Boegoeberg - April 2010 - Trip Report

[pietpetoors]

I would like to thank everybody who joined us this weekend. It was a huge success and it was one of the best trips I ever had.

In particular I would like to thank Oom Louis Rolbos. He helped to get everything organized but he also helped and guided the newbies and everybody learned a lot from him. The trail is rather difficult but all the rookies came back with huge smiles on their faces.

I would also like to thank Bantam Trailers, Cape Asbestos, First Alignment Centre and Thys Kaspaas for sponsoring some prices. Bantam Trailers (http://www.bantamtrailers.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) sponsored a Jerry Can holder which went to Pieter Draadkar for the Rookie who was very scared at first but learned a lot. Cape Asbestos ( http://www.asbestos.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) sponsored a bottle of Pinotage to another Rookie, Andre from Koringberg also for being a newby who did not think he will make it but in the earned proved to be a natural off-roader. First Allignment Centre (Johan Tyre) sponsored a free wheel alignment which went to Olaf. Olaf has a stock standard 2.4 diesel donkey, single cap. Olaf won the price because he did not believe in hos vehicle at all. But Olaf did extremely well with the lowest spec vehicle on the route and deserved his price.

Thys de Jager (Kaspaas) sponsored 3 sets of Hilux4x4.co.za stickers in the lucky draw and I sponsored to sets of thermal mugs also for the lucky draw.

I will post pictures and more details soon.

[ThysdJ]

On Friday 9 April 2010 at exactly 16H15 a convoy of 8 Hiluxes (and 1 Isuzu) departed from the Swartland 1-Stop on the N7 in a northerly direction to what would become known as the inaugural and highly succesful Hilux4x4.co.za Club (Western Cape) weekend away. At that time the only thing we were thinking about was the low dark clouds and the cold wind. Luckily it was not raining, but it was coming down in buckets earlier the morning. As we approaced piketberg the rain started again and when we went up Piekenierskloof it was raining properly again. At our turn-off from the N7 after Citrusdal the rain was a drizzle. By the time we got to the camp-sit eit was dark, and misty, but no more rain. Pieter and some of the others who arrived earlier helped all of us setting up camp in the dark. It was chilly, and every now and then the breeze dislodges showers of water droplets from the leaves of the old oak trees under which we were skropping our nests. After we finished we all strolled down to the well appointed braai lapa. Fires were burning and it was nice and warm. By the time we went to sleep the skies were clear and stars were winking at us. We all looked forward to a nice day out in the mountains.

Saturday morning we woke up to fine sunny weather. The aroma of frying bacon and eggs wafted through the campsite as everybody was preparing hearty brekkies to sustain them for the day ahead. At exactly 09H00 Louis sounded the call and all the drivers gathered for the drivers briefing. After the briefing the convoy left on the mountain trail. The first part is pretty much the normal type of "all along the mountainside 2spoor paadjie" kind of thing but as we started climbing and approached the campsite in the mountains the going got a bit tougher, with the first of many steep ups and downs.

The first stop is a nice clearing up in the mountains where Sybrie (the owner of the farm) built a little ablution block with toilets and showers, a big sit down braai, and a donkey for hot water, all sheltered under an overhanging ledge, semi-protected from the elements. Sybrie talked to us about some of the plant species that could be found on the farm and also told us about boegoe (buchu), a plant used for medicinal purposes and which grows wild on his farm. We got the opportunity to pick some boegoe leaves and to smell it. Sybrie also told us about how they used to come up to the mountains when he was a kid to harvest wild boegoe and dry it in the veld, and then carry it down to the farm on foot.

Before long the wheels were turning again and we set off to the lookout on top of the mountain. From here on it was no more Mr Nice Guy. The road turned nasty on us and in some cases it was necessary to take a good look at the vehicle in front to see which is the easiest line to follow. The track was quite narrow in places with damage to sidewalls a distinct possibility. The last obstacle before the top caused Pieter Draadkar to go sort of almost sideways up the rock, and Kaspaas followed at awkward angles through the holes where. Some roadworks were required to allow the rest of the "platter" cars to make it up there. This is also where Andre (Witblits) dinged his first Excalibur. Once on top we had a break for about an hour where we took in the amazing view, and had lunch.

The way down took us down the same narrow track, and around the other side of the mountain, where the going got a bit tougher still. After driving for about an hour, we came to one serious downhill, followed by a serious uphill on the other side. Louis gave everybody a briefing on the correct procedures to follow on the way down and then out the other side. The descent was nothing more than a controlled slide over loose rock and gravel with the wheels gripping from time to time to keep the vehicle in check. Once at the bottom the climb was rouch, but with Sybrie showing us the right line to take we all made it up without any hassles. Even Olaf in his 2.4 diesel with open diffs made it up, and was smiling from ear to ear!

From there on we went to Sybrie's sand-stone quarry where he told us about the way they quarry sand-stone for building purposes in the Western Cape as well as some interesting facts on building with sand-stone. The sun was already low in the western sky when we pulled into the campsite after a very exciting, adrenalin filled day. Immediately the cameraderie could be detected as the guys were standing around in a group having a well deserved beer or 2 while talking about their experiences of the day, laughing and telling jokes. By the time the sun was down we all moved to the braai lapa again where a massive bonfire awaited us. Pieter did the honours, and thanked everybody and handed out the prizes. It was obvious that this was going to be a night to remember as the younger crowd had fire in their bellies. We braaied, had a filling meal and spent some time mingling with the ouens and sharing some lekker stories of the day and of 4x4 trips in the past, and plans for the future.

On Sunday morning I heard a rumour of some late night swimming going on, but have not had any first hand knowledge of it, so unless somebody comes forward to tell us about it, it remains a rumour. Sunday was even warmer than Saturday, and unfortunately I had to return to Cape Town, and Carlo Voetsek decided to drive along with us. The rest of the guys all went to play in a sand-pit on the farm and according to Pieter, had a great time. As I was not there, can somebody please fill us in on the details? And about the night-swimming?

Everybody helped in making this a memorable event, we all had a fantastic time, we shared some ups and downs, scraped a few Excaliburs and some wishbones, bruised an ego here or there, but most of all we made new friends, and we gained a lot of off road driving experience. The new guys need to be congratulated on their spirit and their never-say-die attittude, even when the going got tough they always had a smile on their faces! Salut! Louis, jy is 'n ou doring! Thanks for arranging the weekend, and for the way you coached us over the route, and that we all came out the other side in 1 piece. Also thank you for arranging 29mHz radios for the guys, it was so much easier with everybody having comms on the route.

To Henry and Arno (the 2 Isuzu drivers). Mooi skoot ouens, you made it! Actually guys, respect :!: , because you took the Isuzu-banter on the chin and came back with some of your own and all in good spirits. You are welcome to join us on future excursions any time. (just get a Hilux first)

Andre, Pieter (Draadkar) and Olaf, for first timers you guys did very well, we be seriously impressed, and congratulations on the prizes, they were well deserved.

Lessons learned:
Diesel Isuzus rook vreeslik in die oggend!
Excaliburs vs Rock... always put your money on the rock.
Hilux manne KAN.

The Boegoeberg campsite has fantastic clean ablution facilities, nice shady camp-sites and overall it is a really great place to camp. And at the rates we were charged it is not all that expensive either.

PS :
Henry en Andre, julle moet die trippie Namibie toe geniet, Andre jy is "over-quaified" vir Van Zylspas!
Charles, bon voyage dude, and come say Hi when you come back to SA.

I posted all my photographs of the weekend here :
http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee26 ... oegoeberg/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mud Dog]

Some nice looking Luxes there!

[OOOOMS]

Some nice looking Luxes there!

Agreed Andy, and a GR8 trip report Well done guys!!!

[Rolbos]

Aan een en elkeen wat saam met ons Boegoeberg 4x4 Roete gedoen het, BAIE BAIE dankie vir die wonderlike gees regdeur die naweek. Aan almal dankie vir wonderlike samewerking en spangees. Boegoeberg 4x4 is en bly een van die top 10 Roetes in die land en " watch it" ! Die roete is aan die groei en Sybrie De Beer, die boer en eienaar van die roete is een van die beste Roete eienaars wat ek ken. Hy versorg sy Roete en die moeite wat hy doen met sy 5 Ster kamppeer plek vir sy gaste, kan niks meer or gese word nie. Ons kan net se, manne kom ervaar dit. Daar is nog baie meer aan die kom in die toekoms, volgens Sybrie. "Sybrie, baie dankie, Ons sien jou weer in die toekoms en hou die moeite wat wat jou doen met die roete, met die kamplek, die Lapa met groot belangstelling dop " !! Hy verdien 10 Hoeraas!!"
Ek gaan die voorspelling waag om te se dat Boegoeberg 4x4 DIE BESTE ROETE in Suid Afrika gaan word in die nabye toekoms. Wie wil stry ?

Vir die Hilux4x4 Klub van die Weskaap, Jis manne, julle "Rock". Soos gese is deur Pieter, Thys en ander, die "newbies" het hulle uitstekend van hulle taak gekwyt en kan nou terugkyk met groot waardering vir hul eie en die vermoens van ons Hiluxe.
Thys, Sondag more se trip deur die Canyon (nie sandgat nie) met loodregte walle van tot 3-4m hoog, waarvan jy gepraat het, kan ek net vir julle se dat Sybrie my vertel het dat die Jeep Club die roete uit gesit het en hy het in sy lewe nie geglo het dat einge Hilux ooit daardie roete sou kon doen nie, maar ons manne met die Hiluxe het hom verbaas, onsself verbaas en manne soos Olaf met sy " stock standard" het net 'n bietjie aanmoediging gehad om almal te verbaas oor waartoe 'n Hilux werklik in staat is. Selfs die platkarre( Suzies) het nie agtergebly nie en hul staal gewys. Geluk manne, julle kan maar !!
Diegene wat nie nooit gedink het hulle sal die roete kan doen nie kan nou terugkyk met trots en met groot vetroue in hul eie vermoens en die van hulle getroue Hiluxe. Dit was voorwaar 'n toets der toetse vir hulle wat nuut in die 4x4 wereld was en ek kan ook net se BAIE GELUK een een en elkeen.
Vir die manne van "daarbo af"(die Gauties) wat praat dat ons "Capies" net kan sandry, kan ons maar net se kom ons sal julle wys hoe om 4x4 te ry en hoe 'n 4x4 Roete nou eintllk lyk.
Thys, "awesome" die fotos, waarvan daar etlike 100'de geneem is sal hopelik binnekort op 'n CD of DVD ssamgestel word en dan beskikbaar gestel word deur Pieter. Verder kan op die Web Site links gekyk word na wonderlike fotos en die mees ongelooflike terrein wat ons baas geraak het.
Om af te sluit, Nogmaals baie dankie aan almal vir 'n wonderlike naweek, dank aan ons Hemelse Vader vir wondelike weer, die natuur en almal se pragtige samewerking en julle wonderlike gees. Julle ouens is werklik Gr8!
Ek vertrou dat almal baie geleer het oor hulle eie vermoens , hul voertuig se vermoens en dat julle nou baie meer vertroue in jouself en in jou Hilux het.
'n Hilux staan vir niks terug nie. " VIVA HILUX !! "
Steek 'n Hilux se neus in en hy sal jou anderkant uitbring in een stuk.
Aan die van julle wat dit gemis het, wel julle sal nooit kan raai wat julle gemis het nie ! Sorry ouens !

Ek sien uit na 'n volgende geleentheid waar ons Hiluxe en hul eienaars hul staal kan wys.
My beste wense aan die Huilux 4x4 Klub, Weskaap, mag julle groei tot groot hoogtes vorentoe.
Lekka 4x4 Groete,
Louis Rolbos

[Witblits]

This newbie's (André from Koringberg) smile was from pure relief and looking forward to the sorely needed witblits. Being called a "natural off-roader" is applying the honey too liberally, but thanks for the compliment Pieter. Boegoeberg is really ruff stuff for a first time 4x4 trip, but the experience gained will be invaluable - call it a "crash course in gaining experience". The people, however, made the big difference - they were all great, helpful, friendly, without airs, etc, etc - all made the club and forum proud. Except those few who partied (and swam) till 04:00 the Sunday morning and made SWAMBO very grumpy!

[ThysdJ]

Some pictures around the campsite on Saturday morning:

This Hilux flies even when it stands still. This is Cobus's world famous "Vliegbakkie", parked at the campsite.


Arno (Isuzu) and Herman's rides:


Richard and Pieter (pietpetoors):


Kobus Tornado:


Louis Rolbos and Olaf:


Kaspaas and Voetsek


Pieter Draadkar:


Henry (Isuzu) and Andre Witblits:


Abblution facilities:


The "Scrapyard":

[ThysdJ]

Sybrie's Blou Hilux:


View from the campsite in the mountains:


The Group:


The trail:


Louis Rolbos:


A Rock:


Louis leading Pieter (Andre) Draadkar:


Henry and Andre :


Anarre Rock:

[ThysdJ]

A Blommetjie vir Niel:


Pieter Draadkar:


Kaspaas benoude boude:


Olaf:


Carlo Voetsek


The view from the top:


The view from the side:


Begin van die einde van die excalibur:


Buurman se Gat:


Rolbos en Kaspaas:


Die einde van die excalibur (die ander kant lyk nog erger):

[swifty]

Thys,

Het julle nie die 3 "gate" in Groenvlei gedoen nie? Is die gedeelte van die roete nog oop?

Martin

[ThysdJ]

Nee Martin ons het ongelukkig nie daar uitgekom nie, maar ek glo dis nog oop. Ons was die hele dag besig met die bergroete.

[Niel]

A Blommetjie vir Niel:

Dankie Kaspasie dat jy wragtie aan my ook gedink het Dit lyk sommer na n bakgat trrippie.

[richard]

WOW!!! What an amazing weekend

A very big thank you to Oom Louis for organizing such an amazing trip, Oom Sybrie for providing such an asemrowende campsite and one of the best trails, and to the rest of the guys and ladies that contributed to the awesome atmosphere that rounded off the perfect weekend.

i dont know who was rumoured to have been swimming so late Saturday night all i can say is that the water is blerrie cold but really refreshing after the mountain trail.

The camaraderie that was shown will be a point of the weekend that impressed me most. The discussions about different vehicles, helpful tips, some coke and ice for the branders just everyones attitude and approachability made it so enjoyable and memorable.

I'll post pics as soon as i have sorted out the camera...i'm sure there are a few snaps that would make those that missed out on the weekend very envious.

[Bloues]

Lyk lekker gewees !!! Wel gedaan !!!!

[Rolbos]

Martin, die hoof rede hoekom ons besluit het om die Groenvlei draai mis te ry is omdat die Hiluxe se "departure angle" te lank is en net onnodig opgehang sou word. Daar is nie veel verder om te sien nie. Dit is net die twee of drie watergate wat baie diep is. Nie die water nie, maar die "angles".
Ek het 'n foto waar my bakkie en Sybrie se bakkie altwee hang en uitgesleep moes word
'n Arme 2 maande oue L/R 110 TDI moes op 'n vorige trip geleentheid daarvandaan uitgesleep word nadat hy sy agteras morsaf gebreek het. Om bo by die uitdraai te kom, het hy sy vooras ook ook morsaf gebreek. Sybrie se trekker moes hom kamptoe sleep via die buurplaas deur drade te knip, deur Rooibos Tee landerye en toe grootpad langs. Die L/R was te swaar om om tot bo by die uitdraai te kom en uiteindelik moes ek hom terugsleep Kaaptoe (Toyota - Official Land Rover Recovery vehicle, I have the proof ) MAAR , NOOIT WEER NIE !!
Daarom het ons besluit om liewer verder die berg op te beweeg om die uitsigte te waardeer en tyd bo te spandeer. Groenvlei is mooi , maar 'n voertuig breker en neem net te lank om te ry vir 'n skrale 400 meter af en 400m terug op tot by die afdraai. Ons ry nie om ons voertuie onnodig te breek nie.
Dit is maar al rede , maar die roete is beslis nog oop.
Ek sou dit net aanbeveel vir voertuie met 'n baie kort "departure angle" en 'n " diff lock" voor.

[swifty]

Louis,

Ek stem saam met jou, ek het eenkeer vir 3 ure gestoei om uit die gat te kom! Ek was braaf genoeg (of is dit onosel genoeg?) om die gate aan te durf sonder 'n backup voertuig. Was dit nie vir die winch nie sou ek seker nou nog daar gesit het.....

[troopie charlie]

I would just like to thanks you guys for accepting me on the forum and the club, being a non HILUX driver but an ancient Land Cruiser Troopie driver

What an amazing weekend, it is just in Sa where one can have such a relaxed weekend with new and old friends, experience something new without any people judging your experience, equipment or driving skills

I really enjoyed Louis your weekend organising and guiding hand, helping the newbies, yes I did learn a lot even so I was not behind the wheel. Would love to have the calm of Cobus, but suppose that comes with many years of humble experience and driving...

The campsite was excellent, facilities top... and I loved the descriptions of the farm and plants and ecological info, even so I did not understand so much, was appreciated...

I shall be off to Europe, good old Germany, but shall be back in the spring to do some tours with cycling customers... Louis could you not organise another weekend around the last week of September or first week of October, I put my name down straight away..

After watching and being a co driver(thks Olaf for taking me along), it is time that I try out my little skills in my 3 ton top heavy cruiser, would of had some difficulty on some of thoose routes especially without the power stearing, all old school in my LC but she is still going strong.

I had a great weekend, just nature, driving and fun with fellow 4x4 lovers...Thanks to all for all the effort.

Charles

[Rolbos]

Charlie,
We will have to hear what the guys from the Club says about another trip to Boegoeberg or somewhere else in Spring. That is if all of us are still here after the World Cup, maybe you should try and organise the gates of Germany to open automatiaclly when we (the Boere ) arrive.
Jokes aside, I am happy you've enjoyed it. Yes, it was a wonderful weekend away and next time I think you should bring your Cruiser. " Old die hard!"
Regards to Olaf. He really surprised al lot of us.
Best regards.

[Rolbos]

Sommer net na aanleidng van Martin se briefie oor die Groenvlei vasittery toe hy alleen daardeur probeer gaan het.
Ek het nog altyd aangeraai om NOOIT die onbekende alleen aan te durf as jy nie hulp het nie.
Daar moet altyd ten minste een ander voertuig saammet jou om 'n trip. Verskieslik moet julle drie wees, een om te help en die ander indien nodig om te gaan hulp soek. Onthou daar is gewoonlik Mammas en kinders ook by.
Martin, ek het ook nie 'n "winch" nie, maar sou ek alleen daar gsit het, stem ek saam, dan sou ek ook seker vandag nog daar vasgesit het.
Groenvlei is geen grap nie. Gelukkig is die Roete baie gewild en jy sou nie te lank hoef te gewag het nie.
Verder ken Sybrie sy "customers" en sou genoeg kom kyk het waar jy is. Hy doen sy " roll call" sonder dat jy/ons dit weet.
Maar, dit bly lekker om te sien waartoe jou voertuig in staat is.
Druk sy neus in, hy sal jou anderkant uitbring, solank dit 'n Lux is. Moet net die gat ophang nie.

[troopie charlie]

Hi Louis

Thks for the answer, yes it would be great if you guys organise a trip in the Spring...Pls keep me posted.

I am off to Olaf's bike shop today shall give him your regards

Charles

[wacky]

Bly om te sien julle het dit geniet;jammer kon nie bywoon nie,het ander commitments gehad.excellent foto's sien julle volgende keer;

[pietpetoors]

Excellent trip report Thys, thanx.
Here are some more photos:
Louis Playing in the sand

Playing in the sand

boegoeberg-speel.jpg (58.18 KiB) Viewed 3722 times

Cobus making a new road

Cobus making new road

cobus.jpg (45 KiB) Viewed 3722 times

Adding value to an Isuzu:

Adding value to an Isuzu

isuzu.jpg (31.99 KiB) Viewed 3722 times

[pietpetoors]

For those who want to know more about the camping site and facilities, I added a post at
http://www.africatrips.co.za/boegoeberg4x4/

[Polarbear2008]

Ouens dit lyk of dit ekstra lekker was!

Sal een of ander tyd dit moet gaan opsoek!

[joeydalton]

Hi Everybody!
I am still alive-SORRY for not being able to communicate before now- It was an awesome trip, thank you very much everybody, especially Pieter,Thys and Louis for the encouragement and help!

I'd do it again anytime!!

Cheers Olaf (die duitse diesel drywer)

[ThysdJ]

Hi Everybody!
I am still alive-SORRY for not being able to communicate before now- It was an awesome trip, thank you very much everybody, especially Pieter,Thys and Louis for the encouragement and help!

I'd do it again anytime!!

Cheers Olaf (die duitse diesel drywer)

So Olaf... you ready for the next one?? Bring your wife as well....

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