GROOT TOREN 4X4
ECO TRAIL IN THE BREEDE VALLEY
21 – 22 JANUARY 2012
A HIDDEN GEM IN THE VALLEY OF WINES
Just outside the beautiful village of McGregor, where it seems time has stood still; you will find the Groot Toren 4x4 Eco Route. Jacie and Marinda Oosthuisen are the proud owners of this unique 4x4 destination near McGregor. It is a trail that has featured regularly in DRIVE OUT’S Top 10 4x4 destinations. Be prepared to be amazed.
The trail was originally used to transport farm workers, by means of a tractor, to the top of the mountain to pick produce, mainly a variety of Fynbos and Proteas, with breathtaking views at every turn. Goudgat mine, approximately 1000m above sea level, is a prominent landmark of the trail and is also the official snow line in the region. The name Goudgat says it all. A person with the initials A.T. dug this hole over a period of two and a half years in search of gold. He eventually stopped as he only found tin in the mine and not a trace of gold. Many years after he disappeared, never to be seen again, locals found some of the tools he used in the mining activities
The 4x4 trail, situated in the foothills and slopes of the Riviersonderend Mountains, is a spectacular circular mountain trail and consists of rock/mountain and sand. During the wet winter months the mud becomes an interesting added factor, ensuring additional challenges and fun for all. The start of the trail is at the campsite close to the town of McGregor. Various interesting challenges en-route will keep drivers entertained for most of the day, more so because of trying to keep your eyes on the road and not looking at the fantastic surroundings. En-route we will stop at various viewpoints, the first being Bakenkop, from where it will be possible to look out over the whole Breede River Valley, with panoramic views over Robertson, Ashton and Bonnievale. On a clear day even Swellendam is visible in the far distance. The route traverses a relatively flat section called “The Tuin” where one will see a large variety of Fynbos and what can only be described as a Protea forest. A fairly steep ascent to the Krokodilklip and Goudgat viewpoints will ensure spectacular views over the valleys below, normally filled with colour throughout the year. Quoted by the owners Jacie and Marinda Oosthuisen, “The views are absolutely amazing, almost unbelievable, throughout the year”.
Adrian and Adielah Potgieter will be your hosts for this weekend, so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, see the largest number of Protea species in one place anywhere, get some fresh air through your lungs and see some magnificent scenery, call us now to make sure you get to see one of the most colourful routes around.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles: Only vehicles with low range capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers: Off - Road Trailers & Caravans CAN be accommodated on this excursion.
Grading: Trail grading is between a 2 - 3.
Nearest Town: McGregor.
Guide: Adrian Potgieter.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : ENGEN 1-STOP on the N1, just past JOOSENBERGVLAKTE.
DATE : SATURDAY, 21 JANUARY 2012.
TIME : 07h00 SHARP. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS AND BE ON TIME.
SATURDAY, 21 JANUARY 2012
07h00 - Rendezvous at the ENGEN 1-STOP on the N1, just past Joostenbergvlakte.
07h15 - Briefing on activities and convoy driving for the day.
07h30 - Depart for Groot Toren 4x4 Eco Trial via all the back roads.
09h30 - Arrive at Groot Toren 4x4 Eco Trail and set up camp.
10h15 - Briefing on 4x4 driving and what to expect on the trail.
10h30 - Depart on the Groot Toren 4x4 trail.
12h30 - Enjoy a self-catered lunch en-route.
16h00 - Complete the trail and return to camp.
19h00 - Communal evening braai where the Cederberg4x4 formalities will take place.
SUNDAY, 22 JANUARY 2012
09h00 - Enjoy breakfast at camp.
09h30 - Optional hike on the Groot Toren hiking trail, up the kloof behind the campsite, or go
visit the very interesting little town of McGregor.
- Depart for home on your own time.
FUEL STOPS EN-ROUTE
Ensure that your vehicle is refuelled at the rendezvous point PRIOR to the start of the briefing. Sufficient fuel stops will be made en-route eliminating the necessity to carry additional fuel.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
The campsite offers ablution facilities consisting of 2x Flush toilets and 2x Hot/cold showers (“Donkie”).
ACCOMMODATION
As this excursion is offered as a camping weekend, everyone must be equipped accordingly.
There are however 6 two bed cabins at the campsite available on a first come first serve basis. These will be at an additional cost for your own account.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
GENERAL
• Water is available at the campsite. Always advisable to bring your own drinking water on excursions.
• Supply your own light. Remember spare batteries.
• A communal braai area will be determined. (Only one fire permitted)
• WOOD - Bring own WOOD for the braai and sitvuur. (Minimum 3x Bags of wood per vehicle.)
• Remember bring braai grid, braai stand and tongs, cooking/eating utensils, table and chairs, tent and poles.
• Bring Black bags (what we take in, we take out).
• The days could be warm and the nights cooler. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Remember to bring your sun block and hat.
• Remember to bring your cameras, video cameras, spare batteries and extra film.
• Should you have books of flowers, remember to bring it along.
• Remember your table and chairs.
• Always consider the possibility of rain. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed shoes or boots.
• It is advisable to always have an umbrella or awning available.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed, as loose items can become missiles.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles and Off-road trailers must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres.
• Please ensure that you have a fire extinguisher is mounted in a very accessible position.
29MHz TWO WAY RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on any 4x4 excursion is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on a 4x4 trail, where drivers can communicate with one another as regards to their location and situation not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants.
We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from us at a nominal fee of R100-00 for this excursion.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have a double adapter handy as well as spare fuse for this excursion.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
Should you wish to make a once off investment and purchase a 29MHz radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Marina on 021 913 4632.
COST
R475-00 per vehicle for the camping option.
R250-00 per vehicle for the cabin option plus R350-00 per cabin for two people sharing.
R100-00 Radio hire, should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29MHz radio.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this excursion, please contact Marina immediately to obtain the booking form and banking details.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 12 vehicles on this excursion.
• All Cederberg 4x4 excursions are subject to a minimum of 8 x vehicles.
• All bookings are made on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Cederberg 4x4 only confirms a booking upon receipt of your completed and signed booking form via e-mail or fax.
• Your completed and signed booking form is conformation of your booking and therefore subject to the condition on page two of the bookings form.
• The full amount is payable 14 days prior to the excursion.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ALLOWED
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
COENIE on 083 675 6194 or MARINA on 021 913 4632
FAX: 021 913 2333
E-MAIL: info@cederberg4x4.co.za
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All information supplied remains the intellectual property of Cederberg 4x4