Eleven LROC club members attended the Module 3 : Recovery Training on Saturday 9th March at Kungwini4x4. We were very pleased to see that we had a couple of young ladies who participated in order to gain skills that would assist them in their travels with their partners. Everyone had the opportunity to operate the very versatile Hi-Lift jack, and also how to safely couple up shackles, safety lanyards and pull straps. The theoretical training was followed by a practical session where a winch was used to recover a vehicle out of stuck situation. A "Donsa" hand operated winch was also demonstrated and tried by all. All in all, a great day was had by everyone. Thanks to Pieter for his assistance and valuable input.
Kungwini offers a large variety of 4x4 entertainment for every level of driver experience. Three 4x4 areas are provided to test out the capabilities of both the driver and his Landy. These areas consist of basic 4x4 tracks which allows drivers the opportunity to freshen up on their skills while navigating a series of different obstacles. The second area is referred to as the advanced 4x4 track which consists of a condensed 2km route containing 17 obstacles with difficulty ratings ranging from an easy 2, right up to a nail biting 5. Finally, Kungwini offers a 20km Eco trail that winds through the Magaliesberg and over a few unique rock formations. The Eco trail is ideal for the off-roader who enjoys scenic views with a moderate obstacle thrown in for good measure every few kilometres.
Naturally LROC opted to make use of the advanced 4x4 track to host the autumn trial to provide some excitement for participants without running the risk of damaging vehicles in the process. The trial consisted of various obstacles that ranged from how well participants know the dimensions of their vehicles in a tight spot to pure off-roading prowess up a challenging incline. Ten Landys took part in the trial with a few electing to do the trial twice to allow their co-driver to compete bringing the participants to 13. It was sure to be a day of learning as almost half the field consisted of drivers fairly new to off-roading and indeed their vehicles.
The trial was taken on and completed with great enthusiasm as the majority of the trial could be viewed from the starting location, allowing participants to experience all the excitement with fellow members throughout the day. The field was dominated by defenders ranging from an Ex-Military 90 Tdi to one of the very last 110 puma’s in the now iconic green colour. The Discovery’s, however were not to be outdone as they were suitably impressive on the day, eventually claiming two podium finishes. All vehicles emerged from the day unscathed with participants more knowledgeable and comfortable with their ability and that of their beloved Landys.
Many thanks to all members who provided feedback on trial experience and difficulty. I would also like to thank all members who assisted in the recovery and subsequent bush repair of a fellow LROC member who experienced a mechanical failure in the form of a bent track rod.
Looking forward to seeing many more participants at future events.
Thank you to all involved. It was a great weekend out, first time that Mandy has driven off-road, and she had a blast!
The photos are great, but do little justice to the terrain that we were driving through!