LANDROVING IN KZN

October 2006

ESTON GATES   September 2006

40 Land Rovers in total and 23 Land Rovers of all types in the LROC KZN 3^rd Gates Challenge of 2006. The Gates events are scored and the points carried over to the AGM where a few Floating trophies and certificates will be awarded for the Gates Challenge. You do not need to come 1^st or compete in all the Gates Challenges to be awarded a floating trophy or a certificate. 

The Gates events are a challenge but a fun challenge. It’s an easy way to get to know your vehicle under a controlled environment. Thanks to Henry and Ryan for helping me set up the Gates on the Saturday and for Dave for the scoring on the day. The last Gates Event for 2006 is on the 5 November at Eston Quarry. If you have not done a Gates Event come along and see what it’s all about. 

Some do it for fun, others are serious and a few attempt it for the 1^st time. But at the end of the day it not who has the least penalty points or who battled on each obstacle, its all about getting to know your Landy and having fun. 

The 1^st obstacle had a few attempt it with a rush with out success. Taking it slow and letting the tyres and the low gear find the grip and pull the vehicle through was the way to go. The 2^nd gate was a climb with the start 1m up the slope. This sorted out the bunch, as a few were unable to get much more than half way up. Here gear selection was important. 1^st gear on most vehicles was not the correct gear. I used 2^nd gear and let the tyres find the grip. Once the tyres start to spin, most back off and never get to the top. Once the tyres start to spin there are two things one can do. 1. Turn the steering from left to right to try and find some grip with the front wheels. 2. Tap the foot brake while keeping the rev’s up. This will slow down the spinning wheel and hopefully apply the torque to the other wheel. A simple limited slip diff action. 

That’s what it is all about. Trying different approaches on each obstacle and see what works for you. The Landy is capable of doing it, you need to tell it what you want to do.

WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS

 Remember it’s your club and you will get out of it what you want to. You have purchased THE BEST 4 x 4 x FAR and now its time to use it. See you at the next club event.

Johann Maree                              Ladysmith                                 Defender 110 TD5
Robert Fraser                               Mooi River                                Defender 110 Tdi
                                                                                                          Freelander
Bruce Fraser                                Mooi River                                 Defender 110 TD5
                                                                                                          Freelander

Future Events

THE BROADLEAZE ADVENTURE involves all in the vehicle. It’s not a vehicle breaking trail, but one suitable for all Land Rovers. A short trail with hidden clue’s and riddles, along with a few special tasks.  Camp over on Saturday or just come for the main trail on Sunday.

EVENTS SCHEDULE.    

• For the campers arrive on Saturday from 12h30 onwards. Camping is rustic, with only a portable toilet on site, which means bring all. Braai fires will be provided for Saturday evening for a BYO braai.
• The main event will start at 08h00 for 09h00 on Sunday.  Sunday lunch is a  Spit Braai provided by the LROC KZN. PLEASE contact George before 13 October if you will be at the Spit Braai. We need to know the number of people for catering purposes. Bring your own chairs, tables, plates etc and drinks. 

DIRECTIONS TO BROADLEAZE.  From Durban take the N3 to PMB. Turn off the N3 at the Market Street off ramp. Go past the Market entrance and turn left into CB Downs’s road. At the next robot turn left into Murray Road. Continue up Murray Road to the top of the hill. The entrance to BROADLEAZE is at 200 Murray road on the right after the Water Reservoir. Follow the LROC signs to the Camp area.

TIME RUNNING OUT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BOOKED FOR THE BROADLEAZE SUNDAY SPIT BRAAI.

TRANSKEI TRIP 27^TH DECEMBER 2006 – 6^TH JANUARY 2007.

We are planning a trip up the Transkei Coast, keeping as close to the coast as possible.  There are a lot of tracks, shipwrecks, good fishing spots etc on “tracks 4 Africa” and we will be using a GPS to navigate all the way to the great Kei River which we will cross the Ferry. We will be travelling for approximately 3 hours per day between campsites.  The balance of the day will be spent exploring, fishing, swimming etc.  Camping will be very rustic so bring all.  For more information contact Gary on 031-2666503 or cell 0721186599.

Please Note : A meeting for all interested will be held early November to discuss the route and the trip. It will held on a Saturday afternoon at Henry’s place and will consist of a BYO braai. Please keep in contact with Gary for more info as only those who have shown interest in the trip will be contacted.

TECHNICAL SATURDAYS. Comment required if you think that it’s a good idea .

Are you building up an old Series Land Rover, or fitting a diesel engine, removing the gearbox, replacing a broken diff, fitting power steering , fitting a new head , what ever etc etc. Do you need help, either moral or physical ?? Many of us have worked on our Land Rovers and wished that another set of hands was available.

The proposal is to invite interested members along to your garage to offer assistance. You have a job to be done on a Saturday and we come along and offer assistance. In fact other members can learn from the experience as well.

Give George a call if you think that it will work.

Ron Scafturis  “Series 111S ADE”  and  Richard Cullen “Series 111” on the right

You know you’re a Landy nut when...

Your constantly asking your significantly other is there's anything lying around the house that can be sold to buy the next item on your "Wish List".

Your lawn mower has a grill guard, tow hooks, fog lights, and can ramp 800.

You skimp on groceries to save up for that lift, new tires, lockers, etc.

You buy real cheap tires for your car, so you can save $$$ for the BFG's.

Your Christmas list begins with  ARB... (and your significant other knows what these are).

More than one Landy Spares supply house recognizes your voice and greets you by name when you call.

You get upset when people don't return the Land Rover headlamp flash.

Your friends don't recognize you without muddy clothes and a tow strap in your hand.

You get offended when people call a Landy a Jeep.

You get offended when people call your Landy “cute".

Crawling around in the muck under your Landy is much more appealing than reclining on the sofa, watching women's volleyball on TV with a beer in your hand.

People know you by your "brokes"----"Oh, you're the one who broke a drive shaft last weekend!"

You've ever tried to convince your significant other you needed that winch to do work around the house.

You have enough spare parts to build another Landy.

When you see a Landy that's never been off-road you are reminded of animals at the zoo.

Your reading material in your bathroom consists of Landy catalogs, topographical maps, and  4X4 magazines, none of which have centerfolds.

You know that getting from point A to point B involves being winched at least once.

You save broken Landy parts as " memento’s".

You drive over curbs instead of backing up.

Your idea of a car wash is driving through a mud puddle.                                                                                                

Last Modified : 17/12/2006 13:24