Berakah Rhino Challenge
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2011 8:05 am
We are pleased to announce that the owners of the Berakah Trial near Parys agreed to allow Megaworld Vaal to conditionally re-open the Rhino Challenge.
During the past few months we have been exploring this subject and understood very well the concerns that the owners had regarding, what had previously been referred to as, "one of the three terror trails in SA". Safety is top priority and for this reason strict qualifying criteria will be applied before a team of of our marshalls will accompany interested participants to the Rhino Challenge. We are in the final stages of defining these, but the items most likely included will be:-
Mechanically sound vehicles, preferably with at least a 2" lift and diff lockers rear (and possibly front as well).
Level 1 Offroad Driving certification
Experienced Marshalls will be guiding the driver up and down the Rhino. We are exploring the feasability of arranging standby medical assistance in case of emergency. Recovery and safety equipment will be standard on the day of the event. It goes without saying that the use of liquor will be strictly forbidden prior to ascending or descending the Rhino.
During the past weeks we studied the trail carefully and drove a Landcruiser Pickup (standard suspension, difflocks front and rear, BFG A/T) as well as a heavily modified Jeep Wrangler JK (4" + 2" Lift, Lockers front and rear, BFG MT's) up and down the Rhino. Getting up and down safely left us with a healthy degree of respect for this challenging trail.
The Rhino Challenge is NOT to be underestimated in any way and is most certainly one of the most challenging that we have driven.
These two vehicles were No's 86 & 87 over the past 10 years and the only two vehicles in more than two years.
The trial has changed due to the weather and we are convinced that any previous successful attempts will not necessarily guarantee success on the current Rhino.
Preparations are going well for the 26 March event at the Berakah Rhino Challenge. Herewith a few notes for general information:-
Two more slots available for anyone to attempt the Rhino Challenge on 26 March. We would like to limit the number of participants to five on this first occasion.
Spectators welcome, however, we may have to limit the number attending. Some forum members have indicated thus far that they would like to attend on a spectator basis. Spectators will be paying the standard R250 fee per car and this will allow them access to the Berakah trail as well.
We are planning an information session at the Megaworld Vaal business premises on Saturday. The purpose will be to guide participants through the available footage and will share our experience of the Rhino in preparation of the event.
Members that have future aspirations to be attempting the Rhino are welcome to PM us so as to arrange attendance of the information session.
We will need a few Marshalls on the day of the event to perform a variety of tasks. Kindly let us know if you are interested in being involved.
Our event coordinator is Shane Gunter, he can be reached at our office number - 016 931 2999
Best regards.
During the past few months we have been exploring this subject and understood very well the concerns that the owners had regarding, what had previously been referred to as, "one of the three terror trails in SA". Safety is top priority and for this reason strict qualifying criteria will be applied before a team of of our marshalls will accompany interested participants to the Rhino Challenge. We are in the final stages of defining these, but the items most likely included will be:-
Mechanically sound vehicles, preferably with at least a 2" lift and diff lockers rear (and possibly front as well).
Level 1 Offroad Driving certification
Experienced Marshalls will be guiding the driver up and down the Rhino. We are exploring the feasability of arranging standby medical assistance in case of emergency. Recovery and safety equipment will be standard on the day of the event. It goes without saying that the use of liquor will be strictly forbidden prior to ascending or descending the Rhino.
During the past weeks we studied the trail carefully and drove a Landcruiser Pickup (standard suspension, difflocks front and rear, BFG A/T) as well as a heavily modified Jeep Wrangler JK (4" + 2" Lift, Lockers front and rear, BFG MT's) up and down the Rhino. Getting up and down safely left us with a healthy degree of respect for this challenging trail.
The Rhino Challenge is NOT to be underestimated in any way and is most certainly one of the most challenging that we have driven.
These two vehicles were No's 86 & 87 over the past 10 years and the only two vehicles in more than two years.
The trial has changed due to the weather and we are convinced that any previous successful attempts will not necessarily guarantee success on the current Rhino.
Preparations are going well for the 26 March event at the Berakah Rhino Challenge. Herewith a few notes for general information:-
Two more slots available for anyone to attempt the Rhino Challenge on 26 March. We would like to limit the number of participants to five on this first occasion.
Spectators welcome, however, we may have to limit the number attending. Some forum members have indicated thus far that they would like to attend on a spectator basis. Spectators will be paying the standard R250 fee per car and this will allow them access to the Berakah trail as well.
We are planning an information session at the Megaworld Vaal business premises on Saturday. The purpose will be to guide participants through the available footage and will share our experience of the Rhino in preparation of the event.
Members that have future aspirations to be attempting the Rhino are welcome to PM us so as to arrange attendance of the information session.
We will need a few Marshalls on the day of the event to perform a variety of tasks. Kindly let us know if you are interested in being involved.
Our event coordinator is Shane Gunter, he can be reached at our office number - 016 931 2999
Best regards.
