What better way to start this year off with a bang than with an Atlantis Dunes outing with family & friends? What about a picnic/braai for the day? As always, the Dunes are going to be a lot of fun and games for all. Please, start booking now to avoid disappointment!
THE FIRST OFFICIAL HILUX4X4 WESTERN CAPE OUTING FOR 2010
If you enjoy sand driving here is an opportunity to join us on a day outing to the ever-popular Atlantis Dunes. One of the reasons that we have once again included a visit this time of the year is because the sand is dry and soft, which makes it a bit more difficult, and therefore a little more challenging. This is where the correct tyre pressures come into play and can make the difference betwene making it or not. The more knowledgable sand drivers, ensuring maximum pleasure with the minimum risks to participants and vehicles, will share many hints, tips and information on sand driving before and during the time spent in the dunes.
On entering the dunes area, you are suddenly surrounded by the pure white sand dunes with Table Mountain in the background and the ocean visible from the higher peaks. If you can get up there. This is truly a worthwhile sight to be appreciated. On venturing further into the dunes, where you are totally surrounded by dunes, you will experience a feeling of being in a desert far away from civilization.
Driving the dunes is really a great experience and lots of fun. It is important however that the basic 4x4 sand driving rules are adhered to at all times, namely;
- As slow as possible as fast as necessary,
- don't over do it rather do it over,
- tyre pressure,
- momentum,
- always drive at the correct angle over a dune,
- following distance and
- wait for the vehicle in front of you to clear an obstacle.
These basic rules are to ensure the safety of all participants. As the day progresses the seemingly impossible dunes will become a lot easier to drive as your confidence and sand driving skills improve. We will be visiting the famous "Horse Shoe" and the "Land Rover Gat" which have not damaged any vehicles but have dented an ego or two in the past. An excursion to Atlantis Dunes is always very popular and produces many highlights, and for those completely new to the wonderful world of off-road driving this is a great way to get to learn the basics in a controlled environment and with expert guidance.
Added to the mix will be a 4x4 game or 2 that will showcase how well you know your vehicle and will add to the fun for all. After the event we will have a lucky draw to make the day even more rewarding.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Vehicles: Obviously we would like to keep it Hilux, but if your cousin with his Land Rover/Pajero/Nissan/Cayenne is visiting from Gauteng, we want to share the Atlantis experience with him as well.
- Grading: Trail grading is a 2-3.
- Nearest Town: Atlantis/Melkbosstrand
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : Atlantis - Main Entrance as per the attached map.
GPS-COORDS : S33.59840 E18.44881
DATE : SATURDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2010
TIME : 08H30 SHARP. PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS AND BE ON TIME.
SATURDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2010
08h30 - Rendezvous at the Main Entrance to the Dunes.
08h45 - Briefing on activities and convoy driving.
09h00 - Depart into the dunes.
09h30 - Briefing on dune driving.
14h00 - Complete the dune drive and enjoy a communal braai or picnic lunch. Remember to bring your sun umbrella/gazebo. No shade in the dunes.
16h00 - Depart from Atlantis Dunes.
ABLUTION FACILITIES
NO ablution facilities. Everyone will be required to use the "bossies". Bring own spade and toilet paper.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of this trip.
GENERAL
- NO water is available. Always advisable to bring your own drinking water on excursions.
- NO FIRES ALLOWED ON THE GROUND. PLEASE BRING A PORTABLE BRAAI ALONG.
- WOOD - Bring own wood/charcoal for the braai.
- Remember bring braai grid, braai stand and tongs, cooking/eating utensils, table and chairs.
- Bring Black bags (what we take in, we take out).
- The days could be warm with cold winds blowing. Pack clothing accordingly.
- Remember to bring your sun block and wide brimmed hat.
- Remember to bring your cameras, video cameras, spare batteries and extra film.
- Should you have a sand board, please bring it along for young and old to enjoy.
- Always advisable to wear comfortable closed shoes or boots.
- NO shade in the dunes. 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 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/compressor 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 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.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14,15.16 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
COST
R100-00 per permit/vehicle.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
- Should you wish to join us on this excursion, please contact Coenie (King Rat) immediately to obtain his banking details and payment arrangements. Coenie will ensure that our permits are purchased in Cape Town. For this he will need your name, vehicle make/model and registration number.
- This outing is subject to a minimum of four (4) vehicles but we do not restrict the maximum number of vehicles.
PLEASE NOTE:
- NO PETS ALLOWED
- THE HILUX4X4 CLUB DOES NOT CONDONE THE USE OF ALCOHOL BY DRIVERS DURING THE DRIVING ACTIVITIES OF THE EVENT. PLEASE IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS RULE THEN DO NOT ATTEND THIS OUTING, AS WE DO NOT WANT ARGUMENTS ABOUT THIS NOW OR ON THE DAY. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ARE FOR THE BRAAI AFTERWARDS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Thys on 082 332 1087
E-MAIL: thysdj@gmail.com
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
THE MAP/ARIAL PICTURE
- Date added
