WAGON WHEELS 4X4
23 - 25 MARCH 2012
THE KOO VALLEY, CHICKEN RUN & THE INFAMOUS RATEL ROUTE, A MUST VISIT DESTINATION FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIES
This trail, situated 40km from Montagu, came into being when old mule wagon routes, which passed between Touwsriver and Montagu in the Waboomsberg Mountains, were used to build this 4x4 trail. The farm Koeniekraal has been in the Le Roux family for four generations and is a working farm. You could expect to see grazing sheep and goats on the farm, with the possible sighting of the ever evasive leopard in the foothills of the Waboomsberg Mountains.
This weekend will be more for the hardcore 4x4 and camping enthusiasts, as we will be driving two of the four trails, that being “The Chicken Run” and the “Ratel Route”. Good ground clearance on vehicles is important and front or rear diff locks a prerequisite.
“The Chicken Run”. Graded as a 3 - 4
This will get the adrenaline up and the blood flowing a lot faster than normal. This obstacle will give passengers the opportunity to get out of the vehicles and take those very special action shots. Drivers will first negotiate this section by foot, ensuring excellent interaction while the correct lines are discussed with other drivers. This is always an ideal opportunity for good photos while observing the numerous attempts through the obstacles by drivers. It is here where drivers get to know his/her own capabilities as well as those of their vehicles.
“The Ratel Route” Graded as a 3½ - 4½
This route has very steep and narrow sections, again drivers and passengers will first walk the technical sections to make sure of the correct driving line, therefore illuminating chance of vehicle damage.
A rear or front diff lock is a must. We will have to build up the trail in some places and this will be done as a team effort, there are no escape routes on this trail, so what go’s in must come out.
Note: This Route is not for the faint hearted and only 10 vehicles can be accommodated. Avoid
disappointment and book now.
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 and diff lock capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers: Off-Road Caravans and Trailers CANNOT be accommodated on this excursion.
Grading: Trail grading is 3 - 4½.
Nearest Town: Montagu.
Guide: Richard, Ethelia and Jake White
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : SHELL ULTRA CITY just before WORCESTER ON THE N1, outgoing from Cape Town.
DATE : FRIDAY, 23 MARCH 2012.
TIME : 17H00 SHARP. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS AND BE ON TIME.
FRIDAY, 23 MARCH 2012
17h00 - Rendezvous at Shell Ultra City just before Worcester on the N1, outgoing from Cape Town.
17h15 - Briefing on activities and convoy driving.
17h30 - Depart for Plooiberg Eco-Trail.
19h00 - Arrive at the Plooiberg Eco-Trail and set up camp for one night.
19h30 - Communal evening braai.
SATURDAY, 24 MARCH 2012
08h00 - Enjoy breakfast and break camp.
09h00 - Depart for “The Chicken Run” and from there straight into the “Ratel Route”
13h00 - Enjoy a light picnic lunch en-route.
16h00 - Arrive at the bush camp on the plateau where we will spend the evening.
19h00 - Communal evening braai where the Cederberg 4x4 formalities will take place.
SUNDAY 25 MARCH 2012
08h00 - Enjoy breakfast and break camp
09h00 - Depart from the plateau and complete the Ratel trail
11h00 - Complete the trail and make our way home via De Doorns.
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
Friday evening: The campsite offers ablution facilities consisting of Flush toilets and Hot/cold showers.
Saturday evening: There are no ablution facilities at the Bush camp. Come prepared.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
GENERAL
• Please remember that no alcohol may be consumed by either the driver or passenger(s) whilst driving at any time. Please respect your guides and your fellow participants and save the alcoholic beverages until we return to the camp each day.
• Always advisable to bring your own drinking water on excursions.
• NO electricity is available at the campsite. Supply your own light. Remember spare batteries.
• A communal braai area will be determined on arrival at the campsite.
• Portable braai’s are welcome in the communal braai area.
• WOOD - Bring own WOOD for the braai and sitvuur. (Minimum 3x Bags of wood per vehicle.)
• Bring braai grid, braai stand, tongs and other cooking/eating utensils.
• Bring Black bags (what we take in, we take out).
• The days could be warm and the night’s cold. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Advisable to have a broad rim hat and sun block on hand.
• Always advisable to wear comfortable closed boots or shoes.
• It is advisable to always have an umbrella or awning available when on the trail.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed as loose items can become missiles.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• A diff lock front or rear is a prerequisite for this trip.
• All vehicles 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 a fire extinguisher is mounted in your vehicle.
29 MHz 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 with regard 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
R650-00 per vehicle.
R100-00 Radio hire should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29MHz two-way radio.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this excursion, please contact Marina on 021 913 4632 immediately to obtain the booking form and bank details for this excursion.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 10 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-serve basis.
• Cederberg 4x4 requires a completed and signed booking form, as well as proof of payment, via email or fax, to confirm your booking.
• The full amount is payable into the account of Cederberg 4x4 TWO (2) working days after the booking form and bank details have been forwarded to you.
• Your completed and signed booking form binds you to all conditions on page one and two of the booking form.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE 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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