Country Trax Sand Riding course at Klipbokkop

After Bob Goode twisted my arm sufficiently, I signed up to attend the Country Trax three-day sand course at Klipbokkop.

And so, on Friday past, we found ourselves setting out into the cold morning on ourway to Klipbokkop via Grabouw and Villiersdorp. According to the weather forecast, snow had fallen on the high-lying moutnains and showers were expected. I could feel the snow and we had some rain between Grabouw and Villiersdorp, but not enough to cause us tough guys to put on rainsuits.

Klipbokkop is about 25km past Villiers and the buildings are set up on the side of the mountain overlooking the Brandvlei Dam. The facilities are superb, comprising single and double accommodation, as well as a bar/dining room and conference area. The views over the dam and across to the distant mountains are breathtaking.

View from the stoep at dawn from the stoep at dawn

Bob and I were the first ones to arrive. We were shown to our rooms, which are comfortably furnished, with en-suite bathrooms and heating and airconditioning. Very comfortable.

At this time of the year the level of the Brandvlei Dam is fairly low, leaving a large expanse of flat sand to start on, progressing to permanent dunes.  

Soon afterwards the rest of the crew arrived and we were addressed by our instructors, Leon Kroukamp and Johan Olivier, and where we were introduced to our fellow students. After a light lunch we set out for a quarry where we proceeded to warm up by frightening me witless because I had not yet done the intermediate off-road course. (Reminder to self: do this course as soon as possible.) There we were divided into two groups, where I was put in to Johan's group and Bob into Leon's group.

It was an action-packed intensive weekend. I can't remember everything we did, so these are just some highlights. Perhaps Bob can fill in...

From the quarry it was down to the beach where we received instruction on riding in sand.

The course starts off gently with riding around cones in the sand and becomes progressively more difficult until it culminates with riding in very soft dunes.

Riding in virgin sand is easy but as it gets churned up things get more and more difficult.

I lost count of how many times I had to pick up my bike.  Most of the falls were at low speed but a couple were spectacular - one with two bollemakiesies before I came to a stop.

Some of the highlights were a night ride of a couple of kilometers on the beach, power sliding with enough room to do it safely, getting to feel the effect of weight distribution for the first time and riding in the dunes.

It was intensive and exhausting weekend with my body still feeling the after effects.

The course was excellent and I would recommend it to all adventure riders, the instructors were first class, the venue was outstanding, the food couldn't be bettered, my fellow students were great.  All in all a superb experience.

As soon as I get the photos I will upload some of them. Teaser photos added by Bob in the meantime 

Dirk (BMW 1200GS Adv), Bob (BMW 1200GS), Johan (KTM990), Doug (Kawasaki 650); Back - Dirk(BMW1200GSAdv), Bob(BMW1200GS), Johan(KTM990), Doug(Kawasaki650); Front - Mike(KTM990), Lorne(KTM990), Geoff(BMW1200GS), Paul(YamahaSuperTenere), Candice(BMW450).

 

Comments

Tony's picture
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Joined: 2008/08/24

C'mon Geoff!

Get those pictures uploaded asap.

It's your birthday, so surely you don't have any household chores to distract you. Wink Tongue out

A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn. ~Author Unknown