Jeep Club SA Newsletter June 2015

NEWSLETTER / NUUSBRIEF JUNE 2015

P.O. Box 8421, MINNEBRON, 1549 Fax: 086 505 0484 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.jeepclubsa.co.za

The Jeep Club South Africa caters for what we believe in - family fun in our Jeeps!

Page 1

LESOTHO – RAMABANTA BABOONS PASS TRIP – 16 JUNE 2015 The Jeep Owners Group in South Africa, through Chrysler Fiat SA, operates as Jeep Club South Africa a non-profit organization. The club has a membership of just over 1500 members throughout the country, with monthly activities taking place on a national level. The latest National event was the Jeep Club SA annual Charity trip to Lesotho, where we support a small community with various essentials to making their lives a little more bearable.

Included in the trip is a Pass called Baboons Pass which is essentially a donkey trail used by the locals to transport supplies from the local trading store to their villages in the Lesotho Mountains. In previous years,

this pass also formed part of the Roof of Africa, which is one of the biggest enduro motorbike races in Africa.

IN THIS ISSUE

◊ RAMABANTA – LESOTHO

(NATIONAL)

◊ THE WEDGE (GP)

◊ MARGATE (KZN)

◊ TYRE PLUS SOCIAL (WC)

◊ WELGELEGEN (WC)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

02/08/2015 – Cars in

the Park – Zwartkops

(GP) 09/08/2025 –

Nyamazane Reserve

(KZN)

16/08/2015 –

Matroosberg 4x4 (WC) 23/08/2015 – Amazing

Race (WC)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information and photos see

www.jeepclubsa.co.za Or visit us on Facebook, Jeep

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 2

Club members arrived on the Friday 12 June from various parts of the country – Cape Town, Gauteng and Natal. By evening most had arrived and settled into their cosy accommodation at the Ramabanta Trading Lodge which is at the base of the Baboons Pass.

Saturday morning a group of 18 vehicles and their passengers were ready to depart for the journey up to Theetsoa Primary School which, is in the village half way up the pass. With the

temperature at 0 degrees we all wanted to be inside our vehicles as quickly as possible. With all the gift packs and goodies shared out amongst the vehicles we broke into two Groups to start the 4x4 journey. The first group chose the river crossing at the start of the trail with shimmering steam rising from the icy water. The second group

took the higher ground over the low lying water bridge, which was dry today. Our group moved at a slow speed up the steep mountain pass ensuring all stayed within visible range. The scenery was breath taking and the air fresh with the sun rays slowly warming us up so

that jerseys could be removed. Just under 4 hours and we were at the Village and the Primary School with all the children and villages there to receive us.

The gifts were quickly distributed and handed out to all the children and adults which had come to welcome us. All the children received clothing, toys, and hygiene essentials and of course a hand full of sweets. Once done the group walked down to the well-manicured school in the middle of nowhere to see how their gifts would be put into use within the community.

Chrysler Fiat representatives Cyril Mzamo and Navin Dewkaran handed over Soccer balls which were quickly sorted to ensure the various villages benefited. Four villages received balls, Ha Keleke, Ha Mphepe, Ha Moleke and Moeaneng. Soccer balls were also given to Ramabantha Lodge, Roma Guest House, Nyakosoba Campsite and Ramabantha

Ladies Soccer Team.

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 3

We said our goodbyes and travelled slowly down towards the lodge for a relaxing evening in preparation for driving Baboons Pass the next day.

Sunday morning we broke into two groups to tackle the pass. The weather was playing its part as we had clear skies and very little breeze.

Doing the route up the school a second time seemed to go quickly and we were soon passed the village and the school, as we followed the narrow path of the trail on the mountains edge

with a 2000 foot drop on the one side, not the time or place to choose the wrong line! We climbed higher to find ice the last resemblance of the previous weeks light snow fall.

Our last challenge in leaving the pass is “Goliath” a large rock face which one needs to drive up and over to exit the pass. Without too much hassle all the vehicles were through and out the pass.

We all departed in convoy for a quick view of the Maletsuyane Falls in Semonkong. The Jeeps in convoy was a great sight through all the windy mountain passes to get to Semonkong.

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 4

We arrived at the waterfall which is one of the deepest and highest in the world just as the sun was starting to set. What a fine way to end off a great 4x4 experience.

Monday the groups split up with some going off to Mohale Dam, which is a feeder for Katse Dam with a 32 km underground water tunnel and it’s the highest rock filled wall in Africa. They were then off to Katse Dam where they spent the night at Katse Lodge. Tuesday morning the group went down to the Katse Dam Operational Center where they attended the lecture on Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a Bi-National Project between the governments of Lesotho and the Republic of SA. The highlight of the tour was when we all took our Jeeps on the dam wall and had a photo opportunity. A visit to Katse Dam is a must do so add it to your bucket list.

A second group headed down south with the Natal group back to Durban and the Cape Town group to the Eastern Cape. Our plan was to travel the various passes on route avoiding the tarr for as long as possible. We exited Lesotho at Telebridge and found the route to the first pass, Lundeansnek pass and then onto Volunteershoek pass and arrived at Tiffendell Ski-resort just as sun was going down. We then drove in the dark through Carlisleshoek pass through the quaint town of Rhodes into Barkley East where we stayed overnight. Tuesday morning saw the Cape Town group up early as we travelled the 1200 kms back into Cape Town with snow falling on the Worster Mountains as we neared Cape Town. We had travelled just short of 3000 kms for the long weekend’s adventure and all safely home. Thank you goes to the Jeep Club Committee under Marius Smit for organizing the weekend and for Chrysler Fiat for the support and commitment to the club and its members. For future upcoming events please follow us at www.jeepclubsa.co.za. A BIG thank you as well to Martin Wittenburg for the design of the Baboons Pass stickers. Written by: Craig Parsons - Project Coordinator – Jeep Club SA

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 5

MARGATE RESERVE – 7 JUNE 2015 – KZN 7 June 2015 Margate Reserve open day outing,12 members of the Jeep Club as well as 4 non jeeps attended this low level outing. We all met at Wimpy South Coast Mall in the rather cold conditions at 8h30 for departure 9h00. Convoyed through the back of Margate airport to the destination where we started our outing. Running through hills and mountains through very slippery grass making it challenging to climb as well as descend on the wet grass. Lots of the terrain was also burnt so very black and dry patches as well to contend with. There was a little bit of rock to climb over which was naturally taken on by the Jeep drivers and the other vehicles went by the side.

There was a recovery whereby we tried to cross over marshes and go up a steep hill but the deep hole prior to incline made it impossible so Roland had to recover Corne’ making it the second time he was able to use his winch and he was pretty proud about that. The outing was low level with some basic camber driving which made it possible for the drivers to get to know their vehicles better and allow them to put in some training prior to the Baboons pass and camp Jeep outing later on this year. The 4 other vehicles also enjoyed it thoroughly and said it was challenging and a nice experience for them. We ended the day with a true camp braai on some bricks with grills and everyone enjoyed the socialising and open discussions about all the various 4x4 vehicles and their capabilities. All ended well even the hot weather that we had from about 10am. Overall a successful carefree day.

Written By: Corne’ J Vuuren

TYREPLUS SOCIAL – WESTERN CAPE TyrePlus Montague Gardens opened up their doors on June 9th to welcome the Jeep Club and host some special vendors. TyrePlus is an international brand and is relatively new to our market. They have already

made their mark on local soil with quality products and service and specialise in top brands like Michelin and BF Goodrich. First on the cards was Jaco from

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 6

BF Goodrich who treated us to an unofficial pre-launch of the new KO2 All-Terrain tyre. Roughly thirty-eight years after the originall KO was launched, this is just the second revision of BF’s A/T rubber. This upgraded version promises to have tougher sidewalls, longer treadlife both on and off-road while also improving traction in mud and snow. There are just too many features to mention about BF’s latest product but what was particularly awesome was one of their ads featuring a Jeep Wrangler. Check it out on YouTube, http://youtu.be/kF0T4UH8jPQ definitely worthwhile for all the Jeep fans out there. After BF Goodrich left everyone wanting to go out and buy a new set of rubber, Charl of Extreme Lights in Stellenbosch was on hand to introduce their wide range of lights for activities ranging from cycling to 4X4 night drives. The ways in which their products can be utilised are endless. Charl gave us some good pointers on how to spot quality products and also set the record straight when it comes to that all important lumens figure we look for when buying lights. Charl dispelled the many myths about lumens including the overstated values manufacturers sometimes attach to their products. Armed with this new knowledge, all the Jeepers can make informed decisions when purchasing their next set of lights. Charl could not express enough how obsessed they are about quality, so be sure to check out all their products at http://www.extremelights.co.za/ and contact them for advice. Finally, a huge thanks to TyrePlus once again for their hospitality including the spitbraai. It brought back fond memories of that lovely potjie they provided at Paarl Mountain not too long ago. Something tells me they just as interested in good food as they are in tyres. Lastly, TyrePlus is one of the official distributors of BF Goodrich and have secured as much stock as possible. I’m sure that if they don’t have any, no one does. Until next time.

WELGELEGEN 4x4 – 27 JUNE 2015 (WC)

Saturday 27 June was one of those clear, bright winter days we are blessed with after good rains. The crisp air and blue sky made for the ideal day for a Jeep 4x4 trail.

After the safety briefing by Ian, we all set off.

The vehicles ranged from Grand Jeep Cherokee, standard Wranglers, modified Rubicon’s and some old timers. The outing allowed us to experiment with gear selection, the use of the differential lock, disconnecting sway bars and to ask advice from more experienced drivers. Within the first 30 minutes I was once again struck by the ability of a Jeep.

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 7

Geared in low range, we were slowly guided through obstacles and inclines that commanded respect. Our confidence increased with time and as more difficult obstacles were tackled.

The owner of Welgelegen mentioned to the marshals that he has cleared a new possible track, but was unsure whether it could be done. (This is equivalent to asking a kid if he wants pizza or an apple.) Ian and the modified Wranglers immediately accepted the challenge that took them down a steep descent, which was well controlled, but to a turn at the bottom of the which slope proved to be too tight.

This is where the term snotterig started to get a whole new meaning. After the good rains a few days ago the top soil had a thin dry crust, but just below this the earth was water-logged. This, mixed with the cut down vegetation on the new clear area lead to a slippery combination. In short – snotterig. By fixing the winch on 3 consecutive anchor points, applying diff lock and some good driving skills, Ian got out of the gully.

The rest of the drive went well, with escape routes on more difficult sections. On the way back, the group wanted to test a new possible inclining route where the vegetation has been cut down for a new track.

The modified Wrangles went first and with some difficulty, got to the top. They were followed by a skilfully driven Cherokee. Then it was our turn to tackle the incline.

Just before the top, I decelerated as to not “jump over” - not a good move as we lost forward momentum and slid sideways. Our Jeep Mountain got stuck at a sideways incline that, to put it lightly, made me very uncomfortable. With Ian’s Jeep anchoring and pulling from the front with his winch and Marius’s Wrangler winching sideways from the rear -preventing our Jeep from tilting further - we got out of a very tight situation. Thanks guys!

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 8

The day ended with a braai, a few beers and many laughs. Thanks to all! See you at the next 4x4 outing! Written By: Tom du Toit

THE WEDGE – GAUTENG What can we say about The Wedge? Fun, fun fun! Wranglers and Cherokees lined up from early on a rather fresh Highveld morning. Committee members built a few “competition” obstacles and as there were an almost equal number of Cherokees and Wranglers, it became a Wrangler vs Cherokee day. All Jeeps had exactly the same obstacles to do and members pulled out all stops to get the highest points on every obstacle without any recoveries!

Oh what joy! The Cherokees won the Wrangler guys on points on the obstacles with the

Wranglers having all the recoveries as well! Is that correct, Mr Parsons? On the golf course the Wrangler guys won by being closest to the hole on the green! Do I see a connection there? Maybe stay off the greens, Guys and start doing what you supposed to do! Jeepin’ for Fun!

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 9

All ended well with the winners receiving their prizes and Dries Wolmarans getting baptized with his new name: Dries Propshaft. Did he break a prop shaft again, I wonder? And just so that you know, although a prop shaft broke, there was still no need for a recovery! Written by: Anne-Marie Engelbrecht – GP

Camp Jeep 2015 – Book Now!

Camp Jeep 2015 is where all likeminded Jeep owners will meet up and have a great Jeep weekend with 4x4 routes, 4x4 accessories, 4x4 Mopar Village, Great food, Great Entertainment etc , etc and all with the Jeep family.

It will take place at Champagne Castle Resort and Jeep will be taking over the Drakensberg for the weekend 2-4 October 2015.

Please confirm your pre booking and request accommodation requirements early in the link provided. You will be contacted once the actual bookings are open and live.

http://www.vibrantmedia.co.za/genresponse/

Soon to go live will be www.campjeepsa.co.za

Oh yes Camp Jeep is being organized by Chrysler Fiat SA to create an experience for all Jeep owners in SA.

The last Camp Jeep we had in SA was in 2008 so Chrysler Fiat SA have brought it back.

Great News Jeepers!! Chrysler SA has a launched a Magazine, which is hosted on

www.jeep.co.za, please feel free to follow the link to read all the latest news and to

register for future editions.

Happy Reading: http://emagazine.jeep.co.za/jeep_renegade.html#1

NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2015

Page 10

PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING EVENTS ON

WWW.JEEPCLUBSA.CO.ZA OR [email protected].

Additional information on all events are available on the website.

NOTE: THE OPINIONS OF WRITERS IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THEIR OWN AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINION OF THE JEEP CLUB SA. THE JEEP CLUB SA DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOUR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, AGE OR DISABILITY.

Disclaimer: The Jeep Club South Africa has no connection with the website www.jeepclubrsa.co.za and dissociate itself from any publications on this web site.

Please scan our website for other interesting information!

PLEASE SPARE US A MINUTE AND SEND US AN E-MAIL ON [email protected]

OR FAX ON 086 505 0484 OR SMS ON 084 542 8869 with any suggestions, news, comments, readers from abroad, etc.

MEMBERS PARTICIPATION

Your enthusiasm, participation, support and positive attitude will ensure that the Jeep Club SA grow as a family orientated pleasure club catering for the “loves” in our lives - our families, friends, outdoor adventure and needless to say - our Jeeps!

The Jeep Club SA caters for what we believe in - family fun in our Jeeps!

Please print this Newsletter in colour and distribute it amongst your friends and family without access to Internet facilities.

Thank you for your participation and support.

Make sure your companion, kids and friends also read the newsletter and know what we are up to next!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY - HAVE FUN OUT THERE