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…
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Added by Nic Shaw on September 2, 2009 at 9:05am —
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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
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Added by Nic Shaw on June 5, 2009 at 1:53pm —
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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…
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Added by Gary on March 16, 2009 at 12:15pm —
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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.
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Added by Thomas Mann on February 10, 2009 at 10:30am —
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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!
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Added by Thomas Mann on January 22, 2009 at 3:11pm —
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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…
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Added by Andrew Hagen on January 21, 2009 at 6:33pm —
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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
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Added by Gary on January 21, 2009 at 11:00am —
3 Comments
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:…
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Added by Andrew Hagen on January 20, 2009 at 10:18am —
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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
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Added by Gavin Raubenheimer on January 18, 2009 at 5:24am —
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He's been going for 28 hours now so could be practically anywhere :-) Anyone get any SMSes from him???
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Added by Stijn Laenen on January 17, 2009 at 7:34am —
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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…
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Added by Andrew Porter on January 14, 2009 at 4:51pm —
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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!
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Added by Thomas Mann on January 6, 2009 at 3:13pm —
5 Comments
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…
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Added by Nic Shaw on January 2, 2009 at 1:04pm —
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A huge congratulations on a sterling effort. Sounds like you had a great time while you were at it too. I am sure you are going to enjoy a break knowing that you bagged it, you certainly deserve it.
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Added by Christine Harris on December 23, 2008 at 9:36am —
2 Comments
Well done. Its been the first attempt with the right tactics that could get a result. Lawrie and I had long said that a time of about 80 -90 hours was very do able. Well done again. Gavin R
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Added by Gavin Raubenheimer on December 21, 2008 at 1:12pm —
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Stijn and Andrew H. have completed the berg traverse in 3 days 9 hours 53 minutes. That is almost a day faster than the record!
Well done guys - awesome achievement!
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Added by Andrew Porter on December 20, 2008 at 6:50pm —
7 Comments
Well its what I said up there.
Nic received that message this morning and I have only just been able to post it.
I reckon they should have just about finished all being well. It 1620 now.
Its another fabulous day.
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Added by Gary Mortimer on December 20, 2008 at 3:29pm —
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What is their position as of 2pm on Sayurday ?
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Added by Gavin Raubenheimer on December 20, 2008 at 12:54pm —
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Well I might be replacing Gavins picture soon!!
The weathers holding out as well.
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Added by Gary Mortimer on December 19, 2008 at 4:03pm —
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Seems these two have taken some good ideas and stand a good chance. Its not how fast you start, its how fast you finish. Gavin R
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Added by Gavin Raubenheimer on December 19, 2008 at 1:23pm —
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