November is getting closer & the attrition rate is low for the Traverse attempt. I want to discuss some very important issues and make sure that all entrants and watchers are clear. I have it on good authority that someone recently went into a gear shop & told the staff there that they were going to make an attempt at the Traverse record, wanting to know what kind of gear to take along. I may have my wires crossed but this worries me. If someone doesn’t have a handle on what gear the Tra…
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Posted by Nic Shaw on 11 September 2008 at 9:50am —
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So what kind of stuff do you guys take for food on long-distance expedition-style events like this. I find that the following works quite well:
- pronutro pre-mixed with milk powder in a ziploc sandwich bag. When you get to a river, fill the bag with water, seal it, shake it, bite off a corner and slurp it up. Grim, but it works :-)
- Banana bread & Fruit Cake, each slice individually vacuum packed. Simply tear open pack and chow.
This I would supplement with a mixture of sweet snacks (wi…
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Posted by Stijn Laenen on 24 June 2008 at 6:21pm —
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I thought it might be useful to start a new thread on gear. Stijn made a comment that based on his attempt he is going to take a bigger pack and more stuff. Based on my attempt I am going to try to go lighter; I didn't really enjoy trying to run up those ridges with 15kg pack. Let's share opinions.
First, I am not going to take a tent. I don't intend to be sleeping long enough to justify it. I will, however upgrade my bivvy bag. I used a R400 bivvy from K-Way with a published waterhead of 3000m…
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Posted by Nic Shaw on 24 June 2008 at 11:20am —
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Now having a mobile phone is all very well but keeping it working in low temperatures is another.
There are several things on offer over here at the minute that will help.
Interesting reading for Eskom challenged locals http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/products/solar_charge…
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Posted by Gary Mortimer on 23 June 2008 at 7:00pm —
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Hi all
This is an email I sent to members of MCSA KZN Section:
Hi all
As you may know (the rescue team certainly does!), myself and a few friends challenged Gavin Raubenheimer’s record for the Grand Traverse in April. Our dramatic rescue by our esteemed colleagues (and the resultant front page newspaper reports) stimulated a fair bit of interest in the challenge. The result of this interest is that there will be a “race” on the 8th November 2008 from the car park at Sentinel to the police pos…
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Posted by Nic Shaw on 19 June 2008 at 3:29pm —
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Here's a topic where we can all debate about the "optimal" route to take. I've got my route in a .kmz (google earth) file so if anyone wants it - gimme a shout.
So, to get the ball rolling, here's a finicky route choice:
I just got back from a lekker 3-day berg hike (up Cockade Pass, down Camel). Never had such perfect winter conditions - the berg was still green! Blue skies all 3 days, not too cold and just enough snow to spark a snowfight or two. Also got to stay in one of the best spots aro…
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Posted by Stijn Laenen on 17 June 2008 at 4:15pm —
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Lets try and distill the very few rules that should be there. I know you lot are uber competitive and honourable.
-1 Safety
0 Safety
.5 Safety
1. Nobody goes past anyone in distress, returning to know situations of emergency to assist is mandatory.
2. If we are not having fun its not worth it.
Right thats my two to get the ball rolling.
I naturally hate rules and dont think there should be too many for the DIY race, in fact I love the DIY race idea, perhaps it should never be more than t…
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Posted by Gary Mortimer on 12 June 2008 at 1:02am —
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If you intend to take part in an attempt to beat the current best time, please add your team to this thread and tell us about each member or your crew.
Now that several folks have added I will list them here so we can all see at a glance who is entering.
If you add another team to the thread please prod me to put it here as well.
Entry 1
Andrew Hagen
Stijn Laenen maybe next time!
Entry 2
Andrew Porter
Entry 3
Nic Shaw
Entry 4
T… Continue
Posted by Gary Mortimer on 12 June 2008 at 1:00am —
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Hey guys
I've sent some emails out to the AR mailing list and pasted them below. The response as been pretty good and we could see at least 10 teams lining up to give this thing a go! This site gets blocked during work hours for me so it's quite difficult to post emails here - please send me your email addresses (SLaenen AT fnb DOT co DOT za) and I'll copy you in the group emails.
Drakensberg Record Race
As some of you may know there is an established record of the
Drakensberg Grand Traverse:…
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Posted by Stijn Laenen on 3 June 2008 at 6:00am —
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Would it be out of turn, as another team has popped itself above the parapit (is that how you spell that)
To suggest a race next time???
But I think with very fair rules.
ie if the one team is in trouble the opponants must help them and neither team should finish.
Perhaps, an amount of money to a charity to enter???
Just putting it out there
G
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Posted by Gary Mortimer on 9 May 2008 at 3:00am —
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Gavin & Lawrie Raubenheimer's record still stands.
Hind sight is 20/20 & we should’ve seen the signs. The first indicator that things might not be going according to plan was when the Yellowbrick tracking device was confiscated by SARS and we were told it might take up to 6 weeks to have it released. We debated putting off the attempt until May but realized it would be far too cold & our sponsors were expecting us to make the attempt on the stated dates. Fortunately, thanks to some…
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Posted by Nic Shaw on 30 April 2008 at 9:45am —
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Yes I know the weather forecast was dodgy but remember, when the wheels were set in motion there was only a 30% chance of rain.
So yep thats a 70% chance it would be fine.
I cannot express how exciting following the team and their training was, especially as I did not exert myself a jot.
To me just taking the first step, knowing full well what lay ahead was a brave move in itself for them.
So this is the sixth failed attempt since the record was set.
Proves its not for the feint hearted.…
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Posted by Gary Mortimer on 23 April 2008 at 7:23pm —
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Well...that was interesting. Not quite what we expected but still...
We're safe, we're home. A little (lot) disappointed but very grateful to all for the rescue. I've rescued others from teh mountains on a few occasions and the gratitude is always plain to see. This time I felt it for myself. When you see the faces of the MCSA rescue team (even the ugly ones) the feeling is indescribable. Thanks MCSA & SAAF. My laptop has died a terrible death but as soon as I can I will post a full postmor…
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Posted by Nic Shaw on 23 April 2008 at 9:50am —
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Well, the helicopter came and everyone is safe.
21 Apr 2008
Melissa Douman
THE weekend’s cold front almost proved fatal for three athletes who had to be airlifted from the Drakensberg yesterday.
Gina Walsh, Nic Shaw and Deon Chiesman were attempting to complete the Grand Travers…
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Posted by Gary Mortimer on 22 April 2008 at 7:54am —
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Gary- sat at Carmas Computer
09:24
The situation is as follows, we have been in comms with the guys this morning. There is 3 to 4 feet of snow. They are still safe in the cave.
Mountain club is sending a team up to them with extra supplies and warm gear and to assess the situation.
15 Squadron, Durban, helicopters are aware.
We are shortly all decamping to the Cathedral Peak hotel to be closer to the scene and to get Nick to buy the beers when they get down.
More when I can later.
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Posted by carma on 21 April 2008 at 8:32am —
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at 07h26, Deon sent the sms that said it all. Please send the chopper...
They are cold, snowed in with 3 to 4 foot of snow. he ended the sms in his usual cheery "see you l8r" kind of way, but deon is the consumate "don't flap"-man, and I can imagine is showing a great deal of self-restraint at this time, largely as a strength to the others as well. he's made no mention of any medical emergencies, so we breath a little easier for now.
the chopper can only fly if they can see where they are goin…
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Posted by karen miller on 21 April 2008 at 8:28am —
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Gary- sat at Carmas Computer
09:24
The situation is as follows, we have been in comms with the guys this morning. There is 3 to 4 feet of snow. They are still safe in the cave.
Mountain club is sending a team up to them with extra supplies and warm gear and to assess the situation.
15 Squadron, Durban, helicopters are aware.
We are shortly all decamping to the Cathedral Peak hotel to be closer to the scene and to get Nick to buy the beers when they get down.
More when I can later.
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Posted by carma on 21 April 2008 at 8:27am —
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Battling to light a fire inside…
OK – so it’s nearly 12pm and the rest of the support team have retired to bed.
After having ‘rescued’ the bus drivers stuck on the D11, the road leading to Entabeni Education Centre, we moved to Emarondweni (Nic and my home) and battled to keep the fire going in the fireplace as the strong wind was blowing the smoke right down the chimney. So I wonder how the guys (and girl) in the cave are doing? Hopefully the cave is not south facing and they have some shelte…
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Posted by carma on 21 April 2008 at 12:00am —
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It was a long way to go for a three-some in a cave ... so, here's cutting to the chase. Fact is: Nic, Gina and Deon are waiting it out in Ndumeni Cave, above Organ Pipes Pass in the Cathedral Peak Area. They are safe but probably more cold than you in your cozy bed - so spare a thought for them. So, Gary, Sarah and myself are sitting in a cozy rondawel plotting the next move over a glass of wine. Karen Miller, Deon's other half, is in Durban and has been in constant contact with the team regardi…
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Posted by carma on 20 April 2008 at 7:34pm —
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I think it needs to be said just how much planning and effort has gone into this challenge.
By all means, the conceptualisation of this mission probably happened a year ago, no doubt over a glass of wine between Nic and Deon. Both of whom are accomplished mountain men, climbers, hikers, scouts etc etc. and one of those "a good idea at the time" moments. But, as the months moved on, the intensity of desire to actually get this thing off the ground grew and grew, until finally a possible future d…
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Posted by karen miller on 20 April 2008 at 2:56pm —
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What happens if things go bad? – Important, please read and comment.
Food! Glorious Food!
Powering the attempt
Sitrep
Rescue ops in progress
