DO IT NOW Magazine #2 - Adventure, Sport & Lifestyle

LHDS 0118031313 DIN2/2009

Introducing the new

VX

ntains!!

Going to the Mou

We Offer the Following: New Car Sales | Toyota Certified Used Cars | Toyota Certified Paint & Panel Beaters | Express Servicing of Vehicles Coffee Shop | Planned 4x4 Adventure Tours | 4x4 Training | Classic Land Cruiser Showroom | Parts & Repairs

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Honeydew Toyota We Sell the Lifestyle

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shing Boendoe Ba Boendoe Bashing

... At the beach

...Part of the Family

DO IT

inTRO

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It’s been two months since the launch of the DO IT NOW Magazine, and it’s with great excitement that we bring you our second issue. It’s bigger, better and packed with loads of educational and fun reads, competitions and great visuals.

The launch of the magazine at the Fish River Canoe Marathon and Momentum 94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge cycle race was a great success and we will continue to make our magazine accessible to you at a number of other great sporting events in 2010 including the Dusi and sani2c.

We are extremely proud that our magazine is available at CNA, Exclusive Books, Sportsmans Warehouse and in a number of leading newsagents and Spar retail shops countrywide. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us by purchasing the first issue of DO IT NOW, and we are confident that this issue will bring you many hours of reading enjoyment and entertainment. At the end of the day, this is YOUR magazine and without you, it would remain a dream.

During 2010, you can expect great things from DO IT NOW. We have a fantastic lineup of passionate contributors to help cement the magazine as a respected companion for the South African Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle community. Furthermore, DO IT NOW will be expanding each of its magazine pillars to bring you even more news on the many disciplines loved and participated in, by our sportsmad nation.

The 2010 DINList, our ‘bucket list’, is constantly growing and we are looking forward to starting the year off with Dusi and Wakeboarding weekends that will set the tone for the remainder of the year.

As 2009 draws to a close, I would like to wish you all a very blessed and merry Christmas and a FANTASTIC New Year.

Happy holidays and see you all in 2010!

Francois Flamengo

Founder doitnow.co.za >>

7

DO IT

inDEX Regulars

Vol 1 | Issue 2 | 2009 | www.doitnow.co.za

joe\s Beerhouse Windhoek, Namibia

Base // inFO - p. 12-14

// inVOLVED - p. 40-41

Information page, note our competitions and event dates.

Feedback on DO IT NOW’s involvement in the community.

// MAP - p. 34-35

// inCONTACT - p. 96-97

The DIN Map will be available in every edition.

Suppliers and Brands DO IT NOW supports.

// DINList - p. 36

// inCLOSING - p. 98

Information on upcoming DO IT NOW activities and visits.

Sneak preview on upcoming features and articles.

// inCOMING & CALENDAR - p. 38-39 Upcoming events and a two month calendar.

Regulars p. 18-23 p. 24-31 p. 32-33 p. 44-64 p. 65-67 p. 68-69 p. 70-73 p. 76-79 p. 80-86 p. 87 p. 88-90 p. 91-93 p. 94-95

¢ inH2O: Water sport and adventure activities. ¢ inGEAR: “Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle” activities featuring vehicles with gears. ¢ inALTITUDE: Aerial adventure and sport activities. ¢ inACTION: Tracking the DIN Action Team in their cycling events and information on other types of sport. ¢ inTHE WORKSHOP: Practical sport-related mechanical advice. ¢ inPREPARATION: Training programmes and tips on various sporting activities. ¢ inSHAPE: Important information on nutrition, exercise, strengthening your core as well as other sport-related exercises. ¢ inTHE HOLE: Golfing articles. ¢ inNATURE: Outdoor experiences and activities e.g. hiking and fly fishing. ¢ inSURE: Valuable information about insurance and related topics. ¢ inTERTAINMENT: Book, CD, music and gaming reviews. ¢inDULGE: Wine and dine section with a twist. ¢inFOCUS: Photography section with discussions, competitions and event-specific photography tips.

Key: ¢ Adventure | ¢ Sport | ¢ Lifestyle

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Featured Articles

> ADVENTURE p. 16 to 33

18

inH2O

32

18 Exploring Sodwana 22 Should I Paddle?

inGEAR 24 The Long Way to Katse Dam 28 Lauberville - Setting New Standards for Big Dune Driving

inALTITUDE 32 Why We Jump

24

> p. 42 to 73

SPORT

54

44

inACTION

inTHE WORKSHOP

44 Fish River Canoe Marathon 46 Dusi Advice from the Pro's and not so Pro's 50 Blyde XFest 2009 52 Adventure Racing, the Ultimate Challenge 54 joBerg2c 60 A Beginner's Take on the Nando's Magalies Adventure 63 Profile on Arran Brown, Professional Cyclist

65 For the Love of Cyclilng, Arran Brown on Bike Setup 66 FIX IT NOW! Cycling Mechanics

inPREPARATION 68

Triathlon Training: 8-Week Sprint Programme

inSHAPE 70 71 72 73

Sport Specific Training Core Training Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Performance The Benefits of Streeeeeeeetching

> LIFESTYLE inTHE HOLE 76 10 Golfing Questions for Whackhead Simpson 78 Bunker Shots Simplified

78

inTERTAINMENT 88 CD, Movie and Gaming Review 90 Mad Cows and River Spiders - Book Review

80 Rwanda, A Place of Hidden Treasures 84 Fly Fishing for Yellowfish

inDULGE 91 Hentiesbaai Galjoen Braai 92 South Africa’s own Highland Whisky Bar

inSURE 87 Cheaper is Not Always Better

inFOCUS 94 Photography Explained

inNATURE

80

p. 74 to 95

If you are interested in advertising in the DO IT NOW Magazine, please request the DO IT NOW Company Profile, Rate Card and Specs and Schedules Sheet via email at sales@doitnow.co.za or phone Rhys on +27 71 898 2888.

doitnow.co.za >>

9

DO IT

the TEAM etc.

The DO IT NOW Team comprises of the following individuals:

FOUNDER Francois Flamengo MANAGING EDITOR & OPERATIONS Elri Martins SALES and MARKETING MANAGER Rhys Foster OPERATIONS Gert Janse van Rensburg

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tessa Dreyer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Hayley Cameron & Ilzé Eva TEXT EDITOR Tracy Knox ON SALE AT CNA, Exclusive Books, Sportsman’s Warehouse & Selected Spar stores

ADVERTISING SALES Rhys Foster rhys@doitnow.co.za ACCOUNTS, SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES info@doitnow.co.za

PUBLISHER DO IT NOW CC DISTRIBUTION Ezweni Distributors DESIGN & LAYOUT LiyHouse Design Studio PRINTED & BOUND BY CTP Book Printers

ISO 12647 compliant

Please Recycle

Legal Representation: www.couzyn.co.za

Printed on paper from sustainable afforestation | Recyclable

HEAD OFFICE DO IT NOW CC Postnet Suite #152, Private Bag X033, Rivonia 2128 Tel +27 (0)83 415 3899 info@doitnow.co.za www.doitnow.co.za DO IT NOW (ISSN 2074-6113) is published bi-monthly While every effort is made by the DIN Team to ensure that the contents of the DO IT NOW magazine are accurate at the time of going to press, the Founder cannot except responsibility for any errors that may appear, or for any consequence of using the information contained herein. Statements by contributors are not always representative of the Founder’s opinion. Copyright 2009 DO IT NOW (Pty) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the Founder. DO IT NOW supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all Adventure, Sport and Lifestyle activities. We also believe in the conservation and protection of all fauna and flora.

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on the COVER inH2O // Exploring Sodwana inGEAR // The Long Way to Katse Dam inACTION // Fish River Canoe inDULGE // South Africa’s own Highland Whisky Bar

(to this issue) Thank you to all our contributors who helped make this magazine such an exciting adventure!

<< Arthur Bell // inTHEWORKSHOP - FIX IT NOW! Cycling Mechanics Arthur is an absolute bike-aholic, who loves working with bikes as much as riding them. If not busy with cycles, you’ll find him experimenting in the kitchen or sipping on a good whisky or wine. < Arran Brown // inACTION - Profile on Arran Brown, Professional Cyclist // inTHEWORKSHOP - For the Love of Cycling - Arran Brown on Bike Setup Arran is a professional cyclist for Team Medscheme, who would like to become the next best sprinter in South Africa. << Steve Adams // inDULGE - The Little Whisky Bar Steve, co-owner of a whisky bar in Dullstroom called Wild about Whisky, is passionate about whisky, photography and travel. He believes in dreaming big and that life is too short to accept mediocrity. < Michael Scholz // inTHE HOLE - 10 Golfing Questions for Whackhead Simpson; Bunker Shots Simplified A journeyman, professional golfer and adrenalin junkie, Mike enjoys scuba diving and fly fishing, but mountain biking tops his list of activities.

Although a relative new comer to the world of mountain biking, Mike enjoys the fitness, the "burn" of serious hills and the competitive nature of this sport. << Mandy Rawlins // inSHAPE - The Benefits of Streeeeetching Mandy Rawlins has a Bsc (Physio) from UCT. Her sport, friends and Jack Russell are the loves of her life and she believes that life is short, so you have to give it everything you’ve got. As far as injuries are concerned, Mandy believes that healing takes place in the presence of movement. < Jonathan Boulton // inNATURE - Fly Fishing for Yellowfish Jonathan is a qualified Zoologist and internationally certified Instructor. He has guided and fished throughout the world’s most remote fly fishing destinations including Russia, the Seychelles, Alaska and the Amazon Jungle. He owns the Mavungana Fly Fishing Centre in Dullstroom that offers everything from equipment to lessons and excellent river and stillwater fishing trips. << Craig Dutton // inFOCUS - Photography Craig is a self-trained freelance photojournalist. The passion behind his work comes from his involvement in the sports he shoots. Craig is an adventurer at heart and is always looking for the next quest to shoot and write about. < Richard Flamengo // inTERTAINMENT - Reviews Richard is a movie, music and games (MMG) enthusiast, who loves relaxing at home with games or watching movies with a box of salt and vinegar popcorn in hand. Richard also enjoys all sorts of music ranging from the ‘lekker sakkie sakkie’ Afrikaans stuff through to hard-hitting rock.

<< Claire & Kent Horner // inPREPARATION - Triathlon Training: 8-Week Sprint Programme Claire and Kent are semi pro triathletes. They own www.mytrainingday.com, a brilliant online coaching website and triathlon information site. Kent and Claire are training for the 70.3 and Iron Man next year. They are also hoping to compete in the 70.3 World Champs, and the Xterra Champs is definitely on the cards for Kent. < Peter Fairbanks // inSURE - Cheaper is Not Always Better Peter is totally dedicated to his work and risk management. He feels that even the smallest contribution to the wealth creation and protection of his clients is what makes it all worthwhile. Peter loves sports in general, as long as it is on ‘terra firma’. < Samuel Sithole // inSHAPE - Core & Sport Specific Training Sam has been working in the health, sport and fitness industry for over four years. When it comes to training, he strives for positive results, not perfection. He lives an active lifestyle and loves to meet and interact with people.

Guest Contributors ADVENTURE // inH2O: Deon Breytenbach // inGEAR: Paul Carrick // inALTITUDE: Claire King & Clare Barnes SPORT // inACTION: Dave Macleod, Craig Wapnick, Hardus de Bruin and Konrad Munnik // inSHAPE: Tamsin Theunissen LIFESTYLE // inNATURE: Simon Collier // inDULGE: Francois Wessels

doitnow.co.za >>

11

DO IT

inFO

Words by Elri Martins

Spot the Truck I-KNOW-THE-PLACE ...

If you know the place featured on the photo submit your answer to iknowtheplace@doitnow.co.za and stand a chance to win a bi-monthly R500 voucher.

Take your best creative photo when you see the DO IT NOW Truck in traffic or the ‘gramadulas’ and you could win the annual prize worth more than R5 000!

Only the most striking and creative images will be considered and remember to have the DO IT NOW logo clearly visible! Send your creative photograph to spotthetruck@doitnow.co.za Here are a few tips: Try to capture the truck in action with sand or mud flying through the air, or photograph it in a unique or scenic landscape.

i-monthly on the DO IT NOW Winners will be announced b NOW Magazine. website as well as in the DO IT

[

Spot the Truck Entry by Jacques Delport

inVOLVED is the heart and soul of DO IT NOW! Our aim is to give back to those who are less fortunate, as well as protect our animals and planet! A DO IT NOW inVOLVED bank account has been set up and DO IT NOW has committed to donate a percentage of its monthly earnings to this fund. Our ultimate goal is to encourage our readers, co-workers and service providers to do the same.

inVOLVED DO IT

Get

The concept behind inVOLVED is to do just that - become involved! As such, the DO IT NOW team’s aim is to become actively involved with various charities, church, animal and environmental conservation organisations and institutions. Proceeds

]

from the inVOLVED fund will be donated to these organisations to help them meet their own needs. Thereafter, they will become part of the DO IT NOW network and their details will be published in the DO IT NOW Magazine. Feedback on and photographs of these experiences will be featured in either the DO IT NOW Magazine or on the DO IT NOW website.

We don’t want our involvement to stop there, so we will endeavour to make followup visits to these groups, so that we can continue to build a relationship with them and see how they are faring.

Read more about our latest inVOLVED initiatives on page 40 - 41.

If you know of an institution or group that is in desperate need of help, please contact us at involved@doitnow.co.za.

Our aim is to expand the DO IT NOW brand in a variety of directions in the coming years. The DO IT NOW Magazine is only one of these directions, but also our main focus at this moment. For this reason, we would like to encourage all our readers to please give us your suggestions as to what information you would like to read about in the DO IT NOW Magazine. These topics can fall under any of the DO IT NOW pillars: Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle. This will help us meet all your reading expectations and more, in terms of community support, services and networking.

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We would love to find out what YOU have in mind for this magazine, so please send your suggestions via ...

Email: dinmag@doitnow.co.za Fax: 086 517 0934 Website: www.doitnow.co.za Attention: DO IT NOW Mag Suggestions

Be a part of it all - visit www.doitnow.co.za

25° 47’29.46”S

ADVENTURE

This section is dedicated to ‘Adventure’ and a wide variety of related topics. The magazine and website features personal experiences and provides answers to questions about training, what equipment is required to enjoy it safely and advice on popular destinations. Some of the categories covered in this section includes scuba diving, high performance driving, kayaking, rafting, boating, off-road driving, big dune driving, dirt biking, Bronze Shark fishing, hunting and paragliding.

SPORT

This section covers sport-related articles. Currently, the main focus is on mountain biking as it specifically relates to the DO IT NOW Action Team and their activities. The section also includes other sporting events/activities such as exercise routines, Touch Rugby, Iron Man and the Dusi.

LIFESTYLE

This section aims to provide valuable information on the DO IT NOW lifestyle. The magazine and website features experiences, valuable information and contact details about various categories and will be expanded over the next few issues. The current categories include hiking, fly fishing, exciting personal experiences, photography, insurance, recipes and competitions.

DO IT NOW EVENTS inPLACE

Do you want to share your ADVENTURE–SPORT–LIFESTYLE experiences with our DO IT NOW readers? If so, contact us via email at editor@doitnow.co.za.

inJANUARY

inFEBRUARY

Audi High Performance Driving RDING WAKEBOA @ Bronkies 30 / 31 January 2010

- Henry J. Kaiser

see DIN website for final dates

For more on these and other events go to www.doitnow.co.za

doitnow.co.za >> 13

27° 58’47.95”E

The DO IT NOW Magazine (and website) is divided into three pillars:

DO IT

- Hebble DO IT

DO T NOW TV!

Register NOW ...

Would you like to see some of the DO IT NOW adventures and experiences on TV? Well, it’s on its way. DO IT NOW TV is where it will all happen. To be featured on the DO IT NOW website, various links will take you to the most exciting adventures and experiences, making you feel as if you were right there at that exhilarating or scary moment!

Don’t miss any of the action by registering NOW on www.doitnow.co.za to get our regular newsletter on what DO IT NOW is up to, the latest events and a host of opportunities to join the fun! Also get a peak at what the December issue has in store for you!

So keep an eye out for DO IT NOW TV on www.doitnow.co.za!

DO IT NOW Supports Action Cricket Team Words by Riana van der Westhuizen Photo by Lindsay Mann Photography

There are a number of sports in South Africa that are loved and participated in by many individuals, but unfortunately don’t get the coverage and support they deserve even though they are played at a national and international level.

One such sport is Action Cricket and one such team is the Northern Gauteng’s Under 15 Action Cricket Team. The team recently participated in the Junior Inter Provincial Action Cricket Tournament in Cape Town, at the Claremont Arena, during the week of 29 September – 3 October 2009.

So when DO IT NOW was approached to sponsor personalised bags for the team, we were thrilled to be able to get involved and help. The bags were presented to the team at a friendly match between DO IT NOW and the U/15 Northern Gauteng Action Cricket Team. The results of this match won’t be made public, due to the damage it might cause to some of the adult male’s egos … .

At the Junior Inter Provincial Action Cricket Tournament, seven teams participated in the Under 15 category and included WP (2009 – gold winners), Northern Gauteng (2009 – silver), KZN (2009 - bronze), Eastern Gauteng, Central Gauteng, Western Province (invitational) and the South Western District. Northern Gauteng played like stars to bring home the silver medal.

Front left: Alex van der Merwe (Coach), Brenden Carsten, Mathys de Beer (Captain), Lex Pienaar, Michiel van der Westhuizen (Manager) Back left: Rowan de Beer, Hein Schoeman, Rendin Riekert, Morne Mostert, Jason Jenkins, Winly Damon, Ruan van der Westhuizen, Mitchel Casson

Action Sports, South Africa’s premier indoor sport provider, offers the ultimate in indoor sports venues across South Africa for Action Cricket, Action Netball and Action Soccer. Action Sport is played at a social and corporate level, with Arena Team Leagues for the more competitive player.

The provincial and national teams are selected from this league.

[

For more information, visit http://www.actionsports.co.za

Go to www.doitnow.co.za to check out our bi-monthly polls where we get to know our readers and find out what appeals to them, their interests and lifestyle preferences.

]

What is your favorite brand of sunglasses?

These results will also appear in each issue of the DO IT NOW Magazine.

44% Oakley 37% Rudy Project 19% Ray Ban

Readers are welcome to submit their experiences and photos to:

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.za dinmag@doitnow.co

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>

DO IT NOW

Adventure

www.doitnow.co.za

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DO IT

Driving // [inALTITUDE] Why We Jump - A Breath of Fresh Air

Long Way to Khatse Dam Lauberville - Setting New Standards for Big Dune

// [inH2O] Exploring Sodwana Bay Nitrox Should I Paddle? // [inGEAR] The

ADVENTURE

> DO IT NOW | inH2O: Words by Francois Flamengo Photos by Elri Martins

Exploring

Sodwana Bay When it comes to recreational diving and sport fishing within the borders of South Africa, Sodwana Bay is tough to beat. The area has all the right stuff; untouched African bush, awesome weather all year round, fantastic reefs and the list goes on and on.

I have been visiting Sodwana between two and four times a year, for the past six years. With each visit, I have learnt something new about this South African gem thanks to Digger, an Australian skipper, dive master, surfer and owner of the dive operator DA BLUE JUICE. Anyone who spends more than five minutes with Digger and starts up a conversation about Sodwana and the surrounding area will immediately notice the deep love and passion he has for the place.

On my last visit to DA BLUE JUICE, I learnt that there are more than enough options available to keep any adventure seeker captivated on a five-day visit to the area. As Digger pointed out, this is potentially one of the few places in the world where you can dive with the marine ‘Big Five’ in the morning and see the animal ‘Big Five’ in the afternoon.

Here are some of the highlights and experiences we had during our last visit to DA BLUE JUICE. 27° 29' 6.32" S 32° 35' 8.48" E

World-class Diving Without breaking the bank to experience the luxury of diving on well-preserved reefs, Sodwana is packed with underwater treasures to be explored. Only a few meters away from the beach is the Quarter Mile Reef, followed by Stringer Reef, Two Mile Reef, Five Mile Reef, Seven Mile Reef and finally, the Nine Mile Reef. All these major sites can be broken up into magnificent hotspots where divers can witness a wide selection of marine life including Leatherback Turtles, Big Bass, Rays, Eels, Whale Sharks and so much more. If this is not enough, the walls at Seven Mile and the swim troughs at Nine Mile provide divers with a fantastic reef topography that makes every dive unforgettable. However, one of the main highlights is the opportunity to snorkel with the dolphins, frequent visitors to Sodwana. But enough said about diving!

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Perfect Sundowner Spots Lake Sibaya is a gigantic fresh water lake just north of Sodwana. Its surface covers more than 75 square kilometers and it is the largest fresh water lake in southern Africa. The jeep tracks that leads to this incredible location from Sodwana are best travelled using a 4x4 vehicle, although 2x4 vehicles can be used (but make sure you have a backup plan in case you get stuck in the thick sand). To reach the lake, you just need to sign in at the reserve gate. Once you have chosen your ideal sundowner spot, from which to witness another incredible African sunset, be on the lookout for hippo and crocs lurking in the water, as this is home to many of them.

DIN recommends you take a few kilogrammes of prawns, lemon butter, peri-peri sauce and a cadac, and spoil yourself with a delicious late afternoon lunch, before starting your drive back to your camp or resort.

African ‘Big Five’ There are four superb nature reserves to choose from that are within an hour or two's drive from Sodwana. These include Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, Mkhuze Game Reserve and Phinda Resource Reserve. DIN recommends the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park for two reasons. The first is because it’s the only park, under formal conservation, in KwaZulu-Natal where you can see the African ‘Big Five’. Secondly, it was established in 1895 and is one of the oldest nature reserves in the country. During the summer months, November to February, the gates are open from 05h00 to 19h00 and in the winter months, March to October, from 06h00 to 18h00. You can choose a guided tour or use your own vehicle. There are loads of activities on offer, as well as a boat trip over the Hluhluwe Dam … need I say more? w

i

DINfo box

For more information, contact the Umfolizi Park on KZN Wildlife on +27 (0)33 845 1000, by fax on +27 (0)33 845 1001 or alternatively by email: bookings@kznwildlife.com

doitnow.co.za >> 19

> DO IT NOW | inH2O: Words by Brian Coetzee

NITROX

... Deeper for Longer Bird Watching Don’t miss the opportunity to spot a myriad of birds that are mostly common to this area such as the lively little Rudd’s Apalis, Bluemantled Crested Flycatchers, Collared Sunbirds, Dark-backed Weavers and White-browed Robin-chats. It is well worth booking for a one-hour guided walk with Jabulani (Jabu), one of the expert guides that knows the birds in the area like the back of his hand. The fivekilometer walk through the Sodwana bush is done at a very easy pace and is an ideal option for bird enthusiasts to see as many birds as possible. There are various routes to choose from, but DIN highly recommends the route that takes you past the highest dune in the area and boasts a magnificent view of the ocean. A guided tour is a great way for anyone who loves nature and wants to appreciate the bird life in Sodwana.

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DINfo box

For more information, contact Jabu on +27 (0)79 868 1111 or +27 (0)84 060 1940

Off-road and Quad Biking With so many jeep tracks leading north and south from Sodwana, it’s also fun to just head out and take an hour’s drive in either direction to explore the area. DIN recommends you take someone with that knows the area well, because it’s easy to get lost.

What else?

Yes, there’s more … tiger fishing, shore fishing, deep sea fishing, chartered flights, surfing, mountain biking, but I’ll stop here to give you a chance to discover and explore them for yourself. DIN recommends you visit DA BLUE JUICE in your quest to explore this magnificent area and if you are lucky, Digger might even take you to a very special spot that is very hard to find and known as Baboon Junction.

i

DINfo box

For more information, contact Digger or Michel from DA BLUE JUICE on +27 (0)82 924 7757 or by email bluejuice@icon.co.za.

Alternatively, visit their website: www.dabluejuice.co.za

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“Mother Nature provided the Earth with a NITROX atmosphere known as Air. “She never said that air was the best medium for divers.

“Here, as in many fields of endeavour, human beings have used their knowledge of natural laws to go one step beyond what nature has provided for them.”

J. Morgan Wells Ph.D. (1987)

Some may refer to it as ‘Enriched Air Nitrox’ and others as ‘voodoo’ gas. What is this you may ask, and why are so many divers around the world diving on nitrox today?

Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) refers to air in which the percentage of oxygen has been increased. As divers, we know that nitrogen is the gas that limits our bottom time and the main contributor to decompression sickness. By increasing the amount of oxygen in the gas we breathe, we automatically decrease the amount of nitrogen that is absorbed by our bodies under pressure, thereby reducing the risk of decompression sickness and increasing the length of time a diver can remain at depth without the need for decompression stops.

Of course, increasing the amount of oxygen in our mix does have its own dangers. Oxygen breathed under pressure can become poisonous and the diver must be fully trained to analyse their mix and adjust their maximum operating depth.

Diving physicians world wide recommend that divers over the age of 40 dive on nitrox. The increased levels of oxygen in the mix, outweigh t h e p ro b l e m s a n d p o s s i b l e disadvantages. Any diver, young or old, can dive on nitrox - with the “ ... All a diver c o r re c t t r a i n i n g ! We r u n a comprehensive Nitrox course that needs to do is covers the history of nitrox diving present their and partial pressure of gasses, and teaches you how to dive safely on nitrox certification nitrox.

Nitrox is available to divers at most of your favourite diving locations. All a diver needs to do is present their nitrox certification card and request the gas mix they require. Test your mix, record you maximum depth and you are ready to dive.

card and request the gas mix they require ...”

> DO IT NOW | inH2O: Words by Deon Breytenbach | Photos by Linda Boshoff & Shane Raw

If you are interested in taking up paddling, this article will help you make an educated choice about which paddling discipline will suit you best.

So, who should attempt paddling? Well, pretty much anyone who enjoys nature and water should give it a bash. There are a number of different disciplines to choose from, so no matter what your skill, phobia, fun or fitness level, you are sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

However, the two main factors that should influence your choice are your fitness and fun levels. Your fitness will dictate how much you can initially attempt before seizing up, and your desire for fun is what you want to get out of paddling for your

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soul. For some, the fun side might be floating leisurely down a meandering river course whilst spotting some special birds you've never seen before. For others, it might be pushing the limits of what is endurable such as paddling through a heaving mass of towering waves and boils. If you are like me, you might decide that your fun will be found in the freedom of expression freestyle paddling.

So to keep things simple, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sort these disciplines into broad categories.

River Paddling

Ocean Paddling

Sit on Top - Sit on Top Kayaks are exceptionally easy to paddle and are mainly used for flat water paddling or running rivers with small easy rapids.

With one to two sessions, you should be styling it down the river. This option is great for relaxing floats, fishing, birding or exploring meandering rivers at a relaxed pace.

Sea Touring - Sea Touring Kayaks are long, fast and have loads of packing space. They are used on the ocean, lakes, dams, estuaries and meandering river courses. Fitness and fun levels will vary depending on what you are planning. Two to three lessons should provide you with the basics. This option is great for multi-day sessions, kayak fishing or just an easy trip around your local bay.

Racing Kayaking – At some stage, most of you would have spotted racing kayaks strapped onto a roof rack. These long composite kayaks are designed for speed and then stability. This is one of the more popular disciplines in South Africa and has been around the longest. It is one of the easier disciplines to get involved in, as there are loads of clubs all over South Africa. Racing kayaks can be paddled on water ranging from completely flat up to Gr2-3 rapids. With two to four sessions, you should be able to keep things up right and moving forward.

White Water Kayaking - This is, in my opinion, by far the best way to experience rivers. White water kayaks are generally made from plastic, hard wearing and are long lasting. White water kayaking has a bit of everything for everybody. You can choose between the easy and fun sections of Gr1-3 white water or keep at it and hit the waterfalls with the ‘big boys’. White water kayaking has sub categories for the different kayak designs and uses, such as freestyle kayaks, river runners and creaking kayaks. One to two sessions should be enough to get you on the river, and a further two to three sessions will have you ‘rolling’ in moving current. But be prepared to be swept away by the world of white water kayaking as it becomes your new, favourite home-away-from-home.

Surf Ski - Surf Ski’s are a little trickier to get the hang of, initially, as they are not as stable as touring kayaks. This option will require a little bit more in terms of initial fitness. It can be graded as easy to ridiculous fun. With two to four sessions, you should be able to make it through the breakers and into the backline. Surf Ski’s are used in surf ski races and are generally paddled behind the break line.

Surf Kayaking - Surf Kayaks are designed for surfing ocean waves. It is similar to paddle skis, but you sit inside the kayak and use a splash deck. This also requires a bit more in terms of initial fitness compared to tour kayaking. This type of paddling can be graded as easy to really ridiculous fun. With two to four sessions, you should be getting the hang of carving/edge control; the art of rolling back up might be a different story, depending on how comfortable you are in the water.

If you are still unsure about what to attempt first, then send an email (dinmag@doitnow.co.za) and we will put you in contact with the right people in your area that can help you hit the water like a seasoned pro.

doitnow.co.za >> 23

> DO IT NOW | inGEAR: Words & Photos by Paul Carrick

24 >> doitnow.co.za

We decided that a weekend trip from Jo’burg to Katse Dam in Lesotho would be pretty cool.

Pete had never been to Lesotho and had just bought a new BMW 800 GS, an excellent dual-purpose touring bike. Chris had also recently upgraded to a BMW 1200 GS and was keen to head back to the Mountain Kingdom after our last wet and slushy trip on the ‘flat’ roads to Sani Pass. My BMW 1200 GS Adventure was the ‘veteran’ bike, with a single trip through the country.

We left Jo’burg on Friday afternoon to beat the traffic and made Harrismith in good time. We stayed over at Pringles Country Inn near the Engen OneStop, which is really convenient, well priced and has a great little restaurant and pub where you can relax over a cold frosty.

We left early the next morning after a mandatory ‘adventure’ breakfast, a Wimpy Dagwood, and this was going to prove a wise choice a little later in the day. From Harrismith, we took the Maloti Route past Sterkfontein Dam, to the Golden Gate National Park. This is a fantastic stretch of road for a bike with nice sweeping turns, a good surface and magnificent scenery. This area is well worth the visit if you can fit it into your trip, as there are some amazing geological formations to look at, as well as a variety of antelope. Once past Golden Gate, we passed through the scenic village of Clarens and then it was a quick ride to Fouriesberg, the last place to fill up before crossing the border. If you’ve got a little tank (the GS Adventure has a 33l tank, so most bikes seem to have small tanks in comparison) taking a small header or refill might not be a bad idea. Of course we didn’t take any because Pete and Chris figured they’d just siphon from my bike and we weren’t going that far anyway. Were we?

The border crossing into Lesotho is a breeze. Arrive, jump off, stamp, jump on, wave to the police, 1st gear, 2nd gear, break, stop, write on a little form, stamp, jump on, pay R20 at the boom and a mere 20 minutes later, after a friendly chat to the border post controllers, we were on our way again. We always take our vehicle papers with, but as yet, I haven’t been asked to produce them for either the bikes or cars on any of my last four trips. However, they always check your license disk on the Lesotho side, so don’t take a chance with that!

As you pass through the border, there is a very populated stretch of road that travels through villages and rural settlements until you get to the bottom of Moteng Pass. The pass is unbelievable, 1st and 2nd gear and lots of switchbacks. If you’re a little tentative about putting your bike over around corners, you’ll almost definitely be cured by the time you get to the top. The road there is pretty good though, but there are the occasional rock falls so you need to keep your wits about you.

Unless you’re trying to break speed records (not a great idea in Lesotho) there are a number of viewpoints up the pass that are worth stopping at. This good road continues on until Oxbow, and then… … all hell breaks loose. The road is actually a smattering of tar over a complex network of holes. It’s really bad! The way to get past this section is to turn it into a game of dodge the pothole, or dodge the biggest pothole you’ve ever seen, or drive off the side of the road - this

option is often the best choice. Basically, don’t be in a rush or you will damage your prized metal steed. This ‘road’ continues for 37 km until you get to Tlaeong Pass, the highest motor cable pass in Africa.

A few years back I did the Kao Mine road from Katse back to this point on a great dirt road. It was rocky, rough and quite fun in a Land Cruiser, so I thought it would be fun on a bike. It had been raining for two weeks prior to our trip, so the road was slick and muddy. We decided to do a short recce first to see what it was like. If it was ok, then that would be the way, otherwise we’d head down to Mohkotlong and take the ‘good’ dirt road around Tsaba Tseng. So we headed down the mine road, with our super efficient touring tires doing a sterling job. Ok, so maybe they were the wrong choice, but for now they seemed fine. We stopped 300 metres down the road to discuss our options and decided that because it was wet and slippery, that maybe this wasn’t the perfect choice, especially seeing as our touring tires had almost no grip in the mud. So we turned around and headed off … well almost.

Chris, who had stopped on a patch of grass, got stuck ... and so our adventure really began.

After travelling 40 km down the potholed road, there is a big sign: KATSE =>, which we dutifully followed. It’s a good gravel road, really well maintained and recently upgraded with concrete culverts. Then the road just sort of ended and we were faced with a decision, left or right. To the right was a road, rocky but well defined and almost straight up a hill. To the left was a dirt track that looked like it went nowhere. Decision made, we were going right.

Now in contrast to the mine road, this was a real ‘off-road’ road and there was no way a little rocky road was going to stop us now, and anyway, Katse couldn’t be much further, could it? The map said it was just a short meander over a mountain or two. So off we went once again, over the rocks, over a little river and gradually the road began to deteriorate. The rocks got bigger, the road smaller and there seemed to be more water. w

doitnow.co.za >> 25

>

About 10 km later, we had our first fall and the 800 GS was baptised with Lesotho mud. The road still looked doable, so we ploughed on for another 5 km and had another spill (Pete again - you see, the general approach on touring tires is to go straight when it’s slippery, otherwise, you end up lying in the mud with your bike, and Pete enjoys getting his knee down ...). By now, we were getting a little tired. Looking carefully at our ridiculously inadequate map, and the cause of much false hope because just where we stopped was a fork in the road, clearly putting us exactly where we thought we should be - one mountain crossing away from Katse.

So we asked some friendly locals how far it was to the dam and were told it was not far. Our attempts to get more details were futile, but hey, how bad could ‘not far’ be? While Pete and Chris took a breather, I headed up the mushy road to have a look at what we were in for, slipping and sliding between small streamlets until I got near the top of the hill. At this point it’s worth mentioning that Pete and I had bike-tobike installed, which can make a long road a little more entertaining, but has a few downsides. At the top of the hill the road became a series of half-meter rock steps with water flowing over them. After deciding that this was definitely not the route to take, I turned around to head back down.

Now coming up was entertaining, point straight up, maintain some speed and don’t stop - easy. But going down was a whole different story. The GS Adventure weighs in at 250 kg and with my small 100 kg frame added to that, it’s like an accident waiting to happen. So slipping, skidding and squealing like a girl (sorry girls), I made my way down, concentration high, like a machine.

Perfection. And then the bike came to life, half scaring me to death and totally wrecking my concentration. I narrowly saved my butt after almost turning into the fastest mud-sled biker in history, and I’m sure Pete and Chris had a great laugh over my Olympic escapade.

After returning to the two rested bikers waiting patiently at the fork in the road, we decided that we’d take the slightly longer alternate route, which looked easier and avoided the rock-ledge road that had bought my exploratory trip to a halt. Chris took the lead and scrambled up the slushy road, while Pete and I took care of some of the larger mud pools. As luck would have it, and just as Pete and I where trying to wrestle a bike out of a mud hole, we caught sight of Chris pulling off a maneuver more suited to ‘Funniest Home Videos’. While

26 >> doitnow.co.za

riding up the path, close to the side of the road that was next to a three-meter high drop off into a meilie field, he hit a rock lurking in long grass. In slow motion, we saw his left foot shoot out, do the hokey pokey and was pretty quickly followed by the rest of his body in an elegant dismount, a graceful step down the embankment, a neat pirouette and then his arms being flung up in total disgust. Chris’s performance was quite something, but way more impressive was his bike doing a complete 360 side flip behind him, without him even realising it! The only damage done, other than some ego bruising and possibly a pulled muscle from the pirouette, was the rather surgical removal of both mirrors. Fortunately, there was little traffic on this road so we were still good to go.

After a lot of pushing, spinning, falling, pulling, sweating and some more spills, we finally made it to the top of our mountain. Despite our weariness we all felt a great sense of achievement that helped to overcome the aches and pains and misery over missing mirrors. All we had to do now was pop down the mountainside and we’d be at Katse.

That’s what the map said, didn’t it?

On the crest of the mountain we were greeted by an extraordinary vista of emerald green mountains as far as the eye could see. It is a truly magnificent sight, as long as you are not hoping to see a big dam with a hotel. And with that, our newly-found enthusiasm died. The energy bars we had with us seemed a little inadequate and for the first time, we realised that we could be spending the night in the mountains – not a pleasant thought!

We decided that we’d never make it back the way we came as it would mean rolling the bikes down a slippery grass and mud slope for approximately three kilometer, something we were reluctant to try and anyway, maybe the dam was just over the next hill. We checked our map again - the dam should have been here!

So we kept going, sliding down mud tracks and occasionally ending up flat on our backs next to our bikes, unintentionally. Our touring tires were spinning fairly ineffectively up any slope and soon became the recipients of much verbal abuse.

We got to a fairly large river crossing, which I tentatively crossed, feeling a little uneasy as the flow of water was quite strong. After giving Chris some advise, he gave it his all and opened up the throttle, crossing easily and in no time. Pete followed suit and whistled across in a heartbeat as well. At this stage, we thought that the hard part was over, as the road had improved slightly and we seemed to be making better time. For about a kilometer! And then I found myself lying in a rather uncomfortable position, with a soccer-ball sized rock providing support for my back while I tried to bench press my bike off my chest.

slide. Where it was just mud slush, it was like aiming for a target in a straight line and fighting to keep the bike from sliding off the edge of the road. We had one fantastic stretch of road where Pete did a sliding-fall dismount in the mud with a little foxtrot move for style. Not to be outdone, Chris followed 10 seconds later with his own version, but used the tango to finish off his manoeuver. Both bikes ended up horizontal in the mud with the riders standing proudly by, as though it was an orchestrated move. Admittedly, it’s easy to laugh about it now but after traversing this road for an hour, there was still no sign of the dam, a tar road or any other clue that we were closer to our destination. The rest stops became less frequent as the underlying urgency to get out of the mountains grew. At 6pm we finally saw a tar road in the distance that was on the other side of the valley and our relief was fantastic. We crossed the bridge with just 2 km to go to get to the tar road and I thought our adventure was finally over. This was not to be. Pete, who was trying to put on his glasses, drove up a slippery mud section of the road and hit a rock. The resulting close call and super-human recovery was almost the end for me, as I doubled over from laughter. It was a fitting end to our ‘good’ dirt road trip.

After hitting the tar road, we made a left turn and shot over the mountain and there before us was the most magnificent sight - Khatse Dam. Although we had missed the sunset, we were rewarded with the most spectacular colours of early evening stretching out over the dam.

We arrived at Katse Dam Hotel tired, broken and sore, but very, very relieved.

The hotel is nice, but a little pricey for the standard of accommodation.

However, when put into perspective of where it is and what it must take to keep it running, it’s not too bad. We didn’t book ahead and had no problem getting a room, but they do take reservations.

The next morning we had breakfast and the view over the dam was incredible. It was now time to return home and we unanimously agreed that any sort of off-road route was not an option. Needless to say, we were all still feeling a little tender and nursing some seriously stiff muscles.

As soon as we fixed Chris’ bike up with one of my mirrors, we hit the road. Pete and Chris put in enough fuel to reach Fouriesberg at a little pump just after leaving the hotel, but be warned, it is all LRP. So if you’re pedantic about the fuel you use, take extra. As you leave Katse, there are some great views of the dam and dam wall from the road as well as from some of the mountain passes. Only when you take this road do you realise just how big the dam is. It’s huge. We travelled over the dam bridge, through more passes on a good road until we reached Leribe, a place you want to get through as soon as possible. It’s not a bike-friendly town and we had a few incidents where pedestrians made deliberate lurches into our path.

Two more mountains (and all that they involved) and we headed down to a little village. We saw only children, loads of children, and it has to be said that whoever introduced sweets to the children of Lesotho should be shot, hung and resuscitated so that they can have it done to them all over again.

The ride home was decidedly boring after leaving Lesotho. If we were to do something like this again, we’d definitely take an extra day or two because it’s a long time to sit in the saddle. We’d also take a better map and possibly a GPS, because it’s pretty easy to get, um, lost…

“SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETS”. It is the most shouted word in the Lesotho hills and in a way it’s sad. These kids in the village got quite aggressive when we didn’t give them any and a couple of them even threw stones at us, it got quite nasty. Anyway, after the screaming-kids village, we got onto a contour road just above a minor stream and once again thought we were home free. We just had to keep moving downstream and we’d get to the dam, easy.

The off-road section of the trip took us eight hours. It was only 40 km long but felt more like 150 km. We made a serious mistake with our first right turn. After Google Earthing our ride, we realised that the route we took was marked as a hiking trail. It would have been more suited to smaller off-road bikes and is something we’re thinking of trying. Allin-all, it was a great lesson in off-road touring.

Ha! Our contour road was a track mainly used for moving cattle and sheep, which kept the road clear of bush but does very little else for a lost biker. The hoof prints had two effects on the muddy roads. Where the mud was drying out, it was a very bumpy ride of alternating teethrattling vibrations and the inevitable cracking of the crust with a nice

My advise to any fellow adventurers – firstly, have the right tires; and secondly, take the right road.

But would we change the trip in retrospect?

No way, it was EPIC! doitnow.co.za >> 27

> DO IT NOW | inGEAR: Words by Francois Flamengo | Photos by Elri Martins

28 >> doitnow.co.za

Setting New Standards for Big Dune Driving When it comes to the beauty of the Namibian Desert, I’m always amazed by this incredibly diverse environment that is both mystical and clinical. Scientists claim that this is one of the oldest deserts known to man. Life in this solitaire habitat has evolved over many years and the antelope, snakes, birds, lizards and a myriad of other creatures that have made this their home, have had to adapt and develop special characteristics to survive the extreme desert temperatures.

Looking at the desert, one can write volumes covering only the facts about this desolate place. I don’t want to do this, but would rather draw your attention to a very specific destination that I was fortunate enough to explore during a recent visit to Namibia. Lauberville, a mere 34 km from Walvis Bay and the old recreation camp of the former police in Namibia, is a must for any 4x4 enthusiasts who loves to journey into Namibia, to play in their beloved vehicles.

So what’s so special about Lauderville? The reason is simply that this area has set a new standard for BIG DUNE DRIVING. Drivers visiting the area can experience the excitement of navigating their own 4x4 vehicles over some of the biggest dunes in the world during the day, and sit around a blazing camp-fire surrounded by beautiful acacia and swaying palm trees in the evening.

Lauberville is also the base for a new five-day trip offered by Westcoast 4x4, which I had the pleasure of experiencing – and what an adventure it was! It all starts in Walvisbay where everyone meets at the Anker Restaurant. After a delicious meal, we headed out in our 4x4’s to the camp, a thirtyminute drive on a well-maintained gravel road. Once in camp, we unpacked and settled in. All the vehicles were equipped with a two-way radio so that we could communicate with our fellow adventurers, over the next few days.

The camp seemed very basic but we soon found out it had all the vital facilities to give it a ‘five star’ rating for a dune trip; running water, ablutions, warm showers and delicious meals. All the rooms are furnished with new beds, so you only need to bring bedding. There are also three chalets, of which two had the luxury of en-suite bathrooms.

The entertainment area is where we all congregated each night to mingle around a huge fire, and this is also where our guides and hosts, Don and Jacques, awarded trophies to the drivers for good or bad driving.

Each day was well planned and organised, with Don and Jacques expertly guiding the group through the dunes of the Namib Naukluft Park. Each trip was different and we got to visit areas like Sandwich Harbour and the airplane crash site from the 1970’s. Don and Jacques would take turns to create challenging routes to test our driving abilities and these ‘obstacle courses’ also presented us with some great opportunities to take action photos of 4x4 vehicles battling the desert giants. Other highlights included driving down the steep slip faces and challenging the massive dunes in high range. A few of these exercises required reaching speeds of close to 100 km/h to conquer it or be conquered. The petrol vehicles on the trip did well and I was very impressed with the abilities of the popular Toyota Prado 4.0 petrol.

On the second last day of our trip, we were taken to the desert drag strip and divided into shootout groups, in both high range and low range categories. This time it was the petrol Toyota Hilux 4.0 with the sticker on the back, ‘Powered by six very upset Japanese ponies’ that was rewarded with the gold honours. All I can say is that they must have been very upset ponies because they ran like there was no tomorrow.

There are so many other highlights that I could elaborate on, but it just wouldn’t be the same as you experiencing it for yourself.

i

DINfo box

For more information and bookings on this fantastic BIG DUNE DRIVING destination contact Don Nieuwoudt on (t) +27 82 570 7486 or via email on don@westcoast4x4.co.za

doitnow.co.za >> 29

The following basic rules and 4x4 driving trips are brought to you by Don Nieuwoudt, to help you make your next visit to the sand dunes a more pleasant and memorable experience.

1. Examine the area where you will be driving and ensure that your vehicle is in 4x4 mode before the time. Select high range where the sand is hard and when you will be travelling over long distances. When your vehicle starts losing power in the soft sand, select the low range. Remember high range first gear is more or less the same as low range third gear and every time you have to change gears in soft sand, it is just as good as using the brakes. Your vehicle will loose a lot of momentum and power. If the gear you have selected for your vehicle is too low or high, it will cause your tires to spin unnecessarily and dig your vehicle into the sand.

2. Deflate your tires to ensure your vehicle has maximum traction in the sand. It is recommended that all 4x4 vehicles are equipped with a reliable tire gauge and pump. The tires can be deflated to a pressure as low as .8 bar. In extreme cases, when you are faced with unforeseen challenges, the tire pressure can be deflated even lower to help the vehicle overcome the obstacle. Remember that if you operating your vehicle with tires at a pressure below .8 bar, the chance of the tire being pushed off the rim is far greater. You need to be very careful in these situations and try to limit any sharp turns with the vehicle, when using the engine’s power. If your vehicle is heavily loaded, it is advisable to operate the vehicle with a tire pressure around 1.0 bar. If you struggle, then you can deflate the tires a little bit more.

3. If you need to stop your vehicle when driving on sand, look for a flat surface or where the front of your vehicle is pointing in a downwards direction as this will make it much easier to pull off again. Remember that you don’t need to use the brakes because once you lift your foot from the accelerator, the vehicle will come to a stop because of the soft sand. If you use the brakes, a wall of sand will be pushed to the front of the tires resulting in your vehicle having to work unnecessarily hard to drive over it. Should you be trapped in a situation where you can’t drive over the wall of sand, reverse back a bit to compact your track and this should make it easier to drive forward and over the wall.

4. Stay on the leading car’s tracks to minimise the chance of damaging any eco-sensitive areas in the desert. Driving in the same tracks will also benefit your vehicle as the sand will have been compacted and make your ride easier. Avoid being caught in a predicament by driving close to the slip face.

5. Early morning and late afternoon is the safest time to drive in the dunes, as the position of the sun casts shadows on the dunes and makes it much easier to read them. Midday is the worst time to drive in the dunes as a driver can suffer from ‘dune blindness’ that is caused by the sun shining directly from above. A good pair of sunglasses will help a lot in this regard.

I hope these easy tips will be of use, and remember, drinking and driving in the dunes is asking for trouble. Always be aware and you can never be too careful!

30 >> doitnow.co.za

> DO IT NOW | inALTITUDE: Words by Claire Barnes & Claire King | Photos by Bertus de Beer

Why We Jump A Breath of Fresh Air “My palms are sweaty, my heart is thumping in my ears and I can smell jet fuel and fear. I dare to look out of the window and see the ground far below. The plane is full of nervous faces, and I turn to my instructor who gives me a thumbs up and tells me it’s my turn to hurl myself out of the door. It is utter madness, I know that, but here I am. I climb out of the door and position myself on the edge. The wind is howling violently, almost pushing me back into the plane. My instructor yells, “Go.” I look down. There is nowhere else to go. So I take a deep breath, and do it.

“As I jump, I feel my fear being left in the plane above me, and experience a sudden calmness; a clarity that I didn’t have a moment ago. I feel free. My mind is sharp and aware of every detail. All the words of the instructor ring clearly in my mind as I look up to see a colourful canopy inflating above my head. And I know how to fly! Just like that. I grab my toggles and fly my canopy through the air, landing softly on the ground a few minutes later. I did it. That’s how my first skydive felt.”

My involvement in skydiving was by chance; a friend started skydiving and planted the idea in my head, just once. Why not? I played with the idea for a while and finally agreed to give it a try. Nothing compares to the moment you launch yourself from an aircraft into the fresh blast of air 11 000 ft above the ground. You are acutely aware of every minute detail. Every sense is engaged and you’re processing information at lightning speed. You are free. Nothing exists outside of here and now.

It has changed me in many ways. My mind has opened. My world has expanded. I want to try new sports, see new heights and fill every minute with exhilarating experiences.

Skydiving is fun, sociable and stress relieving. It is also much more than tossing oneself from aeroplanes for kicks. The sport is strictly regulated; formalised into various disciplines and gets highly competitive. So while it will certainly scratch the adrenaline junkie’s itch, it is rewarding in many other ways.

In South Africa, most skydivers jump from about 11 000 ft above ground level. They freefall until about 3 000 ft, then deploy their parachutes to land safely. Then they pack it all back in and start again. Regardless of your motivation, it’s something everyone should try at least once – it’s ‘bucket list’ stuff.

In such a diverse sport, it’s different for each of us. Some love the rush of freefall. Some love the humility and wonder of flying alone beside a kilometre-high stack of white, puffy clouds – whether in freefall, in a wingsuit or under parachute. For others, it’s the athletic challenge of competing with precision, speed and true teamwork.

Whatever our individual motive, through skydiving, we get to share unique moments, spectacular scenery and a passion for living with like-minded people.

... Skydiving is fun, sociable and stress relieving. It is also much more than tossing oneself from aeroplanes for kicks ...

32 >> doitnow.co.za

Photo by Craig Dutton

... In such a diverse sport, it’s different for each of us ...

Frequently Asked Questions Q. How do I get started?

There are various options available to you and are as follows: Accelerated Freefall (AFF) (Do It NOW!): Sometimes you just know this is going to be your thing. The AFF programme is a focused, efficient way to learn to skydive and get out there quickly. You experience freefall from full altitude, from your first jump. Two instructors stay with you and assist you throughout the freefall.

You have your own parachute and skydive from day one. This personal one-on-one training gets you up to speed and into the sport quickly.

Static Line (Start it Now): This is the old-fashioned way of learning to skydive. After group classroom training, you jump solo with the use of a ‘static line’ to deploy your parachute for you, as you leave the aircraft at 3 500 ft above the ground. You progress to freefall and then increase exit altitude and freefall time, until you’re jumping from 11 000 ft (at jump 17 or thereabouts). This is a slower method of learning to skydive, which is cheaper per jump, but roughly the same cost as AFF to get to a common basic skills level.

Tandem (Do Part of it Now): You can have a once-off experience from a tandem jump, where you are harnessed to an experienced

tandem master. This route allows you to skydive without having to know too much about it. It is also a more passive approach to skydiving and often just enough to make you return to do the course.

Q. Where do I go?

Skydiving operates from drop zones. Check out www.para.co.za and click on “Drop Zones” for a full list of South African skydiving clubs.

Q. What do I need to do to go solo and become self-sufficient?

We have formalised progression structures and programmes to move through proficiency levels and qualifications, but the basic course completion takes about 10 AFF jumps or 17 static line jumps.

Q. What does it cost?

The costs differ slightly from club to club, and range from: R 200 to R230 per jump once you are self-sufficient and have your own gear.

R1 950 for the AFF ground school and your first jump.

R 850 for the Static Line ground school and your first jump.

R1 250 for a tandem jump.

Look out for these exciting up-coming events For some serious spectator action, get yourself to Carletonville, just outside Johannesburg, from 1-6 December to watch the world’s elite swoopers compete in the fifth FAI World Cup in Canopy Piloting (www.fai.org/parachuting and www.swoop4gold.co.za). Canopy Piloting is like a Grand Prix over water, but without the vehicle. Competitors exceed 100 kph under parachute competing for speed, distance and zone accuracy - and all the action happens on ground level. It’s thrilling stuff to watch.

There are also ongoing competitions such as SASL (www.skyleague.co.za) and the SA National Championships, an annual event that is usually held in May and a highlight on the skydiving calendar. It is also where selections for the World Championships are made.

‘Boogies’, skydiving get togethers in unusual places often with novelty aircraft, are organised from time-to-time. They are primarily social, but often form the platform from which to attempt new SA records.

doitnow.co.za >> 33

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Featured DIN Stops in this Issue

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The second project was to transform the area around the pool into an oasis for the children to enjoy and be proud of, by getting rid of all the rubbish and replacing the unwanted plants with new, low-maintenance evergreens. ‘Many hands make light work’ and with this motto in mind, the combined efforts of the rest of the DIN team, consisting of Rhys, Gert and Chris, and the children, the area was cleared, litter removed, holes were dug - and the evergreens planted in no time - amid much laughter and ‘kidding’ around. The kids were incredibly enthusiastic and helped us a great deal until the compost bag was opened …. and then you’ve never seen so many little legs move so fast to get away from the smell.

Somewhere in between all the building and planting, DO IT NOW provided rolls, viennas, fruits and juice. The lovely house mothers prepared a delicious lunch of hotdogs that were quickly devoured by all the hungry helpers! After refuelling, we were all back at our posts and doing our bit.

The projects were a great success and it was so rewarding to have the kids participate and help us throughout the day. Everyone worked really hard and as this incredible day came to an end, Siphumelele’s garden looked great, and once the grass was laid and wall completed in the following week by Roderick, Kumalo and Rhys, it was truly something to be proud of. The endless smiles on all the dirty faces told of a fun day, for a worthy cause!

It’s at times like these that you realise how a small act of kindness can bring such happiness to others. You also realise that - you CAN make a difference – so why wait when you can DO IT NOW!

... ‘Many hands make light work’ and with this motto in mind, the combined efforts of the rest of the DIN team, consisting of Rhys, Gert and Chris, and the children, the area was cleared...

DIN Recycles

When the idea of starting a DO IT NOW magazine was borne, we decided to create and print a sample copy of the magazine to see how readers would respond to this new and exciting product.

As part of our marketing campaign, we handed out these magazines all over the country! The response was so good that we started working on the first issue of the DO IT NOW Magazine. If you are reading this, then you will know that we were really blessed, and are now on our second issue!

As I mentioned in the inFO section, inVOLVED is the part of DO IT NOW that gives back to and gets involved in the community. With the left over sample magazines, we decided to recycle them through PRASA, the Paper Recycling Association

Thanks to the DO IT NOW team and Siphumelele house mothers and kids for giving inVOLVED a hand and taking ownership of this project! of South Africa (http://www.prasa.co.za/) (http://www.prasa.co.za/). After an email and a prompt return call, the recycling van arrived at the DO IT NOW office just two days later to pick up the magazines. We were delighted to find out that we would receive some funds from recycling, and decided that this would be a great addition to the inVOLVED Fund, which is used to help those in need.

I was very impressed with the great service provided by PRASA, and how easy and effortless the whole process was. I highly recommend you try it and help us save our environment, one piece of paper at a time!

Please recycle your DO IT NOW Magazine.

doitnow.co.za >> 41

DO IT

2010

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DO IT

inCOMING

One action-packed day for those who dare! Imagine being pulled across the surface of the water on a thin board at 30 km/h with the only thing keeping you going is a piece of string connecting you to a Seadoo Speedster Wake Boat. If this is your kind of action, whether you know exactly what you are doing or have absolutely no idea but are willing to give it a go, then this awesome day is just for you! For anyone new to this adventure, wakeboarding is a surface water sport that involves riding a wakeboard over the water's surface behind a boat.

DO IT NOW is planning this relaxing yet action-packed day on the Bronkhorstspruit Dam (90 km from central Johannesburg and 75 km from Pretoria). This includes training by a professional wakeboarder, to make sure you get the most out of this really enjoyable experience.

Drive a super sexy, no-introductions-needed Audi A4 during the High Performance Driving Course and learn how to improve vehicle control and hone your skills under full-time expert instruction. This full-day course is held at Gerotek and kicks off with an enlightening lecture on the theory of vehicle dynamics. Perfect the art of driving by practicing high-speed driving techniques, emergency situation simulations and demonstrations of the latest vehicle technologies. This is all done in the safety of a racingcircuit environment.

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doitnow.co.za >> 39

DO IT

inVOLVED DO IT

Words and Photos by Elri Martins

DIN Makes a Difference at

During September DO IT NOW inVOLVED participated in two major community projects. The DIN team

volunteered their time and skills to Do It Day, held on 18 September, a wonderful social responsibility initiative that called upon all South Africans to help in any way they could. inVOVLED went to visit Siphumelele Orphanage in Kempton Park.

Our first project was to build a low retaining wall along the one side of their swimming pool to prevent rain water running from the garden into the pool. This was quite a big job and I would like to thank Roderick and Kumalo for putting their backs into it, literally!! The project started on Friday and was finally completed on Tuesday. Although it was hard work, we had great fun!

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DO IT

Golf Core Training Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Performance The Benefits of Streeeeetching

Arran Brown on Bike Setup FIX IT NOW! - Cycling Mechanics // [inPREPARATION] Triathlon Training: 8-Week Sprint Programme // [inSHAPE] Sport Specific Training -

Inside Story A Beginner's Take on the Nando's Magalies Adventure Profile on Arran Brown, Professional Cyclist // [in THE WORKSHOP] For the Love of Cycling -

// [inACTION] Fish River Canoe Marathon Dusi Advice from the Pro's and not so Pro's Blyde Xfest ’09 Adventure Racing, the Ultimate Challenge joBerg2c - The

SPORT

by Dave Macleod > DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words Photos by Justin Vellacott - Gameplan Media

A classic sporting event is so much more than just a sum of its parts. For the thousands of canoeists who took part in the Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon held on 2 and 3 October, their experiences will bear testimony to this.

The 28 year-old event is a premium paddling event on the canoeing calendar, and this year played host once again to the SA K1 River Championship - lending even more prestige to the race.

Everybody who is anybody in marathon paddling was there, as well as several big international names including the lanky Cologne-based World 1 000 m Sprint Champion Max Hoff and the Czech women’s wild-water ace, Katerina Vacikova.

The sense of anticipation and hype, as the 1 400 paddlers rolled into the Klein Karoo town, was palpable. Right on cue, the miserable weather that had been threatening, rolled away, leaving in its wake a two-day window of superb, clear and warm weather for this popular event.

Without a doubt, the manner in which the Cradock community throws open its arms to welcome the paddlers is what sets this race aside from all the others. From the hearty food prepared by the Rotarians and Round Tablers for the throngs of paddlers, to the cheerful smiles across the shop, restaurant and pub counters - the hospitality is unforgettable.

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Louis Copeman and his committee of local farmers run the race and are all passionate about adding as much value as possible to the paddler’s race experiences. This year, that drive and zeal led to the Friday-night concert by Prime Circle and the Southern Gypsy Queen bands complimenting the now legendary post-race after party on the Saturday night.

In their ongoing drive to improve the race, the race committee has made a major capital investment into the event. A new road has been laid so that the paddler’s seconds can drive all the way down the river-bank on the first day. In 2010, a massive chute will be built down the Collett’s weir, just 20 minutes into the race, so that the paddlers don’t have to get out of their craft and carry it around.

This will add another defining landmark to the race that already boasts iconic thrills such as the notorious Keith’s

... Everything about this race suits him perfectly ... then left him in his wake in the final 15 minutes of the race, to claim the silver medal.

The women’s race was just as dramatic. Pre-race favourite Michéle Eray seemed to be continually on the back foot. She was tipped out of her kayak by a clumsy fellow competitor at the Collett’s weir put-in. Then just as she had raced back to the front, she took an uncommon swim at the Knutsford Drop, only 10 minutes from the end of the stage.

Flyover rapid that is a grade 3+ monster at the 10 kilometer mark, the bucking waves of Soutpansdrift rapid, and the three weirs that are the hallmarks of the final stage – Gauging weir, Marlow Chute weir and the legendary Cradock weir.

This year, these obstacles combined to create a heady mix of thrills and spills that ensured the men and women’s title races provided thrilling, grand-stand finishes.

Four-times K1 champ, Len Jenkins, arrived in Cradock for the race wearing the mantle of ‘King of the Fish’. Everything about this race suits him perfectly, from the sub-three hour duration of the defining first stage, to the tough obstacles and energy sapping flat-water grinds. He was always going to be the man to beat, as he lined up a record fifth-consecutive win in his sights.

However, this was not going to be an easy feat with a field of top local and international marathoners keen to topple him.

Jenkins conspired with arguably his strongest challenger, Hank McGregor, to get away from all the other 'A-batch' hopefuls in the first half of stage one. Then he played his hand beautifully by dropping McGregor in merciless style, in the latter part of that first leg to set up his victory.

On the second day, Jenkins simply didn’t put a paddle wrong as he raced alone to obliterate his own race record by an incredible six minutes. Behind, there was heaps of drama.

German ‘wunderkind’, Max Hoff, reeled in McGregor and

In typical fashion, Eray fought her way back to the front of the race on day two and was holding all the cards as she approached Cradock weir. However, as fate would have it, she was dumped in the churning backwash at the foot of the weir and had to be rescued by the lifeguards. This left the door open for 19 year-old ‘Maties’ student, Robyn Kime, to race home alone and claim the women’s title. A well-deserved reward for the woman with the least mistakes made during the race. Second place was claimed by the keen-as-mustard Czech Republic star Vacikova.

There were plenty of other milestones, with 43 K3 craft entering the race – a world record – and the first-ever K4 allowed to participate by the race committee.

This clumsy, long craft is not ideally suited to the rough waters of the Fish, but it was the passion of four paddlers to raise funds for an Oncology Unit in the historical town of Cradock, a serene but typical Karoo farming town. As the race coincided with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Day, the paddlers taking part got behind this worthy cause and raised an incredible R50 000 through donations, buying pink ribbons and in some cases, having their heads shaved.

The thoroughly successful race has catapulted the event into a new era, and left the massive field of participants and supporters hungry for more in 2010.

> DO IT NOW | inACTION: Compiled by Rhys Foster

Dusi Advice

from the Pro’s and not so Pro’s

MAD COWS AND RIVER SPIDERS Extract from the book, Mad Cows and River Spiders - Chronicles of a Dusi Novice

by Gary Green and foreword by Martin Dreyer

Ian Player simply states, “Once you’ve paddled the Dusi, your life will never be the same”. He couldn’t have been closer to the truth.

I took on the Dusi for the first time in 1996. I clearly remember the long journey driving through the Transkei from Knysna, coming into Maritzburg down Durban Road, laying down a hundred buck bet with my K2 partner as to which way the Msundusi was flowing, confident that it was from the right to left. I was wrong!

Me, a full-time salmon fisherman from Canada and my pure-bred Karatara woodcutter partner, bumbled down that Dusi, clueless. Thombi Rapid chewed us up like a raw mielie. Side Shute Rapid put an end to our race, after choosing the incorrect channel. Boat wrapped, paddles lost, head bleeding, we dragged our limp craft up to the road to thumb a lift to Blue Lagoon, totally defeated. Standing at the prize giving, no finishing medal in hand, I had this hollow, sick feeling. Since that occasion I have adopted the principle, “Never give up until you’re carried off the course”.

Martin has since completed 12 Dusi’s and won seven of them.

The DO’S AND DON’TS of Dusi Racing Here is some great advice and tips from a number of experienced paddlers including ‘The Pope’ who has completed 45 Dusi’s and won 15 of them, Rick Whitton and Martin Dreyer, as well as from some paddlers who have come in close to the cut-off.

Name:

Mandy Rawlins

Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

40 6 53rd overall (mixed doubles) and 6th in the ladies Taking it easy, but in the top 200

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) Trip the river as much as you can. I am a carthorse and this is the only way I can get ahead.

2) Be consistent with your training. Find a schedule that suite you and stick to it. Don't design a programme with 10 sessions per week, when you know you will only get to do four. Keep it real.

3) Eat healthily, take vitamins and get enough sleep so that your body can recover and build up.

4) Take probiotics a few days before and after you have been in a river.

5) Do interval training during the week and slow, long distances over the weekend.

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Name:

Gary Green

Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

47 2 15h16 To finish

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) Never paddle with a partner who suffers from bovinophobia (an unnatural fear of cows).

2) Always portage commercial weir. There is a scenic route down the left bank that includes a view of numerous Weavers’ nests, Red Bishops and a drooling Labrador in the last house with palisade fencing.

3) Whatever it costs to get into the starfish batch, it is worth the money! This will ensure you avoid the devil’s cauldron peaking at 42 degrees whilst the leaders are already drinking Hansa.

4) Never ever go over Burma. Whoever named it Burma Hill was lying. Whilst the ANC are renaming our streets, they might as well rename it Burma Mother F$%&ing Mountain.

5) At the finish, avoid comments like ‘please shoot me if you ever see me in a canoe again’. There is a possibility that any future attempts at the race may draw gun fire!

Name: Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

Martin Dreyer 40 12 Seven firsts, one second and one third Get nine “Change a Life” athletes in the top 20

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) With two months to go, train one paddle/run session per week in full Dusi regalia. Train early on consecutive days so that the Dusi’s 6am starts over the three days doesn’t come as a shock to your system.

2) Drill a 5mm hole through the seam in widest part of your K2 for water drainage during portaging and the strongest runner should run at the back.

3) Avoid carrying any excessive weight by using a bottle drinking system for easy 'change' or 'top up' during the race.

4) River knowledge is ‘King’. Trip problem areas to allow you to start the Dusi with a race strategy in mind.

5) Fish and chips. Taper down with a week prior to the event, sorry too late now. Go into the race slightly overweight and undertrained.

(Photo by Jacques Marais) 'Change a Life' athlete Eric Zondi is congratulated by Martin Dreyer at the finish of the 2009 Dusi.

Name: Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

Rick Whitton 52 30 K1 - 4th, K2 - 4th, Mixed Doubles - 3 x 1st and various multi age group victories Complete one more Dusi with my wife Colleen

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) Make sure you prepare for the race by double checking your equipment such as your paddles steering system, the general condition of your craft and make sure your drinking system is comfortable for paddling and running.

2) Do as many trips as you can over the course. Don’t rely on following people.

3) Come up with a race pace that suits you according to your strengths, and make sure you survive the day going at your race pace.

4) Plan your nutritional needs each day and make sure you can get juice and food at various points along the route.

5) Don’t try anything new on race day and this includes strategy and liquid intake. Stick to the brand you have been training on. Good luck, you can do it!

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Name: Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

Dave Macleod 45 17 Finished 17th Exactly middle of the field, keeping all portaging to a minimum

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) Know the river. Trip it thoroughly at different levels as if you are a novice.

2) Run all the portages, learn to pace yourself, know where to walk and use that time to recharge.

3) Pre-hydrate thoroughly, drink throughout and make rehydration your immediate priority after finishing each stage.

4) Pacing is key. Estimate your finishing time based on river level temperatures and how you are feeling, then work backwards and work out where to push yourself and where you need to race within yourself.

5) Race in a boat that is comfortable. Stability is key especially if the river levels come up suddenly. Don’t sacrifice stability in the hope of racing a faster craft. Think about realistic river conditions and rather plan to race in a lighter, stronger layup stable craft than gamble with a less stable craft you are uncertain about, in testing river conditions.

Name: Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

Graeme Pope-Ellis (The Pope) 62 45 First To start in elapsed time on the third day

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) Trip the course as often as you can, so you get to know how to pace yourself on race day. Also get to know your partner’s strong and weak points, and get acclimatised e.g. ‘Dusi guts’.

2) Never blame your partner for mistakes made. They are doing the best they can, and without them, you won't finish. Race as a team and make the most of your partner’s strengths.

3) Training should be 70% paddling and 30% running whilst concentrating on speed work. Remember, the more quality training you do, the more you will enjoy the race.

4) Rather go for a slightly heavier, stronger and stable canoe as opposed to a boat that is too light. You will not achieve your goal in a broken boat. Check your equipment a week or two before the race and not the night before! For example, check that your splash cover is not leaking; cables are not frayed; shoes are in good running condition; you have enough juice bottles; good, sober seconds; not too many seconds and so on.

5) Only drink water 15 minutes before the start of the race on each day and for the first 45 minutes into the race. Remember, your body needs more water than concentrates so slightly over-dilute your drinking supplements. Eat and drink sensibly over the festive season.

Name: Age: Dusi’s completed: Best result/s: Goal for 2010 (time/place):

Wayne Taylor 46 8 Just finishing a win! 13h08 Paddling with my daughter

Top 5 tips for the Dusi: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

i

DINfo box

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Have fun!

Be prepared for a three-day adventure.

Once you have decided on a line, stick with it and paddle confidently.

Remember, you may have a long day on the river, but never a bad day.

Enjoy the camaraderie.

Do It Now wishes all paddlers the best of luck for the 2010 Dusi Canoe Marathon, and would like to invite anyone who has an epic story to tell about their Dusi experience, to send it to editor@doitnow.co.za

> DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words by Martin Dreyer, Founder | Photos by Jon Ivins & Jacques Marais

Martin Dreyer

Change a Life Academy My initial thoughts of training a group of youngsters from the Valley of a Thousand Hills started when I was training with Bungi (Michael Mbanjwa) for the 2008 doubles Dusi on the Nagle Dam.

t-shirt, post-race cold drink and hotdog, and then shipped back home. Although the sponsor’s intentions were good, there was no continuity.

We were never alone as we sweated it out on the dam, nor during our running sessions. In our wake, these local warriors slogged it out in their porous boats until they were forced to stop and empty their sinking vessels. And if that wasn’t hard-core enough, as Bungi and I comfortably made our way along the rocky and thorny trails, it constantly amazed me how these barefoot youngsters seemed to effortlessly nip at our heels.

So, with my thoughts on paper and a plan in place, I kicked off with a month’s structured training programme. From the weekly run and paddle time trials, I was able to monitor and select a group of the 10 most dedicated and talented lads, which I then trained to compete in the 2009 Dusi Canoe Marathon. To support this initiative, I was fortunate to secure the most incredible sponsorship and support from Computershare, as well as unconditional support from Hi-Tec and USN. The participation of these companies has played a huge role in the success and smooth running of the Academy, and I couldn’t have done it without them.

It was during these four months of training in the Dusi Valley, which culminated in Bungi and I winning the race in record time, that I became aware of the incredible dedication and potential of many of the boys and wondered just how good they could be if given the same support structure that I had.

I knew what I wanted to do and spent many a night scribbling down ideas on how to make a sporting project sustainable, as well as a valuable learning experience for those involved. I have seen it happen with so many ‘development programmes’ where the disadvantaged children are bussed in to an event, given a

The results from this year’s Dusi went beyond all my expectations.

Two of my team made it into the top 10, seven in the top 20 and all 10 made it into the top 36. In fact, this was my best Dusi experience to date and I didn't even race!

Apart from providing these young men with entertainment and giving them a reason to stay on the ‘straight and narrow’, I felt that their involvement in competitive sport would provide them with the vital life-skills needed to become a successful athlete and or businessmen. Values such as the ability to focus, work hard, discipline, commitment, team-work and goal setting apply to every sphere of life. So when their sporting phase in the Martin Dreyer 'Change a Life' Academy comes to an end, I hope, if nothing else, they will be better equipped to go forward and make a success of their life.

Photos clockwise from top left: (1) (photo by Jon Ivins) - Thomas Ngidi (15th) and Eric Zondi (9th) are my top 'Change a Life' K2 crew. They finished 15th and 9th in the 2009 Dusi and came second in the 2009 Non Stop Dusi. (2) (photo by Jon Ivins) - Martin Dreyer giving advice and encouragement to his 'Change a Life' athletes, Thomas Ngidi and Eric Zondi, in the 2009 non stop Dusi. (3) (photo by Jacques Marais) - 'Change a Life' athlete Lucas Mthalane (Michael Mbanjwa's best friend and wingman in the Academy) paddling down Tops Needle rapid. (5 ) (photo by Jacques Marais) - 'Change a Life' athletes Lucas Mthalane and Eric Zondi, having just finished in the top 10 of the 2009 Dusi Canoe Marathon.

doitnow.co.za >>

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& Photos by Deon Breytenbach > DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words Photos by Linda Boshoff, Shane Raw

This year’s Blyde Xfest boasted bigger waters, better tracks and the largest number of competitors since its inception three years ago.

Held for the first time in the Limpopo region, this extreme river race is not for the faint hearted. The aim of the festival was to introduce the kayaking community to the incredible kayaking opportunities in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

Run over three days, the first event title was up for grabs on the Friday evening. Night Rider King of the Hole was a new event introduced to the festival and a whole lot of fun. Firmly seated in your Gecko, a small tube, the idea is to run a rapid in the dark, whilst keeping a wary eye out for crocs and hippos, and land up in a wide fluffy hole with everybody else (yip, its chaos) and see who flushes out last.

Competing in the dark had its own challenges and resulted in some of the competitors actually missing the river-wide hole. After several runs, we had two competitors tied in first place. On the final round, Noel van Zyl managed to oust me from the hole to claim the title of Knight Rider.

Saturday morning started early for everyone. The organisers moved the intermediate kayak race to the Lower Blyde River section due to the high water levels in the canyon, as paddler safety was of paramount importance. At 05h45, all the boys and their toys headed out into the Blyde Canyon for the pro race.

The programme for the day at the festival grounds was jam packed with events to make sure that spectators and competitors had enough action to keep then satisfied. The first mountain bike event kicked of at 09h00 with the pro’s hitting the track a little later.

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At the same time, the kayakers competing in the pro race had already started the paddle down the first half of the canyon to get to the first race rapid, the notorious Alley’s Staircase. The action was hot right from the start with the river running at eight times the volume of previous years. There were a couple of tense moments with kayakers taking unexpected swims on the not-fun-to-swim-at-all Island rapid.

Luckily, everybody made it through the first race rapid with all their gear intact and some slightly dented egos.

Due to the high water levels, Alley’s was raced in single format and not head-to-head as was the format in previous years. Competitors had good runs down the Gr4+ rapid, and most of the returning competitors vastly improved on their previous times here. After Alley’s, the leader board had two international paddlers in the lead with a bunch of South Africans close on their tails. Swazi legend Shane Raw was once again on top of the leader board, working hard to defend his 2008 title. On arrival at the Terminator (normally the second race rapid) the organisers decided to bypass this rapid, once again for safety reasons, and that the competitors would instead race the long and technical Camels Humps at the end of the canyon.

Competitors who were looking for a serious and extreme challenge were given the opportunity to run the Terminator, with a safety crew ready to help anyone that couldn’t stick the line.

The second section of the race, down the Gutter Two and Curtain Falls rapids, had a lot more bite than in previous years. The high water levels had paddlers flying though Gutter Two and then having to make a fast decision between running Curtain Falls, the fastest route, or going around the left side and taking the slower but slightly safer Jenny’s Drop or the Baby Slide. There were a couple of close calls with paddlers almost ending up in Curtain Falls, but they managed to power their way out (no doubt on pure adrenalin) and over the suck back. Ernie Vosloo was not so fortunate. As he flew out of Gutter Two and lined up for the Curtain Falls, he missed the line and plugged straight into the middle of Curtains. Although Ernie was flushed out rather quickly, he had to be rescued after swimming through the sneaky Squirt Hole. After some good humour and gear recovery, the competitors moved down to the last section of river towards the end of the day, to conquer Camels Humps. All went according to plan here on the next section of slides and drops to arrive in high spirits at the top of Camels Humps. This is a long technical Gr 4 rapid, with multiple small sneaky pour-overs and undercuts. At this stage, the podium positions were still within reach of several competitors and the top six competitors were separated by just a couple of seconds. This gave the competitors the incentive they needed to give it everything they had left to stake their claim on a podium finish.

Despite the difficulty of this rapid, all the competitors made it through dry.

There were however, a couple of near swims but the fact that we were so close to the dam and some seriously big crocs had been spotted previously in the pool below, helped keep the lads inside their kayaks.

From there it was just a short paddle out. With the competitors arriving safely at the ferry boat in the Blyde Dam, it was time for a well deserved ice cold beer and a lazy boat cruise over the Blyde Dam to the take out.

Back at the festival grounds, the day had moved along well with the mountain bike events in the morning and the beginner and intermediate kayak races that afternoon. The mountain bike race went without any serious incidents, which meant that our Africa Safety medical crew could also enjoy some of the action instead of having to spend the day removing people from mountain bikes, or the other way around. One of the festival’s premier events is always the beginner kayak race. The beginner and intermediate kayak races are held at the camp grounds on the Lower Blyde River. The race section is roughly 300 m and consists of two rapids, namely the Grand Prix (Gr 2) and Big Deal (Gr 3). Paddlers race head-to-head down this section and the fastest time wins. With the high water levels, some of the competitors were quickly introduced to the ‘big hole’ at the top of Big Deal and ended up in the water. After several heats we had clear winners in the male and female categories.

With the return of the competitors from the Canyon race, everybody had some time to get ready for the first-ever Kayak Ramp competition to be held in the Lowveld. This new event went down extremely well with both the spectators and competitors. For this event, kayakers have to slide down a large ramp that flings them high in the air, where they have to perform a freestyle airborne trick before landing in the water. The bigger the move, the better the score. Daniel Barnard, winner of the Party Spirit Award, decided to see if he could outdo everyone by riding the ramp on his MTB, and surprised us all by actually making it to the bottom of the ramp, still firmly attached to his MTB. After the finals, everybody started to get into the party mode for the evening’s prize giving and eagerlyanticipated after party.

Sunday at the Xfest is generally a fun day with family and friends, and a few Croc Raft races and Gecko races for those with some energy to spare. Due to the high water levels, spectators were rewarded with loads of raft flipping and tube-flying action during the races. By mid afternoon, things started to quiet down a bit as festival goers started to head back to their homes, weary yet totally exhilarated after three days of great sport and fun.

Mohlatsi Adventures would like to thank all the competitors, spectators and sponsors for their continued support. A special thanks to Fluid Kayaks, Whitewater Training, Xtreme Equipment, Lizzard Wetsuit, SA Paddler Magazine and GOYA Gear for their participation in helping to make the festival bigger, better and wetter.

We look forward to bigger events, more action and people at the 2010 Blyde River Festival. doitnow.co.za >>

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> DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words by Hardus de Bruyn & Konrad Munnik | Photos by Hanneri de Wet

By Hardus de Bruyn

They slice through the water with the cutting edges of their paddles; they pound the earth with each step and fearlessly trail blaze down mountains on two wheels. They never flinch; they find their way in blinding darkness and conquer mountains despite insurmountable odds. They are professional adventure racers; gladiators of our time; heroes in defiance of what is humanly possible.

Adventure racing is the most diverse sport in the world. It includes disciplines such as mountain biking, trail running, kloofing, triangulation, caving, paddling, traversing, jumaring, abseiling, orienteering, rollerblading, horse riding and many more. If you are not familiar with some of these disciplines, you are not alone! Racers use these disciplines to navigate from one checkpoint to another, over great distances. Teams normally consist of four people of which one member has to be female. Some of the shorter races allow teams of two or three and some solo.

Adventure racing is the ultimate challenge. It combines strategy, endurance, team dynamics and skill. It is completely unpredictable. More often than not, racers are not aware of what the course looks like until they start the race, they only know what disciplines are involved.

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... adventure racing is not a sport for the faint hearted ...

Adventure Racing from a Beginner’s Experience

By Konrad Munnik, GIJIMA Adventure Racing Team

Adventure racing is a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity in South Africa, and we have already played host to a number of major races. So when some friends approached me to join their adventure racing team, I thought how hard could this be? I’m pretty fit and a competitive mountain biker, trail runner and athlete - if I had only known better!

My initiation into the world of adventure racing was at the Thabela Thabeg Adventure Festival, held in the small town of Parys in the Free State and consisted of a ±40 km mountain biking stage and a 15 km trail running stage. However, this was no ordinary race! At the pre-race briefing, the organisers told us that both disciplines would be split into a long and short section, with various tasks to be completed before advancing to the next stage. One of the tasks in the trail running section was to jump into a muddy pit and find a tag before moving on to the next section. I soon found myself happily splashing around in the mud and reliving my early childhood, but in this case I didn’t have to worry about mom yelling at me because of my dirty clothes. I

loved this challenge and competing against my fellow mud-splashers to find that elusive tag in a race environment was such fun. To my surprise, the other tasks were tubing down the Vaal River and doing a militarybased obstacle course – oh yah, bring it on!

After completing the running stages, we progressed to the bike sections. Although some sections were technically challenging and caused me to fall behind my teammates, I soon caught up because they didn’t know which way to go next as I was the navigator. At this point of the race, we had been competing for almost three hours - I thought it would only take us about two - but we where determined to finish the race in style and hopefully before most of the field.

We eventually found the right route and, to our delight, were the first three-man team to cross the finish line in just over four hours.

I can definitely say that adventure racing is not a sport for the faint hearted or those who are afraid to get down and dirty. So if you are up for some fun, an adventure and a challenge, then adventure racing is definitely the sport for you! I know I’m hooked and will be participating in it for many years to come.

To get a taste of what to expect, visit some of these YouTube sites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2LayyJjbSU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7r9BMrx3dA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWmCIcvIjpk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7eRxNPQKbM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1P-XidBppUK The videos will make the hair stand up at the back of your neck, and some might make your heart race a little faster. Also, check out these websites for more information and upcoming races: www.ar.co.za www.ndorfin.co.za www.arworldseries.com www.teamgijima.co.za

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> DO IT NOW | inACTION:

Words by Craig Wapnick Photos by Jon Ivins

... People need purpose and when purpose is taken away from us; no wars, no disasters, no great treks; some of us simply need to create our own ...

Why on Earth?

A few centuries ago, tribes moved across continents in search of animals and fairer weather; ox wagons were trekked up mountain passes in search of fertile lands; people hunted for food and generally, the meaning of life and existence was not questioned. It was all about survival. There were no self-help books and I’m guessing that their kids didn’t suffer from attention deficit disorder either ...

Since then we have progressed, or some would say regressed, from those simple times. Today, online chat rooms have replaced those wonderfully animated storytelling conversations around a fire. Hunting and gathering has been replaced by ordering your groceries over the internet and a store van arriving at your front door to deliver.

Sadly, it seems that sitting behind a computer screen for eight hours a day is deemed as progression.

As a result, we are becoming increasingly insular, and our focus is moving more and more away from the family to work, to survive. And there’s no time to smell the roses - it’s just go, go, go. This often means that there is no time to indulge in a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and so the demand for instant gratification such as fast food and especially the internet, increases. The internet has given us false hope, promising lasting relationships without the human touch.

We can ‘chat’ to loved ones and friends all over the world on Facebook without being in the same room as them. We can visit online shops without meeting the shopkeeper and we can buy a bike without meeting the passionate bike shop owner who will show you where to ride and ask you how your ride was. This loss of human interconnectedness seems to be ok with many because we are always in such a hurry and just don’t have the time to interact personally with others.

People need purpose and when purpose is taken away from us; no wars, no disasters, no great treks; some of us simply need to create our own. Then along comes something special like mountain biking and more specifically the long epic-style stage riding. Suddenly, thousands of people have new purpose. Their primitive instinct has been revitalised and as they ride their ‘Iron Horse’, like their ancestors before them, they become ‘trekkers’ again.

I am not saying that doing something like joBerg2c is an important purpose or that it will change the world, but it’s tough and rewarding, and will hopefully change the world of those doing it. joBerg2c is full of these people.

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doitnow.co.za >>

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> Question:

Is the joBerg2c another Cape Epic?

Nothing like a good solid question to start things off. The Cape Epic is an incredible brand that has opened up stage racing to thousands over the past five years.

There are many three-day races on the calendar and now there are two eight-day plus stage races, excluding the Freedom Challenge - the holy grail for those who have time. The joBerg2c is another stage race that should deliver a great experience. People comparing us to the Cape Epic is normal, but we will just compare ourselves to ourselves.

I remember doing the Epic and coming away feeling completely recharged, even though it was tough. You think about nothing else for nine days except eating, sleeping and riding. Perhaps we would not even have thought of joBerg2c had the Cape Epic not existed. I think they do remarkable job of inspiring people from all over the world to come and ride in South Africa.

Question:

The Inside Story with

Craig Wapnick DO IT NOW caught up with Craig Wapnick, to find out more about the joBerg2c.

How did the joBerg2c come about?

Riding from point A to point B enthuses people and gives them a sense of achievement. You tell your buddies that you are riding from Jo’burg to Scottburgh completely off-road, and they can relate to this madness.

The SUBARU sani2c was started by Glen Haw who had the idea of riding from Sani to the sea. Glen and I, along with all our riding mates, had been talking about extending the sani2c for years. The difference between farmers and advertising guys like me is that we talk and farmers do! So when Glen heard that I had left the corporate world of advertising, he asked me if I wanted to help him with the joBerg2c – and I gladly accepted.

Glen then spoke to Gary Green, another farmer and friend who founded the Natro Berg and Bush, who immediately saw the potential and joined the team. However, it’s not just a boy’s club; Glen and Gary’s wives, Mandy and Nicky, and our awesome assistant Elrina, make up the rest of the team. I am hoping that my wife, when I meet her, will also be a part of this great team one day.

Question:

Why did the joBerg2c sell out so quickly?

I believe it is because of the reputation of SUBARU sani2c and the Natro Berg and Bush. People realised that the same organisers were responsible for joBerg2c and jumped at the opportunity. The response has been amazing and it makes us even more inspired and motivated to do a better job.

... It seems that mountain biking has exploded in South Africa and that nothing is too tough for people anymore ...

I also think it’s because of the challenge of riding off-road from Jo’burg to the sea. It seems that mountain biking has exploded in South Africa and that nothing is too tough for people anymore. That’s why I love South Africans; on the whole, we are nation of doers.

Question:

Tell us about the route?

The route is ready and we can ride 100% off-road from the south of Jo’burg to Scottburgh. However, simply riding on sand roads was not enough for us, as we want to make sure our riders experience some ‘real’ riding along the way. So between now and the event, we will be looking for more interesting sections to break up the long stretches and make the route as stimulating and challenging as possible. The locals have also been great in helping us find these good sections.

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The best part about the joBerg2c is that the route covers three provinces, each with their own unique characteristics, vegetation, people and farms. In fact, farming is a major theme of the joBerg2c.

The route goes through diary, beef, maize, potato, apple and timber farms, as well as passes the infamous ‘funny’ farm near Sterkfontein Dam. We have been working closely with the farmers along the entire route and their support of and enthusiasm for this event has been amazing and will no doubt play a huge role in the success of this event.

The event will start about 40 km south of Johannesburg, near Heidelberg. However, we may change the start location from year-toyear, but for now, we are keeping things simple to get the event going.

Question:

What type of bike is best suited to an event like the joBerg2c?

A light, full-suspension bike with some decent travel (5 to 6 inches) is perfect if you planning to do it as an adventure, or a light, fullsuspension bike with a little travel (3 to 4 inches) if you are going to race it. Even the district road we cover in the first three stages is extremely bumpy and a hard tail is only for Voortrekker-type South Africans.

I have been reading about the 29-inch bikes and riders are raving about them for events of this distance. If I was going to use a 29-inch bike, it would be a full suspension, but I can’t really comment here as I have not ridden one.

contour and in the Berg, they could charge small, contained groups a fee for the privilege of riding there. However, things are changing here and soon there will be trails all over.

It is also time conservation groups woke up to the possibilities of mountain biking or miss out to the more commercial ventures springing up all over.

Another difference is that road riding influences our courses here whereas overseas, mountain biking courses are created specifically for mountain bikers. We are getting much better, but we still need more single track trails – you can never have enough single tracks.

Question:

Where is the best place you have ridden?

I can’t say that one place is better than another as I tend to remember sections of riding, and the more sections a place has the better. The drop from the top of the Umkomaas down to the valley in sani2c is one of the best sections of riding I have ever done. Then there is free riding in Lesotho, the steep single track trails of Verbier in Switzerland, the insane black runs in Scotland, the sandstone rides in the Free State … it’s just endless.

I am privileged to have ridden a small section of this planet and will hopefully ride more in the time I have left. I am just waiting for peace in Afghanistan because I have heard the riding there is top draw.

One of the most important things to consider for a long-distance event is tyre choice. You definitely need a fast-rolling tyre and tubeless tyres are the best. Don’t make the mistake of converting non-tubeless tyres to tubeless. Rather spend a bit more on tubeless tyres with a strong sidewall.

Question:

Why has mountain biking exploded in South Africa?

I’m no rocket scientist, but road-riding conditions are dangerous, so it makes much more sense to ride off road. I have been riding for 12 years and have yet to hear of a mountain bike death. Bad falls yes, but no deaths; whereas the same cannot be said for road riding. It is a myth that mountain bikers in baggies don’t like road riding. They do.

It’s just the dying part they have problem with. I have fallen hard many times, and it was my own fault, but I’m still around to tell the story.

That’s the negative inspiration for the surge of interest, but on a positive side, this country is truly magnificent and seeing it on a mountain bike makes so much sense.

I think there will be an even greater explosion in the sport when the majority of South African business people realise that owning a fancy luxury car is not as cool as owning a decent car and a six-inch, fullsuspension bike; that hanging out in image-seeking bars trying to look cool is not nearly as exciting as being out there riding. When this happens, then we will have a real mountain biking market.

Question:

You have ridden all over the world, what’s the difference?

Question:

What advice would you give novice riders doing the joBerg2c?

Don’t over train as you can never recover from over training. But you can always get stronger as the event goes on. Many people panic and try to do too much at the last minute. The top riders have time to train and therefore ride every day. But for the non-racing types, regular rides all add up and you don’t need to cover long distances every time you ride. When my mates and I were training for the Epic, we made sure all our rides were fun. That way if something does go wrong before the event such as collarbone or flu, and we had to pull out, we still enjoyed the process. In other words, don’t take it too seriously.

Make sure your bike has new parts and if you make any changes, give yourself enough time to test them before the event. You have put in so much to get there, so make sure your bike is good to go.

Question:

Will the joBerg2c replace the SUBARU sani2c?

South Africa has yet to fully embrace mountain biking. By that, I mean as a viable and attractive tourist and leisure option. The Scottish Government has invested millions of pounds developing A-rated trails all over their country and the guesthouses are sold out. The States and Europe have also long since realised the power of mountain biking and how it can uplift areas and be incorporated into environmental funding.

No, they are completely different events that appeal to different riders.

A great three-day ride has its place and hopefully a great nine-day ride will have its place too. Our aim is have two awesome events.

Here, we still have old-fashioned hikers and walkers who think mountain bikers are a hazard. Mountain bikers will pay top Rands to ride good trails, and this money could be used towards the development and sustainability of those areas. Take the Drakensberg Heritage site for example. If they developed a proper trail on the

Ok, apart from a single track all the way (one day), I want the riders to get to know each other and come away from the joBerg2c having made friends, having laughed, having cried, having made it and having enjoyed the ride more than the destination. Then I want them to come back for more, when they are ready for more.

Question:

What’s your ultimate wish for the joBerg2c?

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30 April - 8 May 2010 The Route as seen on www.joberg2c.co.za

Stage 1: Suikerbosrand to Frankfort (110 km) – The Pro-Am The first stage allows everyone to get to know each other, loosen the legs and enjoy the first day without having to race.

We would like the serious pro-riders to mingle with the field and different teams, as many of these riders seldom get to meet the people who actually make up the serious numbers of this sport. It’s a compulsory stage and all riders will get the same time.

Starting in the Suikerbosrand Koppies, near Heidelberg, the 110 km first stage will be a mix of district road, Subaru track and a Vaal River crossing with a difference. Although you may have to cross 10 metres of tar along the way, it will be mostly flat - but never believe anyone who says the Free State is flat!

Stage 2: Frankfort to Reitz (90 km) – Wilge Route You will enter the heart of the Free State, passing and riding through farms as you work your way through the spectacular landscapes and conquer the vast horizons. For some, this is where the racing begins and for most, it is where you will first realise that there is no turning back.

Stage 3: Reitz to Sterkfontein Dam (100 km) – The Maizing Lands Very similar riding terrain to day two, this stage will end up at the mighty Sterkfontein Dam. If you have not seen this dam close up, it is really quite spectacular. The farmer’s in-depth knowledge of the area will yield some serious farm off-road riding. It is also during this stage that you will catch you first glimpse of the mighty Drakensberg in the distance.

Stage 4: Sterkfontein Dam to Winterton (100 km) – The Big Drop

Stage 7: Underberg to the MacKenzie Club (85 km) – Sani, but yet so far

Most of us are familiar with the famous tar road that passes through Van Reenen’s and Oliviershoek, but what many of us don’t know is that in between these two tarred passes are some rugged descents from the Highveld to the bottom of the world. The Voortrekkers used these passes to reach the Highveld and what remains is some of the most incredible riding you can imagine. Retief and Bezuidenhout’s Passes will need to be navigated on your way down to KZN. Make sure your camera is fully charged for this one!

This is sani2c route day one, and weather dependent, the single track should be fast and furious.

Stage 5: Winterton to Kamberg (80 km) - The Midlands without the Meander This is where things start to get a little tough and the word 'mountain' comes into play. There are no flats to Kamberg! The route from Winterton is constantly on the up and down, and follows the district roads and little sneaks along the way. Still, this could be considered a rest day for what will follow.

Stage 6: Kamberg to Underberg (90 km) – A Mountain out of a Foothill Don’t be fooled by the distance! This is could be the hardest day of the entire ride. If you wanted real mountain biking in some serious mountains, then you’ve got it. However, you will be rewarded by the incredible beauty of the area. Be prepared to be overshadowed by the magnificent natural skyscrapers of the Berg that are propped up by the giant foothills in which you get to play. This stage represents what we all mountain bike for.

Stage 8: MacKenzie Club to Jolivet (96 km) – Rest Day, ha ha Sani2c’s route day two is famous for two things: the massive and spectacular drop from the top of the Umkomaas to the bottom of the valley on what is one of the best stretches of single track imaginable; and the climb out of the valley which we won’t talk about. This is sure to be another tough day in the saddle, but by now, you should be peaking. Ask anyone who has done sani2c for more information.

Stage 9 : Highflats to Scottburgh (75 km) – Sea, it was not so bad!

Sani2c route day three. ‘It’s not over till it’s over’ and many a foolish rider has taken this day a little too lightly. The main objective here is to keep the adrenalin under control on some high-speed downhills and make it to the sea in one piece. The party begins on the beach and will last as long as you can stand up.

With so much said about the sani2c route, the only way to really understand what it is all about, is to experience it for yourself!

> DO IT NOW | inACTION: Words by Francois Flamengo | Photos by Elri Martins

After three days in the saddle and some unbelievable singletrack riding, I must compliment the race organisers for putting together such an exciting event. Well done guys and gals!

So what was it like participating in this race for the first time and heading into a 25 km night stage; what can someone expect from the technical 75 km stage on the second day; and what is there to look out for on the 45 km third stage on the last day? This is my experience of the Nando’s Magalies Challenge.

Wikes, a very good friend of mine, has been riding on the road for a few years and is always up for a challenge. He’s been getting into mountain biking lately, so when I asked him to partner me at the race, he jumped at the opportunity.

DAY ONE Wikes and I arrived at the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in high spirits, ready and eager to start our first race together. After registering and receiving our goody bags, we attended the welcome and rider/race briefing session, without the slightest idea of what to expect. We were shown a short DVD of the event, as well as some fantastic pictures from the 2008 event, to wet our appetite. The rules were laid down and we were given a friendly warning of what would happen if we 'rode' out of line over the next three days.

Once we had seeded ourselves prior to the start of the first stage, Wikes and I agreed that we wouldn’t bite off more than we can chew going into the night stage and opted to start at the back, so we could watch the other riders and see how it’s done. And then we were off.

The next thing we knew, we were making our way over a low water bridge and into the unknown. So far, so good. The track was nice and open, and everyone was taking it easy (I guess the friendly warning issued by the course planner and the consequences of what would happen if you didn’t respect the obstacles, was still too fresh in our minds to take unnecessary risks, yet).

After we reached the end of the river section, the track opened up again but by this time you could barely make out what was in front of you in the dark, and our lights and good instinct became the masters of our destiny.

A Beginner’s Take on the Nando’s Magalies Adventure The Nando's Magalies Adventure lives up to its reputation as one of the toughest and most challenging three-day stage races on the calendar, and is definitely not your ordinary weekend mountain bike race! However, my initial reaction when I entered this MTB race for the very first time was that 145 km over three days doesn’t sound too bad! What I wasn’t expecting was the energy-sapping, monster mountain climbs we had to overcome.

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The conditions were very good and although I can’t remember too much about the terrain and what we were crossing, I was enjoying every moment. We had been climbing for a few kilometers by the time we reached the halfway house, and it was beginning to take its toll on our bodies. Thankfully, a long downhill section gave us a chance to regain our strength, and the field was able to pick up the pace. It wasn’t long before we were back at the initial river section, but in the opposite direction. As the track made its last few turns through the reed tunnels, we reached the river crossing and just beyond, the finish line. I can recall thinking to myself, as I peddled furiously up the last muddy hill towards the finish, that the start of the next stage was going to be interesting riding in waterlogged shoes. We happily crossed the Nando’s finish line our first stage was done and dusted!

After changing into something warmer and a little less ‘wet’, we were treated to a delicious dinner, compliments of Nando’s. After exchanging stories about our experiences during the first stage; witnessing a few of the riders receiving a fine for doing everything either right or wrong; and the live entertainment still going strong in the background, I called it a night and headed for my cozy little tent to reload for the next day.w

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DAY TWO: I’m not sure why we always set our alarm clock when something new and exciting is about to happen because you can’t help but wake up early in anticipation of what’s to come. Wikes and I were no different and after changing into our riding kit and eating a hearty bowl of oats, we were ready. My soggy shoes were a subtle reminder of the previous stage, but fortunately once we got going, this was no longer an issue.

We set off at 7am at a nice easy pace and by the time we reached the jeep track next to the old railway track, we were going strong and had warmed up nicely. From here, we turned right towards the Magalies and there was no confusion about where we were going next – straight up and over.

“Life's not all downhill.” This quote from the sani2c race comes to mind when faced with some very challenging up hills. The Magalies Mountain is no exception and has claimed many a rider, by extricating them from their bikes. There were only a few riders that I could see on the windy road leading to the top who could call themselves ‘King of the Mountain’ in my book, as they battled to make it to the top. Once you eventually reach the summit, another well-known saying pops into your head, ‘What goes up must come down’. The track maneuvered through some very tricky sections and you had to keep your wits about you to avoid the rocks as you headed downhill towards the inviting flat section lurking below.

After a quick stop at the Nando’s water point for an energising coke and Bar One, the track snaked its way to one of my favorite, yet ‘I’m glad it’s over’ sections called the Hot Spot. Here, the going became very technical as the track made its way through a river-bed and around some tight turns. I remember going through it and thinking it must be awesome to see the top riders make quick work of what I believed was very energy draining.

As we reached the road, for the first time in kilometers, it felt great to stretch our legs and make up some ground to reach the 45 km Nando’s Halfway House. All riders had to take a 10-minute break at this point, while enjoying a Nando’s burger and a glass of coke!

i

After our brief rest, an easy technical track, winding next to the river before opening up on a gravel road, allowed the riders to take a mental break and get back into a rhythm. As we reached the next water point, the track narrowed back down to a single track and up another long, testing climb. On the downhill, new life surged through our bodies as we raced towards the finish line.

Another quick stop for a drink and we were off again, for the last part of the race. This was definitely one of the highlights of the route as we wound through the trees and zigzagged across the river. By now, parts of the track were starting to look familiar because of the previous night’s race, and this inspired us to drop another gear knowing the end could not be too far away. Reaching the final water crossing was a relief as both Wikes and I were mentally and physically exhausted from having been in the saddle for some time. With the Nando’s signs in sight, we pushed on to cross the finish line … day two done!

DAY THREE: As Wikes and I were planning our strategy for the day over breakfast, our aching legs were a constant reminder of the last two stages.

Today’s stage was going to be different as there would be more riders participating in the 45 km stage and I was pleasantly surprised by just how many riders pitched up for the day.

We lined up for the last time and as both Wikes and I were feeling a lot more confident now, we moved towards the front of the bunch. The first leg took us on the same route as day two. When we reached the first major climb, my legs were just not up to it and I had to walk my bike up the extremely rocky jeep track, to reach the top of the mountain.

The second big climb proved the real tester, however, the downhill section turned out to be one of the most exciting sections of the entire race for me. It was fast, technical and required physical strength and your complete attention to make it safely to the bottom. I was amazed by the speed some of the racers got to down this section.

Unbelievable! We knew we were closing in on the finish line as we rode passed the Powerade water point, and with a final turn to reach the finish, Wikes and I gave each other a high five and congratulated each other on completing this incredible adventure that tested our body, mind and enduro levels. With medallions around our necks and a glass of coke in hand, we promised each other to be back again next year.

DINfo box

I started training three months prior to the race and this was my weekly training programme.

A one-hour session at the gym, four times a week. Two days a week was with a personal trainer who helped me with my overall core strength and stamina.

Two early morning 30-40 km rides on Tuesday and Thursday.

This takes some courage because the winter air cuts through your riding kit like a hot knife through butter. So make sure you get some winter gear!

One 40-60 km ride on the weekend at Northern Farms.

I changed my programme during the last two weeks before the race as follows: ¡ Two back-to-back 60—70 km rides on the weekend.

Saturday: Northern Farms Sunday:Irene Area

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Recommendations:

Do some running as part of your preparation; this came in handy for me in the tough technical sections when I had to walk.

Use a good sun block, as the Magalies area can get very hot and the sun is unforgiving.

Start training with your partner at least a last month before the race and do two long distance rides together. Find out about each other’s strengths and weaknesses and make sure both of you have a good understanding of what you want to do at the race, as a team.

Get an enduro mix and start using it a few weeks before the race to ensure it works for you.

Enter early, it helped me commit to my training.

> DO IT NOW | inACTION: Compiled by Rhys Foster |

Photgraphs by Wayne Hayward & Cornel van Heerden - Beeld

Profile on

Arran Brown Professional Cyclist DO IT NOW met up with professional cyclist Arran Brown to find out about him and his cycling team’s achievements in 2009.

Says Arran: “The 2009 season has been an awesome one for myself and my team, Team Medscheme, which is a new team. I have achieved eight podium finishes and won the Cape Argus this was really big for me. There are number of factors that can be attributed to this success, but the most important one is being part of a great team, with riders I respect very much. As a new team, we are all really proud of what we have achieved this year.” w doitnow.co.za >>

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Why Team Medscheme?

I signed up with Team Medscheme to learn and grow my career as a professional bike rider in South Africa. I would also like to do some racing overseas with the team in the future, and hopefully take part in some major tours.

How has Team Medscheme impacted on your riding?

Team Medscheme has impacted enormously on my performance and attitude towards professional cycling this year. I have the greatest respect for each of my team-mates and what they have achieved in their cycling careers. I still have so much to learn from them and this is why I am really excited and proud to be a part of this team. Malcolm Lange has helped me focus on my sprinting and in so many other vital areas. Nic White and Neil Macdonald have taught me to be calm and professional in my approach to training and racing.

I am now far more confident in races, being part of and supported by such a strong team. I am a rider that performs well when I am emotionally happy, and knowing that everyone in the team has a common goal, and that’s to win races, keeps me motivated.

... My most memorable achievement to date would have to be winning the Cape Argus Cycle Tour ‘09! ...

When did your interest in cycling begin?

My interest in cycling began when I was in high school. My main sport during school was athletics and motorcycle racing. I used to ride my dad’s bike each afternoon as cross training for my athletics. I decided to enter the 94.7 Cycle Challenge when I was 15 years old and did it in a time of 02h56min, it was after this that I figured I could be good at this sport if I took it up seriously one day.

This is when I started cycling properly and joined a small racing club team called Super C.

What is your most memorable achievement?

My most memorable achievement to date would have to be winning the Cape Argus Cycle Tour 09! I dreamt about winning this race from when I was a little boy and watching it on TV. This race is the most prestigious race in South Africa and it has certainly been a great feeling being the champion of such a big race.

Advice for young and upcoming cyclists?

When I matriculated I said I would become a professional cyclist.

People thought I was mad and told me only the top 5% make a living off the sport. This was daunting and I thought I should go and prove to everybody that I could do it. So my advice to young 64 >> doitnow.co.za

easy to give up when times are tough. The dedication required to become a great cyclist takes up a lot of your social life but the feeling of winning big races - in the end nothing can beat that feeling! I always tell myself, “If you want to be the best you have to feel some pain because nothing comes easy in life”.

What is your cycling dream?

My cycling dream is to compete in some major international tours abroad and to compare myself as a sprinter to the world’s best.

Who do you admire most in the cycling world?

To be honest, I admire Nic White the most. He is a really nice guy and approachable. Nic is professional and I have learnt a lot from him this past year. He is always keen to give me advice when I need it and I admire his professionalism and attitude.

What does a training day in Arran Brown’s life look like?

A typical team training ride consists of waking up around 7am and having a good breakfast. I tend to have a cup of coffee and a bowl of All Bran with raisins and a chopped up banana. I then meet up with Nic White at Emmarentia dam around 07:25 and then head out towards the rest of the team where we meet at the Makro on Hendrik Potgieter around 8am. We head out towards the Cradle and up Sterkfontein hill and around Randfontein where we stop for a quick drink and a Chelsea bun. From there we ride back home and end off with a good 4-5hrs for the day. We do not do this every single day but at least twice a week and on other days we may do 3hrs with some hill intervals in Northcliff or some track work at Hector Norris Park.

Once I am home I have a good pasta, usually plain with some Tuna mixed into it and a PVM fusion recovery drink. I then have a quick rest for 1hr and make my way down to Linda in Greenside at Bodyworks massage for one and a half hour rub to relax and speed up my recovery. I then get into bed at 9pm in the evenings.

Your favourite saying?

“That’s proper”.

Favourite food?

Tacos or Ostrich Fillet with sweet potato.

Who has inspired you most in your life?

I have never really been inspired by anybody, I have just always wanted to be the best at anything I do. In fact that attitude never made me a lot of friends. People always said I was too competitive. I used to try and eat my food the fastest and brush my teeth the fastest, quite funny! I always felt I could be better than people that were good at something and I would go out of my way to make sure I could beat them. I suppose I was fairly confident and arrogant when I was younger. This did not mean I had no respect for inspirational people, I just did not feel inspired by anybody.

> DO IT NOW | in THE WORKSHOP: Words by Arran Brown

For the Love of Arran Brown on Bike Setup

Cycling is such an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable sport or pastime, yet when done incorrectly, can be fraught with problems. Incorrect bike set-ups, incorrect advice, inadequate or wrong equipment can all lead to frustration, pain and high physio bills, and a loss of interest in the sport.

So, with a passion for cycling and the desire to help and provide a world-class service to cyclists – professional and beginners - I started Cycle Fit in 2004. I offer a service whereby cyclists can book an hour slot with me to get advice and ask as many questions as they need answering, from a full-time, professional rider.

Five years later, I have done more than 4 000 bike set-ups and even though I ride full time as a professional cyclist for Team Medscheme, I still get as much satisfaction out of helping cyclists now, as I did when I first started my business. I meet so many different people and each bike set-up is a new challenge and something different. I love interacting with my clients, forming friendships and most especially, being able to give cyclists the correct advice. It gives me great pleasure to see a rider leave my studio smiling and ready to ride.

I recently met an awesome lady who is a road cyclist, but was seriously considering giving it up because of the ‘hot foot’, numb hands and terrible lower-back ache she experienced when cycling. Having been all over and received advice from many different people, she was referred to me by one of her friends for a bike set-up. These are not uncommon complaints and can be easily corrected – if you get right advice! So I started by measuring her feet and correcting the cleat set-up. I then asked her to put her riding shoes on so I could check the size and discovered her

shoes were at least two sizes too big for her … another common problem. Many riders are encouraged to buy products they don’t really need or fit them properly. Small things like this are over looked and when it comes to fitting a rider to their bike, it is vitally important that each and every measurement is done with precision. So, to cut a long story short, this poor lady’s saddle was 8cm too low, the handlebars were sitting upright as if it were a MTB bike, the bike was a size too big and just about every other measurement was wrong. No wonder she was ready to stop riding!

Other major problems riders may experience while riding a bike that has been incorrectly set-up are knee pain (posterior and anterior), lower back ache, shoulder ache, numb hands or fingers and ‘hot’ or sore feet. If the angles on the bike are not set-up correctly, you may find your bike ‘wobbles’ or ‘shakes’ on a fast descent. Some riders often refer to this as a ‘speed wobble’.

Another interesting point on bike set-up is that certain pedals give riders knee pain, right on the bony point on the very outside of the knee. This may also occur if there is too much float in the pedals.

So as you can see, bike set-up is very important and a delicate procedure that requires a lot of time. Most of my bike set-ups these days are mountain bikes and I also do a lot of road, TT and Iron Man set-ups. I would strongly advise riders to get their bike set-up looked at, even if you think it is ok.

Please visit www.cyclefit.co.za

Professional cycling set ups & accessories

179 Beyers Naude Drive Silhouette House Northcliff Johannesburg Contact Arran Brown on 072 566 2925 or arran@cyclefit.co.za

> DO IT NOW | in THE WORKSHOP: Words by Arthur Bell | Photos by: Carl Scholtz

FIX IT NOW

Cycling Mechanics

It's mid summer and time to tackle all those goals that have been on your ‘to do’ list long before the winter chill set in. For many mountain bike riders, there is no better sense of achievement than crossing the finishing line at your favourite multi-stage race. The only feeling that might come remotely close is that sense of security knowing you have a smooth-running machine beneath you.

A Cut in the Tyre

Mechanical preparation begins well before your race, and the first port of call should be your local bike shop to iron out any maintenance issues before you leave. Here are some simple do's and don'ts for pre-race preparation.

Do:

Get your bicycle thoroughly inspected and serviced prior to a bigstage race.

Don't: Decide to get the above mentioned service a day before you leave. A good two to three weeks before is recommended. It gives your mechanic ample time to do a meticulous job and for you to sort out any problems, should they arise, post service.

mechanics

Do:

Ask your bike shop if they will consider giving your team-mates and yourself a multi-stage race care package that includes spare slimed tubes, a tubeless tyre, tubeless valves and or a tubeless conversion kit, tyre sealant, power links, a spare gear cable set, spare brake pads, tubeless plugs and chamois cream. Over and above this, it is worth purchasing a spare derailleur hanger specific to your frameset.

A cut in the tyre sidewall will require an inner tube and tyre gator to be inserted on the inner wall of the tyre, sealing the area between tyre and tube. Familiarise yourself with your tubeless system and ensure you remove the tubeless valve core or tubeless rim strip from the inside of the rim. Do not try to rip the valve from the outside of the rim, especially in the case of a tubeless conversion kit.

Dented Rim If a severe impact dents the rim, it may compromise the sealing ability of the tubeless system if it loses pressure. Rather insert an inner tube as described above, inspect the dent and file off any sharp edges that may cause punctures.

Broken Spoke In the case of a broken spoke, loosening the spokes directly to the left and right of the broken spoke will bring the wheel more into true. Remember that in the case of disc braking systems, wheel true has no bearing on braking performance. Therefore, work on the nearest-inch theory to get you home. It's important to have a spoke wrench specific to your wheel-set with you on your rides. Brands like Shimano or Mavic have specific tools for their wheel-sets.

Park Tool also makes a fantastic range for all wheel systems that are readily available from your local shop.

Don't: Change anything drastic. If you are still riding on that saddle called 'old faithful', stick to it! It takes hours for your body to get used to a change in position and there is always a break-in period with these things and eight hours over Sani Pass isn't exactly the time to break it in.

Do:

Take a toolbox with you on a race the likes of Park Tools RK41 (RRP R6 840.00) or Park Tool SK-1 (RRP R1 025.00), which is an ideal starter kit. They carry a comprehensive selection of tools that are easy to transport. In most cases, these tool boxes also have handy trail tools that can be taken with you on the day stages. What is essential on the ride are the following tools and spares: £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Multi tool CO2 Inflator/spare canisters Pump Leatherman Chain tool Tyre levers Tubeless plugs A spare slimed tube with correct valve Tyre gator Spoke wrench - specific to your wheel set Spare derailleur hanger Power links Duct tape Cable ties

There is a limit to how much one can carry and I have heard of riders carrying chains, spare brake pads and spokes. I am confident that if you have the tools and spares listed with you, you should be able to solve ninety percent of the ontrail ailments, short of a support vehicle following you.

Race day has arrived and you have a toolbox that would make any professional mechanic jealous, and more spares than you could ever use. However, it's all useless unless you have the necessary mechanical know-how to carry out any repairs on the trail or at the campsite. Remember that when you are on the trail, you won't have all tools or spares needed and it may become necessary to 'make a plan' that will get you back to the campsite where thorough repairs can be carried out. Below are some of the most common problems that occur during a ride, and the simplest mechanical procedure to sort it out.

Punctures Small punctures should be sealed by the sealant in your tyre. Slowly spin the tyre to allow the sealant to work into any holes. Larger punctures will need a tubeless plug to be inserted.

The size of the plug to be used will depend on the size of the puncture.

66 >> doitnow.co.za

Brakes Binding Brakes binding on the trail are probably the single most common problem and the most frustrating. The good news is that it's also one of the easiest problems to rectify. Brakes binding usually occur as a result of dirt getting into the brake piston body. Simply remove the wheel and gently insert a flat screw driver between the pads and wedge them open. If this doesn't help the braking performance and the brakes still won't release, then remove the brake pads completely and physically remove the dirt from the pistons. Once this is done, force them to retract into the caliper body, this time using a tyre lever. Be careful when you replace the brake pads and try not to touch the pad surface that comes into contact with the brake rotor, as this may contaminate the brake pads and decrease its braking capabilities.

Bent Derailleur Hanger If you find that your rear derailleur is over shifting into the spokes in low gear or in between the frame and highest gear, this is commonly caused by a bent derailleur hanger. The purpose of the hanger is to absorb any impact and protect the frame and rear derailleur, and tends to bend easily from any impact including incorrect loading of a cycle for transportation.

To solve this problem, look at the hanger from the rear of the cycle. If the bottom of the hanger is bent towards the gears, insert your 5 mm allen key into the fixing bolt, hold the derailleur cage with your free hand and pull it upwards and outwards until the pulley wheels on the derailleur run parallel to the cog teeth of your rear cassette. Quickly check the gears and if over shifting still occurs, try to avoid the affected gears until you reach camp and can get some professional assistance.

Noisy Chain When a chain is extremely dry or dirty due to muddy conditions, this will make the chain noisy and affect shifting performance. Applying a good-quality lubricant will improve shifting and reduce the noise. Remember that different weather conditions require different lubricants. A wax-based, dry lubricant is great for dry conditions, whilst a wax- or oil-based, wet lube is best for wetter conditions.

The gear setting solutions above are a quick way to sort out a problem when professional help is not on hand, as are the majority of the problems outlined above. These quick fixes are based on the assumption that you are entering the race with a sound working bicycle that has been test ridden prior to the race, to check that the bicycle is mechanically sound. Always seek professional mechanical assistance when returning to campsite if you are unsure of anything or require assistance with repairs that were carried out on the trail.

When a chain breaks on the trail, it is the result of the outer plate separating from the inner plate and pin. The quickest solution to fix this is to fit a power link. To do this, remove the outer or male link completely and substitute it with a power link and make sure that it clips in securely. By doing this, the damaged link is replaced without affecting chain length, thereby allowing the use of all gears.

Check the chain rings at the front and rear, as a bent tooth could have caused the break. If this is the case, avoid using the affected gear.

Broken Hanger or Rear Derailleur If the derailleur hanger is too severely damaged or has in fact snapped off and you don't have a replacement with you, it will be necessary to carryout a makeshift single-speed conversion to get you home. Firstly remove your chain, followed by the rear derailleur and derailleur hanger. Keeping in mind the terrain ahead of you, select a gear. I would recommend the middle chain blade at the front and a gear mid cassette at the rear, dependent on chain length and chain tension. Your ideal sprocket may not allow for the necessary slack on the chain and you may have to change to the next sprocket down. Cut the chain down to the correct length. It should be tight enough to stay in the selected gear without jumping off, but not too tight as to cause the chain to break again. Then lift the rear of the cycle up and pedal it, it should pedal easily and without much resistance.

Gears not Shifting Correctly When shifting your rear gears to either one sprocket harder or easier, and you find that the gears struggle to shift to the next gear or over shift to the second sprocket up, this is due to a loss of or too much cable tension. This can be rectified by using the barrel adjuster, the metal barrel that the cable housing slots into, to connect it to the shift lever. In the case of the right-hand lever, or rear gears, by turning the adjuster away from the handlebars will add tension, and turning it towards the handlebars will release cable tension.

If, for instance, your are riding in the hardest sprocket on the rear cassette, and you shift up to one gear easier, and the chain does not move into the gear or sits between the previous gear and the one you have now shifted to, this is due to a lack of cable tension. Turn the barrel adjuster away from the handlebar to add tension, a quarter turn at a time to add tension until the chain shifts into the selected gear. Proceed to shift up one or two more gears. If the gears are not shifting well into either the hardest or easiest gear, the problem may be due to a bent derailleur hanger. Similarly, shifting from an easier to a harder gear, and the chain does not shift down easily, release the tension by adjusting the barrel adjuster a quarter turn at a time, towards the handlebar. Be very careful when doing adjustments on-trail. Don't get over zealous and turn the barrel adjuster too much. Riders often over correct the gears and then loose the use of either the hardest or easiest gear simply because they added or released too much tension.

Happy riding! Â&#x2014;

mechanics

Broken Chain

So now that the bikes are loaded and the toolbox packed, the only thing left to do is to blast your way down the trail with arms pumping, heart thumping, legs churning and your mind at ease knowing that you are armed with the tools and know how to rectify most problems!

> DO IT NOW | inPREPARATION: Words by Claire & Kent Horner

8 weeks to a Sprint Distance Triathlon What do you need to train for a Sprint Distance Triathlon?

Swim Swimming pool - preferably one at a gym 25 m / 50 m cap goggles swimming costume towel flippers & pull buoy Bike A bike - road or mountain bike a helmet cycle shoes or takkies cycling shorts with good padding a gym membership / indoor trainer so you can ride indoors if necessary a watch for timing your rides

Run Good running shoes before starting go and get your running shoes checked out at your local running store running cap running gear ie. shorts/ t-shirts watch for timing your runs Other Nutritional products - you need a good carb drink for the long rides - example: mix of USN orange endurosport and USN orange cytopower buy a couple gels to take with you on the rides / runs. Also, get used to the gels before racing with them - example: USN vooma or USN cyctogel. a massage therapist / good physio just incase you get the odd niggle a training programme - it is far easier to follow a training programme instead of making it up as you go along training partners - it is easier training with someone than doing everything on you own

Check List: what do you need for a Sprint Distance Triathlon Swim £ brightly colored cap £ goggles (preferable) £ tri suit - so you can swim, bike and run in it £ wetsuit - preferable in the colder conditions £ baby oil - to get wetsuit on and off quicker

possible £ helmet £ sun glasses £ cycling shoes or takkies if you don't have £ juice bottle £ spare tyre, tyre levers, Co2 canister

Tuesday

1

30min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

PM: 9min run 1min walk for 20min.

PM: 9min run 1min walk for 20min.

400m every 3rd length kick with hands infront of you; 4 x 50m build up 10sec rest; 4 x 50m breath every 5 strokes 10sec rest; 8 x 25m sprint 10sec rest; 100m cool down; Total 1.1km

2

core workout 30min.

300m warm up; 3 x 100m easy swim 10sec rest; 3 x 100m HARD & fast 20sec rest; 4 x 25m spirnt 12.5m easy 12.5m; 100m cool down; Total 1.1km.

AM: 40min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

40min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

PM: 14min run 1min walk for 25min.

PM: 14min run 1min walk for 25min.

core workout 30min.

core workout 30min.

400m swim 300m kick/swim 200m sprint/ easy 100m breath 3,5,7,9 4 x 25m sprint 100m cool down; Total 1.2km

4 x 100m warm up 10sec rest; TIMED 600m NON STOP SWIM 200m cool down Total 1.2km AM: 45min easy riding, keeping gears light & cadence high incl. 4 x 2min HARD 85% during ride.

45min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

PM: 14min run 1min walk for 30min.

PM: 14min run 1min walk for 30min.

core workout 30min.

core workout 30min.

300m warm up; 8 x 50m build up 10sec rest; 8 x 25m sprint; 100m cool down

2 x 300m easy swimming, every 4th length different strokes 20sec rest between each; 8 x 25m sprints 200m cool down Total 1hr

68 >> doitnow.co.za

Thursday

AM: 30min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

core workout 30min.

3 4 RECOVERY WEEK

Wednesday

Saturday

Sunday

400m, every 4th length drill; 8 x 50m 1st length fast 2nd length easy; 4 x 25m sprint; 100m cool down; Total 1km.

200m warm up; 4 x 100m drill/swim - 15 sec rest; 4 x 50m build up - 10sec rest; 4 x 25m sprints - 10sec rest; 100m cool down; Total 1km.

core workout 30min.

Run £ gel £ running cap £ running shoes £ lock laces for a quick transition £ sun glasses £ watch - optional

AM: 30min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

30min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high.

PM: 20min easy with a 2min walk after 10min.

PM: 20min easy with a 2min walk after 10min. core workout 30min.

45min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength.

6min run 1min walk for 40min.

50min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength.

8min run 2min walk for 40min.

REST DAY

Monday

Week

Bike £ road bike preferable; mountain bike is also

open water swim in a nearby dam or the sea approx 2030min easy swim OR 5001000m continuous pool swim, easy concentrate on stroke and technique.

60min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength.

13min run 2min walk for 45min.

50min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength.

8min run 2min walk for 40min.

5

Saturday

PM: 10min warm up jog; straight into 6 x 1min HARD, 1min walk, 1min jog; 5min cool down; Total 33min

PM: 15min warm up jog; on a hill: 6 x 1min hill sprints; 5min cool down Total 32min

2 x 250m - 1st = swim; 2nd = drill/swim with fins 3 x 300m tempo swimming 20sec rest between each; 100m cool down Total = 1.5km

800m long slow easy warm up 8 x 50m build up sprint 10sec rest between each 8 x 25m sprint 10sec rest 100m cool down; Total 1.5km

70min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength.

18min run 2min walk for 50min.

open water swim; in a nearby dam or the sea approx 20-30min easy swim OR 500-1000m continuous pool swim, easy concentrate on stroke and technique.

AM: 55min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high include 5 x 3min HARD 85% during ride, 5min recovery between each set

50min ride; include 4 x 4min HILL REPS @ 80%; recover 3min between each

80min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength

PM: 10min warm up jog; straight into 5 x 2min HARD, 2min jog; 5min cool down Total 35min

PM: 15min warm up jog; on a hill: 4 x 2min hill sprints; 5min cool down Total 36min

short easy run off bike directly after long ride 15min easy

core workout 30min.

core workout 30min.

500m warm up 6 x 100m hard swimming, take times for each; 15sec rest between each 12 x 25m sprint 10sec rest 100m cool down; Total 1.5km

400m long slow easy warm up; 4 x 50m build up sprint 10sec rest between each; 600m TIME TRIAL; 100m cool down Total 1.3km 50min ride; include 8 x 2min HILL REPS @ 80%; recover 2min between each

90min long ride, hilly route stay seated on climbs to build strength

PM: 15min warm up jog; straight into 4 x 3min HARD, 2min jog; 5min cool down Total 40min

PM: 15min warm up jog; on a hill: 10 x 1min hill sprints; 5min cool down Total 40min

15min run off bike, first 5min HARD, rest of run easy

core workout 30min.

400m warm up; 4 x 100m drill/swim 15 sec rest; 4 x 50m build up 10sec rest; 4 x 25m sprints 10sec rest; 100m cool down Total 1.2km

400m, warm up 8 x 50m 1st length fast 2nd length easy 8 x 25m sprint 100m cool down Total 1.1km

50min easy run, include 2min walk after half way

open water swim; in a nearby dam or the sea approx 20-30min easy swim OR 500-1000m continuous pool swim, easy concentrate on stroke and technique.

AM: 60min easy riding, keeping gears light & cadence high incl. 6 x 3min HARD 85% during ride, 5min recovery between each set

core workout 30min.

Sunday open water swim; in a nearby dam or the sea approx 20-30min easy swim OR 500-1000m continuous pool swim, easy concentrate on stroke and technique.

50min ride; include 4 x 3min HILL REPS @ 80%; recover 2min between each.

core workout 30min.

6

Thursday

AM: 50min easy riding, keeping gears light & cadence high include 5 x 2min HARD 85% during ride

core workout 30min.

7 8 RACE WEEK

Wednesday 500m swim 400m pull buou 300m kick/swim 200m sprint/ swim 100m cool down Total 1.5km

EASY 200m warm up 4 x 50m build up sprint 2 x 25m sprint 50m easy Total 500m

AM: 45min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high include 5 x 1min HARD 4min easy during ride

30min easy riding, keeping gears light and cadence high

bike - easy 15min around the block checking gears; include 4 x 10sec sprints

AM: 30min easy run; at end of 30min do 4 x 1min HARD 30sec easy

run off bike - 10min easy run directly after ride. Do this session in am, rest of day legs up!

run: short 10min run, include 4 x 10sec sprints at end of run

core workout 30min.

Swim

Bike

Run

60min easy run, include 2min walk after half way

RACE: 600M SWIM/ 20KM BIKE/ 5KM RUN

Tuesday

REST DAY

Monday 500m warm up 5 x 100m 1,3,5 = easy 2 & 4 = sprint 20sec rest 8 x 25m sprint 10sec rest 100m cool down Total 1.3km

REST DAY

Week

Other

Friday

online coaching website

personalised training programmes

group training sessions in Cape Town - southern suburbs different coaches - Ironman specialist, Comrades / Ultra Distance running specialist,

established in 2006 by Triathletes Claire & Kent Horner online coaching website training programmes for all levels of athletes - elite to beginner receive programmes online according to the athletes time constraints, goals, strengths & weaknesses

Cape Epic to Beginner running & Triathlon specialist

coach looking for a base to coach your own athletes? then MTD is the website for you!

To read more about our coaches go to www.mytrainingday.com/coachlist.asp

www.mytrainingday.com

> DO IT NOW | inSHAPE: Words by Samuel Sithole | Illustration by Hayley Cameron

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> DO IT NOW | inSHAPE: Words by Tamsin Theunissen | Illustration by Hayley Cameron

We spend so much time, energy and expense on equipment and training for a event, but can come seriously unstuck if we neglect the nutritional component of our preparation. Before getting to the nutritional considerations for your race day, you need to ensure that your daily diet is optimal to support your training requirements, as well as the everyday nutritional needs of your body. Unfortunately, there are no short cuts or quick fixes when it comes to nutrition. You can't get away with a poor diet by taking handfuls of vitamins and other expensive supplements to try to make up for it. All the evidence out there proves that nothing keeps you healthier and in better shape than a well-balanced diet.

For all your ...

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> DO IT NOW | inSHAPE: Words by Mandy Rawlins | Illustration by Hayley Cameron Stretch, stretch, stretch and stretch some more!

Why? What?

When?

For how long?

And don’t forget the butt!

If you haven’t heard about or experienced the meditative and calming effects of stretching, then read on. Ok, so let’s start with off with the why, what and when you should stretch, so that you’ll be more motivated to do the how.

First some anatomy and physiology to help you understand what’s involved in stretching and why it’s so important. Muscles are made up of fibres and filaments that lie parallel to each other. When a muscle contracts or stretches, these fibres ‘walk’ their way alongside each other. It’s a little bit like two millipedes (shongololo’s) lying side by side, head to tail, linking feet and then walking in opposite directions. So every time the muscle contracts and these fibres start moving, it takes energy (carbs) in the form of ATP and a calcium ion (Ca++). When the muscle relaxes, they walk all the way back again.

To do all this work, a good supply of blood is needed to bring the nutrients to the filaments. Hence the logic behind warming up to stretch. When you are at rest, only 20% of your muscle capillaries are open and this is not enough for an effective stretch. To jump up from your office chair at the end of the day and break into a full sprint or stretch is just asking for a physio appointment. You need to do 5-10 minutes of cardio-vascular exercise to warn your brain that the valves to the muscles need to be opened up. Only now you are ready for your mind expanding, nerve calming and muscle-injury preventing stretching routine.

Then there are your joints, which have a certain range of motion. Let’s take your elbow for example. You can straighten your elbow and you can bend it inwards – that is the extent of its range. Now this would be simple for muscles to coordinate and for some muscles that is all they do. However, we were also created with two-joint muscles. So when you move your elbow around in the air, your biceps and triceps are coordinating the elbow and shoulder movement at the same time. Imagine this same complex arrangement also taking place between the knee and the hip, with your whole body weight bearing down on them and I am sure you can now understand why hamstrings and the quadriceps are often caught in compromising positions. To have true, healthy flexibility that you can be proud of, you need to have two-joint muscles that can handle the exertion of both joints being pushed to the limits of their ranges. If they can’t, then it’s just a matter of time before you are digging through your desk drawer for your physio’s business card.

So how long do you hold a muscle stretch for? Hold it for 20-30 seconds and no longer than a minute. And NO bouncing! That theory went out in the eighties and we’ll be the first to let you know if any new research motivates us to start advocating bouncing again - but it doesn’t look likely at this point in time.

In the next issue issue, we will be going into detail about all the various pretzel and hieroglyphic poses and contortions that we are going to insist are absolutely essential to your physical wellbeing and sporting prowess, especially the butt. Everyone forgets about the butt and let me tell you that even the biggest butt is often the tightest part of the body and needs to be stretched, stretched, stretched and stretched some more.

DO IT

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> DO IT NOW | in THE HOLE: Words & Photo by Michael Scholz

76 >> doitnow.co.za

1.

Is there any truth in the rumour that you are practicing with the pros and secretly campaigning for a change of profession to become a professional golfer?

2.

Amongst the many, tell us about the worst golf shot you have ever hit?

I would be lying if I denied that rumour. Let’s face it, wouldn’t you rather only work two days a What started out as my worst shot ever, turned week. I say two days a week because at this stage, I think I would be an inexperienced rabbi out to be my best shot ever. Let me explain. It was the 8th at Windsor Park Public Golf golfer and miss the cut week in week out.

Course in Durban about 10 years ago. A 110 m par 3, so I pulled out my Jeanette Bird 5 Wood (yes they are ladies clubs), swung with Have you ever injured yourself or anyone whilst playing golf? If so, please explain. all my might and topped it. My range ball (yes I used to steal them) raced along the ground like a rocket, it bobbed and bounced for the next Yes I have, but not with a ball. I was driving a golf cart with my mate on the third hole, at a course 100 m, and looked so ugly as it motored onto I will not mention. After a rainy night, I tried to do a power-slide 180-degree turn in the cart. It the green. But wait, there’s more … it hit the was all going well until the wheel hooked on a sprinkler and we rolled. My mate injured his arm pin and stopped dead, four centimeters from and we had to stop playing. the cup. I had made my first par.

3.

4.

You are launching your own clothing brand that includes some very funky golf trousers. Where did your fashion inspirations emerge from?

I have always dressed funky on the golf course, and always wanted to wear colourful pants. The problem is you can’t find any funky clothing out there. Honestly, how many pairs of khaki, beige or tan pants can you own? So I started sourcing material and getting my own pants made and after lots of interest from fellow golfers, I decided to mass-produce them. My golf pants, called ‘Whack Pants’ will be on the shelves by early November. And look out for Sunshine Tour players Neil Schietekat and Doug Mcguigan, who will be wearing them as they storm up the leader boards.

5.

Which was the 19th hole that you’ve had the most shots on/in, and what was your poison after a round of golf?

Have you ever played golf with a mean hangover? If so, elaborate on how

6. you played and what was your score?

I went through a Jaeger Bomb phase, but now that I am After a heavy night at Manhattan with my mate Etienne, we were wondering if it was becoming a serious golfer, I won’t drink and drive! a good idea to honour our tee time that we had booked two weeks prior at Eagle Canyon. We decided to drag ourselves onto the first tee, in the blazing sun. We both triple bogeyed the first hole. At the second hole, a par 3, I put my ball in the water and Etienne put his straight in the hole - his first hole-in-one! I told him he You are renowned as a long hitter. How long are couldn’t possibly top that, so let’s just go back to the clubhouse. you?

7.

Ha ha ha, since when does 200 m downhill, with a heavy wind behind you, put you in that category?

8.

The International Team recently lost in the President’s Cup to the USA? What is your opinion on the US player’s wives wearing such revealing outfits, and do you feel that you could have changed the outcome of the event if Greg Norman had picked you as a ‘wildcard’ for his squad?

The wives wearing revealing outfits was an unfair distraction tactic for the internationals, and Mrs Woods gave a lot of the players wood. Tiger is such an over achiever. If Mr Norman chose me, I think I would have been able to play four rounds in one day, losing 10 and eight to each player.

9. Who is the best player you have ever played against?

I used to play eighth man in our Pinetown Boys High School golf team. I was an 18 handicap and we were playing against Durban High School. The format was singles match play, at an overcast Royal Durban Country Club. Their number one player was a +4 handicapped Rory Sabbatini. Yes, thee Rory Sabbatini! So I said to our team captain, who was a seven handicap, let me take one for the team and play Rory, and you play their number eight and hopefully win. Well after a long, hard day out there, Rory narrowly beat me five and four. I hear you say, ‘Well that’s not too bad … five and four.’ OK, I have to tell you that it was over nine holes.

you ever bunked a Rude Awakening workday to 10. Have play golf without letting the team know?

Dude, are you trying to get me fired!

Ernie, watch your back! doitnow.co.za >>

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> DO IT NOW | in THE HOLE: Words by Michael Scholtz

BUNKER SHOTS

Simplified ‘The sand’, ‘the beach’ and ‘the place where golfers go to die’! These are all terms used to describe a hazard on the golf course, called the bunker.

Sounds drastic, but the truth be told that bunker shots are perhaps the easiest golf shot you’ll come across as it is the only shot in golf where you don’t need to hit that ball. The sand will pop it out and it offers you the greatest margins for error. Allow me to elaborate.

If you hit the shot perfectly, about an inch behind the ball, the ball will come out and sit softly on the green.

If you hit it a little ‘fat’ or too far behind the ball, the ball will carry a shorter distance, come out a little lower with no spin and roll to the same length as a perfectly hit shot.

If you hit the shot a little ‘thin’ or with too little sand, it will carry further, but will have a lot of spin and stop very quickly, sometimes even spinning back to your intended target. As

Hopefully I have convinced you that there are no

vultures flying overhead

FACT

when you find yourself in the bunker.

Gary Player overcame the advantage his peers had over him with their length off the tee, by turning himself into the best bunker player in the world. With this skill, he knew he could attack any flagstick tucked behind a bunker with the knowledge that he would easily get ‘up and down’ or possibly even hole the shot if he hit the ball in the bunker.

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Let’s move onto the basic fundamentals to turn you into a ‘Master Sand Blaster’.

How to play the shot – fried eggs anyone?

Using a sand wedge or a lob wedge, here is your 1, 2, 3-lesson on how to play greenside bunker shots.

1: Set Up – Remember not to ‘ground’ your club in the bunker.

Open your stance so that you can swing, not hit, freely through the shot. Open the clubface so that it’s well open. This will help create the ‘bounce’ to get the ball upwards and out of the bunker with great ease.

QUICK TIP (Fried egg in bunker) Pretend that the golf ball is the yellow of an egg. You need to swing the club into the sand just underneath the white of the egg for optimum results.

2: The Swing You don’t need to swing hard to get the ball out. Just swing softly down into the sand, about an inch behind the ball (under the egg white), and let the club bounce the ball out of the bunker. Although your stance is slightly open, the ball will take off in the ‘target line’ or the line on which you swing into the followthrough position.

3: Follow Through As with every shot in golf, the most important part of the swing is to finish the follow through. This is particularly important with the bunker shot as a good follow through will ensure that you don’t decelerate, which is the main cause of a bad bunker shot. Try to finish your swing with your hands above or on your left shoulder (right shoulder for the lefties).

I hope these tips will help you learn to love your time on the beach, and shave a few shots off your scorecard.

Once again, keep it simple!

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> DO IT NOW | inNATURE: Words & Photos by Simon Collier

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After four hours of adrenalin-pumping bobbing and weaving to the sights and sounds of Rwanda, one of nature’s true miracles rose up in the distance. A sea of rich green, almost too beautiful to be true, filled my view in every direction. This forest was to be my base for the next three months and with this realisation, I felt instantly inspired. I had made a decision to leave a frenzied city life that had infused my veins for the past three years – a vibrant lifestyle, fast paced and somewhat overwhelming for a ‘bush boy’ who had spent a great portion of his working life as a game-ranger.

temperature. This incredible place is sadly shared with some of the harshest human realities. In a place like Banda, the term ‘survival’ is really tested to its limits. We were confronted with challenges every day, but were surrounded by hidden saints out to help us and the community, no matter the issue or hardship. I was constantly blown away by the international volunteers and the extraordinary amount of good work they had already accomplished. My advice: do not judge these organisations before you have had the privilege to experience the work they do. It really has been one of my most rewarding experiences.

In just a short month I had resigned and bought a ticket to Rwanda. This decision was based on my need for adventure, a fascination with the undiscovered natural beauty of our continent and the chance to make a small difference to a community in need. The task: I was to join an Americanbased organisation called Kageno.org for three months and train a group of rural Rwandan community members on the ins-and-outs of the Service and Hospitality Industry. The aim: to equip them with the necessary hard and soft skills needed to successfully manage and run a tourist lodge, due to be completed in 2010.

The people of Rwanda are warm and friendly, offering help whenever they can, whether it’s for simple directions or just getting a taxi. The capital, Kigali, is a bustling hub of frantic scooters and taxis, and the people are always busy. Tourism is a major focus for Rwanda’s development sector and increased attention is being given to communication and education. Kigali offers a number of great restaurants and coffee houses to keep the international flavours and cravings at bay. For the more adventurous you can try a goat brochette, which is sold on every street corner and is pretty tasty.

As we climbed out of the bus into the wet darkness of the forest, I couldn’t help wondering what I was in for. After all, was this not a highly dangerous, unstable country ravaged by war and genocide? I learnt later how wrong I was in my initial judgment and understanding of Rwanda and its people.

After a short wait, we met some of the Kageno staff and began our 45-minute descent into the valley below. The rainy season in Rwanda is extreme and the roads are merely levelled clay. While we glided sideways down most of the decent, I could only marvel at my surroundings and I wish I could paint a picture of what I had witnessed because words would never do it justice.

On arrival at the village, my fellow volunteers and I were taken to a house that was to become home for the duration of our stay. The house, although very simple, was comfortable and my new roomies were warm and friendly. I rested easily that first night, exhausted by emotion and concern, yet enthralled and excited about the adventure I had embarked on.

The village of Banda is home to roughly 7 000 people.

The ability of these people to farm every hillside and slope amazed me and if I didn’t like potatoes and bananas, I would have been an extremely hungry man.

There are no flat areas in the Nyungwe, where the altitude climbs and falls faster than the summer

Despite the challenges, every day was an adventure. As our permits were not yet granted, there were many occasions when we were forced to sneak into the forest to explore the unknown.

There is an amazing array of paths that wind up the intense slops of the Nyungwe, shadowed by fig and mahogany trees that stretch up 70 or 80 metres above you. This is a forest that will intrigue any nature-lover and adventure seeker! The bird life and vast number of primates, including Chimpanzee and Black and White Colobus, is incredible. For hiking enthusiasts, the range of altitude and varying difficulty is perfect for a good three or four day adventure, with camping on Mt. Bigogo a must!

Although I spent three months in Rwanda, most of my time was spent in the community working on a variety of the ongoing projects that Kageno.org has started, including the community development programme that focuses on education, healthcare, orphan programmes and service and hospitality training.

The community of Banda now has a full time clinic and nursery school facilities that allow children to be just children, as well as help them develop and grow. In addition, new farming practices, English literacy programmes, clean drinking water schemes and children sponsorship and feeding programmes are all on the go.

The exciting development of an Eco Lodge has just begun and its primary purpose is to help to sustain this community and protect the Nyungwe Forest.w

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>

Being involved in this project allowed me to travel and explore parts of Rwanda and I will definitely be back to see the rest. I was fortunate enough to track Chimpanzee, the Black and White Colobus monkeys and the magnificent Mountain Gorilla. My entire experience was remarkable and certainly an emotional and physical rollercoaster.

The highlight of my stay in Rwanda was a trip to see the Mountain Gorillas. As we approached the Volcanoes National Park, the peaks rose into the clouds and the early morning sun lit up the barren potato fields that surrounded our road in. After the morning coffee call, we were split up into groups of eight and paired with a guide. The walk in took us roughly an hour (this varies from group to group), but it flew by and when our excited guide Pappy turned to us, I knew we had arrived. A group of trackers and guards waited in the clearing for us and we quickly dropped our bags, grabbed cameras and extra batteries and strode ahead. My heart raced as anxious thoughts swept through my mind. Anyone who tells you that seeing these creatures â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;is no big dealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, needs their head checked! They are truly spectacular and for the hour you are there and the way they accept you as simple visitors, will astound you. The youngsters are very curious and definitely the trouble-makers, constantly pushing the boundaries. The rules while viewing gorillas are very strict and the guides do their best to keep a safe distance between the humans and gorillas ... easier said than done!

While all of this is happening, a huge silverback with its intense golden brown eyes casually surveys the happenings of the group and its visitors. As he strolls past, a little closer every now and then, your pulse quickens and your breath catches in your throat before he moves on.

It was fascinating observing the young gorillas frolic in the vegetation, rolling and tumbling as they discover new and exciting abilities and surroundings. As I sat watching them, I wondered what they were thinking; staring at us, as we

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stared back at them all the while snapping away. I took many photos and video clips and regret not spending more time simply watching and learning. These graceful creatures are fascinating.

They are remarkably gentle and caring, curious and so protective.

For those privileged few who travel to see the Mountain Gorillas, I can say with full confidence that it is worth every cent! My gorilla-trekking adventure will always remain fresh in my mind. The heady smell of vegetation as we hacked our way through bamboo thickets, and the elevated level of adrenalin and mounting anticipation of what I was about to encounter. Without giving away too much information, this was one of my finest wildlife experiences and after having been a guide in South Africa, I never thought I would find myself giddy with laughter and excitement before going on a wildlife outing. I smiled for days after, uncontrollably! We spent an hour with ‘Group 13’, one of the seven gorilla family groups that can be observed by the adventurous. Led by a dominant silverback male, this group provided us with a glimpse into the calm existence these glorious primates lead.

Now well protected and constantly monitored, the Mountain Gorilla population has grown since the late 1970’s and will continue to do so with the help of guards, scouts and the dedicated researchers who are responsible for the protection and preservation of this magnificent species.

The lush vegetation is also teaming with birdlife and other creatures, tracks of buffalo and elephant cover the paths, and the moist air filled my lungs. I can’t begin to try and convey what this experience has meant to me, as no written form can do it justice. And all I can say is: ‘Do not procrastinate about travelling to Rwanda, simply do it now!’

My initial impression of Rwanda was completely incorrect before I came to this incredible country. I know that many people who read about Rwanda have the same ‘lack of understanding.’ This is a proud nation working hard to recover from a harsh history, a history that does not truly reflect who they are or what they are about.

Education is a large focus, agricultural developments and new innovative farming practices are visible and constantly increasing. Rwanda has so much to offer in terms of its rich, natural diversity as you travel from Akagera National Park in search of Africa’s known wildlife, to the wondrous Nyungwe Forest, to Lake Kivu for spectacular sunsets and culminating in the unforgettable experience of witnessing the mountain gorillas.

Development is fierce, with new high-rise buildings and hotels popping up all over Kigali. The people are hard working and many still practice the age-old farming tradition as their livelihood.

This is a developing nation that is trying to maintain a delicate balance between the need for international investment and assistance, a very large population to land percentage and a vast, rich wilderness.

For anyone looking for something new and something that only a few will ever have the privilege of witnessing, then a minimum of a week-long adventure into ‘deep dark’ Africa is a must! Life throws you challenges constantly, we fill our minds with concern and stress, bills and traffic, and we do this to survive. While we continue to survive, how often do we actually ‘live’?

Don’t be afraid to go on an adventure, to challenge yourself and live your life to the full, to make a difference and create ever-lasting memories and experiences that will help you to grow and be happy. I did and it was the best risk I ever took. We only live once …. so DO IT NOW!

For further information about community development programmes in Rwanda, visit www.kageno.org

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> DO IT NOW | inNATURE: Words by Jonathan Boulton | Photos by Mavungana Fly Fishing

Yellow fever has always been a very contagious disease …

Yes, it is that time of year again! As the water temperature rises, so too does the heart rate of any yellowfish angler at the thought of pitting their skills against that of our very own inland bonefish.

The Yellow’s fighting ability precedes itself, thus making it a much sought-after opponent! These indigenous fish are found throughout the country and of the nine different species, the most common is the Smallmouth Yellowfish. Yellow’s are a truly omnivorous fish, making them a little tricky on the fly at times, but nothing a little thought and persistence won’t overcome. Sadly, their numbers are constantly being threatened by declining water quality, flow obstruction through water impoundment and non-catch and release angling pressure.

Yellowfish regulars can often be a bit cagey, feeling that it’s their environmental duty to protect this excellent angling species from new converts. Venues, fly patterns and tactics are often not disclosed, leaving many fly rodders feeling that regular success comes only to those elevated gurus, who meet in secret every Thursday night with coded handshakes and an initiation involving outlandish body piercing rituals with a GRHE nymph …. Nevertheless, do not despair, as there are two ways to get round this. First, you could come along and be privileged to witness these individuals in action at an organised workshop or book a day's guided fishing with them. Alternatively, you could just get out on the water and enjoy some exhilarating fishing.

Anyone with basic river skills will catch these aquatic bars of bullion.

Largemouth Yellowfish are undoubtedly the ‘Holy Grail’ of yellowfish.

The big specimens are solitary ambush predators, living around structure in deep pools and their main food sources are small baitfish and large dragon and damselfly nymphs. Larger imitation flies with a distinct profile and movement in the water that provide vibration and flash to attract fish are preferred, and the takes are normally aggressive and result in a blinding fast dash for cover.

The Smallmouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus Aeneus) populates the Vaal and Orange system and is the main target of Gauteng-based anglers.

There are numerous venues below the barrage, which for a fee of around R50 a person, can be easily accessed! See your local fishing magazines and retail stores for details and directions.

As far as tactics are concerned, they come straight out of the upstream nymphing coaching manual. There are two basic arenas.

Fast riffle water, which holds fish of all sizes in low light and smaller fish during the day. Here, the takes are fast and furious and you will never find yourself wondering, "Hmm… I wonder if that was a take or not."

The other areas are the slower pools and tail waters. Here, the larger fish hold and heavy nymphs and repeated mending is needed to get

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¡

the nymphs down. The takes are very subtle and the slightest quiver or hesitation of the strike indicator should be immediately reacted upon.

As for your choice of fly, I don’t dispute that there are some truly impressive customised yellowfish patterns out there, and more often than not, with some obscure title incorporating the inventor’s name.

Once again, don't be intimidated or overwhelmed. Take along your regular nymph box, get out into a riffle and lift up some rocks that are partly submerged in broken, well-aerated water. On the underside, you will find a variety of mayfly nymphs and caddis. Tie a heavilyweighted bead head to get down, so to speak, and then behind that, an un-weighted, accurate match of the size and colour of what Mother Nature has shown you, and the fish will do the rest!

Dry fly action is not as consistent as that on the nymph, but can provide hectic sport in the late evening. Again, look at what's flying up your nose and in your ears and attempt a good match.

Some less conventional but highly productive methods are as follows.

If there are other anglers on the water, fear not, just cast up towards them. As they wade forward, they will disturb the rocks, loosening invertebrates and creating an unintentional chum line. I had some of my best fishing on the Vaal when a herd of cattle crossed at the head of the pool I was working up. Although not everyone's cup of tea, Czech Nymphing is deadly. Whilst in Montana some time ago, my guide described how the Czech team cleans up every year at the World Fly Fishing Championships, regardless of where they are held.

The end result feels like trying to present a wheelbarrow on the end of your tippet, but hey, there's no points for style in this game – it’s all about fun and catching fish. You want a fairly long leader, between 1011ft, and at the bottom you tie in a loop and then place a couple of split shot, depending on the speed and depth of the water. Above the shot, place a heavy bead head and then one foot above that, a micro nymph. Wade in fairly deep, to where the drop off is just in front of you, and then ‘cast’ upstream. Holding the rod as high as possible and keeping nearly all the fly line clear of the water, you follow the swing of the flies as the shot bounces along the bottom. Any hesitation or suspicious bump, lift the rod tip and – inside!

Closer to my home in Mpumalanga is the Smallscale and Largescale Yellowfish. They can be trickier as they are more algiverous than its smallmouth brethren. The takes on the nymph are incredibly subtle, bordering on unregisterable in the slower water. A good tactic is to get into the water below a likely looking stretch and then have someone creep upstream and spot holding fish. The spotter then talks the caster in, while he watches for flashes or slight movement from the fish as the nymph passes the target, he then calls the strike, more often than not ending up in a hookup.

Not that any self-respecting fly fisherman needs reminding, but if you have lunch on the riverbank be sure to tidy up after yourself. We have an excellent reputation amongst farm owners compared to our wormdrowning counterparts and the longer it remains that way, the better.

... hey, there's no points for style in this game – it’s all about fun and catching fish ...

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> DO IT NOW | inSURE: Words by Peter Fairbanks

that once again e v o r p t a th h. ses separate ca ersonal touc p e e e r h t th f d o a e h lu e he va onth, I hav rience and t e p y, that x e In the last m d e n t place toda o i ash -f ld in the marke o hope ns n d e tio o h ip t r o d sc g an de ts deep end e r and cover th ve at co in p on nothing bea ore to jum more and m lot of ‘guts’

gy, it takes a decision. ch gh technolo ade the right annels, whi g world of hi m ch in v ve e o al m ha s tu ts on a s ct yo fa e ards dir new produc In today’s re, more ies and their t us. e moving tow t and cost and therefo an ar ou p s m ab ie f n co o its a e k w p s com contac keep our simple clic al with the a an to de h m s it ys ve hu w er da ha d s ok e e s r an th B le w cts and en then example a better make for et is a prime basis, and ev ns are regulated on produ e reason that hing, and at rn ly yt te n ai a in d e ly al Th . er profit ase lit the simpl mmissio ou can purch ieve. gone due to Almost all co r the last the mouse y bel in’ are long mselves ove o e t he t on ad y e ‘d l lif e g ua in ar q e be o w f t n assure o o d s ca r ha I o ed ve ch e pric e really ne rokers ha ency – whi b w et fe o p D Li m t : g the co le os f p o m av ified level ey are le in is quite sim ars to a spec ? ho did not, th this month ye ce w n ix e an s s io t ur s ho s t e in r qu My y to buy class. Fo e 21st centur you, is world answer brokers in th he rry. t t hu a ha t in e v y r t ie s indu d years of me to bel ad le ll a es lifications an as ua c q ee ir hr t he e you t g , in er ality of advic ve r a brok The follow ce in the qu bt, yes! n looking fo ha en ou r I he d e , a W iff ry d st ut r u M ge d ho it in is, w clients as rs in the make a hu g all my yea experience rred to these hip is the s fe rin n e r du e tio , r v la e ha re I ev , is s How or in th tiality reason will receive. portant fact For confiden t the most im ha t d un fo . h more X, Y and Z h. e sed my pat personal touc ce you hav internet, cros him, he opted to e th of er d trust. On v an ie t h el it ha b to w t e h te ng it im la w t ro t re g some u can s ago, I is to stay Mr X, a s After spendin oduct. Just three week someone yo er, one of the best rules The o. d '. t in ag F ar r p r ea u y he a r yo at than direct p fter a r eath do your brok e ‘cheaper’ y or 'until d decided on t urgently. A middle of purchase th entire journe ke is to jump ship in the him to mee e his direct e us m th o ca r r f e l fo b ai lp er m k e he a o e a ‘new’ m br an m n m o t d s ca fro no ve le ed g ei rec t he had Mr X need per offerin istake peop , t ha t m ea t en is ch d es s r ci edical o gg in ba e bi er e a t on th ion. unfortunat e you are m our some bet ed his claim ate of incept nefit becaus journey for d y us e is ef be t, r s th g th t e i d a r tin i p ha c m d r ex he selle ation to t children an a new and rm , fo or , se in h or er e ou k at p th o l s de br al , ur ides yo accident disclosed buying the member. Bes xt in line to phone when ance. After d ur ai s as o t e lif t direc decided the ne both bought ntracts and broker will be es your path.

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> DO IT NOW | inTERTAINMENT: Words by Richard Flamengo Welcome to the inTERTAINMENT section of DO IT NOW! In this issue, I will be reviewing two newly released and muchanticipated CDs. First up is ‘Out Of Ashes’.

TITLE

TITLE

Artist: Dead By Sunrise Album: Out Of Ashes Genre: Rock

Artist: Lianie May Album: Boeremeisie Genre: Afrikaans country/pop

This side project by Linkin Park front man, Chester Bennington, left me with mixed feelings. I didn't find myself skipping through any of the tracks on the album, but I also couldn’t bring myself to repeat any of them either.

The album is not bad, but could have been better if the link to Linkin Park didn’t exist; unfortunately for Chester Bennington it does.

I am a huge Linkin Park fan and expected more from this album.

The sound and feel of the album is toned down and not the usual hard-hitting, impact-making, legendary Linkin Park sound their fans have come to love. To put it in DO IT NOW terms, the great white shark has turned into a dolphin, a pretty and playful creature but not nearly as thrilling or exciting.

The ballads of ‘In The Darkness’ and ‘Let Down’ The hardhitting tracks of ‘Fire’ and ‘Crawl Back In’.

Recommended for: Linkin Park fans Rock fans Anyone looking for a rock album to listen to, whilst travelling on the long open road enroute to your holiday destination. It’s easy listening that you will enjoy, but won’t necessary love or remember after you have stopped Anyone with R150 that they are itching to spend on something.

The Verdict: 3 out of 5

The second album I had the pleasure of reviewing is Lianie May’s latest album, ‘Boeremaisie’.

‘Boeremeisie’ is the long awaited, follow-up album from Lianie May, South Africa’s biggest selling artist in 2008 (S.AM.A - Biggest Selling Artist, 2008). This album picks up where ‘Vergeet My Nie’, which sold over 120 000 CDs, left off and takes Afrikaans country and pop music to a new stratosphere, as it claims hit after hit. The fantastic variations on the album range from deep, emotionallymature melodies and ballads like ‘Skooljare’ and ‘Engel Huil’ through to toe-tapping grooves and sing-along hits like ‘Wie Nie Wag Nie’, ‘Honey, Honey’ and many more. There is a list of qualities that make up a star; but the one that really defines just how great they are, is when they sound better when they perform live, than on their CD. I have been to a number of Lianie May’s performances and can honestly say that she is in a league of her own, when compared to some of our other ‘lekker, lekker’ artists, who sound terrible live. I have no doubt that ‘Boeremeisie’ will seal Lianie May’s reputation as one of South Africa’s biggest female stars and is a definite star in my books.

The CD COVER J - the guys will understand. Makes you want to gryp your bokkie and skoffel.

Recommended for: All fans of Afrikaans music. Lianie May fans. Guys looking to get a gift for their better halves, a definite brownie-point winner.

The Verdict: ·

4 out of 5

GAME TITLE Platform: Genre:

HIGHLIGHTS Game play, graphics and sounds.

You don't need to be a soccer fanatic to enjoy it. In fact, it could even turn you into a soccer fanatic.

Lasting appeal with non-stop action.

Recommended for: All soccer fans.

All sport genre fans.

Verdict: 4.5 out of 5

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PS3 Sport

Winner of 25 international awards, FIFA 09 took game playing to a whole new level. One then has to ask how EA Sports could make it even better. FIFA 10 delivers the answers in abundance. Let’s start with the improved game play, the biggest plus to me when compared to the FIFA 09 game play. The FIFA 10 version is simply brilliant with enhanced dribbling, match realism, customisable set pieces, improved UI and much, much more. The sounds are good and great crowd chants and a slick soundtrack support the commentating from Martin Tyler and Andy Gray.

limited the resolution of the game to HD Ready (720p) instead of Full HD (1080p)?

Nevertheless, HD is more than adequate to leave you stunned.

The graphics looks fantastic on a HD television, with high-level players depicted very realistically. The only question I would ask the EA Sports team here is why they

In closing, the EA Sports team have got their work cut for them if they want to top FIFA 10!

The lasting appeal of this game is the most important aspect to me as a game buyer because let’s face it, R600 to R700 a game is not exactly what you would call cheap entertainment. But it’s definitely worth it.

This game will keep you and your friends glued to the screen for hours. For our serious collectors, a ‘Collector’s Edition’ is available and includes an official 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer ball.

MOVIE TITLE

Director: Starring:

Brad Pitt is simply brilliant.

Recommended for: Tarantino and Pitt Fans.

War movie fans.

Verdict: 3.5 out of 5

Quentin Tarantino Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger and Melanie Laurent

In German-occupied France, Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa.

Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema. Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine organises a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as ‘The Bastards’, Raine’s squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich.

Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own … .

I must say that this movie puzzled me a bit.

The trailer created the expectation that this was going to be a jam-packed and seriously violent action movie. The violence can be seen here and there, but the action doesn’t really feature at all. Instead, the movie

focuses more on dialogue, which at times is brilliant, especially the ‘Jew Hunter’ interrogation segments. This being said, I felt that the story behind this 152-minute was slow to unfold. However, Brad Pitt cements his status as one of the best and most flexible actors of our time and is simply brilliant in his portrayal of Aldo Rain. His character also provides the biggest twist at the end, which I thought was a great ending to the story.

All and all, the movie is good but not brilliant.

I think it would have been better if the trailer hadn’t alluded to it being a big action movie.

Not everyone will enjoy the show or reading the subscripts on the German sections throughout the movie. My fiancée fell asleep in the movie, so it’s definitely not the most gripping story for the ladies and the guys might be better off going to see this one on their own. In conclusion, this is a definite must see for all Tarantino and Pitt fans.

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DO IT NOW | inTERTAINMENT: Words by Garth Johnstone

BOOK TITLE

Author: Gary Green Publisher: Reach Publishers Foreword by: Martin Dreyer

This first-hand account of a bunch of beginners’ battle against the mighty Msunduzi River is heavy on humour, wicked quips and dry analogies.

When Green and a bunch of mates decide to take on the famous Dusi Canoe Marathon, with minimal prior experience, they really have no idea what they’re letting themselves in for. We follow the hapless crew through their initiation (sinking to the bottom), early training days (zero coordination), qualifying events (agonising success) and then the shattering race itself.

Local knowledge and eyewitness accounts of such events are always better in my opinion, and the writer expresses his agonies and frustration at the river, proving to be the master of the side splitting analogy. Try this one: “By the time our boat beached at the Kingfisher Club, our driver’s left leg was as numb as Cheech and Chong on a Jamaican vacation.” Or what about, “We put in and took out more times than a Debonair’s pizza oven operator on a Saturday night.”

Mad Cows is an underdog’s story, a must for all who’ve travelled the great river, with foreword by multiple Dusi winner Martin Dreyer. – Garth Johnstone.

For more info: www.aimtoinspire.com; e-mail reach@webstorm.co.za

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> DO IT NOW | inDULGE: Words by Francois Wessels

There is nothing quite like preparing your own catch for dinner, and there is no better tasting catch than Galjoen!

Follow this really easy recipe to make the most of this delicious fish.

Ingredients: Galjoen (1 per person is allowed) approximately 30cm in size 50ml melted butter (3 tablespoons) 50ml cooking oil (3 tablespoons) 50ml ground salt (3 tablespoons) 30ml lemon juice (2 tablespoons) Cut open the fish from the top of the head, along the dorsal fin to the tail and only remove the intestines.

Rub the fish with oil, butter and some salt.

Braai the fish in a closed grid to stop it from falling apart. While cooking, add the rest of the salt and lemon juice.

Braai the fish on the skin side first over a mediumtemperature fire, approximately 300 mm above the fire as it cooks very quickly.

Once the skin side is brown and crispy, then turn the fish to the meat side. Once the meat is brown, it's ready to eat.

> DO IT NOW | inDULGE: Words & Photos by Steve Adams (Wild About Whisky)

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to bed). Thanks to some good marketing campaigns over the past decade, as well as the improved consistency of flavour, whisky’s perception has changed and is now a drink to be enjoyed by all ages (over 18 in SA of course) and in any environment. While a good dram still goes down well from a hipflask after casting a trout fly over a misty lake, whisky is also being enjoyed by the young and trendy in top bars and restaurants, in many guises including whisky cocktails, shooters, long thirst quenchers, on the rocks and as it comes.

Whisky is a pure spirit made from water, malted barley, yeast and nothing else. So you won’t put on weight drinking it, and it’s generally accepted that a tot per day is healthy.

Is there a correct way to drink whisky? Yes. Drink it how you enjoy it. Whether you enjoy whisky with cola, soda, water, on the rocks or neat, is up to you. If I’m sipping on a good single malt, I prefer to drink it neat or perhaps with a little splash of pure water to open it up and release the delicate aromas. On a hot day, I may have a good blend on the rocks. If you have to mix it with soda or cola, it makes sense to use a less expensive blend as any subtle nuances of aroma or flavour in a good single malt are lost in the mix. When we conduct a whisky tasting, we never use ice as it locks in the aromas and flavours of the spirit. We use a tulip-shaped tasting glass and may add about 20% by volume of slightly chilled pure water.

Proprietary blends, priced at around R120 per bottle, contain around 30% single malts (each one from one distillery, distilled from malted barley in a copper pot-still) and 70% grain whisky (distilled from other grains in a continuous still and quite neutral in flavour). Sub-proprietary blends, priced at below R100 per bottle, can contain as much as 95% grain whisky, while premiums and super-premiums contain higher quantities of aged single malts.

Single malts are priced mostly according to age – normally from 10-years old up to over 40-years-old with most 10 to16-year olds priced between R300 and R900 per bottle.

Pricey, you may think. Remember that each bottle contains 30 tots, so that’s R10 – R30 per drink. I bet you wouldn’t think twice about spending that on a glass of wine! What’s more, the whisky will still be drinkable for many months after opening the bottle.

Super-premium whiskies are a little more pricey - R5 000 per bottle is not uncommon, some are even priced at over R100 000 per bottle – the rationale being that these are very old, extremely rare whiskies. These are opened mainly around board-room tables in celebration of new mergers and acquisitions, or in ultrapremium bars to cause a stir amongst on-lookers.

In the not-too-distant past, whisky was perceived to be the ‘tipple of choice’ of older huntin’, fishin’ and shootin’ types; the drink your father or grandfather savoured and shared with other old fellows (I’m sure my granny also used to sneak the odd hot toddy

For any investors out there, how about whisky as an investment?

It doesn’t take rocket science to work out that if you purchased a few cases of good whisky five years ago, it would have been an excellent investment today. The price of barley has increased astronomically, meaning that the value-added, finished product has increased greater still. Whisky collecting has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks to the advent of online whisky sites, including whisky auction sites with online whisky auctions taking place regularly. Single malts from closed distilleries fetch particularly good prices, and some recent limited offerings have seen values double within weeks of selling out. At worst, if you can’t sell your investment you can always drink it!

i

DINfo box

Dullstroom-Emnotweni has five claims to fame: 1. It is one of the coldest villages in South Africa.

2. It is South Africa's premier trout fishing area.

3. It is the home of the highest railway station (2076 m above sea-level).

4. It is the only place where elm and beech trees grow in any number.

5. It is also the only region in South Africa where you will find the endangered Crowned Crane, the Blue Crane, as well as the Wattled Crane which is critically endangered.

Wild about Whisky is a small but well-stocked whisky bar in the heart of Dullstroom, run by 3 whisky fanatics. Join us for a whisky tasting, or just enjoy a wee dram of your favourite single malt whisky.

We have a wide selection of scotch, irish and american whiskies (just over 440 whiskies at last count), as well as a range of other refreshments to suit your taste.

Choose from one of our whisky tours - half a dozen ½ tots of carefully chosen whiskies - or make up your own tasting to suit your personal preference. We're prepared to travel (within reasonable distance) and group tastings can be arranged.

Please visit our website for upcoming whisky workshops.

www.wildaboutwhisky.co.za 013 254 0066 083 765 7877

> DO D IT NOW | inFOCUS: Words & Photos by Craig Dutton

Craig Dutton has been a professional photographer since 2003 and his photos have graced the front covers of many top international sporting magazines. On the local front, he has photographed many of South Africa’s top sporting events, including the Cape Argus, Two Oceans, sani2c and Cape Epic. Craig has also been the head photographer for the Comrades Marathon since 2005.

Here’s what Craig has to say to help you take that perfect shot.

So many people tell me time and time again that they don’t look good in photographs. Everyone looks good in a photograph; it’s just how the picture is taken that makes the difference.

Quick Tips:

DON’T tell a person to smile for a photo. Unless that person is a seasoned model, the smile will be awful. Rather tell a joke or say something funny to make them smile ... and then it’s a totally different smile.

DO use flash when photographing people, no matter what time of the day it is. The flash fills in the shadows and creates a better contrast between the person and background.

When shooting water-based sports and activities, one of the most important things to bear in mind is the quality of the light. Sunny days and bright skies make for the best water-based images. If it’s dark and gloomy, then rather use a flash, if possible, or keep the image tightly cropped.

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Quick Tips:

DON’T shoot wide if the weather is overcast.

DO shoot towards the light if you are shooting underwater.

Running images are quite hard to shoot but when you get it right, it’s fantastic.

There is no shortage of running events in South Africa to hone your skills on, so get out there and practice.

Quick Tips:

DON’T shoot in the middle of the day unless you have a flash, as the light’s harsh shadows will cover the runner’s face.

DO try and time your shot so that both of the runner’s feet are in the air. They produce the best shots every time.

Send us your photos and stand a chance to win R500 for the best photo!

Enter now by emailing your pictures to infocus@doitnow.co.za in low resolution (200-500kb).

The winning photos will be published in each issue of DO IT NOW, along with comments about them.

High resolution photographs will be requested once the winners have been chosen.

Cycling is one of those sports that is just so photogenic. The colours, scenery and emotions that surround cycling makes it one of my favourite things to shoot.

Quick Tips:

DON’T get caught up with all the photography rules like thirds and so on. When taking pictures of cycling action, just shoot and enjoy. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results!

DO experiment with slow shutter speeds and second sync flash. They make for interesting variations.

Events Weddings Corporates Contact: 076 5828 924 or craig@craigdutton.com

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DO IT

inCONTACT Get in touch with all the DIN contacts for training, equipment or destinations to enjoy.

>

Adventure

DESCRIPTION

CONTACT INFO

HONEYDEW TOYOTA Home of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Visit us today for unbelievable deals on all Toyota models. We sell the lifestyle.

Tel: 011 801 6500 Email: jaco@honeydew-toyota.co.za

WESTCOAST 4X4 We offer 4x4 training, especially sand and dune driving and cater for small and big groups, companies, launches of new 4x4 vehicles and products, exclusive trips and more.

Tel: 082 570 7486 Email: don@westcoast4x4.co.za

ONCA OFF-ROAD PRODUCTS Over the past 10 years, Onca Off-road Products has established a reputation for its quality design and manufacture of ONCA 4x4 products and accessories.

Tel: 082 461 3997 Email: tigarc@worldonline.co.za

ECHO 4X4 OFF-ROAD TRAILERS A founder member of the South African Trailer Association (SATA), Echo 4x4 Centre was established in 1994. More than 50% of the company's products are manufactured on site at its factory. The product range has been developed to meet the need for high-quality, off-road campers and trailers.

Tel: 012 345 3333 Email: echoacc@mweb.co.za

FACTORY RACING We stock the entire KTM motorcycle range. Visit our showroom for deals on new and secondhand bikes.

Tel: 011 432 3100 Email: nathaniel@factoryracingktm.co.za

4RINGS AUDI EXPERIENCE Audi Driving Experience has been contributing to road safety in South Africa by means of high quality advanced driver training programmes since 1987. In 2007 Audi Driving Experience celebrated its 20th Anniversary, making it by far the longest running high performance driving course in Africa.

Tel: 082 905 1213 Email: irmi@4rings.co.za

WATERWORLD Moving into its third decade of leadership, tradition and heritage, Waterworld continues to lead the national retail marine industry in the sales of all leading brands of boats, jet skis, quads and accessories.

Tel: 011 462 4390 Email: wwjhb@cmh.co.za

LIQUID FORCE For all your wakeboarding and wakeboard training requirements. Experience the FORCE!

Tel: 084 851 7656 Email: kyle@liquidforce.co.za

JOLUKA For all your windsurfing, kite boarding and paddle surfing requirements.

Tel: 011 314 0795

EAST RAND SCUBA Our team shares the same passion for diving that we would like to instill in our students. 'Dive Safety Through Education' is the NAUI motto, which we strive to achieve by training our divers to the best of their abilities and to achieve their full potential.

Tel: 083 604 2266 Email: bryan@eastrandscuba.co.za

DA BLUE JUICE Da Blue Juice is an enthusiastic, friendly, personally involved and family run dive operation. Mich, Digger, Andrew and their staff offer a spacious boat, licensed to carry 10 divers as well as a unique diving service. We will take you to the best sites available and personally show you the incredible marine creatures and their special 'hidey-holes'.

Tel: 082 924 7757 Email: bluejuice@icon.co.za

MOHLATSI ADVENTURES Mohlatsi Adventures hosts activities such as river rafting on the Lower Blyde, the Olifants Gorge and the unforgettable Upper Blyde in the one and only Blyde Canyon.

Tel: 079 388 2196 Email: ronel@extremelimpopo.com

FLUID KAYAKS Our passion for the sport and commitment to making the best kayaks in the world can be seen in the details of our designs.

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Tel: 056 817 2951 Email: office@fluidkayaks.co.za

For more information on advertising in the DO IT NOW magazine contact Rhys 071 898 2888 or rhys@doitnow.co.za

>

Adventure

DESCRIPTION

CONTACT INFO

ARK INFLATABLES Whether you're a fishing fanatic, weekend paddler or made for whitewater, you'll find your dream craft in our range of unsinkable inflatables. We've even adapted our designs to suit the needs of search and rescue providers.

>

Sport

DESCRIPTION

Tel: 021 783 1672 Email: ark@ark.co.za

CONTACT INFO

ASG SPORTS Exclusive importers of premium Italian brands including Rudy Project sunglasses, San Marco saddles, Sidi shoes and Pinarello bicycles.

Tel: 086 122 235 Email: mail@asgworld.co.za

CYCLE FIT Cycle Fit offers the most professional and in-depth bike set-up facility in the country.

Tel: 072 566 2925 Email: arran@cyclefit.co.za

JOBERG2C You will be committing to 850km of mountain biking from the south of Jo'burg to the sea in Scottburgh.

Tel: 083 236 8910 Email: craig@joberg2c.co.za

FINISHLINE CYCLES The cycle shop that's like your second home! For all your cycle related needs and more.

Tel: 011 391 6912 Email: klokkie_art@hotmail.com

MY TRAINING DAY Our goal is to bring information on training together and help you, as an athlete, find what you are looking for with regards to updated race calendars, results, news and interesting articles, as well as personalised training programmes specific to your sporting needs and goals.

Tel: 082 565 8173 Email: kent@mytrainingday.com

TEAM GIJIMA The team was formed to represent an upcoming adventure-racing generation. We envision a great adventure racing career for this team and look forward to developing Team Gijima into a renowned brand amongst adventure racers and endurance sports.

>

Lifestyle

DESCRIPTION

Tel: 082 690 8848 Email: hardus99@gmail.com

CONTACT INFO

MAVUNGANA FLY FISHING CENTRE "Let us equip and guide you through our world of fly fishing.â&#x20AC;? We are South Africa's largest specialised fly fishing store offering fly fishing instruction and guiding and exclusive fishing waters.

Tel: 013 254 0270 Email: info@flyfishing.co.za

WILD ABOUT WHISKY Wild about Whisky is a small but well-stocked whisky bar in the heart of Dullstroom that is run by three whisky fanatics, Eve Gunns, Steve Adams and Dave Gunns.

Tel: 013 254 0066 Email: info@wildaboutwhisky.co.za

NYAMA CATERING Traditional South African spitbraais â&#x20AC;Ś with a difference!

Tel: 083 350 7306 Email: info@nyama-catering.co.za

MICHAEL SCHOLZ For all your essential golf tips, trick shot artist and Master of Ceremonies requirements.

Tel: 082 881 9871 Email: mike@vcorrespond.com

CRAIG DUTTON My photographs have been published by magazines and newspapers around the world. I have also taken photos for multi-national companies and had the honour of shooting some of the world's most prestigious sporting events and sports personalities.

Tel: 076 582 8924 Email: craig@craigdutton.com

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DO IT

inCLOSING DO IT

DO T NOW Adventure Sport Lifestyle

Climbing huge boulders can be a daunting task to most adventure seekers, not even mentioning the physical demand, skills required and adrenalin pump experienced. Wynand and Pietre share their passion to help us understand 'Why We Climb'.

...Physical demand, skills required and adrenalin pump experienced...

When the photographer arrived, he realised that the smoke was so thick that it would seriously impede or make it impossible for him to photograph anything from ground level. He requested permission to rent a plane and take photos from the air.

His request was approved and arrangements were made. He was told to report to a nearby airport where a plane would be waiting for him.

He arrived at the airport and saw a plane warming up near the gate. He jumped in with his bag and shouted, "Let's go!" The pilot swung the little plane into the wind and within minutes, they were in the air. The photographer said, "Fly over the park and make two or three low passes so I can take some pictures." "Why?" asked the pilot. "Because I am a photographer," he responded, "and photographers take photographs."

The pilot was silent for a moment; finally he stammered, "You mean you're not the flight instructor?

5 WEEKS TO ARGUS WITH ARRAN BROWN

DIN

A photographer from a well-known national magazine was assigned to cover the fires at Kruger National Park. The magazine wanted to show some of the heroic work of the fire fighters as they battled the blaze.

Many scuba divers rate the dive sites of the Red Sea as the best in the world. The thought of staying on a live-aboard boat with unlimited diving opportunities in crystal clear water and unbelievable viz, equates to an experience that is tough to beat! Bryan from East Rand Scuba takes us with him on a journey to explore this unbelievable dive site!

Respected Argus defending champ gives valuable advice on how to prepare yourself to conquer the 2010 Argus race.

While every effort is made by the DIN Team to ensure that the content of the DO IT NOW magazine is accurate at the time of going to press, the Founder cannot except responsibility for any errors that may appear, or for any consequence of using the information contained herein. Statements by contributors are not always representative of the Founder’s opinion. Copyright 2009 DO IT NOW (Pty) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the Founder. DO IT NOW supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all Adventure, Sport and Lifestyle activities. We also believe in the conservation and protection of all fauna and flora.

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