2016 Toyota Rust de Winter Jamboree

Ons voorblad is ontwerp deur:
Lief en Leed
Spoedige herstel
volgende lede:
en
beterskap
aan
die
Chris en Werner Wiggett , Sydney Thom,
Johan van Niekerk en Alica Volschenk .
Baie geluk aan Tommie en Christine
Zeeman met hul groot dag.
Die bruidegom se duidelik baie trotse ouers
is Long Tom en Meisie Zeeman.
Ons vra voorbidding vir Meisie Zeeman wie op
die 19de April ‘n groot operasie moet
ondergaan.
Stuur gerus aan haar ‘n
bemoedigende boodskappie of bel Meisie, haar
nommer is 082 735 4130 en Tom se nommer
is 083 309 7164
Hannes van der Merwe wie op die 12 April
geopereer is.
Baie welkom aan ons nuwe lede:
Izaak Breitenbach van Irene met sy Nissan Patrol
Andre de Villiers van Newlands Pretoria met sy Amarok
Mag julle baie veilige en gelukkige kilometers saam met die 4x4 ATV klub ry.
Uitvoerende komitee
Voorsitter
Dirk van Wyk - 083 462 6241
Onder voorsitter & Byeenkomste Groepleier
John Donaldson – 082 653 8731
Sekretaris
Elize van der Westhuizen
- 0832638972
Tesourier
Carina Volschenk (Ex Officio) -
084 602 0190
Klub bestuurder & RdW bestuur en algemene onderhoud Groepleier
Peter Claasen - 082 558 6184
Bemarking/ PRO Groepleier
Deon Volschenk -083 645 3861
Kommunikasie Groepleier
Rina Stander – 082 990 4364
Byeenkomste Groepleier & Bergfietsren
Deon Kok – 082 920 6103
Ondersteunende Komitee
Kommunikasie Groep & Dames betrokkenheid
Renet Zeeman – 083 233 4981
RdW Ondersteuning & Gymkhana
Ben Smit – 083 280 7065
RdW Groep & Jonglede aksie en nuus
Benjamin Smit – 072 221 3888
Rust De Winter Groep & Nuusbrief
Eikie Kotze – 082 787 4228
RdW Groep & Maandbyeenkomste
Morne – 082 761 6413
RdW groep
Frits Greger (Ex-Officio) – 082 468 6293
3
2016 Toyota Rust de Winter Jamboree.
Competitor information.
Thank you very much for entering this spectacular event. We are sure
that you and your family will enjoy it. It is the 37th Jamboree.
Background .
This is a family orientated 4X4 competition. The target market is standard 4x4 vehicles with low range and all
vehicles have to be road worthy.
All efforts are made to ensure participation by the whole family.
This will be the 25th year of continuous sponsorship by the main sponsor. Toyota S A Motors.
What does the competition entail?
The competition takes place over a number of days and is run according to a comprehensive programme.
It consists of the following.
1. Entries, Administration and Scrutineering. Entries commence long in advance and determine starting
positions. On the first day all administration is handled. Competitors receive their vehicle numbers,
competitor scoring cards, stickers and clothing. All vehicles are also checked for safety critical items. Vehicles
have to be equipped with recovery points at the front and back that is in line with safe requirement
standards. Recovery points have to be attached to the vehicle by at least 12 mm high tensile bolts. Normal
caravan tow hooks/necks are not safe and allowed.
Please ensure that you bring all documents and entry forms, proof of payment and id books with you.
A compulsory drivers briefing is held at 21:00 at the same venue where the administration is done. This
section will take place on Friday 29 April from 13:00 to 21:00.
In order to ensure fairness between all vehicles the following rules will be in place:
Short Wheel base vehicles (less than 2450 mm between axles) may receive a penalty at obstacles where they
have an unfair advantage.
Tyre sizes are limited to a 33 inch tyre. Tyres over this size will also carry a penalty. This is also to protect the
environment.
2. Main section and Gymkhana. The gymkhana will take place on Saturday 30 April from 07:00 and consist of
10 obstacles. The competitors will be called to proceed to the gymkhana in their number allocations. The
Main route will commence on Sunday 1 May at 06:00 at 2 minute intervals. Competitors have to ensure that
they line up in time at the allocated starting point. It is important to note that no alcohol may be consumed
or carried on the vehicle at any stage. Regular tests will be conducted and competitors are disqualified
should they transgress.
3. Price giving. On Monday morning at 08:00 results will be available for 30 minutes to lodge complaints. After
30 minutes it is removed and accepted as correct. The price giving commences at 10:00. It is compulsory to
attend in order to receive a price. Should a competitor not attend he/she will forfeit the price. Substitute
cannot attend on your behalf.
Camping facilities.
-The event takes place from the premises of the 4X4 ATV Club. It is a fenced in area of 22 hectares with
ablution blocks, beautiful trees, swimming pool and slide and a children’s play area.
- There are security personnel and medical assistance available for minor injuries. During the event trained
paramedics are on the route.
-Some club members have permanent stands and these are clearly indicated. Additional camping sites are
allocated to visitors or groups.
-Water at the camp is not fit for consumption and only used for ablution facilities. Due to the drought limited
water will be available. Please ensure that sufficient drinking water is brought from home.
-Electric power is also limited. As far as possible please use gas appliances.
-Refreshments such as a tuck shop will be available. Ice and fire wood will be for sale.
-Camping fees are R50- per person per night.
Please direct any questions to the Club at 012 379 1715 082 558 6184
2016 Toyota Rust de Winter Jamboree
Date
Event will take place from 29 April to 2 May 2016
Programme of events
Friday 29 April
13:00 to 21:00
Documentation, scrutineering.
21:00
Drivers briefing -compulsory for all competitors.
Saturday 30 April 07:00 to 18:00
Sunday 1 May
Monday 2 May
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Gymkhana section.
07:00 to 09:00
Late Entries.
08:30 onwards
Children entertainment.
06:00 to 18:00
Main Route.
08:30 onwards
Children entertainment.
19:00
Church service.
08:00
Posting of provisional results.
10:00 to 11:30
Prize giving.
37TH BIRTHDAY FOR TOYOTA RUST DE WINTER 4x4 JAMBOREE
The Toyota Rust de Winter 4x4 Jamboree will again be held from April 29 to 2 May 2016, a
unique event that has taken on near cult status among the off road fraternity, celebrates its
37th birthday this year.
Organised once again by the 4x4 ATV Club from Pretoria, the event this year also celebrates
25 years of Toyota and 23 years of Continental/General Tyre sponsorship, with record entries
again expected. The Toyota Rust de Winter Jamboree is unique in that it is the only event on
the Motorsport calendar where family participation is an advantage.
Thought to be one of the biggest events of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Toyota
Rust de Winter 4 x 4 Jamboree is aimed at promoting family enjoyment while enabling owners
to enjoy the capabilities of their off road vehicles in a competitive environment.
Ideally all vehicles entered in the event should be family orientated with an adult male and
female occupant. Children are classified as anyone under the age of 18 and teams that are
made up of all men, all women or all adults are penalised via a points system.
“The jamboree is the ideal opportunity to spend quality outdoor time with the family, and this
is one of the factors that make Rust de Winter so popular.
Only roadworthy 4x4 low range vehicles are permitted to enter and stringent safety checks are
carried out prior to the event. All vehicles must carry specified safety equipment, first aid kits
and water supplies and experienced 4 x 4 marshals are on hand throughout the weekend to
assist participants to achieve maximum results.
The event is not about speed. The gymkhana on the Saturday is made up of various obstacles
to test driver skill and vehicle handling.
The 60 kilometre mountain route on the Sunday is varied and testing and should take around
six hours to complete. It allows competitors to hone their skills on terrain ranging from steep
climbs to river crossings, descending inclines, loose gravel and muddy patches.
We also have to ensure we do not do damage to the environment.
The event is held at the Rust de Winter camp site on 22 hectares of unspoilt bushveld on the
east of the N1 halfway between Pretoria and Warmbaths. The facility offers immaculate
camping and caravanning sites, numerous well equipped ablution facilities, swimming pool,
play areas and an abundance of open space where children can cycle without the fear of urban
traffic.
To allow families with younger children to also enjoy the great outdoors co-sponsors
Continental/General Tyres offers a comprehensive programme for children.
The gymkhana section is also hugely spectator friendly and does not require participation to
appreciate the entrant skills and features and capabilities of 4 x 4 vehicles.
A brief programme for the weekend is:
Documentation and scrutineering on Friday, gymkhana on Saturday and main route on Sunday.
The prize giving function is held on Monday morning, after which people return home.
For more information or to enter this enjoyable family event, please contact Peter Claasen at
082 5586184
My day with Peter Claasen and Fritz Greger 20 / 03 /2016
I had been approached by Peter and Frits to help them on early in March to see what it is to
mark and lay out the 4x4 routes for the Jamboree. I agreed without thinking, getting closer to
the due date I realized that this fell into previous arrangements. The first weekend I had a
Portuguese festival in our complex and on the next weekend was a birthday party.
I sent Peter a whats app to say I was sorry I could not make the dates, due to previous
arrangements. I did volunteer my staff for them to help out over that period that I could not,
Peter's reply was that it is ok they will come right. Somehow that message made me feel lousy
and quite guilty for dropping them. I mentioned that I would be going to Rust De Winter on
the weekend of the 20th and I would be able to help them then if they still required help. No
reply……
So the 20th arrived and we arrived on the Saturday with my working team and they started
cleaning our camp, I was having a great time sitting chatting to Danie and Fienie van der
Westhuizen while enjoying a few drinks, while our camp was being cleaned, lawn cut, weeds
pulled out. Never for one minute thinking that Peter will remember that I sort of volunteered
to assist them. So late on Saturday afternoon I receive a phone call from no one else but Peter
Claasen. “Hi John hoe lyk dit is jy reg om saam met ons môre die roete te gaan bekyk en wat
dit als behels,” so ja by then I had a whiskey or two, our camp is clean, so without thinking I
said
yes.
How
bad
or
tough
can
it
be?
The next morning I got up early as we had to meet at 8 o clock. I had intended to make a
proper breakfast but ran out of time so I had my handy standby- yogurt. I grabbed a 2 liter
coldrink and off I went. I met them at the workshop and they asked me if that is all I am going
to drink and take with. I replied yes because a drive up the route would not take that long. I
looked at them and their look said it all..... I realized in that one look which said “hier kom
groot K-k” so off I went a proper lamb to the slaughter...back to the caravan to collect a 10
liter bottle of water for just in case I need more fluids as it was a hot day.
All set and off we go I am to drive with Peter in the “bostrok” and Frits in the Hilux with all the
local workers. This is the first time that I am to drive in the “bostrok” and Peter’s driving looks
more like him plotting a route rather than someone that is driving. I look at how he steers the
“bostrok” and I wonder how he knows how the wheels are aligned and the steering’s
movements alternate between 10 to and 10 past to keep it straight on the road. We arrive on
top of the mountain, meeting up with Frits who was already hard at work. I got out to enjoy
the view, I vaguely remember commenting on how beautiful and peaceful it was up there. Peter
only comment was….. “Kom ons moet gou die boom afsaag dit gaan ‘n voertuie verhinder om
hier te draai. En so begin my dag………
Ek het besluit ek gaan nie vir hulle wys ek is nie lus vir die “manual” werk nie, en dat ek kan
werk…..al het ek baie jare laas dit nodig gehad om self die “manual” werk te doen. So skouer
aan die wiel, boom af gesaag en dan begin hulle stap. Ons stap onder toe, na so ‘n lang
afdraande waar Frits klaar besig is om te werk, Toe ek links kyk besef ek hier kan jy nie kanse
vat nie, ‘n mens sal mooi na die marshals moet kyk en luister anders het jy ‘n ander storie om
te vertel. By Frits gekom moet ons klippe skuif, losmaak, pak, dra en uit die pad gooi. Het nie
geweet jy kan soveel met klippe in die pad doen nie. En dan moet jy nog takke afsny, kap en
terug sny. So wie wil dan betaal om by ‘n gym aan te sluit, hier het jy als. Ek kan nou voel
dit gaan ‘n baie lang dag wees. Maar dit is nou klaar gedoen so ons gaan seker nou terug kamp
7
toe. Nie eers “close” nie... Hulle haal pikke uit, en ek besef ek is nou terug in die army en
word vir iets DB toe gestuur. Bome moet ontwortel word, die meeste is al dood, en die wat
nie met n pik uit gekap kan word nie, word gestamp met ‘n koevoet. As dit net lyk of dit te
lank gaan vat, word dit met ‘n snatch strap gepluk met die Hilux en die gate moet dan weer
vol klippe gegooi word en seker maak dit is vas. Hier besef ek, ek het ‘n lat vir my eie gat
gepluk en jy is hopeloos te lank uit n gym vir hierdie tipe aktiviteite. Hierdie twee, Peter en
Frits ken van en is al goed geskool met hier die job. Glo nie ek het dieselfde ondervinding met
my pen pusher job nie.
Ek sal nie ingee nie, en hulle nie laat weet dat
hierdie “way past my idea” van ‘n lang dag is
nie. Met die een obstacle klaar, is daar net ‘n
ander een wat aandag nodig het. Die volgende
obstacles, was so kom ons by ‘n rots bank wat
op n draai gevul moes word, alweer iets met
klippe te doen. Teen die tyd het ek al meer as
5 liter van my water gedrink. En weet nou nie
of dit te doen het met ‘n groot dors van ons
gebraai en whiskey van gister nie, of die baie
warm dag nie. Maar die masjiene met wie ek
werk het nie einde nie. En my lang dag is nou
baie, baie lank en baie warm. Dit is bosse uit
kap, sny en saag, klippe pak, skuif, gooi en so
gaan ons aan sodat ‘n voertuig redelik maklik
kan ry. En net wanneer jy dink als loop soos
stroop, al is dit ‘n baie dik stroop, gebeur
dit…….
Ons is almal hard besig om klippe op die plek te gooi waar die trap is, wanneer Frits ‘n klip uit
gooi met skerp punt, dit splinter af en tref een van die werkers teen die kop, en daar is ‘n lang
sny aan sy voorkop, en die bloed loop. Frits is dadelik by hom en laai hom in die Hilux en ry
met hom hospitaal toe. Dit was nie opsetlik nie, maar moet sê dit begin baie vir my gelyk soos
‘n boer maak ‘n plan of eerder ‘n Soutie maak twee. Dan besef ek dit is nou net Peter en ek
want ek voel dit sommer dat Fritz nie gou terug gaan wees nie.
Ek en Peter sal nou aangaan met die werkers. Weereens se ek vir myself dit gaan ‘n baie, baie
lang dag wees. .Ons maak toe die draai obstacle klaar en daar begin ons stap met die werkers
die pad af. Ons is nou gewapen met snoeiskêre, sae en pikke. En die stap vorder so, buk gooi
klippe uit, pak en skuif. Pad af sny ons takke terug, en maak die pad skoon vir voertuie om
deur te ry sonder om te krap. Tot onder in die pad, Peter loop weer pad op om die bostrok te
gaan haal. En ek dink nou is die einde is in sig. Moet sê hy het gesê ek moet met die “bostrok”
kom maar ek moet mos ‘n “gentleman” wees en sê nee, ek kry nou my tree in wat ek moet in
‘n dag gee. En ek sien dat ek teen die tyd al 7000 tree al gegee. So nee dankie Peter ry jy
maar tot onder.
Onder aan gekom en daar in ‘n laagte het ek gedink dit is nou verby ons gaan nou of rus of
terug kamp toe vir “lunch”. So my lang dag het nou tot ‘n einde gekom. Maar nee!!!!!! ons
gaan aan en as ek so kyk gaan die pad berg weer berg op. Genade!! se ek vir myself maar
hoe is dit dan moontlik dat die dag net nie wil einde kry nie, maar sal nie vir Peter wys ek trek
nou groot amps nie.
Verder op sê Peter die pad split hier voor ek vat regs en hy sal links om gaan en dit is weer
saam prosedure met die klippe. Takke knip, sag, sny. klippe uit die pad gooi sodat Gert
Helberg ook hier kan ry. Ek is toe so half half pad op met die pad en ek kan die bostrok hoor
en my water is nou daar en ek hyg na asem en is so dors. My arms is stukkend, en die bloed
loop van die dorings wat stukkend krap. Ek probeer stap van koelte boom tot koelte boom
maar dit is baie min. Soek ook ‘n lekker klip en gaan sit en sê weer vir myself dit moet my
langste dag wees ooit. Die heel tyd kan ek vir Peter en die “bostrok” hoor maar sien hom glad
nie, en al die tyd weet ek, ek is hier, my water daar. Uiteindelik kom ons by die plek waar die
pad aansluit met die een waar ons op is, nou is ek rêrig moeg, en my pen pushing skills begin
in skop en ek praat meer met die werkers. Maar nog steeds buk, gooi, skuif klippe en uit gooi
en sny takke. Dan voel ek my linker gewrig vibreer en ek kyk ja het oor my 10000 tree gegee!
Uit eindelik haal Peter ons in en sê ons moes daar bo by die eerste aansluiting gewag het, maar
nou ja as jy moeg is luister jy mos nie lekker ek kon nie wag om daai bottel water te gryp en
sluk nie.
Ek kan voel my wiele is nou verby pap wees en Peter gee vir my van sy breakfast koekies om
te eet. Hy gee ook vir my n soet koeldrank en ek voel hoe die lewe terug kom en my batteries
word net so weer ge-recharge. Ons het darem n uur gehad om te rus voordat ons moes
aangaan met die selfde prosedure.
Nou is dit van hier af afdraande na die waterval, en dit is prentjie mooi, daar is n paar plekke
waar ek niks pad kan sien nie en daar haal ek my hoed af vir Peter, hy kyk net so n bietjie rond
en stap en siedaar hier loop die pad ek moet sê ek het baie geleer. Onder gekom stop Peter en
sê hy wil vir ons die groot waterval gaan wys, dit is weereens baie mooi, van hier ry ons deur
die lang gras tot ons n pad kry. Die son begin nou vinnig sak tussen die berge en ek en Peter
begin praat van hoe n koue bier nou gaan smaak. Die was regtig die beste ding wat Peter vir
my die heel dag gesê het toe hy sê dit is genoeg vir een dag ons gaan terug kamp toe.
9
By die kamp gekom het ons gou by Frits gestop om te hoor hoe dit met die werker gaan voor
hy ‘n antwoord gee, gee hy vir ons elkeen ‘n ys koue bier. Thanks Frits it didn’t even touch
sides. Hy sê toe dat die werker ok is en dat hy spog met 4 steke in die voorkop. Fritz noem dit
dat hy môre weer uit gaan. Voor Peter my kon vra of ek môre beskikbaar is sê ek, ek moet
vroeg terug ry, ek het n paar dinge aan by die huis om te doen.
Gelukkig terug by my kamp het die braai vuur hoog gebrand en als was reg vir ons braai vir
die aand. Ek sien toe later dat ek meer at 19000 tree gegee het. As dit nie was vir Danie wat
gebraai het nie, was ek van plan om honger te gaan slaap. Hulle sê ek het aan die slaap geraak
nog voor die kos gaar was.
Ek moet sê na n lekker aand se rus het ek weer lus gevoel vir werk, ek sal hulle enige tyd weer
help en ek daag al die lede uit om betrokke te raak by een of ander werk sessie dit bou spangees
en lede leer mekaar beter ken. Ek sal net volgende keer voorbereid wees. Ek sal vir my n
skofblik pak wat skrik vir niks nie. (Ed’s note: Daar sal verseker net energie drankies in
die skofblik wees…!)
Namens die lede wil ek dankie se aan Peter en Frits wat soveel ure spandeer om die route te
beveilig en dit doen hulle sonder om te kla. Ek weet volgende keer dat so iets moet gedoen
word sal ek met groot graagte help. Ek en my groot skofblik! Dankie vir my lang dag dit was
regtig AWESOME! - John D
Rust de Winter
Ons het ons gelukkie gekry op RDW wyl ons lekker om die kampvuur gekuier het met Frits,
Karen, Brian en Wilna Viljoen. Frits raak so stil en sê: “kyk bietjie agter jou Renet” – en wat
kry ons daar??? ‘n Skopsuiltjie sit op die paal reg agter my. Ook lus vir die rustigheid van die
kampvuur. Soos dit nou my manlief Japie behaag staan die toe ook sommer nader om te
inspekteer, sien die vlerkie het so bietjie gehang. Hy gelsels toe ook sommer kort voor lank
dik stukke met die “kind” en vang hom ewe liefies om hom te versorg. So bring uil kind twee
nagte deur in die Zeeman’s se nessie. Baie lastige kind in die nag moet ek byvoeg, kom sit op
jou en het hom op ‘n stadium tussen my en Japie hom tuisgemaak.
Saterdag oggend vat ons die kind Sondela toe. Daar gekom vind ons uit dit is ‘n Sussie en nie
‘n boetie soos ons aanvaar het nie. Geen gebreekte vlerkie! kom die goeie nuus maar wel
seergekry. Die dametjie daar is baie behulpsaam en neem ons nommer om terugvoer te gee
oor die vordering van ons kind. Die afskeid was maar nie lekker nie, ons het net gewoond
geraak aan die kindertjie en sy aan ons. Bedags lekker gesit en slaap wyl ons al om haar
skarrel, nie ‘n oog geknip nie. Aangeheg ‘n paar foto’s van ons dierbare klein gas.
Na 3 weke se versorging is die klein uiltjie perd fris terug versorg op Rust de Winter.
Groete van boom tot boom Renet Z
Natal/Lesotho/ Vrystaat
Wanneer: 1 – 5 O K T O B E R
Waar:
WEGBREEK
2016
Geluksburg
Totale Km. vir die roete: ±1000
Akkommodasie en maaltye ingesluit
Koste: R5100 per voertuig(2 persone)
Program:
Sat. 1 Okt: Arriveer en ontspan. Potjie bedien met rys en slaai; tuisgebakte brood & konfyt
Kuier om die kampvuur en wag vir almal om te arriveer
Son. 2 Okt.: Na vol ontbyt ry ons Bezuidenhoutspas, besoek Piet Retief se klip en kaalvoetvrou
monument. Retiefspas begin hier. Geniet ‘n ligte middagete voordat ons die pas afry tot by
Nondela en terug na Geluksburg. Geniet die swembad en aandete
Ma. 3 Okt. Ontbyt. Vertrek na Verlore Vallei uitkykpunt en daarna die Protea Roete. Pragtige
omgewing. Besoek ou huis uit afvalstaal gebou. Middagete hier.
Na ete besoek aasvoël
neste. Huistoe, rus, ontspan, swem kuier tot aandete
Di. 4 Okt. Na ontbyt besoek ons die hoogtepunt van die week, Die Verlore Vallei; asem
rowende uitsigte en roete redelik tegnies. Ligte middagete onder die ou Geelhoutbome. Ry
daarna oor die Maanhaar terug na Ginas Aandete: Braaivleis om die vuur en nabetragting
Woens. 5 Okt. Heerlike ontbyt.
Plan B ekstra .
Einde van Natal/Geluksburg toer.
Woensdag 5 Oktober
Vertrek vanaf Geluksburg na Himeville. Aandete en slaap: Himeville Arms. 250Km
ry R960 per paar per nag.(R480 p.p.p. vir DBB as jy deel)
6 uur se
Do. 6 Okt Na ontbyt Sani Pas; Lesotho Dop by Sani Top en verder ry na Mokhotlong,
Mapholaneng, Oxbow, Qualo, grenspos, 320Km 8 uur se ry + grenspos x 2.
Slaap by
Meiringskloof. Staproetes; swembad gesamentlike braai die aand by die lapa.
Vrydag 7 Oktober: Dag uitstappie na Clarens of bly op die plaas.
Saterdag 8 Okt. Meiringskloof 4x4 roete 55Km gradering 2 – 4
Sondag.9 Okt. Terug na Pretoria via Clarens. ± 400Km
Volledige toerprys
Natal – Geluksburg
Himeville
R960.00
Meiringskloof
TOTAAL
R5100.00
5 Oktober
R2740.00
1-5 Oktober
alles ingesluit
B&B
6-9 Oktober Chalet Lapa & 4x4 roete ingesluit.
R8800.00 per voertuig met 2 persone. Verblyf, maaltye, roetes ingesluit.
Uitgesluit: brandstof, snacks, drankies, fooitjies, koste by grensposte.
Vir meer navrae kontak asb vir : Deon Kok 082 920 6103
11
Valentines Bundu 2016
Day 1
Excitement abounds and the groups gather before the start under the majestic Apiesdoring
trees. Like last year, there is that extra special air of excitement as we await the arriving
groups.
The newbies of last year, Mike and Kim Teasdale are seriously kitted this year with their Prado
VX v6 4-liter machine. Seems the 4x4 Gogga bit them hard indeed in a very positive way.
Water at RDW is at a premium and the camp while lovely and green masks the depth of the
drought. We are all asked to take an extra 20liter container as it is apparently very dry at
Bundu camp.
The usual scurry to the toilets is followed by the eloquent and seasoned driver briefing by Peter
Claasen, who again is joined by his supportive better half.
In the process roll call is held and surprise!! surprise!! we are joined by a rather jovial
appearance of a certain Mr. John Anderson and his wife Mrs. Anderson (aka, Frits and Karen
Greger)
Last checks done, tyres deflated, and wood on board we line up and its out we roll towards
RDW town.
As we hit the dirt roads it quickly dawns on all the levels of dust and the considerable dryness.
Fortunately, the two Jeep Wranglers are hugging Bostrok 1 closely…unlike some in the middle
and the poor Deon in the rear with Bostrok 2 whose dust levels must be left to the imagination.
Radios are abuzz with excitement and Mr.
Anderson ever so chirpy as he recently got his
Jeepie repaired, spit and polished (must say the
old girl looks good). It’s a Jeep thing I’m told!!
Toyota manne don’t understand! Mmmmm.
On we push to the stunningly beautiful Lovers
Lane, while dry it never ceases to impress and gets
many wondering how privileged we really are and
blessed in so many ways.
Unfortunately, the newbies have their first little
mishap. Seems a rock jutting out on the bottom
left halfway through decided to add a little
character to their immaculate Prado. Fortunately,
with just a little scrape and a bit of pulled plastic
which was quickly pushed back into place.
We all make it through the tight” lovers” lane and
all too soon we are back out into the open. Some
challenging rock climbs are next up as we come up
to mid-day, while the oppressive heat continues to
climb. To say the least, it’s hot, darn hot.
All drivers showing excellent skill and the vehicles seemingly all behaving relatively well, so
its onto lunch we push.
Must say that seeing Peter, Deon and Mr. Anderson in action around the braai was like a
highly effective Emergency Room in action. Chaps had the gas braai’s going in no time, and
Corrie and Karen buttering up a pile of buns.
And the Heat…SHE is rising still.
The boerie rolls didn’t touch sides, as fast as the worse came off the braai they were
devoured by hungry Valentine participants.
It was certainly great to sit in like 41 degrees in the shade as one vehicles temp gage
displayed, while other read around 38.
There is not a breath of wind or even a little breeze. Brothers and sisters, it was flipping
warm.
Filled and watered, we set off towards the Bundu camp.
Down the kloof we went. Hot was not the word. By this time, we sort of got used to the heat,
well just a little…Ja RIGHT! Aircon, what Aircon!!
Some of the vehicles Aircon units worked well, while others chose to drive with the windows
down, others like the JEEP had no option, while others like the Anderson’s were rather glad
their R400 repair job 5 years later was again working…or sort of I was told. (it’s a Jeep
thing!)
Let the games begin, which started with Sir Peter’s Bostrok. It is told he was a little bored, so
decided to let us sweat it out in the kloof for a while, while he managed to mess up his Tie
rod end.
13
He chose the most applicable time for this to happen while I was descending the kloof with
the newbies to close on my rear. While I fortunately to get to a little flat section to park and
open the doors, the newbies in there Prado were not as fortunate. By following me down too
close to my rear, the convoy ahead suddenly pulled to a halt, with the newbies literally
hanging in their seat belts in the Prado due to the slope which was very funny. Thank
goodness Toyota have great brakes.
Around funny story surfaced with the Greger’s who seemed to be dying of heat more than
anyone else. Seems Sir Peter was the culprit who apparently turned on their heater during
the lunch break which went unnoticed till this point. This state of affairs brought on much fun
and laughter with the radio buzzing between Peter and Frits. I think Karen also got in a word
at a stage.
With Peter’s Tie Rod bust, it was busy on the airwaves to RDW camp looking for a spare Tie
Rod. Poor old Louis the dear sole he is, was running around with broken ribs trying to source
a spare from the tractor and from Bushy’s cabbie.
We really thought this was going to be one hectic wait. But no surprises as Sir Peter did not
disappoint and the old geezer pulled another stunning “Boer Maak a Plan” out of his hat and
repaired the Tie rod end with some “serious” cable ties.
I must say I thought this repair would surely not last on this terrain, but boy was I wrong.
Only much later was there a need to replace one broken cable tie. The repair lasted the full
rest of the trip. Blooming impressive Peter! You should write a book of your life and
experiences.
This brings me to another rather funny story. I was later informed by Peter that he also
repaired his own pants with cable ties. The story being that he apparently left his belt at
home…Ja ok Oom. Corrie play nice now!
Eventually we set off again and had not done more than 300 meters when the other Bostrok
driven by Deon de Kok junior, decided it was not nearly hot enough, so chose another perfect
setting to puncture a tire. To all our surprise this was changed in a remarkably fast time, or it
could have been that we had all passed out from the heart. Well done Deon, impressive.
Off we set again. By now I saw Frosties floating in front of me and could smell home. But, we
still needed to concur the King of the Mountain with “Man of Muise” ahead.
I was impressed. The FORD’s, the JEEPS and the Landy’s made it up…well almost! We had a
Disco that got stuck in “Slug” mode, so my Hilux helped him out a little with a short tow to
the top.
This delighted Sir Peter who was focused and serious as always, but I could not help notice
his broad smile while slapping my Raiders butt and with a loud voice uttered “No dis hoe a
Hilux dit doen”!! What can I say, I had great teachers in Peter and Frits, coupled to a faultless
Toyota Hilux.
We arrived safely at the Bundu camp and the excitement could again be felt after the hot
days driving.
Frosties were out and the ladies all had smiles again, until they were informed that the water
tank at the camp had developed a serious leak.
Turns out a day or two before the water tanker with 4500 liters on board did a trip up to fill
the tank only to establish that it had all disappeared down the old long drops below the tank.
Cavalier men filled water buckets and carried them down for their ladies use and that of their
own, be that for showering or ablutions. We were all very glad we had carted the extra water
cans up or it could have been a very different Valentines experience.
Soon camps were up and all were sitting around a brilliant fire. Peter, Deon and Frits were on
a mission of note, like well-oiled machines. Like work horses they got things all organized in
no time. Thank you and well done guys.
Deon yet again had the honors of the Ginger Cookie run. Could have been the heat, not sure,
but dam those things warmed things up. He was having a whale of a time. Initial giggling by
many was quickly replaced by sudden pop-eye expressions and gasping for air. Some were
brave enough to have more than one, while others seemed to enjoy them a little too much.
I recall one lady a little while later coming out of her shell and become quite chirpy which was
a lot of fun to watch. There was a building storm rolling in from Moloto which brought
delightful cool air and was stunningly beautiful to watch as it rolled from one valley to the
next. While some hoped it would not hit us, many were praying it would just a little. In the
end, it was a little noise with very few drops, but did cool things down a great deal. Thank
goodness.
The sunset could have been a picture it was so perfect, and one felt so near to God in those
precious and lovely moments. Thank you Lord.
The braai was brilliant, company excellent and all in a festive and upbeat mood. The stories
and memories shared was fabulous. I recall a few kids that had come along with their folks
and they sat riveted to the stories told by their and other old toppies.
The evening was great and when the clouds passed on to the north, the sky with its multitude
of stars was out on display in all its God created glory. One felt at peace and harmony high
up here above the world, with loved ones, friends and many new acquaintances.
15
Champagne was popped and a lucky few toasted an early Valentines.
The night was still, but for a little wind later that rustled the good weather tents. While
initially somewhat hot, it did eventually cool off and there was stillness in the land. Life was
good and Valentines cupids were content.
Day 2
It would seem as if a good night’s rest was had by most, apart from the somewhat noisy
flapping of the good weather tents overnight.
Our hosts put out a hearty and much appreciative breakfast which was cooked up by Sir Peter
and his wife, Deon and Mr. Anderson. In no time it was polished off over a small glass of
Champagne and orange juice. Thanks guys it was delicious.
After the breaking up of camp and the packing away, it was time to get going as the temp
was already starting to be felt.
Though not before a final shove by a few willing volunteers to tip over the main water tank to
see why the significant water leakage. The crack was clearly evident which would need
specialized repair. There was also a stunning BIG scorpion which was the most impressive
and the largest I have yet seen at RDW.
With the final checks all done, the Valentines convoy set off towards Luiperdskloof. On arrival
I was immediately struck in the distance by the very low water level of the Renoster Dam and
the increased spread of habitation around its boarders.
The sight overall is simply spectacular and an amazing clear day. While no eagles this day,
the scenery was still magnificent.
Back on the trail we went, many with a little refreshment in hand after the climb back up to
the vehicles from the kloof. All vehicles impressed me and in no time we had gone through
the various obstacles that hugged Super Man while the heat increased yet further.
Back at “Man of Muise” we caught up with the few that chose to remain at the Bundu Camp
after breakfast and we set off back into the bush.
After a splendid drive we arrived at the dreaded “Mine Shaft”. By this time the temp was
somewhat uncomfortable, however all could sense the end in sight.
Yet again, almost all the vehicles went comfortably through and this certainly testament to
the quality of the Marshalling we enjoyed, the driver’s confidence in their vehicles and their
driving, as well as the vehicles service levels.
The drive back to camp was another somewhat dusty affair with all babbling on the radio one
could sense the end was near.
Back at camp RDW and settled with a cold one in hand under the cool shade of the
spectacular trees, certificates and lovely gifts were handed out to all participants by Corrie
and Peter.
Looking back, while certainly HOT and somewhat dusty at times, this Valentines Bundu was
yet again a very special experience.
Appreciation must go to Peter, Corrie, Deon and Frits for yet another wonderful and well
executed experience. Thank you for your Stewardship and for the effort you all put in, which
was appreciated by all, including the Fords, Jeeps and the Landy’s.
To all those who may as yet not have experienced this special bundu, add it to your bucket
list for next year. Bring on 2017. – Lyle B
17
2005 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0L 6 Speed
p/s, c/c, a/c
+\- 191 000 km (Overstated on account of bigger wheels)
Mickey Thompson wheels
2” Old Man Emu suspension lift 2” body lift
32” BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tyres
ARB air locker rear
ARB heavy duty air compressor KC spot lights Gear ratio’s changed to cater for bigger wheels
High Lift jack
Bushwhacker extended fender flares (Not fitted yet) Hard top and soft top Quick release sway bar disconnect
New clutch Tie rod ends replaced Rear brakes replaced (shoes and drums) R150 000 Neg.Jaco 082 8181 632
Johan soek 600x16 buitebande gebruik of nuut word benodig vir opbou van standard CJ2A
Kontak Johan 082 920 6501
Maak solank ‘n nota in julle dagboeke!! Ons klub word 40!!