OK, so a date and venue has been proposed and Henry will post more details here.
Date: Sat. 11th June 2011
Venue: Berakah near Parys
There are chalets in the area but camping is also available.
All are welcome (even with other makes of 4x4)
Cost for non Club members will be Track fees plus R50.
Members pay only Track fee.
G'day mates!
A little info on Berakah 4x4 trail:
Berakah Eco Trails - Accommodation with a 4x4, mountain bike, quad bike and hiking trail set in the Vredefort dome just 14 km outside Parys.
The Berakah 4x4, mountain bike, quad bike and hiking trail set in the Vredefort dome just 14 km outside Parys, offers one day or a weekend getaway filled with endless fun, challenge, thrill and nerve wracking experiences. The dome area is a huge dome shaped geological structure in the vicinity of Parys and Vredefort. It comprises of a central core of granite-gneiss, approximately 40km wide, surrounded by a ring of steep inclining rock formations, which forms the mountainous area. The structure has its origin from a meteorite which struck the earth in this area 2000million years ago. It is one of only three such sites in the world. The dome area is in the process of getting registered as a World Heritage site.
The trail caters for the beginner to experienced driver, offering leisurely to adrenaline pumping experiences. The trail is divided into eight sections and each section offers its own unique challenge. The difference of this trail compared to others, lies in its diversity.
Terrain
In this natural environment of unspoilt beauty a 13km marked trail of varying degree of difficulty, pass through open savannah, bushveld, riverbeds, mud, water, hill climbs and scenic mountains. Beside the normal variety of grasses, trees and shrubs, very thick stands of olive trees (Olienhout) are to be found in the koppies. (Some of the area is already protected)
Time Required
The entire trail can be completed in a day. If you want to do the trail over a two day period basic overnight facilities are available.
Trail Rating
The trail rating is bound to cause some controversy. The difficulty of a trail is very much an individual experience. However, this rating is an attempt to give some indication of the degree of difficulty and the type of terrain.
The trail consists of roads with seasonal two track travel. Track or rough rocky surface with 4x4 low range gear ratio are required. Diff-lock recommended. Steep drops on one or both sides of the track. The ratings are subject to certain unknown factors such as human error, previous off-road driving experience, condition of the vehicle and adverse weather conditions (wind and rain) and the trail, at a given time. Drivers should regard this rating as a general guideline only.
Hazard Rating
Mildly dangerous. Careful driving is advisable. The trail contains steep cliffs, hairpin bends and no space to manoeuvre or turn back. It is advisable to obtain information about the conditions of the weather and the trail before venturing into it and then to inspect each section on foot before proceeding.
Essentials
Day visitors:
Camera and sufficient film.
A wheel pump.
A good supply of drinking water. Water on the farm is spring water and is drinkable. A tuck shop supplying sweets, non-alcoholic beverages, fresh milk and other basic supplies are available.
A plastic bag for rubbish. What you take in, you take out.
First aid kit.
A good sun block and moisturizer. The dry climate can play havoc with one's skin.
Lip balm.
Overnight visitors:
Mosquito repellent for the summer season.
Tents, folding chairs, rucksacks, stretcher and sleeping bags.
Disclaimer clause
Visitors enter the trail at their own risk. Although care has been taken to describe the trails ratings and hazard factors as correctly as possible, it must still be regarded as a guideline only since driving experience, the condition of the trails at a given time as well as conditions of the vehicle may greatly influence the above mentioned hazard factors.
Trail Fees
Day visitors : R235-00 per vehicle.
Accommodation
Camping and Caravan : R 45-00 per person.
: R 20-00 per child under 12.
Self catering chalets 2 bed : R180-00 per person per night sharing for the first night
R150-00 per person per night sharing for consecutive nights.
: Single supplement plus R40-00.
: R85-00 per child under 12 per night sharing with parents.
Contact Lenie/Andre : 082 339 9177
Farm : 056 818 1313
E-Mail : carl[at]multinetgroup.co.za
Postal Address :
161 Galenalaan
Kloofendal
1724
I have driven this trail myself on numerous occations. I have accompanied a whole range of other 4x4 enthuisiasts, from well experienced to first timers. The trail is suiteble for all people and it is a perfect day out. From driving the trail to the surroundings to the natural fauna and flora.
Come on people make it a date!
There is also plenty to do in Parys itself. There are art galleries, first class restaurants, world class antiques and loads more.
For those who don't like the idea of camping or chalets, Parys offers some of the best B&B guest houses and a very stylish boutique hotel.
Hope to see you all there!
I will try to shuffle my diary around. This is one of those "still to do" drives.
Alan - how do you get your wife along - I need some tips!
Excluding advice like "buy her a 463"
Hmm, try letting her drive the 290?
Tell her she can get out if she wants to. no pressure.
Must say it seems to make a big difference if the vehicle is hers and if she breaks it, its hers and you/me cannot be cross with them.
OK, so far there are 9 vehicles.
Don't be shy join in the fun.
Kom nou mense!
Come on people!
Would be great to see atleast 20 vehicles there. Was thinking that I would supply pap&sheba for the evening braai.
Berekah is really a good place to learn new skills and hone old ones without damaging your vehicle. The track is well laid out and maintained with concrete inclines and declines to ensure max grip. All the major obstacles have escape routes if a driver is not comfortable driving it.
Hope to see y'all there!
Ag nee!Originally Posted by Henry Dippenaar
Ok then will just have to do it in reverse again!
Would love to partake, however, on the 12 of June I am committed to a glider airshow at the "Warthog" airfield.
Sorry, have good fun and don't forget the Winter woollies!
amzimmy
Some People are Stupid, Politicians are also "People"!
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