All Blog Posts (148)

Four-day berg run

Hello all Sorry to announce that the proposed four-day trail run from Didima to Giant's will not be happening in 2009. We have run many route options and have settled on a plan which is great. Unfortunately, despite the hard work put in by a big bunch of people, KZN Wildlife were not happy with the environmental management and safety aspects of the proposal and have sent us back to the proverbial drawing board to re-plan for 2010. Planning has started already and we are confident the the same… Continue

Added by Nic Shaw on September 2, 2009 at 9:05am — No Comments

Four day 'Berg trail run

It is true. As reported in the broadcast message there will be a spectacularly well-organised, team-based, visually stunning, seriously hard, ultimately enjoyable, fund raising, lekker trail run from Didima to Giant's Castle in November 2009. A bunch of us are running Day 1 tomorrow as a recce. Come back next week for details and pics. Nic Continue

Added by Nic Shaw on June 5, 2009 at 1:53pm — 1 Comment

April fools

Hi All. We are looking at leaving on the Sat 4th April. Can anyone help with the following: 1. What weather predictions can be used. What is the weather like during this period and where can we find the best prediction closer to the time? 2. Maps. What is used in this regard. Ie additive to GPS (also what is the best GPS to use in those conditions?) etc. 3. I read somewhere that some people can assist with moving cars. Is this possible? 4. Do we need passports? 5. Best accommodation pre/p… Continue

Added by Gary on March 16, 2009 at 12:15pm — 10 Comments

ALONE AGAIN

Now I know why I haven't done the GT before. At the last minute all my would be partners have baled on me so I am left alone to go SOLO this weekend. Would any able bodied soul care to join me? I intend leaving for the carpark on Friday evening and setting off at 4am on Saturday. I would like to finish on Tuesday as I have to be back at work on Wednesday. Continue

Added by Thomas Mann on February 10, 2009 at 10:30am — 6 Comments

In case of emergency....?

Hi All A friend and I were chating over an energy bar somewhere round Thabangwangwe and the topic of rescue came up. Every person entering the Drakensberg Park pays a rescue levy, which is used for the greater good when some poor soul lands in trouble. If however you didn't fill in the register or pay the Park entrance fee would the Rescue Fund still foot the bill? Worst case scenario, would the airforce send you an account? Last I heard an Oryx cost R27 000 an hour to run. Food for thought! Continue

Added by Thomas Mann on January 22, 2009 at 3:11pm — 2 Comments

Berg record full trip report

Crossing the Dragon's Back in Record Time The record for the Grand Traverse of the Drakensberg has stood for nearly ten years, since Gavin and Lawrie Raubenheimer set a time of four days, nine hours and thirty-nine minutes for the 210km from Sentinel car park to Bushman's Nek police station via six specified summits. Something in the region of fifteen attempts were made to break the record, including an unofficial race in November 2008, which we skipped due to my hiking pal Stijn Laenen… Continue

Added by Andrew Hagen on January 21, 2009 at 6:33pm — 10 Comments

Info

Hi All. We are an AR team and are probably going to give it a go. Couple of questions if someone is willing to answer: -Is April too cold (1-10th) -Safety. Does one carry a sat phone? Also, if there is a problem what is the protocol for rescue? Thanks a million! Gary Team Cipralex Continue

Added by Gary on January 21, 2009 at 11:00am — 3 Comments

Berg Record STATS!

Hey all I see that some are keen for details of our traverse, so, in compliance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000, here goes. Apologies for the lateness of this post. The record itself: Dates: 17-20/12/2008 Total time: 3d 9h 52m 52s Total distance: 209km Total ascent: 7810m Total descent: 8515m No running at all (alas) Daily stats: Day 1: Sentinel – Easter Cave, 45km, 1885m ascent, 10hr 44min Day 2: Easter Cave – Mafadi south side, 50km, 2345m, 14hr 45min Day 3:… Continue

Added by Andrew Hagen on January 20, 2009 at 10:18am — 3 Comments

News of Andrew Porter

6.22 am Sunday morning. Just heard from Andrew's father, Des that he has given up and will come down Sani Pass at about 8pm. Gavin R Continue

Added by Gavin Raubenheimer on January 18, 2009 at 5:24am — No Comments

Any news on Andrew P's attempt?

He's been going for 28 hours now so could be practically anywhere :-) Anyone get any SMSes from him??? Continue

Added by Stijn Laenen on January 17, 2009 at 7:34am — 6 Comments

Um, well

Ever since trying the traverse solo a year ago, there has been a nagging feeling that I should one day finish it off. The weather for this weekend looks pretty good, so I will be giving it a crack, solo. Start at 4am on Friday. No significant change in strategy, except that I have now 'survived' several attempts/training runs so far, so I know by now what to expect and hence have my mind in the right mindspace. The attempt with Bruce in Feb should be much quicker, due to a better knowlegde of… Continue

Added by Andrew Porter on January 14, 2009 at 4:51pm — 4 Comments

It is true

Yup, 6th of Feb is a tentative date. We intend starting with a large (8) group and then letting nature take its course. Want to join us? The group dynamics should make it interesting enough to forget about the pain! Continue

Added by Thomas Mann on January 6, 2009 at 3:13pm — 5 Comments

Well Done & What Now?

An excellent and inspiring achievement!!!.. We are humbled in your presence, oh great ones. Seriously, the 4 days of perfect weather played an important part but the secret to your success was in your strategy, preparation and perseverance. Brilliant! I admire the way you make it sound like a doddle:) On a time trial thru the mall this morning I bumped into a colleague from the Mountain Club. Is a moment of weakness she let slip that her husband is working at rounding up a posse to try to catch… Continue

Added by Nic Shaw on January 2, 2009 at 1:04pm — No Comments