Trail Report: Moegatle 4x4 Weekend 22-23 May 2010 - Part 1
Ok, let me start by saying that this was not the first time I've been to Moegatle. However, this was by far my most enjoyed visit to this very scenic and challenging 4x4 trail! Five members of the Jeep Club visited this popular trail over the weekend despite the fact that many others couldn't make it.
Most of us arrived at the campsite round about 17h00 Friday afternoon, where we all met up at the campsite pub - a beautifully rock-faced venue with a big screen clearly visible from both inside & outside the pub. This would definitely come in handy on a weekend packed with Super14 semi-finals!! We then proceeded to the camping grounds where each of us chose one of the 10 secluded camping spots - each adequately serviced by well established power & water points. The ablution block is also a rock-faced building and blends in nicely within the bush environment. The showers and toilets are clean with some finer touches you wouldn't expect in a typical bush camp. A "donkey" assists the normal geyser to ensure that there is enough hot water should there be a large group of people.
Although it was fairly late when we set up camp, it didn't take long before we were settled in and we all soon made our way to the pub for a refreshing "sundowner or two".
The pub itself is walking distance from the camping spot and according to the owners Alex & Betsie, it's fairly new. There is a huge fireplace right next to it and we decided that we would all braai there later the evening. The interior is quite cozy and the one wall has been devoted to all the extreme photos taken on the trail and to the many mishaps that have occurred in the past (hence the appropriate "Wall of Shame"). Must admit that a few photo's immediately silenced some of the onlookers, whilst others became quite excited about the challenges that lay ahead.. We spent the rest of the night at the pub and around the fire and eventually headed back to the camp to get some much needed rest for the next day's action packed adventure.
Part 1: Saturday 22 May
The next morning we met at the pub for a quick driver's debrief. John (the elected "class captain") coordinated the group whilst Alex gave an overview of what the trail entailed and what type of obstacles we were to expect during the day. Being members of the JC, we were introduced to a new part of the trail were no one has been before - how appropriate! The day's trail was characterized by sandy river beds and eroded terrain that made for some interesting and challenging obstacles! Most had up to a "grade 3" rating, whilst others bordered on a level 4! Alex led the trail in his modified Toyota and guided the rest through each obstacle. Most of the time there were escape routes for the faint-hearted, but as we all drive Jeeps, we avoided this option- LOL!
There were 5 Wranglers - 2 of which were Rubicons. Most of the obstacles had to be negotiated - especially by the Wranglers without lockers. The pictures below show some of the action:
The last obstacle for the day probably was a level 5 grading, with only the 2 Rubicons making it through. For a change the drivers actually had to use their accelerator pedals! . Here is the 4-door Rubi going up:
Some of the other (braver) Wrangler drivers also attempted this obstacle but eventually had to abandon. As far as I remember this obstacle is called "Klipdrift". Still not sure whether the name reflects the steep rocky incline or the subsistence that some would required to get them through it..
After a day of hard play and VERY exciting trail, we headed back to the camp to watch to two Super14 semi-finals. Well-done Bulls & Stormers!
The next day was devoted to the most challenging part of the trail with 3 obstacles worthy of Grade 5 rating..
Next: Part 2 - Sunday 23 May to follow in separate thread due to space limitation!
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Last edited by johanswift; 2010/06/01 at 09:39 AM.
2008 JEEP RUBiCON
3.5 LIFT with ADJUSTABLE FOX SHOCKS
37" COOPER STT
SPRINTEX SUPERCHARGER
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Originally Posted by johanswift
I thought it might be a good idea to post a video of one of the cross-axial obstacles. This is quite a lengthy one but if I were to edit it, one might miss the fun we had getting through this obstacle..
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