”. Said Grant Gibson, Sales Manager of Mekor Jeep. “We consider ourselves really fortunate to be representing such a phenomenal and fun brand. We can’t wait for the next outing with Jeep Club SA and putting our range of 4x4s to the test around Durban and KZN!” Read the full article on the following link; http://www.mekorcjd.co.za/news/jeep-wranglercand-cherokee-durban-4x4-

day-out.html

AAWDC INTER CLUB FUN DAY

16 August 2014 (GP)

This year nine teams, representing different 4x4 clubs registered with the AAWDC, competed in the AAWDC Inter Club Fun Day hosted by the Nissan Club. We entered two teams and guess what;

WE WERE FIRST AND SECOND OVERALL.


Congratulations to the two teams (blue and red) with this magnificent achievement.

Does this photo (left) symbolise that “If we had a third team we could have been first, second

and third”.


THE JEEP CLUB WISH TO THANK THE

ORGANISERS, SPONSORS, PARTICIPANTS, MARSHALS AND

EVERYONE INVOLVED IN ANY WAY FOR

YOUR SUPPORT – ONLY IN A JEEP

THE WEDGE – 24 AUGUST 2014 (GP)

Not exactly sure what to expect by most, saw 23 Jeeps arriving at this golf and 4x4 facility in the Muldersdrift area on a windy Sunday morning. The paperwork formalities were completed, while the Jeepers were enjoying a cup of coffee to neutralise the winter chill. “Easy” and “a Walk in the Park” were some of the descriptions provided by people who “knows” the track, before the start. After the opening and driver’s briefing, the Jeepers were divided into three groups, who started the trial and soon discovered that the “advice” provided before might not have been that accurate. Tyre crossings, sand and cross axle obstacles as well as water and mud play areas soon proved that all will not be “plain sailing”.


After an eventful outing, all gathered back at the Clubhouse where a light lunch was enjoyed and the activities of the day were discussed.

The following people received the customary Awards:

Heksie se Taxi (”Good Guy”): Chris Reyneke who had to do a recovery and went into town to buy spares for a fellow Jeeper.

Bosvark (“Bad Guy/Girl”): Jessica du Plessis thought she was doing “good” when trying to help the vehicle behind her through the pole bridge, but did not realise only her partner understood her hand signs, which left the vehicle behind them ending up missing the pole bridge on one side.

Stirrer (“Paplepel”): A number of contenders, but streaks ahead were Alan Crichton, who managed to “park” his Jeep in a very peculiar way in the mud pool and had to be assisted to get out of the “parking spot”.

Hard Luck (“Spares”): Anne-Marie Engelbrecht damaged the oil filter on her vehicle and, apart from obtaining spares in town, a mini service had to be done at the event.


STONEY BROOK, KOKSTAD – AUGUST 2014 (KZN)

This was a weekend breakaway and although the invitation stipulated that it would be a Grade 5+ outing, the accommodation was booked out in the first three days.

On Friday afternoon we arrived at Stoney Brook in Kokstad. We were treated to a curry, made by one of our members on Friday night. Saturday morning we left early on a magnificent drive through the surrounding valleys, mountains and river crossings. We encountered many grade 4 to 5 obstacles on the trail and enjoyed every single minute of the trip. We arrived back at camp late Saturday afternoon and enjoyed another evening in the peaceful East Griqualand surroundings, before we had to head back to reality on Sunday morning. A big TANK YOU to Shane and friends for guiding us on this awesome trail - You guys made it special.


BRIDGESTONE JEEP CLUB SA CHALLENGE

20 SEPTEMBER 2014 (WP)

Cape Town was the destination for this year’s Bridgestone Club Challenge for Jeep Club SA, held on 20th September at Outrek Pad in Melkbos. Registration and vehicle scrutinising took place on the Friday afternoon at Sandown Motors Jeep Century City under the guidance of the Bridgestone Team, with Mark Esterhuisen and Riaan Solomon doing the actual scrutinising. Vehicle decals were added to the vehicles and all moved to Fives Futbol across the road for a Bring n Braai.

Saturday morning was a beautiful spring day with clear skies and hardly a breeze. The venue quickly came alive with participants arriving and registering to receive their driver rules for the day. Breakfast was served – egg and bacon rolls with hot coffee.

The Marshals did their briefing and hurried out to the 10 gates to set up all the necessaries for the event, while the drivers lined up in their allocated gates for final scrutinising. The horn was blown and the participants departed to the various gates to begin their days driving challenge. Obstacles 1 and 7 became the recovery obstacles with the recovery teams working hard throughout the day to keep the flow moving. The Opposite Lock Wrangler with its newly fitted winch was used to demonstrate the capability of the product. Sandown Motors Jeep – Century City and Tygerberg ensured all obstacles were branded with a respective model of vehicle sold by the dealership.

Obstacle 10 had all the participants depart from their vehicle and climb into a Wrangler Unlimited with a Conqueror trailer attached. The participants had to manoeuvre through mud and steep slopes while providing the marshal with the answers to some environmental questions, relating to the farm.

As quickly as it had begun so had the day come to an end with all gathering for the announcement of results and prize giving.

Congratulations to the top 3 winners:

1st - Mark Hutton-Brown - Jodie Pienaar 2nd - John Ramshaw – Michael Ramshaw 3rd - Kim Kelly - Chandre Mostot

Yes Jeep Club

SA has provided the first female

driver to qualify for the

final. Well Done!


The full results are available on the web site.

The Environmental award went to Melt Pierce and Hannes Joubert – Congrats.

A big thank you goes to all those who assisted in making this a great event and we all look forward to the final Bridgestone Inter-Club Challenge which will take place on 22nd November 2014 in Gauteng. The event will be broadcasted on DSTV during November – details available on the web site.

NYAMAZANE GAME RANCH

SEPTEMBER 2014 (KZN)

The September outing was a day outing to Nyamazane Game Ranch, that lies in the Oribi Gorge Valley down the South Coast. We had great attendance for the warm coastal spring day.

The relaxed drive soon became fun when we found a small river crossing obstacle where the winches were put through the test – this ended in a great muddy affair. After the drive we started the fires and enjoyed the sizzling sound of meat on the braai around the camp site. As usual we enjoyed each other’s company winding down another tough day in Africa.


RUST DE WINTER – 12 OCTOBER 2014 (GP) A group of thirteen Jeepers departed on the RDW Bundu route on Saturday morning (article below) and another eight arrived for the Gymkhana track event on an overcast Sunday morning with a cool bite in the air. The paperwork formalities were completed, tyre pressures adjusted and everybody was ready for the fun to start. After the opening and driver’s briefing, the Jeepers started on some of the more “easier” obstacles, before attacking the more technical ones. Tyre crossings, cross axle obstacles and water play areas soon proved that all might not be “plain sailing”. As the obstacles became more challenging by applying different approach lines, the day also heated up with any possibility of rain disappearing and the Bushveld sun beating down at 34°C.

After the Gymkhana area was fully exploited, all gathered back at the campsite for a bring-and-braai, while the activities of the day were discussed. The group of thirteen excited Jeepers, who were on the Bundu route since Saturday, also returned to the camp, sharing their experiences and it became obvious that they have enjoyed it thoroughly. Each participant received a certificate from the 4X4ATV Club to confirm their successful completion of the Bundu route. The following people received the customary Awards: Heksie se Taxi (”Good Guy”): Daan Nel became our unofficial tour guide for the day, since he was a member of the old Club and visited the area on many occasions in the past.

Stirrer (“Paplepel”):

It was decided that the award will be shared by the following people: Tshepo Malema for attempting all the obstacles with his standard Unlimited and Dijon Rabie for using an umbrella as a roof for his Unlimited to provide shelter against the scourging sun – he left his roof at home. Benny Eichner for “improvising” during the blind drive.

Hard Luck (“Spares”):

Derek de Weerdt for damaging a cross member while attempting the log incline, resulting in the only recovery for the day.


RUST DE WINTER – BUNDU TRAIL

10-12 OCTOBER 2014 (GP)

So what do we say about a perfect “lekker” weekend? Please, don’t end we don’t want to go home!

Some of us did the camping thing from Friday and even the few drops of rain couldn’t damp our excitement. Even when one of the ladies were locked in the ladies bathroom it was accepted as part and parcel of the weekend! Luckily hubby went to look for her and found her!

There were a whole mix of vehicles, led by a Landcruiser with a Hilux covering the rear and between them a Fortuner, Ford Ranger, Isuzu and the rest of the convoy Jeeps, we set out early Saturday morning to conquer the Bundu - sixteen vehicles in total.

Nature begged for rain but it was still beautiful. Lover’s Lane was stunning. The river was very low but driving through the narrow gorge was an experience that won’t be forgotten. Some places even a little bit of “rock crawling” had to be done.

Winding through the trees we came to the Steps where some made it up and others went up the “easy” route. For a while some of us even thought this is the famous “Man of Muis” obstacle just to find out that it’s not! That one was still coming!

Lunch was served along the way and soon we were on our way again. It was raining a little now and this just added to the fun as some rocks were now a little bit slippery and this caused some concern to the first comers! Some of the cars even had “squeaky noises” coming from the inside.

Then we arrived at “Man of Muis” and most showed that they were “manne”. Even the lady driver showed the “manne” it can be done! A few passengers got out and with the excuse of “I’m taking pictures” walked the obstacle

and waited for their lift on top Suzie, I’m not naming any names!

Setting up camp on top of the mountain was more than you can imagine. It was cold, windy but awesome! The sunset from the mountain top was picture perfect and we couldn’t ask for anything more beautiful.

It is here that our first “recovery” for the weekend had to be done! Wollie, very excited to see a nice spot to pitch

their tent for the night decided that if the XJ is man enough for “Man of Muis”, it should be able to go over any rock! It’s that “Jeep Thing” nobody understands. Seun had to do some bending and fixing but all ended well.


Johan, Rick, Barry and Jaco got the fires going to make sure there is warm water for our “luxury” showers and to get the krummelpap and sauce cooked. Soon the smell of braaivleis hung in the air and the hungry were fed. It was an early night for everybody and before 9 o’clock the camp was silent except for some snoring!

Breakfast was early and it was everyone for themselves to make sure the tummies were filled up for the way back.

Luiperdskloof was a sight to see and this awesome scene made the walk to the edge of the kloof worth every step. Even Renosterkopdam could be seen from here. While we enjoyed the view the unlucky Ford Ranger driver had to change a wheel because of a nasty cut on the tyre’s sidewall.

Now the guys started talking about “Superman”. A very dangerous, and therefore a very “I must do it” obstacle. Johan warned everybody that this is done at own risk and on previous occasions they had a vehicle or three rolling down the mountain!

A few brave attempted this and Wollie was the first. Seun spotted and nice and easy, with no excessive acceleration, he made it to the top like a real “Superman”! We are so proud of you, Wollie!

Robin and Suzie were next and their Rubi crawled up. With one roll-back they attempted this rock once again and made it with a little help and direction of Rick. Good for you, Guys!

By now we were going down the mountain on our way back to the RDW camp. One obstacle was still waiting for us: Mine Shaft! This downhill, rocky obstacle made a few braves turn around but with the help of Dominik and Rick we made it down safely.

Receiving our certificates from Johan back at camp was a highlight - Zet receiving his 11th - showing that the Bundu Trail is always exiting and a great experience. For the first timers it was something we won’t forget and I am sure that most of us will be back again to do it. Especially if the group is again led by Johan, Rick, Barry and Jaco.

Thanks, Guys, for making it a great experience!


KILLARNEY 4X4 – OCTOBER 2014 (KZN)

REACH FOR A DREAM

We were lucky enough to be invited to participate in a Reach for a Dream

Foundation day at Killarney 4x4. The purpose of the day was to expose the kids to a day in a 4x4! But most of all to have a great fun day out. It was a successful day organised by one of our own member’s wife’s. The day was a huge success and the Jeeps were a big hit with the kids. The Jeeps attracted a lot of attention, and the kids soon got to know which the best 4x4 on the market is!


GECKO ROCK ADVENTURE TRAIL

24-26 OCTOBER 2014 (WP)

IF YOU WONDERED IF YOU SHOULD JOIN THE JEEP CLUB SA – READ THIS LETTER FROM A NEW MEMBER – AND YOU WILL BE CONVINCED!

So I decided to buy a 4x4 to pull my boat! Oh it had to be a Jeep of all cars. Being a 4x4, I had to go and venture Off-road. First time out I got myself hopelessly in trouble and phoned for a recovery vehicle to come and help me out of the mess. Very next step was training, which opened my eyes big time! Having read a lot about Atlantis, I posted on the 4x4 community forum for a trip, which was to take place on the same day the Jeep Club had their event there. The first reply that came in was from one of the members suggesting I join Jeep Club SA, well I did and the rest, as they say, is history.

The event came up, Gecko Rock, camping only, no electricity, bring all you need. I made the booking and excitement set in, then came the email, event cancelled. Disappointment set in but life goes on so you accept it. Up pops the next email, Gecko Rock is on again. You know that feeling when a child is given a sweet, yep that’s me smiles all over. This was going to be my fourth outing with the Jeep Club. Emails came in, itinerary, directions, things you might need, meeting point for those who want to travel together.

I was the last to arrive at the camp site, in the dark. Somebody approached in the darkness, the voice sounded familiar, it was Craig Parsons, the President of Jeep Club SA coming up to welcome us. He checked if we travelled ok, let us settle in and invited us to the camp fire. After pitching our tent we joined the rest of the group, who were all present around the fire. Introductions took place; there were some new faces, new members and there were some we had met before. The welcome was warm and homely which made fitting in with the group easy for my wife and I. “Grab a chair, have a seat and come closer to the fire”, our chairs were still in the van, and a drink was offered from a stranger I just met. The evening was chilly with a cold breeze, but the warmth of the group around the fire and the entertainment, made you forget about the surroundings. Time crept on quickly and soon it was early hours of the morning, so we retired to get some rest.

I did try to get some rest until the alarm sounded; it was 05h30 in the morning and the group entertainer was up waking everybody with his morning singing. We did breakfast and prepared for the route; tyres were deflated, check-ups on vehicles and indemnity forms completed, before we headed for the starting point. The team leader did the briefing; everyone was put in order for the convoy. An experienced driver was placed at point and one at the rear with the rest of us in the middle. I was even given a radio to stay in touch with the group with the happenings on route, WOW!

I was taken under their wings, guiding me through obstacles, showing me which lines to use , at times laying down to check if my vehicle is going to climb over the rock, the emphasis was on nobody breaking their vehicle. There were guys and dolls packing rocks in some places where I needed some clearance and nobody asked them to do it, it’s like second nature, everybody just jumps in and helps! Yes I got some bumps and bruises, some scrapes and scratches but nothing to write home about, after all you need to have some evidence to show, or they won’t believe you!

I finished this trail, completed every obstacle from beginning to end with the help of a lot of patient and helpful people. Fun and laughter took us through the rest of the day. A big thank you to all who participated and made our stay a most memorable one. Looking forward to the next outing!

Noel Jeftha


Please scan our website for other interesting information!

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OR FAX ON 086 505 0484 OR SMS ON 084 542 8869

with any suggestions, news, comments, readers from abroad, etc.

MEMBERS PARTICIPATION

Your enthusiasm, participation, support and positive attitude will ensure that the Jeep Club SA grow as a family orientated pleasure club catering for the “loves” in our lives - our families, friends, outdoor adventure and needless to say - our Jeeps!


The Jeep Club SA caters for what we believe in - family fun in our Jeeps!

Please print this Newsletter in colour and distribute it amongst your friends and family without access to Internet facilities.

Thank you for your participation and support.

Make sure your companion, kids and friends also read the newsletter and know what we are up to next!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY - HAVE FUN OUT THERE

jeep club sa q3 newsletter

Documents

trail obstacles

jeep club south africa

right newsletter q3

moegatle 4x4 trail

jeep enthusiasts

newsletter nuusbrief

difficult obstacles

adventurous offroad