LANDROVING IN KZN

May 2008

Hello Readers 

It’s Monday and it’s raining so I decided to tackle the May newsletter whilst I had a gap.  I got some news today that Underberg had some snow in the weekend so it could be promising for those of you looking to go to Lesotho this year. I think I might give it a go too for a change. 

On a  separate note, the committee for 2008 has a few vacancies for members who would like to put something back into their club. As you know, Gary Clinton has left and George has very kindly steeped in for the time being… I have taken over Tembe as well so there are a few guys on the committee that are carrying more than one portfolio. Come on guys, if you are out there come and assist us, it can be very rewarding. 

Tembe bookings are coming along very slowly and there are only about half the number of spaces booked and even fewer paid for. A decision has been taken by the committee that chalets and campsites will be booked on a first paid first served basis. Whilst we’re on the subject of money, please be reminded that subs for 2008 are now overdue and your payment of R140 for the year will be greatly appreciated. 

Landy Parts in Westmead are really doing their bit for our club as far as sponsorships and things go. Please support them as and when you can. Contact Jon, Chard or Cameron for more details.  

The committee strives to make your outings more enjoyable and more challenging for those of you that want to use your vehicles to their maximum capabilities. There has come a need from experiences at previous gates events and other off road trail drives for greater safety for all involved. A resolution has been passed whereby the participants could now be stopped or prevented from taking part in a particular event should the vehicle they are using not have adequate or appropriate recovery points and recovery gear. Please be aware of this for future events.  This has been mentioned in several newsletters in the past, so please take note. 

There is going to be another recce at Broadlease on 1^st June in preparation for our birthday celebrations event. Anyone keen to lend a hand setting up the trail markings, cutting bush or generally assist please contact George for directions or more info. 

Enjoy May’s Newsletter and we’ll see you on the trail or at the next committee meeting! 

Ed  

Unit 3 B
Rossmead Park
14 Malone Rd
Maxmead
Durban
tel:+27 31 7010262/7
fax:+27 31 7010269

LROC KZN   Events Diary   2008 

Please remember that vehicles need appropriate recovery points ad equipment for most if not all trails. Even vehicles like the Defender do not come out with adequate recovery points.  Please ensure that you have the correct recovery points and gear to assist someone or to be assisted yourself should the need arise.

Emphasis is also placed on the fact that most events require booking well in advance. If you are interested in attending an event, please notify the relevant committee as soon as possible, as a lack of interest may lead to events being cancelled.

TRAIL GRADING: All our events from now on will have a Trail Grading according to the 5 grades below.

1.        Complete novice soft dirt road trail, no low range required. Suitable for all Land Rovers including the Freelander.

2.       Limited low range required but suitable for the novice driver. Suitable for all Land Rovers with certain trails not suitable for the Freelander.

3.       Low range and limited off road knowledge required. Suitable for all Land Rovers except the Freelander.

4.       A low range technical trail suitable for the experienced. The inexperienced will be able to do the trail, as assistance will be available from the more experienced members. Suitable for all Land Rovers except the Freelander.

5.       Extremely technical, suitable for the experienced only with the possibility of vehicle damage. Only suitable for "Series" Land Rovers and maybe a few others.

DURBAN DOES DESIGN 

After almost 2 years of design & development, Land Rover Gear J came alive with the Gateway Flagship store having opened for trading officially on Friday 14th March and with the grand launch on Wednesday 19th March at the Gateway store. 

Chester Foster is the license holder and Managing Director of Land Rover Gear South Africa. Chester spent the past six years developing his relationship with Land Rover. This started in 2001 with the supply of a basic clothing range to the local Land Rover dealerships that then spread nationally until Chester was awarded the sole distribution rights for Land Rover branded clothing and accessories though out sub-Saharan Africa.  

With the launch of the Gateway Flagship store comes the start of an exciting journey, one that will take Land Rover Gear around the country rolling out full retail stores as well as dedicated Land Rover Gear stores within the dealership network. When asked what the core business strategy is, Chester replies: “We want to maintain a very close relationship with the vehicle brand and adhere to the values and heritage that is so Land Rover. In addition, we are not after a mass market approach. People who buy Land Rovers can be defined as discerning adventurers whether in an urban setting or in the bush. We want to offer clothing and accessories that appeal to people who share these values, even if it is just dreaming of adventure. Our products are designed to offer all who share a spirit of exploration and excitement something unique, something that as the Land Rover slogan says, encourages you to GO BEYOND.”

The LAND ROVER GEAR brand is no stranger to the global market but its presence to-date had been ineffective on a global and local scale. LAND ROVER UK have, in conjunction with their licensing agency, The Beanstalk Group, now taken a different perspective on the brand and want to position it globally as a premium brand. The brands nearest competitor – Jeep L - have successfully established itself in markets around the world and LAND ROVER GEAR plans to catch up and, as has been done in the automotive market, surpass their competition.

 Land Rover Owners Club KZN   (Total 8 Gates)
2^nd Gates Event 2008 April 08: Inchanga Valley

A change of venue was required from the usual Eston Quarry. The venue used this time was in a valley below Inchanga. The format of the gates was different as we set the gates along the length of the valley, which required a drive between each gate. Comments from the members on the day were that we should continue with this format. It’s a lot of work for the few setting up the events as we had done a few trips over the weekends before into the valley and a few of us were in the valley at 07h00 checking that the markers we had laid the week before were still there.

35 vehicles signed the register with 19 vehicles through the 1^st gate. 12 gates were set but we only had time to use 8 of them. The next Gates Event is on 22 June further down the Umgeni Valley on the banks of the Umgeni River. It’s a venue that we have not used before for a gates event so it should be good.

Note :

1.       Class S = Standard vehicle

2.       Class SL = Standard vehicle with lockers

3.       Class ST = Standard vehicle with traction control

4.       Class M = Modified no lockers

5.       Class ML = Modified with lockers

 Drivers with the same score are separated by counting the number of clear rounds, then scores of 50 etc. 

Pics by Brian Moore

THIS IS WHY YOU NEED RECOVERY GEAR

If you wish to advertise, please email me at gsbc@telkomsa.net or fax on 031 564 2455
Let me know soon and we will put your ad in the June newsletter …..