DO IT NOW Magazine #21- Adventure, Sport & Lifestyle

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On the Cover - Rudy Palmboon Jnr from Durban finds some clean tropical water on a recent visit to the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Photo by - Greg Ewing | www.gregewingphoto.com

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hobson

Claire King

Kobus Bresler

Deon Breytenbach

Francois Steyn

Jacques Marais

Amy Shaw

Neil Ross

Peter Fairbanks

Richard Flamengo

Ugene Nel

Morne Swanepoel

Hannele Steyn

Xen & Adri Ludick

Steven Yates

DO IT NOW Team FOUNDER Francois Flamengo

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inTRO

FOUNDER’S LETTER

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a fantastic festive season and are well rested and ready to take on 2013. I also want to welcome you to DO IT NOW Magazine’s very first January issue. Now that the magazine has gone monthly, we look forward to delivering 12 great issues of reading entertainment this year! I really have a special feeling about 2013, could it be because of lucky number 13? J

aimed at all you weekend warriors who are looking for a great biking location to go to with your friends (p. 30). Other cover stories include exploring and surfing in Mauritius (p. 45), South Africa's first woman to summit the sixth highest mountain in the world (p. 12), BASE jumping in Europe (p. 16) and the South African cable wakeboarding team takes on the world (p. 50).

Since launching the magazine app in December 2012, it has taken off like wild fire. I am confident that it will continue to fly this year, as the interactive experience takes what was previously possible to a completely new level of awesomeness. Thank you to all our South Africa and global readers, who supported us during our launch period. And if you thought that was impressive, it's only going to get better and better with each issue, and our January edition is showstopper! If you haven't seen the interactive version yet, go to the Apple iTunes Store and download the app for free, then download your free interactive issue. Great news for all Samsung and Kindle Fire fans. We’ve done the paperwork and the app should be available from your stores within the next month or so. Visit www.doitnow.co.za/app for more information.

I'll catch you again in Feb!

Be sure to visit us on www.doitnow.co.za for more information on events and activities around South Africa or check out the fantastic picture galleries. If you have a great story to tell or know of an event that is happening, then let us know so that we can share it with all our readers.

DIN regards, Francois

In this edition, don't miss the article on Darryl Curtis and Riaan van Niekerk and their preparations for the Dakar 2013 (p. 40). The race is currently underway and we are behind our SA boys all the way! Talking about motorbikes, catch my article

dinLIST

CALENDAR

JANUARY 2012

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1

2

3

4

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Here are some fantastic activities and events to look out for this month: Birdwatching // Carryblaire - Parys (Free State) Rally // Dakar 2013 - Peru, Argentina and Chile (South America): 5-20 Jan Theatre // Mies Julie - The Market Theatre (JHB): 17 Jan Hot Air Ballooning // Oudtshoorn Ballooning - (Klein Karoo) Fauna & Flora // Wild Flower Day - Chrissiemeer (Mpumalanga): 19 Jan Triathlon // Ironman 70.3 - Nelson Mandela Bay (East London): 20 Jan Scuba Diving // Coral Divers - Zululand (KZN) Festival // Classic Car & Bike Show - Plumstead (Western Cape): 19-20 Jan MTB // Mountain Biking Africa - (PE) MTB // MTN National Marathon #1 - Barberton (North West): 26 Jan

SCAN US

CrossFit // FiCT - Camps Bay (Western Cape): 26-27 Jan Expo // Bridal Expo - Muldersdrift (Gauteng): 26-27 Jan For a more comprehensive list of events and activities taking place throughout the year, check out the dinLIST Calendar on www.doitnow.co.za/calendar.

www.doitnow.co.za • 7

inDEX

Vol. 5 • 1 • 2013 #21 | www.doitnow.co.za

Base

// Team & Contributors: p. 6 DO IT NOW Magazine’s team, and regular contributors. // inTRO: p. 7 Letter from DO IT NOW Magazine's founder. // dinLIST Calendar: p. 7 Calendar featuring Adventure-Sport-Lifestyle activities. // Subscriptions: p. 9 Subscription form and New Subscriber competition. // inFOCUS Quarterly Reader Competition: p. 96 Stand a chance to WIN big prizes by entering the reader photo competition. // inCLOSING: p. 108 A sneak preview of upcoming features and articles.

Articles inALTITUDE

12 Cho Oyu - The Turquoise Goddess at the Top of the World 16 Hunting Trolls and Other Monsters in Europe

inTRAIL

22 The Botter Trail run - A Mountain Trail Run to Celebrate Spring!

inGEAR 26 30 34 40

Crossing Africa on a Bamboo Bike Lesotho - A Weekend Warrior Paradise Discovering Deep, Dark Africa on our Honeymoon Support for DAKAR 2013

47

inH2O 47 52 56 62 66

Mauritius: Beyond Cocktail Country Six Against the World Introducing Surfing's Newest Addition Basics Bring Home the Bacon Surin and Similan Islands - You're Surin for an Underwater Treat

inSHAPE

40

70 Discovering the CrossFit Culture 74 Processed Foods

inTRANSIT 76 80 84

Crossing the Kei The Road Less Travelled Usually Surprises Around the World on Public Transport - South America to the Sub Continent of India

inNATURE

88 Exponential Growth and Exceptional Fishing

inFOCUS

90 SHOOT! An Adventure Festival - Get Your GRAV On!

inREVIEW

104 In the Spotlight: BMW M6 Convertible, Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D VNT Raised Body & Chevrolet Sonic Hatch 1.3D LS Key:

Adventure

Sport

Lifestyle

8 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

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inALTITUDE:

Words: Elsie Bezuidenhout | Photos: Various contributors

Cho Front to back: Ben, Elsie, Wayne, Sean, and Sonam by Lance Metz

Oyu

The Turquoise Goddess at the Top of the World

On 7 May 2012, at 09h12 Nepalese time, I summited Cho Oyu (8,201 m), the sixth highest mountain in the world and in the same range as Mount Everest (8,848 m), a mere 25 km away. In so doing, I became the first South African woman to stand on this little spot of Mother Earth! This brief moment was the culmination of years of

mountaineering, months of specific planning and training, and the preceding five weeks of trekking and climbing from our departure point at Kathmandu. Standing at my side was my accompanying Nepalese sherpa, 'Little' Lakpa, a veteran of Himalayan mountaineering.

12 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

The rest of the South African team, with their sherpa support, reached the summit soon after; Lance Metz, Ben Swart, Wayne Downing, and Donald O’Connor.

The team leader, Sean Disney, sacrificed his summit and remained at Camp 3 (7,700 m) due to a shortage of oxygen cylinders.

Scaling mountains such as Cho Oyu is a team business and materially influenced by expedition leadership. My summiting and the team’s success is a function of enjoying the benefits of a highly experienced expedition leader and an excellent team of Nepalese sherpas. These little-big people are giants at ferrying enormous loads of gear and material up the mountains, and just as importantly they attach climbing ropes in the most inaccessible places ahead of climbers.

Homage is paid to Sean, the quintessential expedition leader. He led from the front, pushed from the back, and walked alongside us. The leader also has to make critical decisions about safety, climbing ‘rotations’ (climb high, sleep slow), acclimatisation processes (the human body can adapt over time to high altitude to allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen), and assessing weather patterns. Sean constantly monitored weather forecasts to programme the final rotation for the summit attempt. His accurate weather decisions were crucial to our success. On some of the rotations we faced blizzards and winds of up to 80 km/h, but crucially on summit day we enjoyed the most spectacular clear and calm day.

The expedition commenced in Kathmandu.

From there we travelled in an entourage of Land Cruisers across the Nepal/Tibetan border to Base Camp (BC). At this point two tonnes of equipment and food were loaded onto yaks (a sort of long-haired ox that inhabits the Himalayan area), with the sherpas in charge, and transported to Advanced Base Camp (ABC). The entire extended team hiked the 23 km to ABC over two days. During this time our gear was tested when we were confronted by a massive blizzard.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: 1. Between Camp 1 and Camp 2 - passing a crevasse - by Sean Disney 2. Climbing in the Yellow Band on summit day - by Sonam 3. The team and sherpas at Camp 2 after summiting - by Sonam 4. A crow’s nest of old ropes as seen while climbing in the Yellow Band on summit day - by Sonam 5. View from Camp 2 - by Ben Swart 6. Climbing in the icefall by Sonam 7. Lakpa sherpa at the summit - by Elsie Bezuidenhout

14 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

ABC was located at 5,700 m (just 100 m lower than the summit of Kilimanjaro). The selected ABC area is a sea of huge boulders randomly scattered and surrounded by peaks covered in snow and ice that tower 7,000 m into the air. Moments of high visibility rendered an awe inspiring view of Mount Cho Oyu to the east. We spent most of our six-week expedition here at ABC; it was our ‘recovery zone’ and where our bodies adapted to the altitude and rigours of mountain climbing. From ABC we ventured through a three-kilometre boulder-strewn valley to reach the foot of a monster 400 m vertical scree slope (scree is a steep slope with loose rock and debris) before reaching Camp 1 at 6,400 m on a snow-covered ridge. We repeated this to and fro hike four times as part of our acclimatisation process.

The climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2 at 7,200 m was a gruelling 800 m vertical and technical one that went through a major icefall and up an ice headwall. It was during this climb when I was tested to my limits.

The traverse point is very exposed and steep; the evidence of its trickiness seen in the frozen body of a climber from the previous season lying at the bottom of the icefall. The body served as a sober reminder of how life-saving, important technical details are, such as ensuring that one clips in properly to the fixed lines and keeping one’s toeholds and balance.

Next up was Camp 3 at 7,700 m. To reach Camp 3 we had a steep and challenging rock and ice crossing of 500 m (vertical). This camp was the final staging post for our summit attempt, and in preparation for our summit bid we slept connected to oxygen. At this altitude we were in what is called the ‘Death Zone’; an altitude at which the human body can no longer acclimatise. Simply put, the volume of oxygen is not high enough to sustain human life. At 8,000 m above sea level, the oxygen volume is only a third of its value at sea level. The supplemental oxygen used during the night is intended to ensure that proper rest is achieved.

This is not an easy achievement due to a condition called ‘altitude sleep apnoea’, which causes terrible sleep deprivation. At high altitude one is conscious of one’s difficult breathing when awake, but when sleeping one’s body goes into a very slow breathing rate that causes one to wake up in a panic and with a feeling of suffocation. This is called ‘Chain Stokes Syndrome’.

We set out for the summit at 01h00 on the morning of 7 May. Lance planned to attempt the summit without oxygen, but the rest of us were happily sucking oxygen through our masks. After an hour of climbing up a steep snow slope we were faced with a 200 m vertical limestone wall called ‘the Yellow Band’. New ropes had not yet been fixed for this season, so we had to use the ropes from the previous seasons, which entailed risk. At times only one person could be on the ropes as these seemingly helpful aids could not be trusted. Each person had to wait patiently in the dark and cold for a turn to perform their gymnastics on the ropes, climbing across the rock and digging crampons into the surface.

Extreme care had to be exercised, and at times I could not feel my fingers and toes and made a constant effort to wiggle and move them to keep the circulation going. Just before sunrise the temperature plummeted to minus 40 degrees C. With a great sense of relief I eventually crested the last section of the Yellow Band, only to be met with further rock faces.

Each step required a conscious effort, as did each struggling breath.

Once past the series of rock faces I finally reached the summit plateau.

From here it was another 45 minutes of laboured breathing, ploughing knee deep through snow or scraping over iced layers before I crested the true summit. I literally counted out 15 steps, rested, took another 15 steps, and so it went to keep myself moving. My supporting sherpa reached the summit first, and started jumping up and down as he pointed to something behind him. I wondered how it was possible that he was jumping while I could only stumble! Then I saw it ... Everest! I was told that only when you see Everest and the prayer flags are you on the true summit. A few more steps and I was on the summit of Cho Oyu! I dropped to my knees as it was the most humbling feeling; the privilege of standing on one of the highest mountains in the world and having a 360 degree view of the most majestic and beautiful mountain range in the world - the Himalayas. It was a dream come true.

But no successful expedition is over until one has safely descended from the summit. I took extreme caution descending and constantly told myself not to make any mistakes. I finally reached Camp 2 at 16h00, utterly exhausted but elated, and past my physical limits but content. I had accomplished my objective!

Having completed a long and tough expedition that tested all my faculties and will power, I embrace my life philosophy that one needs to dream big and do what it takes to achieve such dreams. •

èRelates articles: • Climbing to the Top of Europe Mt. Elbrus (Issue 19, p. 16) • Summiting Africa's Icy Crown (Issue 18, p. 40) • Antarctica - A Race Against Time (Issue 17, p. 32)

dinFO box

i

Elsie has already summited six of the seven summits. Now her dream is to climb Everest and follow in the footsteps of Mandy Ramsden and become only the second South African female to complete the seven summits. Raising the money to climb Everest is the challenge. For more information, visit her website www.sa7summits.co.za.

Elsie's mountaineering experience:

Kilimanjaro - Africa (Oct 2001) Everest Base Camp - Himalayas (Oct 2005) Aconcagua - South America (Dec 2005) Denali - North America, Alaska (May 2007) Mt. Vinson - Antarctica (Jan 2009) Elbrus - Europe Russia (July 2009) Carstensz Pyramid - Papua, Indonesia (Oct 2009) Ararat - Turkey (Sep 2011) Damavand - Iran (Sep 2011) Cho Oyu - Tibet (May 2012) - First South African woman

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 15

inALTITUDE:

Words: Amy Shaw | Photos: Various contributors

Hunting Trolls and Other Monsters in Europe I was on a two-month BASE jumping pilgrimage to some of Europe’s big walls, where my travels took me through Switzerland, Italy, and to the literal beginnings of European big wall BASE jumping, Norway. Having visited Switzerland and Italy for BASE before, I had some idea of what to expect, but this would be my first visit to the monstrous walls of Norway.

16 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

First attempt on the Mushroom flouted by bad weather

Norway

I had been warned of exhausting, technical hikes, and fickle, unpredictable weather, but nothing could truly prepare me for the sheer scale of this land.

I arrived to a mysterious country shrouded in fog and an almost perpetual drizzle, aquamarine fjords, and an eerie presence lurking behind the veil of weather. I knew what was there, it was the reason I had come.

Giants. Norway’s legendary 1,500 m cliffs or 'walls' as we call them, are some of the highest in the world, and for people like me who make a hobby of parachuting off cliffs and other fixed objects, the Holy Grail. These would be the biggest cliffs I had ever jumped from and, although I didn’t know it as I stepped off my plane at Stavanger Airport, my most challenging BASE jumping adventure to date.

The hikes in Norway vary from two to six hours over rugged and sometimes technical terrain. Because of largely poor weather for BASE jumping, a lot of time is spent trawling weather forecasts in an attempt to guess the most favourable time of day to jump; the elusive 'weather window'.

The window might come at 1 a.m. or 8 p.m., so with 24 hours of daylight we hiked when the forecast told us to, and slept in-between. Each jump was nothing short of an expedition!

In the first two days I had hiked up and back down twice without a single jump. It was clear these mountains were not going to simply lift their skirts for us, this was BASE jumping boot camp! People often watch me spend 40 minutes meticulously packing my BASE jumping parachute, “All this effort just for one jump?” they ask.

Man, you don’t know the half of it.

The biggest challenge for me was the uncertainty. As you near the top, or the 'exit' as we call it, you must psychologically deal with the fact that in 10 minutes you could be landed, exhilarated, and warm at the bottom, or face a cold, sketchy four-hour scramble back down in freezing rain and snow.

18 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 1. Amy looks over the exit at Katthammer, Norway 2. Fjords of Norway 3. A jumper crosses the gap between the north face of the Eiger and The Mushroom, by Chris “Douggs” McDougall, www.basedreams.com

On one particularly gruelling hike up to a jump called the Katthammer, my buddy laughed as I described feeling like a bug scrambling on all fours over the back of a beastly troll, the mud and moss its mange-ridden fur that peeled off its granite back and into my hands as I struggled to stay rooted on its ever-moving surface. My imagination mirrored my mood, and at that moment the trolls of Norwegian folklore were more of the horror than fantasy version! But then, as I struggled on, smeared in mud like a guerilla fighter, the fog swirled, broke, and revealed them; the giants that had brought me here showed themselves at last and I was simply blown away. These colossal mountains attract BASE jumpers from every corner of the globe and are the very inspiration of the sport itself.

This is what BASE jumping is all about, from the intimate folding of your life- preserving parachute and the physicality of the hike, to the intense mental challenge of the potentially mind-blurring freefall. It is nothing for one jump, it is a complete experience.

We reached the top of the beastly Katthammer physically fatigued but exhilarated. With the constant pressure of potentially missing the weather window in the back of our minds, it was an adrenalin rush from the first step of the steep three-hour hike to the exit. At the top, there was little time to contemplate the powerful scenery around us, for that tricky weather window was closing fast! We kitted up, slapped a hasty high five, and left the rock sopping wet, covered in mud, and with fingers frozen. And then all at once I was in freefall, a LOT of freefall.

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One thousand two hundred metres of intense and eye-watering speed, as the magnificent terrain roars past for 35 seconds of powerful, epic, human flight. The jumps are technical here, requiring a precise flight path to avoid terrain. The scenery in Norway, as giant and monstrous as it is, creates majestic visuals in freefall, the experience somehow amplified by the sheer enormity of the place and everything in it. This place is built for viewing at high speed!

Living, breathing, roaring speed! I am an aircraft with a thousand intricate moving parts, the most advanced on the planet, and I am exactly where I want to be!

I had travelled to Italy to jump from the mighty 1,200 m Mt. Brento, and in Norway I flew a wingsuit past the Trollstigen or 'Trolls Ladder', the famous winding alpine road. But one monster continued to elude us, the infamous Troll Wall of Norway; a colossal formation of spires sporting a 1,700 m drop from exit to landing. The wall gets its name from the Norwegian legend that trolls attended a wedding one night, stayed too late partying and on their way home were caught by the sunrise and turned to stone. It is also one of the birthplaces of modern-day BASE jumping, made famous by Carl Boenish, the Father of our sport.

We spent many days in Norway weather watching in hope of claiming this giant, many times waking at 1 a.m. only to find the weather was poor and having to abandon our expedition.

On my final day in Norway, we decided to take our chances with the weather. We got an 'alpine start' at 1 a.m. and in the shifting fog and wind I felt like Frodo on the last push to Mordor. At one stage, as I clung to a sketchy ice ledge, my buddy, an experienced mountaineer, asked me if I had any ice climbing experience as this type of terrain usually warrants ice axes and crampons. As I clung bare fingered in my skate shoes, I replied that I had little climbing experience of any sort. So instead of offering his usual technical tips, he raised his eyebrows and feigned nonchalance with, “Okay then.

Don’t fall off.”

At the top of the troll it was clear that we would not be jumping that day. The wind howled to the point where it was impossible even to stand upright at the precipice, so we had to settle for crawling to the edge and peering over at our would-be prize. The word 'exit' that was painted on the rock back in the '80s by Carl Boenish himself, could still be seen. It felt like a prize just to be there, and though it was hard to turn and start the four-hour hike back down, it was not without a certain sense of accomplishment; not just for being where all the craziness that is BASE started, but for feeling like, in the process of this journey, I had gained a new level of understanding into the 'why' of my sport.

20 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 1. Wingsuiting in Switzerland 2. T eamwork on the north face of the Eiger

Switzerland

In stark contrast to my experience in Norway, Switzerland offered relatively easy hikes and temperate weather. I jumped in an area close to Interlaken, affectionately known to BASE jumpers as 'the valley'. It is BASE jumping Disneyland, with the train and cable car infrastructure in place for the winter ski season effectively halving our hiking times.

Here one can jump up to 10 times a day compared with Norway’s epic, single jump expeditions.

On previous trips to Switzerland, weather had hindered my attempts to claim one famous BASE jumping prize; the North Face of the Eiger, an exit known to BASE jumpers as 'The Mushroom'. This year I intended to change that. The Mushroom is one of those deliciously sating 'complete experience' jumps, involving an alpine train ride, an exposed three-hour scramble, a bit of rope work, and some makeshift climbing. The Mushroom itself is separated from the main face of the Eiger by a two-metre gap that's connected by a wire cable bolted across. With climbing slings looped through our parachute harnesses and a karabiner attached, we clipped onto the cable and effectively zip-lined over the 1,000 metre drop below. The Eiger is infamous for her unpredictable weather and, as if to prove that nothing comes cheap in this sport, despite favourable weather forecasts, my party arrived atop of The Mushroom to thick cloud cover, and a no go for BASE jumping. We waited for hours in hope, but finally had to accept defeat and started the long and treacherous scramble back down.

The following day, a little stiff and tired but in high spirits from the epic views and adrenalin-filled hike the day before, we attacked the Eiger again. Despite an identical weather forecast the sky could not have looked more different and the scene was welcoming as we arrived atop our prize. Standing on such a unique rock feature, exposed and alien, is an empowering experience. And watching it shrink behind you as you accelerate to 140 km/h of freefall, even more so.

Lessons learnt

During this trip I learnt many things; I learnt to appreciate beauty in the rain, to accept a helping hand when offered, and the satisfying feeling of conquering something, both together and alone. Of pushing oneself to the edge of one’s physical and mental capabilities amongst the most exquisite, wild, and rich elements of our planet. But most of all, I learnt to appreciate every moment for what it is right now, and not what I hope it will become.

So although I left this land with certain monsters left unconquered, these are monsters I will happily return to hunt again and again. For that is what it’s really all about. •

èRelates articles:

• Magnificence on the Far Side of Fear (Issue 17, p. 48) • Jumping into Paradise (Issue 20, p. 14)

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The Botter Trail run

A Mountain Trail Run to Celebrate Spring!

Way back in 1672, merchants from the Cape would trek across the flats and over the Helderberg Mountains with a variety of produce and trade it for caskets full of 'botter' (butter) from the Khoi-khoi, who lived along the banks of what became known as the Bot River - a name derived from the Afrikaans word for butter ‘botter’ and the Khoikhoi's word ‘Couga’, which means 'abundance of fat'. The name stuck, and today this river flows through the small, picturesque village of Bot River into a large lagoon, which forms a marsh at its mouth. These wetlands are home to thousands of waterfowl, and one of the only remaining herds of wild horses roams the area.

Nestled in the foothills of the Houw Hoek Mountains, the fertile valley that surrounds the mountains is covered in fynbos, and the historical wine farms and fields of wheat are what makes this area a real gem; a sanctuary in a world gone mad. And so it comes as no surprise that over the last two decades, Bot River has transformed into a destination that offers plenty of good old fashioned outdoor activities, as well as things near and dear to all our hearts; great wines, good food and friendly folk.

Driving through town, the first place that catches the eye is the Bot River Hotel in the village square, which is said to have been built in the 1890s. A split second later, the wine barrels at the entrance to Beaumont Wines suggest that one should pop in and experience bliss in glass. The Beaumont family runs the cellar and farm with total passion and it’s evident once you meet with them. This is also home to the region's oldest wine cellar, and in recent times one of the oldest water mills in the Overberg was restored to working condition - 80 years on!

22 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

This little ‘undiscovered’ gem is well worth a visit and an excellent time to do so is in spring, when the Botrivier Spring Festival is held over the weekend of 31 August 2013. For those who also want to experience the great outdoors, Quantum Adventures has created another Country Classic trail run that will blend in well with the spring festivities. The inaugural Botter Trail Run takes place on Saturday, 31 August 2013, and will see runners enjoying pristine single track against the majestic backdrop of the surrounding mountain slopes, as well as stunning vistas of the valley.

What to expect

• Pack your trail shoes, mountain bike and any other outdoor gadgets you have and rock up on the Friday evening.

• It’s been a thirsty, 90-minute drive from Cape Town, so pay a quick-ish visit to the Bot River Hotel to quench that insatiable thirst. Or perhaps check out where you are sleeping in the village first!

• If you fancy a cracking, crisp, fresh pizza, wander across the village square and visit the Shunt n Shed, a lively pizza joint inside an old train caboose. The pizzas are great!

• Once you’ve carbo loaded, and if you haven’t already found your abode for the next two nights, this would be a good time to do so.

• Wake up around 06h30-ish, stretch and grab some breakfast and real coffee.

• Just to warm up, consider taking a slow jog to the edge of the village where the ‘Botter’ starts. Take it easy though, as you won’t want to overdo it just yet.

• Arrive at the start just in time for the run briefing, and whilst hanging around see if you can recognise any pre-winter friends and reacquaint yourself.

• Listen to run briefing - I know it’s a tough two minutes, but well worth it!

• Set off and experience blissful running on splendid single tracks, pristine views and crisp, fresh air!

• Depending on which distance you choose to run 21 km or 8 km - you might be out there for a good three hours in the case of the longer route.

• After your mountain trail experience, grab a chilled drink, recline with your mates, exchange war stories and enjoy a relaxed prize-giving. You might be one of the lucky ones to win one of many awesome prizes up for grabs!

• The rest of the fun entails wine tastings, indulging in good food, meeting the wine makers in person, more wine tastings, beer and more good food.

There’s not many better ways to spend a day with friends!

• Other activities on offer include fly fishing, horse riding, visiting the art exhibits, live music and, of course, taking your mountain bike for a spin!

• You’ve now entered the ‘timeless’ zone, where time is not a concern during this weekend.

24 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

An added bonus for Capetonians is that all of this awesomeness is only 90-minutes away on the N2. So with plenty of time to book your accommodation and prepare for and enter this trail run, there’s no reason why you can’t ‘botter’ your bread on both sides - right? But be sure to enter online when entries open on 1 March 2013, as it’s bound to sell out in no time at all. •

Did you know?

• This will be the fourth run of six in the Quantum Country Classic (QCC) Series 2013.

• You will be part of and share the trails with a very special crowd of ‘trail’ runners when you enter and take part in one of these Classics.

• Race winners within the series will each receive R6,000 cash and an invitation to tackle the 100 km Verdon Canyon Challenge in the French Alps, in July 2014. Entry and accommodation will be provided courtesy of the French. In return, they will send their male and female winners to take part in one of the two-stage trail runs organised by Quantum Adventures.

èRelated articles: • Quantum Leap. Lessons and the Sequel!

(Issue 20, p. 30) • RETTO 2012, The Perfect Race (Digital article, November '12) • Oorlogskloof Mountain Trail Run - A one-of-a- kind mountain trail race (Issue 16, p. 96)

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Quantum Country Classic Dates for 2013 1. Oorlogskloof Mountain Run: 27 April - 5 km, 18 km and 42 km - Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve, Nieuwoudtville 2. Arangieskop Trail Challenge: 23 February 10 km and 24 km - Robertson 3. Grootvadersbosch Trail Challenge: 19-21 July - Day 1 = 30 km, Day 2 = 20 km plus a shorter, separate 5 km - Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, near Swellendam/Heidelberg 4. Botter Trail Run: 31 August - 21 km and 8 km Botrivier Spring Festival 5. Berg & Beach: 4-6 October - Day 1 = 23 km coastal trail, Day 2 = 27 km mountain trail Hermanus, Whale Festival 6. Muizenberg Mountain Challenge: 7 December 12 km - the turkey earner!

Spur Adventure Sprint races 1. Paul Cluver Estate, Grabouw: 13 January 2. Lourensford Estate, Somerset West: 10 February 3. Oak Valley Estate, Elgin: 17 March 4. Oak Valley Estate, Elgin: 27 October 5. Lourensford Estate, Somerset West: 10 November 6. Oak Valley Estate, Elgin: 1 December Expedition Adventure Race 250 km Namaqua Quantum Leap (the Sequel): 21-25 August - Namaqua, Hantam Karoo and Cedarberg. Unfinished business!

For more information on the above events and to enter visit www.quantumadventures.co.za. To check out the images of past trail runs and interact with other runners, visit the Quantum Adventures Events FB page.

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 25

inGEAR:

Words & Photos: Matteo Samettii | Video: Giorgia Marchitelli

Crossing

Africa on a Bamboo Bike I'd been thinking about taking a bicycle tour across Africa for a while, but I just hadn't found a good enough reason or the timing wasn't right. But this all changed when

the Chieftainess Nkomesha Mukamambo II, a traditional leader who administers (well I must add) her land in a district as big as Gauteng, wanted to build a new, innovative school for one of her villages, and Sport2build was approached to raise funds.

Desert encounters in Sudan

26 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Serena and Giorgia, my partners in Sport2build, and I happily accepted the challenge. The plan was that I would cycle from Chongwe, in Zambia, all the way to London, a distance of approximately 8,400 km.

With the help of a well-organised media and awareness campaign, funds would be raised through supporters making donations. Furthermore, networking along the way would be fundamental to spreading Sport2build's message: Sport can change your life!

Our first objective was to find a mode of transport representative of Africa to demonstrate that it's possible to do incredible things with very little. We decided that a bamboo bike would best represent the true spirit of this journey because it was a Zambian product, innovative, ecological, economical (about $700) and able to absorb, muffle and deaden the harsh conditions of Africa's ramshackle roads.

London would be my final destination and I needed to reach it before 29 August 2012, the date of the Paralympics' Opening Ceremony. We had chosen the Paralympics because it is the ultimate expression of sport for all, and embodies social inclusion, commitment and exemplary stories of people who don't give up and have made resilience the backbone of their lives. These are the same values that we try to convey to coaches and children through our work.

Heading to Chipata

Children following me in Ethiopia

The departure date of 15 June was set and before I knew it I was standing in front of the Chieftainess' palace in Chongwe, 35 km east of Lusaka, along with about two hundred well wishers, who had come to see me off.

There were some official speeches and then God was asked to protect me and the bike during the journey and keep away any ferocious animals and prowlers on the roads I would ride. Today I can say that their prayers worked very well!

Zambian uphill near Chipata With two engineers in Migreh, Sudan

Arrival in London at the Tower Bridge

In Zambia I had many supporters, mainly children, along the way. Often there would be one child on the lookout and as soon as he saw me would shout “Musungu, musungu,” and then sprint like mad to call his friends and siblings, who would come running out to greet me.

By its very nature the bicycle is freedom of movement and competition, and whilst cycling through Nyimba I met two charcoal burners, a very common occupation in this part of Africa. They were each carrying three bags of charcoal, weighing 40 kg each, on their bikes, and after chatting for a while we started cycling together.

Taking advantage of a slight downhill, one of the men suddenly sped ahead. Not one to back down from a challenge, I picked up the pace and by the time I had caught up with him, my speedometer had registered 48 km/h. As I drew up beside him, we looked at each other and then burst out laughing, telling each other, “You are strong!”

Leaving Zambia behind, I entered Malawi from Moocha, next to Lundazi. The terrain was very bumpy as the once-tarred roads were now potholed, gravel roads.

Some 451 km later, I left Malawi and entered Tanzania.

The road from Iringa to Arusha personified everything that a cyclist would not want to find, such as piles of stones, wet soil that got in-between the mudguard and wheel, cement waves caused by tracked vehicles, rocks protruding from the surface and white sand. It was here that I encountered a cobra, but we were both too busy minding our own business to scare each other.

Watching it slither off, I envied its agility as it floated across the sand while I was sinking into it because of the weight of my panniers.

I learnt it was better to cross the border in the evening, as there were less people and you got through quicker. In addition, you were ready to head out to your new destination early the next morning.

28 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

On the Kenyan highway with David Kinjah and his team

Sudanese open sky camp bed

I only stayed in Kenya for a short time before going in search of the Moyale Express to take me to Moyale, a market town on the border of Ethiopia and Kenya.

Cycling from Isiolo to Moyale was not an option due to the very real threat of Somali bandits, and a lone cyclist would be easy prey. However, taking the Moyale Express turned out to be one of the riskiest parts of the entire trip.

I found a seat in the last row, where you want to sit on a school trip but absolutely want to avoid on a journey through a desert of black stones. When speeding over a bump, a passenger sitting in the first row is jolted 30 cm, someone in the middle 60 cm and in the last row about a metre. The crash landing that followed usually involved tears of pain or a groan, but the bus driver did not stop or even slow down. The sound track of the journey was one of scraping iron, glass that rattled, and bolts that rebelled against the welding that kept the bus in one piece. In spite of the windows being sealed, dust invaded every nook and cranny of the bus and by the end of the trip I was the same colour as some Ethiopian shepherds and Somalis I sat next to.

Ethiopia is a world on its own and the country I stayed the longest in. The 1,683 km ride saw me cross countless mountains, in the cold and rain. On one very long uphill, to 3,300 m, I was accompanied by children running alongside me as they sang and clapped their hands.

They were excellent supporters and very curious, unlike the Kenyan or Tanzanian children, who would never think to touch my bike. The Ethiopian kids would grab my handlebar, the speedometer or panniers, and then ask for money. At times I lost my patience, but I realised that they asked because they had already received from tourists, who don't understand that they are doing more harm than good.

To enter Sudan at the Metemma/Gallabat border you need to pass through a horde of security checks, including camera and laptop inspections, and the pictures on my memory card. This puzzled me as what could I have photographed in those 400 m since entering Sudan?

Drinking and eating well in the desert is fundamental, so I drank plenty of water and ate low fat yoghurt, bread, biscuits, and at times crisps, which are rich in salt. Travelling through the desert was incredibly tough, especially after one o'clock in the afternoon when the heat became unbearable and the winds blisteringly hot.

Drinking was no longer enough and my body craved a cold shower. Surprisingly, Sudan proved to be very organised and I would find ceramic jars full of water next

to bus stops, at petrol stations or simply under shelters in front of shops, for passersby ablution purposes. In every village I passed through, I was invited by the locals to join them on their colorful carpets for lime juice, karkade and ilumur; a tea prepared with seven local spices, which rehydrated my desertravaged body. Despite the challenging conditions, it was with a heavy heart that I left Sudan and its people, who had been so helpful and welcoming. Governments and religions are one thing, luckily people are another.

Entering Egypt, I followed the course of the Nile to Cairo and was often stopped by police, who tried to scare me into taking the train to the capital because they said the situation after the revolution was very still dangerous. Regardless, I continued on and never felt in any danger. Plunging into the capital's chaotic traffic was fantastic after cycling for 7,000 km alone.

The bedlam reminded me of my Milanese origins, and I had great fun zigzagging amongst the cars and buses. On my rest day, I went sightseeing and visited Tahrir Square, and watched families eating ice cream in crowded shops that stayed open until late.

I flew into Malpensa and whilst in Europe the bike’s components started to give me problems. I visited four mechanics, who changed different parts, including the back wheel, and I was good to go again. It was only after I boarded the ferry in Calais when I realised that the end was near.

Early on the afternoon of 28 August I found myself on the Tower Bridge, just in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics. It had taken me 74 days and 8,400 km to cycle through seven countries on my bamboo bike. A journey like this is like a drug and it’s difficult to immediately return to your normal life, as the head is more inclined to start preparing and organising the next adventure rather than get busy with everyday life. Luckily, a speech by Stephen Hawking came to my rescue and reminded me to, “Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose, and life is empty without it. If you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don't throw it away.”

èRelated articles:

• Green in Africa (Issue 18, p. 128) • Team SiyaShova Rides for the Hear Us Foundation (Issue 13, p. 128)

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Sport2build is still raising money for the school, and an international cement company has pledged to donate all the cement needed. To support, donate to or find out more about this incredible cause please visit www.sport2build.org or email matteo@sport2build.org or scuola@sport2build.org.

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 29

inGEAR:

Francois Flamengo | Photos & Video: DO IT NOW Media

Visit the Afriski website

www.afriski.za.net for more information

Lesotho

A Weekend Warrior Paradise Any true biker will tell you that there is very little in this world that can give you the same feeling as throwing a leg over a steel horse, starting it up, and going wherever the road takes you. Now if you are a weekend warrior like me, combine that feeling with some unspoilt terrain and your friends joining you on a ride, well, life just simply doesn’t get any better.

30 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

This is exactly what happened when my friends, Chris and Gerrit, and I received an invitation from Peter Pyper, the owner of Gone Skiing in Fourways, to explore the area surrounding Afriski, a resort situated high up in the north of Lesotho.

Before you could say ‘two stroke’, we were packed and on our way to Lesotho, a masterpiece of unbelievable mountain terrain. The area demands respect and is sure to test your technical skills to the max on the many tracks that crisscross this Mountain Kingdom.

a few cars lying in some very unpleasant locations, and you definitely do not want to add yours to the statistics.

Once you reach the top, it’s only a few more kilometres to Afriski.

We arrived at Afriski and were welcomed by Martin Schultz, our terrain guide, who took us through his plans for us. He has a vast amount of tracks marked on his GPS and without his knowledge we wouldn’t have experienced half of what we did in our two days at the resort. After our briefing, we checked into our very luxurious log cabins, changed into our riding gear, and were ready to ramble.

Martin first took us on an ‘easier’ ride to make sure the bikes functioned well at 3,500 m because at this height two stroke bikes normally have an issue, and without the correct jetting it can end your trip right there and then.

Heading to the south of Afriski, towards Oxbow, it soon became apparent that the rocky terrain would make up most of the sections we would be riding. Picking your line on the uphills was important because getting it wrong could make life a whole lot trickier. Once we were comfortable in the technical terrain, Martin took us on a track labelled the Tower Route, to give us a taste of what we would be dealing with the next day. The track was nice and flowing, and I really started to appreciate the power of the two stroke Husqvarna WR250 I was test driving. With its plush suspension and responsive power, it made easy work of the jeep tracks. The bike was also easy to handle and I was impressed by how effortless it was to control over the rocky ground.

We completed the loop in about two hours and then headed to the Sky Restaurant, to discuss the ride over some local Maluti Beers. After a fantastic dinner, we turned in to get some rest before tackling the Amphitheatre the next morning. This track is said to be one of the best rides available to the intermediate rider who likes a challenge.

We were in our element as we cruised along towards the resort, our excitement mounting by the kilometre. Just a word of advice though to first time visitors to Lesotho; ensure you obey all the road signs and speed limits because if you don't and get caught by the local authorities, you will pay for even the smallest of misdemeanours.

The 75 km road to Afriski takes you over an amazing and seriously high pass called Mauteng Pass. There are a few tight corners to contend with, so you need to take great care and be very alert, especially on the way down. En route, you will notice

The route kicked off with some nice flowing jeep track and we soon settled into a good, steady rhythm. Martin set a fast pace and it was exhilarating to try and keep up with him as he wound his way through the mountains towards Mont-Aux-Sources. With mist cascading down the mountain and visibility becoming an issue, Martin decided to push on. We traversed the top section of the legendary Drakensberg Amphitheatre, riding into more technical sections as we went along. After a few river crossings, Martin stopped at the bottom of a hill with a bit of a smirk on his face. “Right boys, this is Panino Hill. Choose your line carefully as there's 1,000 points for anyone that makes it up the hill first time!" At first glance the hill didn’t look intimidating at all, but that was a bad judgement call from my side because as I began to climb, I quickly had to divert to an unplanned route that had me holding on for all I'm worth. But I made it and happily collected my 1,000 points. Standing atop the hill and looking down afterwards, I was very relieved to have made it the first time and not still be fighting my way up.

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 31

inREVIEW: Husqvarna WR250

Martin led the way down Break Knee Hill, a name given to what can go wrong if you don't concentrate on all the rocks that lead to the bottom. I found the descent to be extremely exciting and kept as close as possible to Martin so I could follow his line. Some of the rocks hidden in the grass surprised Chris and he was fortunate not to injure himself.

Martin then told us we would continue descending into the valley to reach the notorious Two Stroke Hill, the 70 km landmark on our route. This would be the final test on technical terrain because if we didn't get over it, we would have to turn back and run the risk of running out of gas. Getting to Two Stroke Hill offered another great piece of riding terrain, as we had to cross a few slippery river sections and traverse over cambered hills. From the bottom of the hill it was a long one-kilometre climb to the top, so Martin suggested we break the hill down into manageable chunks. Somewhat apprehensively, I started the climb and rode as cautiously as possible to stay on my intended line. I soon realised that the hill had other ideas, as I was thrown all over the place when trying to get across or around the rocks. My only option was to work hard and ride offensively, as any deviation from this new plan could result in the bike getting stuck in one of the many booby traps that were waiting to claim their next victim. With Martin showing the way, it took me about 10 minutes and three stops to reach the top, and the feeling of achievement was awesome and the view spectacular.

With the group showing signs of fatigue after an unbelievable four-hour ride, we headed back to the resort. I still had some energy left in the tank, so I worked the bike through the mud holes and rocks, and felt incredibly privileged to be riding in such amazing terrain.

Back at Afriski, everyone was talking about what section was the best to ride through, and by the end of the debate we concluded that the entire ride was a combination of just the right stuff. Nice and easy to get you going, and tough and hard to remind you that you had ridden in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. But overall, a ride fit for kings!

Afriski is a fantastic weekend-warrior paradise, and with so much adventure on offer you'll probably end up booking your next trip before you've even left the resort. The team is also very professional and the overall experience is most definitely worth the effort of getting there. So what are you waiting for?

Call your riding buddies and book a riding trip at Afriski now! •

32 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

We tested the Husqvarna WR250 (Two Stroke) over the two-day ride in Lesotho.

During the test ride we rode over a wide variety of terrain including gravel roads, jeep tracks, river crossings and technical mountain sections. We found the bike to be a great weapon when tackling traditional off-road terrain, as it was fast, nimble, well balanced and equipped with a powerful engine, which all combined to make it a great ride.

However, I missed the electric start and extra power outside the power band in the slower, more technical terrain.

We believe the Husqvarna WR250 is well suited to anyone who loves a powerful power band two stroke bike. Complemented with a very good suspension and the pedigree of a renowned Swedish brand, it's a package deal that shouldn't be ignored if you are in the market to buy a new bike.

For more information contact Husqvarna directly or one of the many dealers countrywide.

èRelated articles: • Husqvarna Returns to SA (Issue 18, p. 134) • Who is King of Adventure Touring (Issue 8, p. 20) • The Long Way to Katse Dam (Issue 2, p. 24)

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Visit the Afriski website, www.afriski.za.net for more information on the riding options, and also book your ski/ snowboarding trip for winter 2013!

inGEAR:

Words: Guillaume de Swardt | Photos: Dorette de Swardt | Video: Big Boy Scooters

Discovering

Deep, Dark Africa on our Honeymoon

ya is ban dit cou ntry , but The Cha lbi Des ert in des olat ed nor ther n Ken tly shu t and our face s are inst ead of kee pin g gua rd our eye s are tigh a futi le atte mpt to stop the cov ered with laye rs and laye rs of clot h. It's orif ice in the hum an hea d. san d from blas ting us and filli ng up eve ry We’ve been sitting, standing, and lying like this for what feels like an eternity, our bodies continuously hurled into the air and then slammed down unceremoniously onto the back of this unforgiving cattle truck, on the road of hell - the Moyale Road. This road is known amongst travellers as a ‘must do’ to be regarded as a salted and intrepid adventurer, and we had been warned by those who had survived the absolute discomfort involved when undertaking this gruelling ordeal. At the time all I could think of was that we had to do this, as it was the safest way to get us and our tiny 150 cc delivery motorcycle through this bandit-ridden part of Kenya to the Ethiopian border. From there we would continue our travels to Egypt with ‘Pole Pole’, our trusty motorcycle.

Travelling through Botswana

34 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Having started in South Africa, the overall trip was expected to take five to six months and would cover about 10,000 km.

Oh, and did I mention that this was Dorette's and my honeymoon?

First lift - Isiolo to Marsabit on the Liban Express

On the back of a cattle truck

If you’re heading north from Nairobi, Kenya, and your aim is to get to Ethiopia you have two choices; the Moyale Road or Tanganyinka Road. Both are through desolate parts of the country that have been rejected by locals and tourists alike, and are considered to be very dangerous. If you don’t have a vehicle that can take the many punches that Africa’s off-roading is guaranteed to hand out, you have only one choice, the Moyale Road.

And this is where your fate will be to hitch a ride on the back of a cattle truck. This was the one part of our Trans-African trip that our 150 cc would not be able to get us through, and even if the sandy roads and bandits weren’t an issue, we still wouldn’t have enough petrol to make it. Our fate was therefore sealed and we would have to make this journey the same way as all the other hitch-hikers.

36 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Kenya

Two days before our departure for Isiolo, a town in the Eastern Province of Kenya, we had some fun with the bike, giving it to a school for disabled children for the day and allowing them to paint it. The result was a mess of wet paint sticking to everything. The bike looked ridiculous to say the least and we knew the dust from the road ahead would cling to the still semi-wet paint and add to the chaos of colours.

We departed from the foothills of Mount Kenya early in the morning, hoping to find a lift and get going as soon as possible. After 12 hours of bargaining and waiting we are finally on our way.

WAR MACHINE FLYING HIGH

Husqvarna wins again.

2012 - Juha Salminen finishes top 3 in the world E2 championship.

Juan Barreda wins the Pharaoh Rally, finishes second in the Moroccan rally on his TE449RR Welcome to the Husqvarna Family Gauteng: Echo Powersport, Centurion (012) 345 3333 Katay Racing, West Rand (011) 475 4892, MotorNetix, Midrand (011) 805 5200, Primrose Motorcycles, East Rand (011) 828 9091, Sandstorm Racing, Pretoria (012) 644 1017, Waterworld, Randburg (011) 462 4390 Kwa Zulu Natal: Fast Powersport, Richards Bay (035) 789 6378, Hooked Up Motorsports, Pinetown (031) 701 2400 North West: Speed Bike, Klerksdorp (018) 464 1885 Free State: Bloem Jet Sport, Bloemfontein (051) 448 0993 Western Cape: Eddy 2 Race, Brackenfell 0861 250 300 Mpumalanga: Nelspruit ATV (013) 752 2023 Namibia: Leisure World, Swakopmund +264 64 404 314

w w w.husqv ar na- m o to r c yc les.c o .za

POWERED BY

Within a few hours, the sweltering desert sun has obliterated the final reserves of my patience! My face and neck are plastered in mud from the sand that has mixed with the buckets of sweat dripping off me under the pieces of cloths used to keep the dust out of my lungs.

I stand up, rip off the cloths and climb onto the cattle truck’s top bars, holding on for dear life and coughing out a few grams of sand I had inhaled, the price for this temporary relief. However, I am no match against the force of the corrugated road and am repeatedly shot into the air, my poor ass receiving a solid beating each time it collides with the truck. At least I can wipe some of the mud from my face and enjoy the wind as it sweeps through my sweat-drenched doormat - what I would normally refer to as hair in other circumstances. With each kilometre my discomfort grows, so my strategy is to milk each position until it becomes too painful and unbearable and then rotate to the next position. Thus, the journey became one of savouring the pure bliss of relieving one part of my body by sacrificing another part to the unending torture.

A leathered old man carrying an ancient rifle is also seated on the truck's roof. He is still awake. Good. I am not exactly sure what I would do if we came under attack, as I see him more as a small decoy as opposed to an active force or saviour in my so-called escape plan. I can only hold on and hope, because after discomfort security is the other big thing on my mind. Before starting this trip I was confronted by a few disapproving individuals on this issue.

“What the hell are you thinking by taking your wife into deep, dark Africa where it is fraught with danger?” The justification was simple, she wanted to go. In fact, it was Dorette who had proposed the idea for our honeymoon on the night we got engaged. Sure, heading north into certain isolated and dangerous parts of Africa isn’t your typical honeymoon destination, but to us disappearing into the Dark Continent to see what we would find was everything we’d ever dreamed of!

So here we are, in the riskiest stretch of our journey. The war declared in Sudan and ongoing Egyptian revolution is, in my eyes, a piece of cake compared to this stretch of isolated landscape.

The irony is that if we had travel insurance we would be covered on this road and not in Sudan or Egypt! But we aren’t insured, as we had taken out insurance for the first three months of our journey and decided to save the rest of the money. Sitting on the truck I knew it was money well saved because if something did happen no one would ever find us in these parts anyway.

By this stage my backside is only a few minutes away from having had enough and I am getting dizzy from the afternoon sun. I look down and catch sight of Dorette huddled in the corner, her slim shoulders slamming against the dung-covered sides of the truck as her petite body is tossed around like a rag doll. Dynamite certainly does come in small packages I think, my sympathy and admiration for Dorette growing by the minute. My poor, brave wife, she's gone through so much discomfort and difficulties over the last few months, all for her honeymoon! Prior to our trip, I had been told about various ‘disaster’ honeymoon stories and the words now reverberated in my head; newlywed brides complaining about the choice of location, activities, and even the class of the hotel arranged by their husbands for their honeymoons. Complaints that it was not an overseas trip, the hotel not expensive enough, it was too short. I could picture a well-manicured, designer-dressed

38 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

woman moaning to her friends over a glass of wine, and then I imagined her in Dorette’s position. The look of disgust on the woman’s mud-caked face and her mud-filled wine glass is too much for me and I burst out laughing.

My ass is now well and truly done, and my perseverance long gone. I struggle back down to the floor of the truck, my body exhausted and bruised.

I find a place next to Dorette and the khat-eating locals. Khat, which is also known as miraa in this area, is a flowering plant eaten by locals that is said to cause excitement, loss of appetite and euphoria (it gets you high as a kite). They have to chew the leaves and twigs of the plant, and it can take hours before the drug actually hits. All around us are men and women with big balls in their cheeks and twigs in their teeth, and green spit dribbling out of their mouths as they get higher and higher. It is an interesting and, as night falls, terrifying picture. We have only covered a quarter of the way and already I am fed up! I place my hand on Dorette’s leg in an attempt to provide a teensy bit of comfort, my heart consumed with sympathy for my lovely wife. She reaches for my hand and turns to me, screaming to make herself heard above the truck and clanging of metal all around us, “This is quite uncomfortable, but hell, now we are really travelling!” Yip, that's my girl!

We finally arrive in the town of Moyale, at the end of the Moyale Road, 511 km and 36 hours later, exhausted and battered, but elated that we have made it through safely. The bike, which had been placed on top of the bus for the first half of the journey and then transferred to the back of the cattle truck for the second half, has taken a beating too, but there's nothing we can't fix. Moyale is a border town that is divided in two by a Kenyan side and an Ethiopian side, so we spend the night on the Kenyan side. Early the next morning we cross into Ethiopia and head for Addis Ababa, 766 km away. It took us three full days to get there, but that's a whole other story for another time. •

èRelated articles:

• Minsking through Vietnam (Issue 19, p. 26) • Mozambique, on a Scooter (Issue 18, p. 16) • Touring through Baobab Country (Issue 18, p. 24)

Second lift

inGEAR:

Words: Francois Flamengo | Photos & Video: DO IT NOW Media

40 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Support for DAKAR 2013

When Darryl Curtis was travelling around the country giving his 'post Dakar' talk after returning from the 2012 event, he gave us a much better understanding of what racing in the Dakar is really like.

From life in the bivouac, racing in loads of dust and through fesh-fesh and crossing the Andes in freezing temperatures, to navigating with a road book that uses French descriptions (that are also abbreviated)! If you didn't have the opportunity to attend one of his amazing talks we've got you covered because you can read up on what he had to say in his article, Curtis Aces Dakar, which featured in the April 2012 issue of the magazine.

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 41

During his talk, I was very happy to learn that he would be entering the 2013 Dakar, which means that South Africa will once again have a strong representation at this prestigious race.

This news was topped when Darryl told us he would not be entering as a rookie or amateur ... but as a Factory Rider (he receives factory support), thanks to increased sponsorship support from Broadlink and KTM. He will also be riding with teammate Riaan van Niekerk, who will be making his debut at the 2013 edition. Riaan has made a big name for himself in the extreme enduro fraternity and claimed a number of impressive titles, including that of 10-time SA Off-road Champion.

Darryl and Riaan go way back and have competed in a number of world-class international events together. Knowing each other so well and having trained together has its advantages in an event like the Dakar, where your teammate plays a vital role should anything go wrong. Darryl went on to say that with the extra support from KTM and Broadlink, as well as all his other 2012 sponsors, they will be able to participate at the Dakar on a very competitive platform.

But the sponsors only provide the financial platform, and Darryl and Riaan still had a lot of hard work to do before the start on 5 January 2013. Fortunately for Riaan, Darryl's experience (and great result) gained from last year's event helped him to get into the groove of things must faster. For example, one of the most difficult aspects that Darryl had to contend with in the 2012 event was riding at pace whilst navigating and trying to understand the French road book instructions. Riaan will go into the race knowing and having trained for this, and have a few little tricks to see him through. It's all about team work and as these two riders have each other's best interests at heart, I have no doubt that they will be a force to be reckoned with come race day!

42 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

To get their training underway and Riaan into the action immediately, the two riders entered the Marrakesh XRally, which was held in Morocco in March 2012. The rally gave Darryl the opportunity to get more navigation experience with the ‘funny’ road book and give Riaan his first taste of rally racing. Our South African lads did us proud with Darryl doing exceptionally well and clinching the top podium position, demonstrating once again what an exceptional rider he is. In second and third place was Thomas Bourgin (France) and Glauco Ciarpaglini (Italy) respectively, and all three riders are amongst the best in the world. Riaan also achieved his objectives at this race; to get the KTM 450 rally bike to the finish and also gain some experience navigating with the road book.

After returning from their successful 'Mission Morocco', Darryl and Riaan embarked on an offroad trip through Botswana for a few days. Their aim was to clock as much time in the saddle and really familiarise themselves with their bigger bikes by 'playing' in a non-rally setting.

Photos: R. Schedl, H. Mitterbauer

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Whilst at the Dakar 2013 launch held last year, I asked Riaan what is the one thing that immediately tells you that you're training for the Dakar, and he replied, "The size and weight of the bike." He explained that a rally bike is very different to riding a nimble plastic bike, and having a huge cockpit (that doesn't turn when the handle bars are turned and makes you feel like you are still going straight) in front of you with all the navigation equipment, also takes time to get used to.

The duo then made their way to Namibia for some seriously hectic Dakar training with Ingo Waldschmidt. This experienced Namibian Dakar rider arranged a training camp that started in Windhoek and took the riders north to Brandberg, then down south to Langstrand (between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay) and back to Windhoek via Khomas Hochland Pass, with only the road books to guide them.

Current national off-road leader, Louwrens Mahony, also joined the group. Riding on a plastic KTM 450 four stroke, he was fortunate to have his Factory Team teammates with him, as he quickly learnt that staying on the gas and never using your front brake is very important. Timing your throttle is also a vital skill and if you can't adapt to the terrain fast, you might end up trying to shake sand out of some odd places, or find yourself on the next plane to the hospital. Flying (not to the hospital) is super easy in the dunes and the riders had an absolute blast trying to outgun each other. By the time we caught up with them at the renowned Dune 7, they had already clocked up 70 km of dune riding.

Whilst riding up one of the steep slip faces Darryl had a low speed crash, but it was not the fall that surprised us, but rather the fact that the bike didn't want to start again. After several attempts to jump start it and checking all the 'normal' bells and whistles, Darryl decided it would be best to replace the engine so that he would be ready for the next day. Factory bike engines have a limited lifetime and we thought that it must have reached its 'expiry' date J. How wrong we were. Once back at Langstrand, Darryl quickly washed his 'pony' and then started stripping the engine. As he removed the exhaust sand poured out, stunning everyone. We surmised that the sand must have entered the exhaust when Darryl fell on the dune and made its way into the engine. This was a valuable lesson for everyone as it demonstrated just how easy your Dakar race can be GAME OVER. The following morning Riaan had a similar incident and learning from Darryl's misfortune the previous day, he stripped the exhaust, removed the sand and was back on his bike in double quick time.

Knowledge is power and life is so much easier when you have it!

By the end of the camp, both riders had gained valuable experience and been given a taste of what it will take to finish the world's toughest rally.

44 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Training is one thing, but time in the saddle and applying what you know in a race scenario is another. So with the bike prep done, it was time to get some additional experience in a 'real' rally.

This was especially important for Riaan, who had never officially competed in such a race format. And so the duo headed back to Morocco, this time to enter the Morocco Rally. The event proved to be hugely beneficial to both Darryl and Riaan because the riders competing at this event mirrored the field riding in the 2013 Dakar, and gave them an indication of their readiness. It was also an opportunity to put their KTM factory-sponsored Dakar bikes to the test for the first time. After three days of hard racing, getting lost in the dunes, honing their navigation skills and receiving advice from Marc Coma, Cyril Depres and Juan Pedrero from the #1 KTM Factory Team, undoubtedly some of the best riders in the world, Darryl and Riaan finished the race in a very respectable 14th and 15th place respectively.

With the Dakar 2013 underway this month, we wish Darryl and Riaan all the best and a safe ride.

GO BOYS, MAKE SA PROUD AND WE LOOK FORWARD to SEEING YOU AT THE FINISH! •

dinFO box

i

Support the riders and follow their progress by following their blog on www.broadlinkktmrally.co.za or visiting the DO IT NOW Facebook page for updates and photo galleries.

èRelated articles: • The Road to Dakar (Issue 14, p. 84) • Dakar Supporters Tour 2011 (Issue 12, p. 80) • Darryl Curtis’ Take on the Dakar Rally (Issue 11, p. 54)

ONLy AVAILABLE ON APP VERSION

THE

Dakar

This mythical endurance race originated in 1978 and was run from Paris to Dakar, Senegal. until political unrest made it too dangerous. Today, it is easily the world’s most gruelling rally and is considered to be the ultimate challenge for an off-roader.

It requires participants to be incredibly fit and focused, have massive endurance and a strong mechanical support team. It is also very taxing on the vehicles that take part, so many manufacturers use the Dakar as a testing process for new technologies and mechanisms, and to prove their vehicle's worth.

The 34th Dakar Rally is the fifth version to be held on the South American continent. It begins on 5 January 2013 in the Peruvian capital of Lima, and the 459 vehicles made up of cars, trucks, motorcycles and quads will travel through Argentina and cover some 8,400 kilometres to reach the finish line in Santiago, the capital of Chile, on 20 January.

For the first time, the desert stages will make their appearance in the first few days of the rally.

Dakar 2013 info: www.dakar.com

The

route

PERU, episode II

The discovery of Peru thrilled everybody who reached this stage of the rally in 2012. This time, all the riders, drivers and crews will be able to test their mettle on the largest chain of dunes crossed on the continent since 2009. The Dakar has never before started in the middle of the desert in its history. Whilst the dosage of difficulties will decide just how and when the pressure rises, there will be no room for improvisation in 2013.

Argentina and its many facets Once it crosses the Andes Mountains, after a first visit to Chile, the rally will encounter a different face of South America: one that guarantees a broad range of terrains that smile primarily upon flexibility. In Argentina, the capacity to adapt will be vital to switch from one type of riding and driving to another, and between different methods of managing the race. Although the ration of sand will be less dense, the visit to Gaucho country will nevertheless finish with a major test in which only genuine experts in desert riding and driving will be at ease.

Chile: A double capital dose

Two distinct sequences will be played out in Chile and each of them will be decisive. The return to the Atacama corresponds with the phase of the Dakar where competitors navigate in the domain of extreme endurance. As a challenge of ultimate resistance, the sessions in the dunes will continue up to the day before the finish. Before reaching Santiago, the competitors will have to tame difficulties of the highest order right up to the end.

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 45

The

route

5 January

10 January

6 January

11 January

Stage 1: LIMA - PISCO Liaison sections: 250 km Special stage: 13 km

Stage 2: PISCO - PISCO Liaison sections: 85 km Special stage: 242 km

7 January

Stage 3: PISCO - NAZCA Liaison sections: 100 km Special stage: 243 km

Stage 6: ARICA - CALAMA Liaison sections: 313 km Special stage: 454 km

Stage 7: CALAMA SALTA Liaison sections: 586 km Special stage: 220 km Liaison sections: 534 km Special stage: 220 km

12 January

Stage 4: NAZCA - AREQUIPA Liaison sections: 429 km Special stage: 289 km Liaison sections: 429 km Special stage: 288 km

Stage 8: SALTA – SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN Liaison sections: 247 km Special stage: 491 km Liaison sections: 379 km Special stage: 470 km Liaison sections: 393 km Special stage: 155 km

9 January

13 January

8 January

Stage 5: AREQUIPA - ARICA Liaison sections: 275 km Special stage: 136 km Liaison sections: 337 km Special stage: 172 km

REST DAY

14 January

Stage 9: SAN MIGUEL DE TUCAMÁN - CÓRDOBA Liaison sections: 259 km Special stage: 593 km Liaison sections: 406 km Special stage: 293 km

46 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

ONLy AVAILABLE ON APP VERSION

15 January

Stage 10: CÓRDOBA - LA RIOJA Liaison sections: 279 km Special stage: 357 km Liaison sections: 279 km Special stage: 353 km

16 January

Stage 11: LA RIOJA - FIAMBALÁ Liaison sections: 262 km Special stage: 221 km Liaison sections: 262 km Special stage: 219 km

17 January

Stage 12: FIAMBALÁ - COPIAPÓ Liaison sections: 396 km Special stage: 319 km

18 January

Stage 13: COPIAPÓ - LA SERENA Liaison sections: 294 km Special stage: 441 km

19 January

Stage 14: LA SERENA - SANTIAGO Liaison sections: 502 km Special stage: 128 km

inH2O:

Words: Clayton Truscott | Photos: Greg Ewing

“ Mauri

made tius was then first and h and h eaven; was c eaven op after Maur ied iti - Mar k Twa us.” in

Mauritius Beyond Cocktail Country Mauritius is still paradise even when you're staying in modest, self-catering apartments and cruising around in a battle-worn bakkie.

It's also safe and friendly for the most part, which makes getting lost and finding your way back a lot more fun. Three friends and I headed there during the low season, with a basic plan to explore the south-west bend of the island and check out a string of surf spots we'd heard about. On a diet of local groceries and a student's budget, we eked out a world-class holiday that felt like a mix of backpacking and five-star treatment.

The full moon gave us a view of the windtormented sea below us as the plane descended into paradise, and landed in the teeth of a miniature cyclone, characteristic of Mauritian winters. Outside the airport, taxi drivers weren't thrilled about four dudes wanting to load eight surfboards on top of one car, but we eventually found a driver who was up to the task. He handed us what looked like shredded dish towels to tie the boards down.

www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 47

Our moonlit tour of the coastline continued as we drove along a winding road that led the way to Le Morne, where both sides of the island lay within striking distance. The driver pointed up at a mountain range above the village, its humped form outlined in the dark by the moonlight. “Sis mountain has a storee,” he told us. “In se 1800s, Creole slaves hid from ze French masters up in the mountains,” he explained. As the story goes, the slaves formed a community of hideaways up there and refused to go back down to lead a life of shackled servitude. After the British took over the island and abolished slavery, soldiers marched up there to tell them they could come down as free men. Unfortunately, this looked like an ambush to the hideaways, who wanted freedom more than anything. “Sis slaves didn't understand English, you see? So zey jump from ze mountain and die. This is a sad storee, no?” We all nodded. Then he told us another sad story. “Zat will be one hundred Euros. Good price, yes. Merci beaucoup, monsieurs.” This would be the only time we got ripped off.

The pimping Blue Marlin

That night we met Kevin, our landlord for the week. He had promised us a car and we were anxious to see what we'd be driving on these dangerous Mauritian roads. After handshakes and small talk, he took us out back and unveiled the 'Blue Marlin'. She was a 1991 diesel-engine Hilux. There were torn stickers spread out across the back window and a collection of beaded necklaces hanging from the rear-view mirror. The final touch was its old stereo and accompanying CD, a compilation of Ace of Base hits,

48 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

some Bon Jovi numbers from the Dead or Alive album, and a local artist who sounded like a French Barry White. We surmised that it was probably Kevin’s playlist from the days when he was still picking up girls in the Marlin. With a usable car and basic plan in place, we all fell asleep easily on night one.

Side trips

It's not often that you go on a surf trip and end up getting dry-docked because the waves are too big. The little cyclone that greeted us had made the ocean wild and tempestuous. The good thing was we could do some exploring.

You can tell a lot about a country by driving around it. Outside the resorts and plush expat suburbs, everybody seemed to lead a humble existence. The houses were one repair job away from falling apart, the streets full of stray dogs, and there were no shopping malls. The nicest buildings

you'll find are the mosques, temples, and churches, which speak of the varied population on the island. You could buy cheap food from dixie shops made of scrap metal, or fresh fish and vegetables from roadside vendors. Dessert was MSGinjected crisps that would probably make your eyes glow in the dark if you ate too many. Cheap restaurants are easy to find too, but just be careful of ordering anything with meat.

After selecting a few locations we headed towards the northern most point of the island, which takes roughly two hours if you drive as wearily as we did. The Blue Marlin's rattling turned into a fullyfledged bucking action on the motorway, making the drive feel like you were riding a mechanical bull around. As the Western population continues to grow, so the need for malls, coffee shops and electronic stores develops, and you can’t help but notice the development taking place near the posh suburbs and resorts.

After a full day of driving, we bought a crate of local Phoenix Lagers and headed to the beach, where a blinding sunset painted the ocean red and orange. At €15 per person, per night, we were getting the best seats on the island at a fraction of the cost.

The market

The ocean became increasingly more dangerous throughout the week, as the wind switched direction and blew across the bay. So we decided to do some more sightseeing and ambled to the sprawling market in the capital city, Port Louis. It felt like we had stepped right into the real-life equivalent of television static. Store owners selling T-shirts and electrical doohickeys hassled us to buy anything; cheap leather shoes, wooden dodos, back massagers, balaclavas, toy guns, knife sets, aphrodisiacs, salad spoons and laser pointers.

There's a big fruit and vegetable market inside a double-storey farmhouse, and what it lacks in competitive salesmanship it makes up for in back-to-back crowds.

It seemed like everyone was doing their grocery shopping there. www.doitnow.co.za | Adventure • 49

Port Louis lifted her eye patch to us when we entered the meat market next door. We were presented with a disturbing ensemble of cow and sheep heads staring back at their hacked-up bodies lying on the table; the afternoon heat spoiling everything left out for too long. It's a fastmoving butchery that doesn't make time for the squeamish, and people queue behind the counters baying for a cut of the best meat. They want it ASAP, and if you're not in line, you need to move out of the way.

Rochester Falls

On another day we headed out in search of a volcanic waterfall we’d heard about, Rochester Falls. We arrived at a dusty parking lot, unsure about where to go. A snotty, bat-eared creature slithered towards us and demanded we follow him. He looked like Sméagol, only grimier. He took us down a sheltered path to the bottom of the falls, where the land forms a natural amphitheatre for spectators. Some local students were there, smoking cigarettes and pounding a few beers.

“You jump,” Sméagol said, pointing to a ledge that plummeted into the abyss. We all laughed and thought he was joking. The students cheered and nodded. “You must!” Sméagol said, getting nasty and aggressive.

Then someone yodelled at us from the top of a tree, about 10 feet above the waterfall's highest point. It looked like Sméagol's brother. This crazy guy was surfing on a branch, bouncing it up and down, and working himself into a frenzy. Nobody wanted to see this. Then he jumped, landing in the centre of the plunge pool. We all inhaled our tongues, anticipating the man's imminent death. He came up laughing on the other side of the pool and climbed up the waterfall as if it was a step ladder. To avoid looking like a bunch of pansies, we all jumped from the waterfall's edge and lived to tell the tale.

Hospitality

Mauritius has a bad reputation in the surfing world. Tales of barbaric locals and inconsistent swells have prevented the island from becoming a mainstream surf destination, like nearby Reunion or the Maldives. The Franco-Mauritian surfers are known as White Shorts (a racial term) and have spent the best part of the last four decades making sure that visiting surfers know their place in the line up.

We took a chance on our final day at one of Le Morne’s most notorious waves during a weekday, expecting hostility and cold glances. Instead we found the complete opposite in a crew of local Creole surfers, who worked at one of the beach resorts nearby. They were upfront about the bad vibes for touring surfers. That's the law of the land, and the locals who enforce

50 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

it aren't interested in compromising. But it was Monday, the locals were at work and we were welcome to sample the reef in front of us. Cutting a path through the perfect water and seeing the mountainous backdrop felt like entering a beautiful painting you've been staring at for years. Once we got to the keyhole we could see the reef coming out in boils, and the prettiest waves I've ever seen ran along the pass. The swell direction was a bit out, but the wind was light, the tide high, and the water as clear as a well-maintained swimming pool. And the best part was that we were the only ones there. As you took off on a wave, you could see the water drawing off the big, colourful coral heads that mapped the wave's path along the ocean floor. It was the best day of the trip, but sadly the end of it.

Au revoir

It was time to hand Kevin back the keys to his apartment and the Blue Marlin. Parting ways with the Marlin was almost as sad as leaving the island. We cleared passport control with sunburnt eyelids, swollen reef cuts and good memories. The week had been a bit like watching a rugby match from the cheap seats; not as comfortable to begin with, but twice the fun once things got going. •

èRelated articles • Get Blown Away in Mauritius (Issue 20, p. 60) • Malibu Classic - All Windsurfing Action (Digital article, August ’12) • Sea Kayak Mauritius (Digital article, September ’12)

inH20:

Words: Justin Selby | Photos & Video: Courtesy of the SA team

six

Against the World During winter 2012, I was approached by the Cable Association of South Africa (CASA) to put a side together for the 2012 Cable Wakeboard World Championship as part of the global community's drive to get the sport included in the 2020 Olympics. "Yes, of course," I said. Who wouldn’t!

52 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Leading up to the event the task of selecting a side was not an easy one, as the championship fell smack bang in the middle of exams and this would be a problem for some of the Open Men riders. So after reviewing my strategy and doing extensive research into the international competition, I selected a team of riders that the world hadn’t seen or heard of - yet!

They were all extremely talented and the fact that they were not well known was an ace up my sleeve, as our competitors wouldn't take us seriously.

I can’t tell you what an awesome feeling it was to be there as representatives of South Africa and have all the international riders check us out. They were probably wondering if the South Africans even have a cable, especially with those man-eating lions roaming around.

LOL. They had no clue as to the level of talent we have in our fantastic country.

As the competition progressed the South African riders proved their worth on the world’s platform, with three of the six riders qualifying.

Then it was my turn. Man, I was all nerves when the commentator announced my name above the noise of my teammates loudly proclaiming their presence and support by blowing their vuvazelas. I started my lap and can clearly remember thinking to myself that I mustn't fall. So I lined myself up for the first trick, boom landed it and then moved onto the next trick. I styled the third and fourth, and on the fifth I landed on the corner and had to hold on for dear life. Then whaaaaaaam, a front edge right in front of everybody, and I was down. Even under water I could hear the commentator saying, “Man, that was hard. Is he okay?” I started to laugh and then surfaced to let everyone know I was ok and ready for the next round.

I was really cross with myself for not qualifying, as all I had to do was perform a safe run - why oh why! As a result of not qualifying, I had to participate in the Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ) that took place the next day. That night I gathered my thoughts and prepared myself mentally for what I needed to do at the LCQ, knowing that only the top two would go through.

• Boy's division (6-16) - Jarque Labuschagne and Jeanu du Plooy • Junior Men's division - Cameron Grahame • Open Men's division - Jason Colborne • Wake Skate Open Men's division - Matt Buys • Master Men's division - Justin Selby

The next morning I anxiously made my way to the LCQ knowing that I only had one pass in which to prove myself, so I had to make it count. I did my pass, kept it safe and smashed it! I was so happy. Walking back from the end point of my run, I could hear the live score updates being announced, and as there were still two more riders to go, my nerves started to kick in again and I was holding thumbs that both riders would go out. Waiting for their scores to come in was torture, and then I heard what I had been hoping to hear, I was in second place, wooohoo.

After months of hard work and preparation, we were all in high spirits as we boarded the plane destined for the Philippines. The event was held at Deca Wakeboard Park in Clark, Angeles, Pampanga, and wow, what a sight it was. It was a brand new cable park, with the cable at 11 metres off the water. We were in for a treat as our cable is only eight metres off the water; it was time to fly and have us some FUN! But first we had to pay our entrance fees and book some practise time, and boy was it hot, with humidity at 100%.

I had made the top eight in the world going into the finals! Wow, what a feeling, but how does one prepare oneself for something like that? The only thing I had to fall back on was my previous experience in international competitions, so it would be case of digging deep, having fun, and taking one step at a time. All through the night all I could think about was what I should do in my final run, which comprised of two passes and the judges would select the best of the two. 

The final side selected for the championship was as follows:

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 53

Despite not having much sleep, I was on high alert as I waited for the finals to get underway. The moment of truth had arrived and it was time for me to start my first pass. To be in contention, I knew I had to keep it safe all the way to the end.

I was the fourth rider out of the dock and felt surprisingly relaxed. As I took off, the air erupted with the sound of vuvuzelas from my teammates, and I felt my confidence growing. I completed my pass safely and waited for the results. I was in first place, but there were still four more riders to go out for their first passes. Each of them completed their pass, which pushed me into fifth. It was not over yet, as I still had one more pass and a few tricks up my sleeve, LOL. With tension mounting I entered the dock for my second pass, ready to pull all those tricks that I had been holding back out of the bag. What followed was my first big tantrum off the kicker and onto the roof top rail for a board slide, followed by a back flip out as I set myself up for a heelside front flip tail grab to facky. Rounding the corner I performed a half cab backroll that positioned me perfectly for a huge front flip tail grab, landing just in time for the corner. My next move was my piece de resistance, an S-send to blind stomping onto the fun box, with a transfer to the rainbow rail landing, which I pulled off with ease. After catching my breath, I headed towards the last obstacle, a kicker, on my run. Cutting hard, I hit the kicker at pace, launching high to pull off and land a shiffy blind 360 boom and complete my pass. All around me I could hear the crowds and vuvuzelas going wild. Lying fifth before my second run, I nervously waited for the scores. The announcement finally came, "Justin Selby on 60.00 has moved up into third place." I jumped with joy and my teammates came running to congratulate me, almost knocking me off my feet in the process. It was high fives all around and I couldn't have been happier with my result, and a bronze medal for South Africa.

Overall, I couldn't have been prouder of my team!

Out of 32 countries, some of which had 25 athletes in their sides, our six South African riders had taken on the world and placed 10th. Germany took the top podium spot, with Great Britain in second place and France in third. Our team positions were as follows: Jarque and Jason didn’t qualify; Jeanu qualified and finished in the top 10 in the world; Cameron qualified and finished in the top 15 in the world; and Matt finished fifth in the world. And what had really impressed me about the whole event was the level of riding from the junior riders, the future of this sport.

The life lesson that I took away from this incredible event was that no matter what, who, how or when, you must just believe in yourself and the best results will follow.

Maybe, just maybe you could have done better, but it was your best at the time. •

èRelated articles:

• Alt X: Alternative Expo (Issue 14, p. 52) • Champions of the Wake (Issue 12, p. 63) • The Thrill of Wakeboarding (Issue 4, p. 33)

54 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

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Cable Wakeboarding Cable wakeboarding is wakeboarding while being pulled by an overhead cable ski system. It’s a very cool addition to the distinguished list of extreme sports throughout the world because it combines the best of the extreme nature of wakeboarding without the need for (or expense of) a boat. The first cable system showed up in 1962, and today cable is an enormously valuable and important element of the entire sport of wakeboarding.

Boat and cable riding are very similar. Although the tricks are the same, cable has more lift and airtime for bigger tricks. But from a spectator’s point of view, cable is the better viewing experience as it's designed in a rectangular shape so that everyone can see what is happening on the water. If you can’t afford a boat and love water sports, cable water skiing is the better option.

Cableways in SA Forever Resorts Bela Bela, Warmbaths (installed 1995); Stoke City Midrand, Johannesburg (installed 1998); and Blue Rock Cable Way, Somerset West, Cape Town (installed 2005).

2014 Cable Wakeboard World Championship, Norway Looking towards the 2014 championship, the South African team has already started their training, especially with the junior riders.

In addition, they are keeping a very close eye on the competition and any new tricks out there, by studying posts on social networks and videos posted by the overseas riders. During our winter, the riders will also compete on the European tour.

For more boat and cable wakeboarding information, visit www.wakesa.co.za or join our Facebook page.

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Words: Shaun van Tonder | Photos: Henrique Cilliers & Nita-Mare Oosthuizen | Video: Air Off 2012

Introducing

Surfing's Newest Addition

So let's take a look at big wave tow ins and aerial tow ats in more detail.

When it comes to surfing nowadays, there's no shortage of adrenalinpumping options to choose from: stand up surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kneeboarding, bodysurfing, and even sand surfing. This list has just been extended to include the newest form of surfing - that of big wave tow ins and aerial tow ats, where a Personal Water Craft (PWC), better known as a jet ski, is used to tow the rider.

56 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

ig wave tow ins B When it's not possible for a surfer to paddle into a large wave because of the speed it's moving at, they will be towed in by a jet ski that propels the surfer or body boarder into a wave with more speed than they can muster on their own. The boards used normally have straps to prevent the rider from losing their footing, are much smaller than those used for standard surfing and are weighted to prevent unnecessary airtime from the chop created by wind on the face of the wave.

Aerial tow ats A jet ski tows the unstrapped surfer or body boarder so they get more speed to go higher and more airtime after hitting a natural ramp that the wave creates. Riders are also able to perform bigger and more innovative maneuvers because of the extra power, as well as ride small to medium size waves while still pulling off big moves. Boards used in day-to-day surf sessions are slightly smaller than the standard short board so that it moves more freely in the air.

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Following in its wake was the natural evolution of tow at surfing, and this development has considerably raised the bar when it comes to technical maneuvers. Today, the level of technicality has sky rocketed, with riders such as Chippa Wilson, from Australia, and Jordy Smith, from South Africa, producing mind boggling moves where they fly off a wave and into the air to complete tweaked rotations, before landing back on the face of the wave to carry on surfing as though they'd just done a standard turn or cut back, a very popular surfing turn used worldwide.

A jet ski is the preferred method of towing a rider because of its versatility and agility when moving through the surf. You will often find a rescue sled attached to the rear as this allows the driver or skipper to use the jet ski as a rescue craft in the event of a rider being injured and unable to paddle out of the impact zone.

A specialised tow rope is used and the length is dependent on wave size and if a surfer or body boarder is being towed, as different techniques are used by the riders to position themselves in the critical area of the wave.

Way back when

Big wave surfing has been around for years, and with it the desire to surf bigger, heavier and faster breaking waves. So it was only a matter of time before the sport progressed to tow ins, which has also improved the safety of the sport. As surfers are already standing up when they enter the wave, it eliminates the time taken to paddle in and stand up and in big surf, this could be a life or death situation. This development has been hugely instrumental in growing the sport and opening up spots that were previously unsurfable and only ridden by a select few. Furthermore, the need for larger waves or waves with a lot of power to get speed and height is no longer necessary as the jet ski produces the necessary speed to surf medium sized waves.

58 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Certain sports get inspiration from other similar sports and surfers are definitely starting to include radical snowboard and skateboard maneuvers into their repertoire. Surfers and body boarders are always on the lookout for bigger, heavier waves with a side wedge that allows them to create more speed to fly into the air and do acrobatic style spins, twists and flips. Tow at surfing provides riders with more speed, thus allowing for more time to do extra spins and fuller rotations, as well as test different moves due to the added height.

Getting into the sport

Good wave knowledge and being comfortable in the ocean are crucial if you want to get into this amazing sport. Ocean knowledge is only gained over many years of experience, so the training and skill sets learnt from properly qualified and experienced instructors are invaluable.

Obtaining a skipper’s license is recommended because big wave tow ins are normally done in pairs, therefore requiring both riders to be fully capable of skippering a PWC. Your local PWC dealership or any boating and marine dealer should be able to tell you where to get a valid skipper’s ticket in your area. If you only want to be a rider, then it's not necessary to hold a skippers ticket, but then you'll need to find a driver with a ski and licensed skipper ticket; no easy task as there aren't too many people in the sport currently.

You will also need to receive training under a professional to gain sea miles and riding experience in the ocean and in-between surf, as well as gain the necessary skills and knowledge in case of injury or a wave upturning your jet ski. There are some good courses out there, but as courses change all the time it is best to ask your local dealer, lifesaving club or association for advice on the best current course available, who is presenting it and where.

Current events

As the sport of aerial surfing tow at is still very new, there is no professional association to regulate the sport or provide support and there are very few dedicated events to grow the sport. Riders who participate in it do it for the love of innovation and the addiction to go bigger and better, pushing their own skills to the limits.

When you're ready to ride the surf, this should initially be done under the supervision of a professional and within the designated areas. So find out first where these designated areas are, as well as any regulations and laws before entering the surf or an area to ride in. Always abide by the local rules and stay out of any protected conservation areas and designated bathing areas/zones, to protect the sport for future participants.

Get competitive

One of the highlights on the calendar is WolfAlley's annual specialty AIR OFF event. This is the first and longest standing jet ski assisted surfing and body boarding tow at competition in Africa. Now in its third year, the aim of the event is to draw attention to this form of surfing and create a competitive space for riders to push themselves and showcase their many skills. AIR OFF is a by invite only specialty event, and with cash prize incentives and a oneof-a-kind signet ring for the Air Off champion, this event is attracting some of the best names in the country. Riders go head-to-head and those with the best and biggest moves in the heats progress to the next round. There's also mega points awarded for innovation, and this guarantees that every event is an exciting showcase of big maneuvers. Emphasis is also placed on entertaining the crowd, and apart from the crazy aerial maneuvers performed, visitors can look forward to seeing some excellent demos and productions about local extreme sport athletes, as well as live beach art and music. It's an event not to be missed!

I've been surfing for 14 years and involved in tow ats for three years now, and would recommend it to any thrill seeker looking to progress their aerial maneuvers or become more comfortable with height, control and landings. •

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Currently there are no aerial tow at clubs to join, but if you would like to start competing in the sport, I recommend honing your skills as a surfer or body boarder first. Once you are comfortable, find a skipper that's experienced in towing, to take you out skurfing, which is riding behind a jet ski or boat on a surf board in-between the wake and out of the surf zones (any areas where there are waves breaking or surf), at a dam or lake.

Trusting your tow partner is key to getting ahead in a competitive environment, as the driver/skipper usually chooses the wave and then maneuvers the PWC into the correct position so that the surfer can perform a final slingshot motion to get into the critical section of the wave.

60 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

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For more information on future events, aerial tow ats, how to get into the sport, and where to get training from, visit airoff.co.za or contact WolfAlley via email at info@wolfalley.com. To view the productions visit www.wolfalley.com or www.airoff.co.za.

èRelated articles:

• Pozo Izquierdo, a Windsurfing Mecca (Issue 19, p. 44) • Waveski Surfing - Please Remain Seated (Issue 19, p. 96) • Riders of the Surf (Issue 16, p. 68)

inH2O:

Words: Deon Breytenbach | Photos: Helena Pienaar & Deon Breytenbach

Basics Bring Home the Bacon

We' ve made it to January 2013, which means the world obviously didn’t stop spinning and the rivers are still flowing downhill, brilliant!

MJ looking around at 12h00 while his bow comes around on a left spin

Rolling your kayak

So to get things started, let’s take a look at the basic principles of rolling your kayak. It is true that in the beginning rolling is the most difficult aspect of kayaking, as it requires quite a bit of flexibility and total commitment. But once you get the hang of it, it's super easy and becomes natural. The most important thing to remember is that a successful roll needs a strong hip flick. Practise this by putting your hands on the bow of your buddy's kayak or on the surface of some other stable-ish object, then put your head on your hands and tip your kayak over as far as possible. Then use your hips to roll your kayak back upright - all without moving your head off your hands. This position will help you to isolate the movement to just your hips and core, and it also gets you into the habit of keeping your head down.

62 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

This year, my articles will focus on essential river running and freestyle skills, starting with the basics. Freestyle skills are more than just cool tricks. They help you to fine tune things like edge control and make you comfortable in retentive river features. Getting the basics right could mean the difference between escaping from a big, nasty hole with a smile on your face or taking a long, lonely and sometimes rather traumatic swim.

Brent focused on 12h00, edge up and putting in a strong forward sweep to bring his bow around

The second crucial step is your initial set-up. For most of the different rolls out there, except the back-deck roll, your initial set-up is the same.

You want to tuck forward as far as possible (think nose on splash deck), as this will get your paddle close to the surface and give you the most support from your sweeping paddle blade, to get the maximum power from your now well-practised hip flick. Quite often in the early stages, kayakers try to roll as quickly as possible with a bad set-up, and end up staying upside down. Before attempting your first roll, take the time to set-up properly and then commit to it once you get going.

The last key issue, and often the toughest to perfect, is that your head must be the last thing to come up, and even when you are up you must keep it down as if looking into the water. This will seem very counter intuitive, as your mind is aware of the fact that there is no oxygen available for you in the water and therefore wants your head out pronto, but it's necessary. The reason is that when you hip flick, you are using your core muscles to push on the one side and pull on the other. Now, if you throw your head up to get it out of the water, the muscles that are supposed to be pushing pull and the pullers push, so you end up upside down. I know this is all rather confusing, especially in text, and even more so when you actually practise these moves because you are generally upside down and underwater. But don't worry because there are also various books and online video guides to help you sort out your roll. If you still battle, then get assistance from an experienced, local paddler or sign up for a rolling clinic with one of the training centres, such as Kalahari Adventure Centre, Gravity.co.za, Blyde Adventure Camp, Whitewater Training or Itchy Feet SA.

64 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

The boys having a little party surf session

Flat spins

Now let's look at what you need to keep in mind for flat spins (a 180° or 360° horizontal rotation). This is definitely something all kayakers should be able to do, as you may just end up in some or other retentive river feature and being able to change the direction you are looking in by spinning around will make your life a lot easier in an unexpected situation. Here's the three key points.

The first is edge control. You can control your edges by lifting one of the sides of your kayak with your hips and knees, and using your core muscles. Don't lean your body to the side, rather keep your body over the centre line of your kayak and then lift the edge as described. Always lift the upstream edge, but only enough so that the water can flow beneath your kayak. Each situation you may find yourself in will require a different amount of edge, but the idea is the same. Just remember that if you lift the upstream edge too much, the downstream edge will dig deep and this will either make you bounce around with little control or get pushed downstream.

However, lifting too little will result in a solid 'window shade' and a very quick and possibly violent upstream flip. Give just enough and the ride will be quite smooth and controllable. It all comes down to practise, practise, practise!

Ryan with too little edge. Notice how the oncoming current is pushing the edge under water and trying to flip the kayak

The second is the role your paddle plays in this whole process. Your paddle does two things: firstly it gives support as a brace, and secondly it provides the power to initiate the spin. Only use your paddle on the downstream side of your kayak. What you need to do with your paddle is imagine that your right hand is downstream, so your left edge is up. Now you have your blade in the water and in line with your hips. When you are ready to spin, do a strong reverse sweep stroke from your hips to your toes, and this will push your bow downstream and stern upstream.

The third and crucial part is timing when to swop your edges while the kayak rotates. The trick to use here is very simple, but like everything else takes practise.

Imagine that 12h00 is directly upstream and 06h00 is directly downstream, so whenever you are in a hole or on a wave, you want to be looking at 12h00. Now when you do your reverse sweep to rotate your bow downstream, keep looking at 12h00 (over your left shoulder), and once the stern of your kayak comes into view turn your head to look over your right hand shoulder, at the same 12h00 spot you were looking at, and swop edges. At the same instant, take your paddle out of the water, bring it around, drop it at your toes (on your left-hand side now) and do a forward sweep. This will cause the kayak to spin around, and you'll now have your left blade on the downstream side and your right edge up.

I know this is hard to follow, so for frame by frame pictures and descriptions that cover everything mentioned above, check out my flash new blog. You will also find links to various online resources and a list of all the white-water events in the country, as well as everything you need to know about each one. •

èRelated articles:

• Running Rapids in Central Java (Digital article, November ’12) • Getting your Groove Back for Summer (Issue 19, p. 100) • Wall to Wall with Crocs, Hippos and Friends (Issue 11, p. 48)

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For more information and tutorials, visit Deon's blog: www.doitnow.co.za/blogs/deon-breytenbach

Events in 2013

• Thrombi Fest: 2-3 February, Umzimkulu River • Blyde Xfest 2013 Resurrection: 28 February to 3 March, Blyde River • Induna Xfest: 16 March, Sabie River • MoustAsh 2013: end July, Ash River • Gravity Adventure Festival: third weekend in August, Palmiet River • SA Freestyle Champs: first weekend in November, Vaal River Ryan with his edge up blade ready to pull and looking at 12h00

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 65

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Words & Video: Steven Yates | Photos: Steven & Laura Yates

Surin and Similan Islands You're Surin for an Underwater Treat

Thailand is renowned for many things and the magnificent clear, warm, blue sea is definitely near the top of the list. The most commonly dived areas off Thailand are those accessible from the main land based resorts, such as Ko Samui on the east coast and Hin Daeng on the west coast. Laura and I decided to venture a little further into the majestic blue and boarded the Sampai Jumpa, and headed for the islands off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, just south of Myanmar, known as the Surin and Similans.

The Sampai Jumpa is a beautiful wooden gaff-rigged Phinisi yacht with a capacity of only 11 divers, which makes for a very intimate and customised live-a-board experience. We were even luckier, with only four other divers joining Laura and myself the staff focused on making sure we had the most wonderful experience. In comparison to other live-a-boards the Sampai Jumpa was very basic and without all the high technological innovations of the modern world.

For me this was excellent as the trip was about diving, and with four dives a day for six days I was happy to leave the world of computers and DVDs behind me. Before I get to the diving, it is critical to mention - as is the case with most live-a-boards - the amazing food. We were fed relentlessly with five meals a day of the most magnificent combinations of Western and traditional Thai food.

Massive bass in the big blue

66 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

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The diving was beyond magnificent. The water temperature was a gorgeous twenty-seven degrees, which meant diving in a shorty was ideal.

The average visibility was 40 metres and then some in all directions, with the water being a crisp, clean blue. We were exceptionally lucky in that we had very little current for the majority of our trip and could quietly drift across the coral gardens and enjoy the splendour of the area. The dive sites are quite distinct in that those on the eastern shores tend to be gentle sloping coral gardens and sandy patches. The western coast is quite different with its dramatic rocky structures, walls, and excellent swim-throughs.

Some definite highlights include: • Elephant Head Rock is an amazing exploration of big granite boulders and a matrix of swim-throughs. We were really fortunate to have very little current on this dive because the site is renowned for some pretty whirlpool-like effects as the Andaman pushes into the western coast of Similan 8.

Honeymoon Bay

Tsunami underwater memorial

Cleaner shrimp helping out an eel

• East of Eden was diametrically opposite from Elephants Head Rock and resembled an aquarium more than a dive site. Located just off Similan 7, East of Eden gave us a great view of the wonderful results of the turtle hatching programme run in the reserve, with a multitude of excellent sightings. The reef life was some of the best I have seen and the colourful feather stars and Christmas tree worms augmented the myriad of coral.

• Night Dives were also a real highlight, the most memorable being a super dive in Honeymoon Bay. The life of a night dive is so different to that of the day and seeing active cowry shells, hunting octopus, and trevally were a special treat. Some eerie dark swim-throughs were accentuated with long, wrecked remains of ghostly ships. A beautifully preserved anchor hung suspended by its stocks across a narrow swim-through providing a silent reminder of the sea's power.

• Underwater Tsunami Monument is an amazing experience. Ten metres below the waves you will find a number of monuments that have been sunk in memory of the devastation inflicted by the 2004 tsunami. The monuments are representations of the zodiac signs, as well as a memorial temple and a woman resting in the sand. The memorial has also provided a home for a whole new colony of reef fish and was a real highlight for me.

Clowning around

• Richelieu Rock, some fifty nautical miles north of Similan, off the island of Surin, is still encapsulated in the national park, but due to its remote location it is often not accessible by the six-day live-a-boards. The dive site is huge and the reef breaks the surface at low tide, providing a very impressive home to massive schools of fusiliers, trevally, and chevron barracuda. The macro life was equally impressive with anglerfish, and my very first seahorse was another highlight.

Amazing topography

68 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Hunting feather star

Leopard shark resting

Lionfish reef Turtle town

Exploring the underwater caverns

Tsunami memorial – Sleeping Lady

With those beautiful sites singled out, it must be said that all the diving merged into one long six-day dive, with close encounters with leopard sharks, white tips, eels, turtles, Napoleon rass, squid, octopus, ornate ghost pipefish, cuttlefish and much, much more.

The ultimate highlight though was my very first manta ray. We were diving along a wall with our heads stuck in the rocks looking for interesting critters when - by chance - I turned to gaze out into the deep blue, only to have a huge manta swim right alongside me.

I started screaming into my regulator and pulling on Laura’s arm, kicking the instructor's head … not very master diver like at all, but then it was my first manta and it had taken me more than 200 dives to see it - I was pretty excited. Unfortunately, my antics meant that the ray did not hang around for long, but it did not matter as I was on cloud nine.

The underwater vistas were not the only beautiful sights served up by the Andaman Sea islands. Dropping anchor on a clear afternoon in Honeymoon Bay we skipped our afternoon dive for a walk across the picturesque beach cove and up through a rocky outcrop, up a chain ladder and onto a rock plateau majestically perched high on the island, which provided a 360 degree view of the awesome surroundings. The Sampai Jumpa bobbed happily in the bay below as the wonderful crew prepared our gear for a night dive, while we gazed across the azure waters and wondered at what hidden treasures we had yet to uncover.

All in all, Thailand’s best dive location provided us with one of the finest examples of this wonderful world. •

èRelated articles:

• Mozambique - Manta Coast (Issue 20, p. 70) • Diving Bilene (Issue 20, p. 55) • Marico Oog - A Unique Freshwater Diving Experience (Issue 18, p. 36)

DINfo box i • Worldwide Dive and Sail operates a very professional diving live-a-board operation, which services the whole of South East Asia. At the time of writing, the Thailand trips had been removed from the roster.

• The Similan Islands consist of nine islands that are referred to as Similan 1 through to Similan 9, a reference when marking dive sites. Islands 1, 2, and 3 are closed to the public as part of a turtle protection and hatching programme.

• The word Similan is actually a Thai word meaning 'nine'.

• The Similan National Park was established in 1982.

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 69

inSHAPE:

Words & Photos: Morgan Trimble | Video: Courtesy of CrossFit Pretoria

70 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: 1. Walter Pretorius busy working out 2. CrossFit member Mark Scriven performing a snatch, one of two Olympic lifts 3. Ruan van Zyl busy working out 4. Ludwig Viljoen demonstrates a ring handstand 5. Walter Pretorius doing pull-ups

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They say a near-death experience makes you feel more alive.

Perhaps that explains the cultish following of CrossFit, a growing fitness phenomenon you might want to try out if one of your 2013 resolutions is to shape up.

CrossFit was founded by Greg Glassman in the US, in 2000, as an underground alternative to big commercial gyms. It's a training programme that claims to have molded some of the fittest athletes on Earth through gruelling, competitive workouts built on running, jumping, and lifting heavy things, in other words, the functional movements of life.

The programme focuses on building functional bodies as opposed to muscle isolation, so you won’t find a bicep curl machine or similar in a CrossFit gym, nor will you find many 'inverted triangle' bodies with arms thicker than legs. Early on, CrossFit became the 'go to' strength and conditioning programme in the US for groups like police academies and military units that needed to build elite physical capabilities for unpredictable circumstances. From there, its global popularity has exploded, and today there are nearly 5,000 CrossFit gyms dotting the globe, with 21 in South Africa.

Joke: How do you know if someone does CrossFit? Don't worry, they'll tell you.

I first heard about it a few years ago from my best friend, who had joined up in San Francisco to get in top shape for her wedding.

A wedding doesn’t quite require the same extreme fitness as the military, but hey, she looked amazing and could crank out pull-ups like a machine, two of my life goals. Eager to give CrossFit a try, I found a gym close to me in Pretoria and resolved to submit my slightly unfit self to a two-month trial.

CrossFit is all about intensity, and it was clear from my first work out that it was going to shock my system. At my introductory session (you can try one for free), I worked through a few moves with Chad Theron, co-owner and trainer along with Riaan Hofmeyr at CrossFit Pretoria, before being given my work out of the day, or 'WOD' in CrossFit lingo. This consisted of seven burpees (where you jump from a standing position to a sprawl with your chest on the ground, then hop back to your feet, and clap your hands over your head while jumping followed by seven wall balls (here you hold a medicine ball at chest level, crouch into a full squat as you power up to throw the ball against a mark high on the wall, and then catch it as you return to a squat). These exercises are then repeated for seven rounds. It sounded easy enough, but by round two I wondered if I would be able to finish. I grunted through my last few reps, after which Chad called out my finish time of 8:35, and declared it 'not bad'. I think he was just being nice because he could see I was struggling not to keel over.

From the intro class, beginners progress to the 'on-ramp' programme. At CrossFit Pretoria, that's four sessions with a trainer to learn the necessary techniques, like squats, cleans, and presses, before graduating to fast-paced classes with the seasoned CrossFitters. Classes are usually about an hour long, and most gyms give classes throughout the day. This provides freedom in scheduling, but it's still a group class so you have to arrive at the appropriate time.

Every day brings a different workout, which keeps things interesting and constantly challenges muscles in new ways. Classes begin with a 10 minute warm-up, such as stretches and 20 each of pull-ups, sit-ups, and ring dips. Then it’s 15 minutes of strength-focused training, for example, finding your one rep max deadlift, then performing five sets of three reps at 80% maximum weight. From there, it’s usually 10 minutes to practise a skill, like progressions to ring dips, one-legged squats, handstand push-ups or rope climbs.

Finally, it’s onto the main workout of the day. The WOD is the killer intensity part and typically consists of a sequence of movements

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the

that might include a combination of sprinting, lifting weights, kettlebell swings, body weight exercises, and skipping rope. Working against the clock during the WOD maintains the intensity. The WOD is always performed either as 'rounds for time' how fast you can get through a certain sequence of exercises, or 'as many rounds as possible' - how many rounds of a sequence of exercises you can get through in a set time. The whole class starts the WOD at the same time, and it's an energetic, competitive atmosphere that compels you to push beyond what you thought were your limits. When done, you chalk up your time on the whiteboard to compare to other classes throughout the day.

If all that sounds a little intense, well, it is. But the workouts are designed, in theory, to be scalable to a person of any fitness level. For example, weights or reps can be scaled down from what is prescribed in the WOD if necessary. Even though you may need to scale down, especially at first, the workouts are still designed to leave you heaped in a pool of sweat (and quite possibly blood, puke, and tears) in the end. Movements are substitutable too. Can't do the handstand push-ups prescribed in the WOD? I can't either! No problem, just do jackknife handstand push-ups with your hips bent 90 degrees and your feet resting on a box.

Can't manage that? Do normal push-ups until you get stronger. And you will. After just a month at CrossFit I went back to my old gym and blazed through my standard lifting routine that had been my mainstay for several years. Clearly I wasn’t pushing it previously.

So why pay a membership fee to work out in a purposely sparse and slightly grungy warehouse with rudimentary fitness equipment? You can, after all, do CrossFit on your own in your garage - daily WODs are posted online along with lots of instructional videos. But I think joining a CrossFit gym is great, especially for newcomers. You have trainers supervising every workout and giving you tips to improve your lifting technique. This is especially important to avoid injury when doing complicated movements like the Olympic lifts. The community is also extremely motivating. At first it was a little weird to give everything I had in a workout, while grunting, grimacing, and dripping sweat everywhere in front of other people.

Honestly though, people are so busy trying not to die themselves that they don’t have time to check out the faces you're making when you try to crank out your hundredth push-up.

I've also found the other gym goers to be ultra supportive. One of the toughest workouts I've done involved flipping a tractor tyre 30 times as fast as possible and then dragging a 60 kg weighted sled back and forth 10 times across the whole gym.

This was one of the few workouts we did one at a time because there wasn't space or equipment for everyone to go at once. I was pleasantly surprised to hear even the muscliest of the men cheering me on when I didn't think I could drag the sled another step. Afterwards, they gave me some great tips on

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. Anneke de Beer does a kettlebell handstand 2. Rope climbs 3. Kettlebell swings

stretches to ease my screaming quads and calves. You won't find camaraderie like this amongst the bros at your local gym because they're too busy checking themselves out in the mirror. Mirrors are a feature mercifully omitted from most CrossFit gyms.

After my two-month trial, I'm definitely addicted and will stick with the programme. I think CrossFit will make just about anyone stronger, faster, and fitter, and more capable in everyday activities, from helping friends move house, to hobby sports, and pretty much any physical activity you can imagine. From what I’ve seen, CrossFit builds awesome bodies too. Search Google for some before-andafter photos to be truly amazed.

During my first week at CrossFit Pretoria, I chuckled when a guy split his shorts while doing kettlebell swings (he still smoked me in the workout though). In the second and third week it also happened to two different guys. I can think of three possible explanations for the short-splitting phenomenon. 1) CrossFit makes your muscles grow faster than you can buy new shorts; 2) CrossFitters like to wear tight clothes to showcase their physiques; or 3) CrossFitters get so addicted to working out that they launder their gym kit to shreds. It's probably a combination.

For even better body transformation results, CrossFit recommends the 'paleo' or 'zone' diets, which focus on whole plant and animal foods, limiting starch, and avoiding processed food and added sugar. Talking about nutrition reminds me of a joke: "They say

you are what you eat. That's strange. I don't remember eating any sexy beast today!"

èRelated articles:

• Who is the Fittest in Cape Town (Issue 10, p. 60) • Summer Work Out - Look Good and Feel Great (Issue 7, p. 98) • Optimal Nutrition for Optimal Performance (Issue 2, p. 72)

dinFO box

i

To find an affiliate near you: map.crossfit.com For all things CrossFit: www.crossfit.com My gym: www.crossfitpretoria.co.za Check out a CrossFit competition: Fittest in Cape Town, 26-27 January 2013, Camps Bay www.fittestincapetown.com

inSHAPE:

Words: Hannele Steyn

Processed Foods Processed foods are things you should try to cut out from your diet, as there are only a few that have been fortified with extra vitamins and minerals that you can eat. For example, certain fruit juices and cereals, frozen vegetables, and milk are processed, but contain vitamins and minerals and are 'processed' to keep them from rotting.

Milk is pasteurized to kill bacteria and homogenized to keep fats from separating, so this form of processing is very necessary. Freezing can also help preserve the natural vitamins that sometimes get lost on the shelf.

Processed foods are, most of the time, full of refined sugar, preservatives, salt, and trans fats, and occasionally you will also find hormones and additives that have been added. These products go through a lot of chemical processes to prolong efficacy and keep them from spoiling before the expiry date, thus making life easier in today's timestarved society. As a result, we no longer need to devote huge amounts of time and energy to shopping everyday because we are able to keep food for longer and or buy ready-made foods.

Manufacturers also make it easier for mothers to pack school lunch boxes with all kinds of easy to eat and convenient ready-made foods, and this is one of the reasons why there are so many 'sick' kids with all kinds of allergies and intolerances, compared to way back when.

So let's take a look at these 'bad' ingredients in more detail to see why they are not good for us: • Sodium is not a bad thing, but if we look at how much we consume when eating processed foods, it becomes an overload in our diets and can increase blood pressure, which may lead to health issues. So instead of eating things like ham, bacon, chips, cheese, and so on, rather eat cooked chicken, baked potatoes, and cottage cheese.

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• Trans fats are oils that have been infused with hydrogen and they raise our bad cholesterol levels and lower the good ones.

It causes weight gain and I think they are one of the biggest 'killers' of the nutrition world today. Trans fats (fats that don’t melt at room temperature) give taste to food and are very cheap, and are therefore very nice for manufacturers to use. A few examples of items to stay away from are roasted nuts, chocolates, and ready-made foods. Rather replace them with raw nuts, fresh fruit, and home-made meals.

• Colourants and preservatives are two of the most dangerous substances in processed foods.

Studies in mice have shown colourants 1 and 2 (found in fizzy drinks), red 3 (found in tinned cherries, fruit cocktail mixes, and some sweets), green 3 (found in sweets and drinks), yellow 6 (found in drinks, sausages, gelatine, and baked foods, to name just a few) have all been linked to some kind of cancer.

Similarly, preservatives like BHA and BHT (most commonly used), along with MSG, which is used in cereals, chips, chewing gum, and vegetable oils, are also all linked to cancer causing compounds.

I urge you all to try and become more knowledgeable on what you are buying, and rather buy fresh or organic foods and prepare them yourself, flavouring your meals with fresh herbs instead of all the convenient MSG-packed spices.

It will be well worth your effort! • Reference: Health Intelligence magazine, Sept/Oct 2012, by Tamzyn Campbell, B.ScMed (Hons)

Passion4Wholeness muesli: A balanced meal for everyone!

Diabetic friendly, wheat free, low glycaemic and NO trans-fat Designed by a sportsperson with a passion 4 health: Hannele Steyn is a former winner of the Absa Cape Epic, a former Triathlon World Champion and the only woman who has completed all 9 Cape Epics.

For more information: Hannele@geminips.co.za or jesblue2@yahoo.com

• How Good is Milk for you?

(Issue 19, p. 90) • Clever Nutrition for Mega Long Races (Issue 18, p. 84) • Are you Supplement Savvy?

(Issue 14, p. 96)

www.shutterstock.com

èRelated articles:

inTRANSIT:

Words: André Troost | Photos: André Troost, Chris von Wielligh & Danie du Toit

g n i s s o r C the Kei As the sun baked down on a typical spring afternoon in Stellenbosch I felt the urge to follow its rays into the unknown. An idea started to take form and I told Danie du Toit, my friend who is an accomplished traveller, about my adventurous plan.

The plan entailed Danie, my mate Chris von Wielligh, and I travelling in a Land Rover from the Little Brak River, along the Sunshine Coast and through the Ciskei, then over the Kei River and into the Transkei.

From there we would head to Coffee Bay and then make our way through the Eastern Cape Midlands towards the Great Karoo, and finally homewards to Paarl. What had started out as an 11-day holiday quickly became a cultural experience that transcended into a complete cultural awakening; a journey that clarified the essence of being human for me.

76 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

On the morning of our departure from the Little Brak River, there's an atmosphere of excitement amongst us as we sit inside the Land Rover with our essentials packed and the tank filled up. The sky is clear and the air brisk, and the sun's rays that I've been impatiently waiting for finally reveal their golden brilliance at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain. Setting off, we make our way over the mountain, into the Langkloof, and past the sleepy towns of Haarlem, Joubertina, and Kareedouw. We shake hands with the N2 just before Port Elizabeth and spend our first night at a friend’s house near Bushman's River Mouth.

Driving to Mthata the next day marks the beginning of unfamiliar country for us. Turning off before Kei Mouth, we follow an 8 km 4x4 track that leads us

Somewhere on the outskirts beach between Dwesa and The Haven

into the stunning Ciskei wilderness. That night, stories about old school and current university days, and performing in bands are heartily regaled as we strum a few tunes on the guitars. Much later we doze off to the sound of insects loudly proclaiming their presence.

The next morning we cruise down the coast to the Double Mouth Campsite, situated just off the beach in a nature reserve and nestled between towering cliffs. Armed with our surfboards, camera, and other necessities, we wade across the river mouth and reach a seemingly endless, isolated beach. Diving into the waves with careless abandon, I close my eyes and savour the experience while committing every detail of this beautiful, unspoilt paradise to memory.

Waking early, we take a ferry across the Kei River, with Johnny Clegg’s ‘Great Heart’ reverberating at full volume. But as we approach Mazeppa Bay, it seems that Lady Luck has abandoned us: there are no campsites in Mazeppa Bay. The closest are in Cebe, about a twohour drive back south, so after negotiating with a resident, we happily find ourselves camping in his backyard. Unfortunately, rain arrives during the night, but seeing the situation as a glass half full, we put up the umbrella and enjoy a fine Merlot as a delicious hoenderpotjie slowly cooks.

The following morning we are greeted by grey clouds hovering menacingly above our heads and everything is soaked through.

Unfazed, we take the advice of some Mazeppa locals to visit Dwesa; a must see they say. Getting there is an adventure in itself, but with the help of Google Maps we navigate our way through the heart of Dutywa, past townships and into the hills, and then over the mountains again to finally arrive in Dwesa.

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Dwesa is an isolated marine nature reserve with only traditional Xhosa villages surrounding it. The campsites allow you to experience nature in its purest form, with chattering vervet monkeys hanging from branches above our heads and bushbucks grazing peacefully around the ablution blocks, to fireflies twinkling under a star-studded sky and scores of different sounds emanating from the hills to lull us to sleep. Given the immense effort and time it has taken us to get here, we decide to stay for a second night and spend the time relaxing on a deserted beach and visiting the local shebeen with our new friend, Vuyani, the reserve's tour guide. Vuyani owns a piece of land high up on a hill overlooking the magnificent Wild Coast and lives off the land.

What a great life!

During a visit to the shebeen, I sat on the stoep on an old wooden bench next to my two friends, with a beer in my hand, and as I watch the cattle and goats walk by and listen to the Xhosa elders and younger men talking about the village’s goat prices, I realise that this is where I belong. No Times Square, no Champs-Élyssées, no Big Ben, no Eiffel Tower, and no St. Peter’s Cathedral could make me feel what I felt here; an unconditional love for Africa.

The next morning Vuyani takes us on a guided tour through the reserve in the Land Rover, and because Dwesa receives so few visitors, the 4x4 trail is a bit more 4x4 than one would normally imagine, although it suits us perfectly. We stop to take a walk on an isolated beach between Dwesa and The Haven, and as I walk along the wet sand the only sounds I can hear are the crashing waves and songs of birds. But suddenly an unfamiliar smell tantalises my nose. The smell becomes stronger, and then I see it: droppings from a large animal.

I ask Vuyani which animal’s droppings it is. He slowly lifts his face to the sky and fixes his eyes on something I can’t see. “Rhino,” he faintly replies. At first I don’t understand his emotional sentiment, but the rest of his reply quells any doubts. “Last year there were 13 here. Now not one is left. Poachers.

They come at night. They fly in with helicopters,” he says. As I kneel beside the droppings I can now understand what he was looking at amongst the clouds, and the realisation of this incredibly sad situation, of what is and what should be, hits me hard and I pray.

It's time to leave so we reignite the Land Rover and set off along the back roads to Coffee Bay. The shortest route is a scenic 130 km one, but not the quickest, and the tar road that connects Coffee Bay to the N2 is a blessing after days of bumping, shuffling, and being shook up. After spending the night at the Coffee Bay Campsite, situated in an indigenous forest, we venture out the next morning and discover the town's delights, which include playing beach soccer with the locals, eating delicious pizzas at Pappazela’s Pizzeria, and enjoying unbelievable fishing and surfing experiences.

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Excited about what adventures lie ahead on the second part of the trip, we bid the sea farewell. The road to Hogsback brings change and the landscape transforms from grassy hills to misty mountains.

As we enter Hogsback, located high up in the Amathole Mountains in dense woods, a thick mist hangs over the town to give the beautiful old buildings an enchanted and mysterious feel. We book into the Away with the Fairies Backpackers, and as darkness falls we light a fire and braai with our new friends, Eben and Dominique.

Leaving Hogsback, we glide down the Amathole Mountains in the direction of Graaff-Reinet. It's fascinating to see the British architecture as we pass through the former British colonial towns of Alice, Fort Beaufort, and Bedford. Once again a shift in scenery takes place through the Land Rover’s windows as we drive into the heart of the Great Karoo, and come day's end we pitch a tent in the Karoo soil.

We set out just as the sun splashes its first golden rays over the Karoo plains and later meet up with friends at the Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein. From here the road takes us to Danie’s family’s farm, situated between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland, and we are blessed with the most spectacular sunset.

Fr om left to right: 1. V uyani telling us about the history of Dwesa 2. W here green and blue meets, Morgan’s Bay 3. T ree climbing into the mist at Hogsback 4. T his is why I love Africa! A kiosk in Coffee Bay 5. O ne of the peaceful sites in the Transkei 6. B lowing off steam in the Karoo between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland 7. A serene sunset down the coast from the Double Mouth Campsite 8. A rriving back home in Paarl. (l-r) Me, Danie and Chris

Our homeward journey takes us to Paarl and after exiting the Huguenot Tunnel the significance of the past 11 days suddenly dawns on me. Thinking of the smiling faces we saw in the Transkei villages and the amazingly diverse people we've met brings tears of happiness to my eyes and I feel so privileged to be part of this awesome country. The many different experiences blew my imagination, expanded my knowledge, and made for countless amazing memories that culminated into an overall experience I will never ever forget. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.

èRelated articles:

• Old Faithful Travels to Sesfontein, Namibia Part 2 (Issue 19. p.116) • Vet Books for Africa (Issue 14, p. 128) • The Different Faces of Africa (Digital article, August ’12)

DINfo box i Travelling tips: • If the focus is to experience, stop at every interesting sight.

It’s time well spent.

• Approximate costs were R2 200 per person, of which diesel accounted for about 70%!

• Around R100 was paid for accommodation per person, per night, although sometimes it was free.

• Accommodation options: Umthombe Kei River Lodge, close to Kei Mouth; Double Mouth Campsite, Morgan’s Bay; Dwesa Marine Nature Reserve, Dwesa; Coffee Bay Campsite, Coffee Bay; and Away with the Fairies Backpackers, Hogsback.

• If you’re going to drive on the back roads, make sure you have a detailed GPS - Google Maps will do. Most of the back roads have no or minimal boards indicating directions.

• Make sure you have the basic safety gear.

• Interact with the locals.

• Be open to new experiences. Embrace the situation!

• You haven’t seen the Transkei just by driving on the N2. Take the back roads! J • Take photos of everything you see.

• Make a video diary - it's so much fun to watch afterwards.

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 79

inTRANSIT:

Words & Photos: Xen & Adri Ludick

The Road Less Travelled

Usually Surprises

Road to Desolation Valley

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Xen and I love to travel the roads less travelled because getting lost and the overriding joy of getting out of a situation, as well as spur-of-the-moment decisions, are all part of the greater adventure. In fact, many of our unplanned diversions have led to the discovery of wonderful surprises and experiences.

Many special memories and entertaining stories have come from travelling on the Hunters Road on the Zimbabwe/ Botswana border, travelling to Vilancoulus on the back road from Mapai via the Banhine National Park, visiting Kaokoland/Damaraland and, of course, the road up North through Zambia and into Malawi, to return via Mozambique.

One of our best 'unplanned' experiences happened when we were travelling past Purros, in Namibia, and decided to take a drive up to the viewpoint on the Skeleton Coast.

As we stood on Mt. Kabere, with a gale force wind trying to toss us into the valley below, we could see all along the rugged coastline from the south to the north, and from the Khumib River all the way to the east; the view was spectacularly wild, and it was an experience we wouldn’t trade for the world. But it was our Lake Xau discovery made more recently that I would like to share with you.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to be able to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) for some years now, and our route of choice is to travel from Serowe to Orapa, through Mopipi, and then on to Rakops. Just outside of Rakops, we turn left onto the 47 km twee-spoor that leads to the Matswere entrance gate at CKGR. On our last visit, we had to return to Rakops to re-fuel and as it so often happens there was no fuel to be found there.

This left us with no option but to continue on to Mopipi, 75 km further on the tar road. To get there we needed to cross the Boteti River, and although we have made this crossing on numerous occasions we’ve never experienced the high water levels as on this particular day. Although the water had risen quite high against the bridge, we were in no danger at any time. Relieved, we set off once more towards Mopipi. On the way, our GPS showed that Lake Xau was close by, and as we had never been to this so-called lake, we decided to check it out after re-fueling.

With our fuel tank full and having found a supply of ice we left Mopipi and turned west, travelling on a gravel road for about 26 km before turning north again. Getting to the western part of the lake was more interesting in Old Faithful, our trusty Land Cruiser, as the road was extremely rocky and became more uneven due to the area being covered by water some weeks back and now the mud had hardened, making the journey a bit rougher. Xen’s extensive driving skills were put to the test, but we managed to progress at a snail’s pace until we reached a secondary track. About 3 km further along there was a gravel area that looked like a small dam, but there was no water in sight. Was this the lake? It wasn’t, and not much further we came upon the real Lake Xau, which is also known as Dow Meer or Lake Dow. It was so huge that we could only just make out the end of the lake. When reading about it later, we learnt that this was the first time it had been filled with water in 40 years!

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 81

Bath time

A dust bowl

Gemsbok family Mowani Mountain Camp

Looking good after a bath

Inquisitive puffadder

The principle stream is the Okavango River, which flows from Angola into Botswana and drains into the Okavango Delta. During the rainy season the flow continues east along the Boteti River to Lake Xau and the Makgadikgadi Pans. The lake is approximately 15 km long and 6 km wide, and according to GeoInformation, Lake Xau is a remaining part of an ancient super lake in what is now the Kalahari. This super lake dried out about 10,000 years ago, leaving behind the Makgadikgadi Pan System, Nxai Pan, Okavango Delta, Mababae Depression and Lake Xau. According to Professor Cornelis Vanderpost, the Boteti River was diverted in the 1970s to bypass Lake Xau and bring water to the Mopipi Dam, from where it was pumped to the diamond mine in Orapa.

The diversion works around Lake Xau were removed a few years ago and so the original flow pattern of the Boteti River was restored. During the high floods of 2010 and 2011 in the Okavango, the Boteti River reached Lake Xau at the end of June 2011. So when we saw Lake Xau in May 2012, what had once been a decades-old dust bowl was now filled with water and had grown to a considerable size. According to BirdLife Botswana, there is growing interest in birdwatching at Lake Xau as it remains a unique and isolated body of water, and thousands of ruffs have made it their winter home. The ruff (Philomachus pugnax) is a medium-sized wading bird that breeds in marshes. This highly gregarious sandpiper is migratory and sometimes forms huge flocks in its winter grounds, which includes Africa.

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Back on the road again we passed Kedia, a small township on the southern part of Lake Xau, and the Gidiwe Pan, and then made our way along the cutline back to the Matswere Gate, all without passing another vehicle. Old Faithfull had once again stayed true and treated us well, taking us safely back to our camp where we reflected on another very special, unplanned day that delivered a worthy reward for choosing the road less travelled. Until next time, safe travels. • èRelated articles:

• Jurgens Still Going Strong After 60 Years (Digital article, October ’12) • Old Faithful Travels to Sesfontein - Namibia, Part 2 (Issue 19, p. 116) • Namibia, Orange River to Kunene A Technicolour Dreamscape: Part 1 (Issue 10, p. 18)

inTRANSIT:

Words & Photos by Phillip-Neil Albertyn

The old Inca City of Ma chu Picchu, Peru

canoe Beni River, Bolovia, in a Paddling upstream on the

Around the World on Public Transport South America to the Sub Continent of India

The idea of travelling around the world became a reality after a few good bottles of wine at a braai with some of my buddies. The rules for this epic adventure was to travel across five continents from coast to coast, between the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and only by public transport. In the last issue, my travels took me from Europe, to Northern and Central America. South America was up next, and with my new-found Spanish language skills I was keen to apply them in this magnificent continent, with its vast deserts and jungles, high mountains, large rivers, and ancient cultures. From there I would go to India, a place that I'd heard so many contradicting reports about that I had to go and experience it for myself.

South America

I flew to Cartagena from Panama as the 'Trans Am' highway literally stops in a jungle, which is run by drug lords. This old city is surrounded by walls and prides itself on being the biggest fort in the whole of South America. After an incident with a guy bearing a knife, who wanted to relieve me of all my worldly possessions, I decided it was time to head towards the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world. Leaving by local bus, I passed the capital and largest city of Columbia, Bogota, as well as a few smaller towns on the way to Ecuador, just outside Quito on the equator. This is a beautiful colonial city with wonderful views of the Andes' snow-capped peaks and a nearby volcano.

I met four other travellers here and we decided to do this together instead of using an agency.

In just 43 km, the trail manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud forest, subtropical jungle, and a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. After four days of hiking we reached the trail's final destination; Manchu Picchu, the mysterious 'Lost City of the Incas', and this experience counts as an all time high for me.

Arriving in Peru, I had a rather eventful first day as I was stung by a poisonous fish and had to be rushed to hospital by a 'tuk-tuk'. After a few injections and some TLC I was ready to tackle the longest single trip (40 hours) to Cusco, via Lima, and home of the Inca Trail; a trail that's rated by many to be in the top five treks in the world.

I then took a battered old truck to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, and this was another gem with so much on offer. The drifting islands close to Puno and the Isla de Sol's beautiful sunsets over the lake and snowcapped mountains were all highlights for me.

84 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Canyon crossing in Cuenca, Ecua dor

En route to Isla del Sol on the highest navigable lake in

Reaching Bolivia in a brightly coloured chicken bus (used to transport almost anything), this country is the uncut diamond of South America. Although it was the most rural of the countries I travelled through, I spent some unforgettable time there sharing the water with freshwater dolphins, and piranhas and alligators in the upstream arteries of the Amazon. A trip to La Paz and Potosi, the highest capital and city in the world, was a tough one for me as I battled with the thin air.

Leaving Potosi I travelled by 4x4 to reach Uyuni Salt Lake, considered to be one of the seven natural marvels of the world.

Located 3,650 m up in the mountains of Bolivia, it covers an area of 12,000 km square and is the biggest salt lake in the world.

Here you will also find the Salt Hotel that's located right in the middle of the lake! This hotel is built out of blocks of salt cut from the lake, and all the furniture is also made of salt blocks. The only things made of contemporary materials are the toilets, lighting, and billiard table.

With my Spanish still under construction, I bought a train ticket to Chile, or so I thought. Midway through the trip I realised that the train was not heading for the Chilean border, but rather the Argentinean border. With this new destination thrust upon me, I headed towards Mendoza in a minibus and was treated to some of the most spectacular rock formations near Salta, and passed many vineyards that are responsible for some of the finest wines in South America. Mendoza is a vibrant place and definitely shares some of the flair of her sister city Stellenbosch in South Africa.

the world, Lake Titicaca

From Mendoza, I set my sights once again on Chile and boarded another train - the right one this time. To cross into Chile one has to travel over the Andes, where you are surrounded by towering and breathtaking peaks of well over 6,000 m. Entering the country’s capital, Santiago, the city was surprisingly modern and complete with a underground train system. After a little mishap where the first train left with my backpack and not me, I managed to recover my bag and left Chillán three hours later. Earthquakes have battered Chillán throughout its turbulent history, so most of its colonial charm was bulldozed away decades ago. But away from the sweeping concrete shopping precincts of the city centre, it does have its appeal and the landscape is dotted with glassy lakes and flowing rivers, and surrounded by mountains.

I re-entered Argentina and headed to the most southern-most city on this adventure, the fairy-tale city of San Carlos de Bariloche. It is perfectly situated between glacial-carved mountains and vibrant forests that surround the lake, and boasts the most beautiful wooden and stone houses. From there I travelled to Patagonia by train and then took a bus to Mar del Plata, the sea of silver. My last leg was to Buenos Aires by train. Along the way I met some jolly sailors who were also travelling around the world and we entertained each other with stories about our land and sea travels. 

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 85

The magnificent Taj Mahal, India a nges River, Indi ng off in the Ga oli co lo ffa bu Water

In front of the ‘Gate to India’ in Mum bai

Buenos Aires was everything I had hoped for, and could easily have been an European city that went astray and landed in South America. I visited Casa Rosado, where Evita addressed the nation, before heading to the colourful Bocas, and home of the tango.

With my time running out there was just one more thing I wanted to see before leaving and that was the Iguaçu Falls. I reached this landmark on the border of Brazil and Argentina by overnight bus. This is the biggest drop of water anywhere in the world and consists of a network of 275 different waterfalls that span an area three kilometres. UNESCO designated the falls a World Heritage Area in 1986, and it’s definitely the most spectacular natural site I've ever laid eyes on! I looped my way back across Brazil and Uruguay, to Buenos Aires, the final destination on this continent after almost seven months of travel.

The Sub Continent

Since Asia is so big I thought it would be fair to also cross the subcontinent of India. So I entered this fascinating country in Mumbai - a hectic place with a warm heart - after an eight-hour flight.

It soon became clear that travelling by train would be the best way to get around this fascinating part of the world. Boarding a train to the capital Deli, I entered one of the compartments, an open sixbed configuration. As the train was overbooked my compartment became a six-plus-one compartment, with me on the floor. Deli, like the rest of India, is a place of extremes, ranging between rich and poor, beauty and pollution. I took a day trip to the magnificent Taj Mahal, where the magnitude of this landmark just blew my mind. It was also fascinating to see how it changed colour during the course of the day, and how the marble dome glitters after a rain storm. My next stop was Amritsar in the north west. This is a secret stop for sheik pilgrims and most of the activities take place around the Golden Temple, which is situated in the middle of a man-made lake. Food and accommodation were free, and the four days spent there were a blessing to my budget.

Turning westwards I visited the spiritual place from which the Hindus ‘depart’ to another life, Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River.

The Ganges, or Ganga, is the largest river in India at 2,525 km long and crosses the whole country. The Ganges basin is the most sacred river to Hindus and a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs. No place

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along her banks is more longed for at the moment of death by Hindus than Varanasi, the holiest place in Hinduism and often referred to as ‘the holy city of India’. It is said that those lucky enough to die in Varanasi are cremated on the banks of the Ganges and granted instant salvation. There are exceptions though; pregnant women, children, holy people, and people who died from a snake bite are not cremated but lowered into the river.

Reaching the most northerly point of this trip by 4x4, I entered Darjeeling in the Himalayas and the birth place of Tensing Norgay. His life and Mt. Everest, which can be seen in winter, are celebrated everywhere in this lovely town. I finally reached the sweltering city of Calcutta, where Mother Teresa changed the heart of India and the world by dedicating her life to the needy. The return journey to Mumbai, via Goa, revealed its ties to Portugal, and a lot of Portuguese fingerprints could be found everywhere.

To some people INDIA stands for ‘I’ll Never Do It Again’, but for me it was one of the most fascinating places on the face of the earth. I will definitely visit it again. I had now crossed three continents in the last 18 months and my high expectations had been met. I had not only been treated to spectacular landscapes, but also to ancient traditions and cultures that are sadly fading quickly.

In the next issue, my journey by public transport takes me to Africa, Asia, and the fifth and final continent, that of eastern Europe, from the Ural Mountains to the Baltic Sea. •

èRelated articles:

• Around the World on Public Transport Europe to North and Central America (Issue 20, p. 80) • Playing with Fire (Issue 18, p. 44) • Solo Across Western Sahara (Issue 15, p. 26)

inNATURE:

Words: Alan Hobson | Photos & Video: Angler & Antelope

Exponential Growth & Exceptional Fishing Very seldom does all the puzzle pieces fall into place for a dream weekend of fly fishing. This was the case when my good friend Apie, from Cape Town, organised a clinic for his Port Elizabeth clients; Stephen, Alan, and Craig, at Mountain Dam. When Apie first started making arrangements for the clinic back in September 2011, the Eastern Cape had just recovered from its worst drought in fifty-odd years and one had to work extremely hard to land a few fish, although a good size. Since then Mother Nature has smiled upon us and we enjoyed good winter rains in 2011, followed by bountiful summer rains and heavy snow falls this past winter. The net result, bubbling fountains and gurgling clear cold water. When building expectations with his clients for this clinic, Apie would drop me a reminder to make sure that our waters were stocked. He would not be disappointed as we had stocked more than 8,000 fish in our various dams and stretches of river in 2012 , including 12-20 cm yearlings, and 16 cm, 60 gram yearlings, followed by a very heavy stocking of about 6 cm fingerlings.

By spring 2012, the water temperatures were ideal; fluctuating between 9 and 12 degrees. Whether it was divine intervention or the sheer genius of Mother Nature, or both, conditions had reached their prime. The crystal-clear snow melt, together with substantial rainfall during winter for the second season had, for the first time ever, provoked our trout to breed in certain sections of the Little Fish River.

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Apie’s enthusiasm had definitely rubbed off on the rest of his team in the year building up to this clinic, as everyone had purchased some fly tackle in anticipation of the trip. I say purchased but not yet broken in. The group arrived late on Thursday night to get an early start on Friday, and I had been under strict instructions from Apie to ‘train’ the fish by whistling and have them come to the fly on demand. So whilst enjoying a welcoming drink at the bar, I presented each member a lanyard with a whistle, to summon the fish, and a line clipper to prevent chipped teeth and thus save on dentist bills.

Early Friday morning we headed up the Boschberg to Mountain Dam. It was misty and a fresh easterly breeze stirred up a chop on the surface. Somehow the water exuded an ambiance of expectation or perhaps it was just the excited babble of the fishermen, but the conditions felt right. Alan pumped up his V-boat and was on the water in record time. Apie headed for the rocks at the wall, and Craig and Stephen came with me to target the weed beds. Shrieks of delight echoed across the water as Alan brought his first fish to the net, then another and another. Eventually Apie’s congratulatory enthusiasm from the rocks after Alan’s third fish resonated into a, “Ag nee man!” By this time both Craig and Stephen had managed to bring their first fish of the trip to the net. Apie blew hard on his whistle, but to no avail. So I called him over to join us on the weed beds as more fish had succumbed to the net. What a day! Fifty fish, ranging from 30-46 cm and weighing from 600 grams to 1,2 kilogrammes, were successfully caught and released.

Saturday could not arrive soon enough as morale amongst the group was high. In developing our club waters we have also been able to restock waters, which were stocked with trout many years ago, up in the mountains near Cradock. These waters were stocked with the 16 cm, 60 gram yearlings just one year ago. The drive, climbing to 1,700 metres up in the mountains, is spectacular. The dam is like one of those drop-off swimming pools that seem to be suspended and then just falls off the horizon, except here the dam wall is nestled tightly between two mountains and then falls away with blue mountains on the horizon. Alan remained true to his V-boat and worked every nuance of the dam, enjoying great rewards and the bragging rights of a straightened hook of the brute that got away. Stephen, Craig, and Apie all captured moments of memories that will live with them forever. The phenomenon is that these fish are growing as if they are on steroids, and have reached over 50 cm and weigh more than 2 kilogrammes in just over a year! It is exceptional as were the memories of a remarkable weekend producing over 70 trout and 5 yellowfish. •

èRelated articles: • Vegetarian Trout in the Karoo (Issue 19, p.114) • Warm Weather and Water Bugs (Issue 15, p. 102) • Winter Tactics (Issue 13, p. 106)

DINfo box i Fly Fishing Clinics Angler and Antelope offer clinics regularly throughout the year.

A clinic is a tutored day’s fly fishing for anyone interested in spending the day fly fishing, irrespective of their level of skills.

The day begins early with coffee and muffins, and a talk on 'fly fishing with a purpose', where it’s explained what species will be targetted for the day, for example, trout, yellowfish, black bass, moggel, carp, barbel, and so on, the typical entomology at that time of the year, what flies would be used and why, and the techniques to be put into practice. The group then heads out to the appropriate waters to fish. The instructor will move from one angler to the next, to explain where to fish, why they should be fishing a particular piece of water, what fly to use based on the evidence seen in the water, and how to fish that fly. After a lunch break, the rest of the day is enjoyed on the water.

The tutoring, equipment, flies, rod fees, and lunch are provided.

The cost is R800 per person for the day, but excludes refreshments or drinks. The clinics comprise of a minimum of four anglers and a maximum of eight. For more information contact alan@anglerandantelope.com.

Most local fly fishing shops also offer clinics, and for contacts in your province visit www.fosaf .co.za.

www.wildflyfishinginthekaroo.co.za

Tel: 042 243 3440 Fax: 086 671 6146 Cell: 082 375 4720

WILD FLY FISHING IN THE KAROO SOMERSET EAST

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 89

inFOCUS:

Words & Photos: Jacques Marais | www.jacquesmarais.co.za

Photographic

Chronicles

SHOOT! An Adventure Festival Get Your GRAV On!

90 • DO IT NOW Magazine | October January |2013 November 2012

Photographing an adventure festival is a little bit like being a kid in a candy store … so many pix and so little time. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss anything!

The 2012 Gravity Adventure Festival, presented by leading outdoor apparel brand MERRELL, once again rocked the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve near Kleinmond, in the Western Cape. And with new organisers Tatum Prins and Graham Bird at the helm, this endorphin fest has gone big ... nearly as huge as Judgement Day rapid on the Palmiet after the winter floods.

The question is how do you get around to shoot the popular trail run series, Black Diamond Rock Rally, and the MERRELL Adventure Race, as well as a night run, river swim, SUP Race plus a whack of other events spread far and wide around the massive event centre? Easy - you need another shooter to assist.

If you can't do this, then careful planning is required. Find out times for key events, decide what the main images for these would be, and focus on grabbing highimpact photos that capture the crux of specific disciplines. The good news is that with hundreds of kids, weekend warriors, and racing snakes (not to mention party animals!) on the loose, you will have no end of subjects waiting to be snapped.

According to Bird, South Africa's ‘original adventure festival’ will again take place during early August. As the Kogelberg Reserve is situated just outside Kleinmond, this gathering is a must for adventure junkies and outdoor enthusiasts. If you need more info, dial into the fun on www. adventurefestival.co.za.

Image 1: Cross Training The Action: Runners negotiate the coastal section of the amazing trail run route that winds along the Kogelberg and Kleinmond and back to the GRAV FEST event centre on the Palmiet estuary.

The Shot: When shooting trail running, it is easy enough to find breathtaking scenery, but these crosses offered the opportunity to take a trail run pic with a difference.

The Technique: I used remote flash firing off Pocket Wizards, with one SB-910 behind the cross, and another diagonally in front of the racer. Exposure was taken on the sky.

The Specifications: 1/320th sec @ f8; Nikon D800 + 16 mm fisheye lens; ISO 100; WB Setting (Auto); AE Setting (-1 EV).

More Information: www.adventurefestival.co.za

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 91

Image 2: Wild, Wild Run

Image 3: Rocked and Rolling

The Action: Massive winter downpours in the weeks leading up to Gravity Adventure Festival meant the Palmiet was in full flow, much to the delight of the white-water junkies.

The Action: The Rock Rally, sponsored by Black Diamond, rates as one of the most visual events to shoot at the GRAV FEST, but you had better be ready for a solid hike up the mountain.

The Shot: I was actually running (well, wheezing!) up to the peak to shoot the rock rally, when this long-lens view of the river popped into focus.

The Shot: With so much happening on the various faces, I tried to capture an overview of the action with one of my wide-angle NIKON lenses.

The Technique: Breathe in, lock your elbows, and squeeze the shutter ... easy enough.

The Technique: A low angle and deeper depth of field allowed me to capture a whole host of points of interest in this image.

The Specifications: 1/1,600th sec @ f5.6; Nikon D800 + 80-400 mm lens; ISO 100; WB Setting (Sunlight); no flash; AE Setting (0EV).

The Specifications: 1/160th sec @ f11; Nikon D800 + 16-35 mm wide-angle zoom; ISO 100; WB Setting (Sunlight); AE Setting (-1 EV); on-camera fill-in from SB-910 flash unit.

More Information: www.mountainrunner.co.za

More Information: www.merrell.co.za

92 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 93

94 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Image 4: Running the Gauntlet The Action: Craig Rivett puts his Fluid kayak through the motions on Judgement Day, one of the most popular whitewater rapids in the Western Cape.

The Shot: Speed begets speed ‌ I do not often use a motor-drive, but in a scenario like this, the split seconds separating two shots may make or break the capture.

The Technique: Read the line your subject will take, select continuous focus and fire rapid bursts as and when the action dictates.

The Specifications: 1/1,200th sec @ f5.6; Nikon D800 + 80-400 mm telephoto; ISO 100; WB Setting (Sunlight); AE Setting (0 EV); no flash.

More Information: www.jacquesmarais.co.za

www.doitnow.co.za | Sport • 95

Image 4: The River Wild The Action: Swimmers take on the River Mile Swim down the Palmiet, negotiating a couple of white-water rapids along the way.

The Shot: I had quite a good idea where the action would take place, but to get there I had to do some rock hopping into midstream … make sure your camera DOESN’T go for a swim!

The Technique: Don’t trust your auto-focus in the swirling rapids; too many reflections may make you miss the shot, so pre-focus on the area where you expect the action to happen.

The Specifications: 1/1,000th sec @ f5.6; Nikon D800 + 80-400 mm telephoto; ISO 100; WB Setting (Auto); AE Setting (0 EV); no flash.

More Information: www.nikon.co.za

NEW inFOCUS Quarterly Competition With effect from January 2013, the inFOCUS competition will feature a photo winner in every quarterly issue of the

WIN 500!

R

magazine, with a R500 voucher to be won! The closing date for the April 2013 competition is 4 March 2013.

Please email entries to competitions@doitnow.co.za Good news for all entrants! All entries received in 2013 will be entered into a final draw to take place at the end of December.

The winner will be announced in the January 2014 issue. The details of the grand prize will be announced on the DO IT NOW website (www.doitnow.co.za) soon.

When emailing your images to us please include the following information: • Name of photographer • Name of photograph • Camera type

• Camera settings • Place where the photograph was taken

Competition rules can be viewed on www.doitnow.co.za

96 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

• Which category you are submitting your photo under - Adventure, Sport or Lifestyle

24 Megapixels

Full HD Video Full Frame Sensor

GUN FOR HIRE: Global shooter and author; national newspaper columnist; respected magazine journalist; author of 11 outdoor books and guides. Nikon NPS Member: shoots with the brand new NIKON D600.

EXPERIENCE: Accredited Merrell, Land Rover and Red Bull photographer; covers global extreme sport events; focus on Sport, Adventure Travel; African Culture; Documentaries; Environment and People. Interesting projects required.

AWARDS: Global finalist in Red Bull ILLUME International (2008); Silver & Gold Awards SONY PROFOTO (2010).

CLIENT PORTFOLIO: JM Media shoots, writes or coordinates media projects and events for clients as diverse as Nike, Land Rover, Capestorm, Salomon, Hi-Tec, Cape Union Mart, Red Bull, Maserati, Wilderness Safaris & Tourvest.

NO EGO: Buzz me now on (083) 444 5369 or on the details below for a quote on your next event or project. Do it now.

083/444-5369 • jacques@jacquesmarais.co.za • www.jacquesmarais.co.za

GO-PRO Ambassador Andy MacDonald bails during a huge air on the Vert Ramp at the MALOOF Money Cup World Skateboarding Championships.

Held in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

I AM IN ACTION

inSURE: Words by Peter Fairbanks

DO IT NOW FINANCIAL TIMES JANUARY 2013

98 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

Whose Retirement is it Anyway?

National Treasury is on a serious mission to reform the retirement environment as we know it, and a number of discussions have already taken place on this topic.

From the many reports that have been released, I will try to shed some light on this complex issue and what might come our way.

The crux of the matter is that government is not happy to bear the burden of carrying the working class after retirement age (usually at 65), a problem that is growing by the day. As a result, all the reports so far indicate that we are in for some new laws that will ‘guide’ pensioners on what and how they can invest their monies after retirement age. What also comes out is that one of Treasury’s biggest gripes is with Living Annuities. These are products that a pensioner can invest their pension monies into, so that they are able to receive a monthly income. It also gives them the option to choose how much they want to invest and what percentage income they would like to receive from their investment capital amount on a monthly basis.

Currently, pensioners may choose anything between 2.5% and 17.5%.

Treasury is of the opinion that the average citizen, who has laboured hard and saved for 40-odd years, should not have the option to choose the percentage income or how they would like to invest their monies. One of the recommended proposals is that pension monies be invested in a Trustee Fund; this is a fund where the pensioner has no say whatsoever over their monies and will only receive a set percentage monthly income, which they have no control over. This really concerns me because most government funds or parastatals, such as Eskom and U.I.F, are in trouble financially. So how can I be 100% sure where my pension monies will end up and if it will be invested with my best interests in mind? Furthermore, and the last time I checked, we are still living in a democratic country, where my free will does not only start and end with my vote, but also gives me the right to decide where and how I spend and invest my monies, which I have worked and saved for over many years.

The issue here is that Treasury appears to be tackling this problem from the wrong end. The majority of the voices argue that pensioners should not be ‘guided’ after retirement, but that government should rather do more for their citizens during the years of contribution. It’s a wellknown fact that 98% of South Africans won’t retire on the same or even close to the same level of income as their last pay check, which is mainly due to people not saving enough during their years of contribution. So if you incentivize and ‘guide’ people during their working years, you will end up with more people being able to ‘afford’ to retire.

In my opinion, one of the biggest culprits that contributes to our government’s headache is Provident Fund Schemes, which allow employees to draw their savings when resigning. As is sadly too often the case, this money is blown on frivolous things or great plans that they are sure will help them to become financially independent. When they get to 55, they realise that retirement is just around the corner, and that they are totally unprepared. Statistics vary, but the average person will change jobs at least five to seven times in their working years. So if you are allowed to withdraw your pension monies every time you move, it will come as no surprise that you won't be able to retire.

Therefore, government needs to work hard at educating and growing a culture where the working class understands that pension monies are precisely that, only to be used for their retirement. A tough approach during the years of contribution will have a bigger and healthier ‘pay off’ than taking people’s money after retirement and ‘investing’ it on their behalf to generate a monthly income.

My final thought on this matter, and without trying to be unfair to anyone, is that when government moves fast on any legislation, as it is on this controversial topic, history has shown that it ends up in a mess. I can only hope that history is rewritten in this case, and the final outcome is one that will help rather than hinder our already struggling working class, and ultimately our pensioners.

èRelated articles:

• Beware the Buyer (Issue 19, p. 136) • The Importance of a Will (Issue 18, p. 132) • Is a Trust for You? (Issue 17, p. 126)

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 99

inDULGE:

Words by Neil Ross, Executive Chef

Serves 4

Gingered Chicken Patties This is a very simple recipe for a quick and tasty mid-week meal.

INGREDIENTS:

3 garlic cloves, chopped Thumb sized fresh ginger, roughly chopped 4 spring onions, roughly chopped 4 skinless chicken thighs and 2 skinless breasts, cut into large chunks ½ a small bunch coriander, chopped 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce 3 tablespoons sunflower oil 300g/11oz egg noodles 250g pack of stir-fry vegetables ½ tablespoon soy sauce Sweet chili sauce, to serve

100 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

METHOD: 1. Put the garlic, ginger and spring onions into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Add the chicken, coriander, fish sauce and seasoning, and pulse again until well combined. Use wet hands to shape the mixture into 12 patties.

2. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and cook the noodles as per the pack instructions. Drain the noodles.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan and fry the patties for 4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the pan, cover and keep warm.

4. Heat the remaining oil in the pan and add the vegetables. Cook over a high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the noodles and soy sauce. Stir-fry for a few minutes to heat everything through. Serve the noodles and chicken patties with chili sauce.

Serves 6-8

Lemon Pie This zesty lemon pie, with its zingy filling, is so easy and delicious to make and it won’t disappoint.

INGREDIENTS: For the dough: 250g flour 125g softened butter, broken into pieces 75g granulated sugar 1 egg For the filling: 100g softened butter, broken into pieces 125g granulated sugar 3 eggs 60ml crème fraîche or thick cream Juice of 3 lemons Finely grated zest of 3 lemons

METHOD: To make the dough: • Place the flour, butter, sugar and egg in a large mixing bowl. Use your fingers to pinch the ingredients together, working quickly, until a ball of dough is formed.

• Place it on a lightly floured table or plate, cover and leave for 1 hour before baking.

• Preheat the oven to 200°C. • Lightly butter and flour a 24cm pie pan, then roll the dough out into a thin sheet and line the pan. Cut off any excess dough from around the edges and prick the bottom in several places with the prongs of a fork.

• Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the dough; it should be large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the dough and stick up above the edges of the pan. Press the paper well against the dough, lining the sides of the pan, then fill the pan with uncooked rice, beans or lentils.

• Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 160°C. • Carefully lift out the paper containing the rice or beans (discard or reuse the bean/rice).

To make the filling: • First beat the butter and sugar together, and then beat in the eggs and cream. Finally add the lemon juice and zest.

• Pour the filling into the pie pan, place it back in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the filling and crust have begun to brown.

• Allow to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours before serving.

Bon appétit!

èRelated articles:

• Classic Kentish Gypsy Tart and Lemon Garlic Steamed Mussels (Issue 14, p. 112) • Boere Prego & Beer Bread (Issue 3, p. 96)

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 101

inTERTAINMENT:

Reviews by www.fortressofsolitude.co.za

HIGHLIGHTS

MOVIE TITLE

SKYFALL

• Great direction, a great villan and great performances Recommended for: Bond fans

Director: Sam Mendes Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Ralph Fiennes

VERDICT

The plot is a lot simpler than it makes itself out to be. An unknown traitor steals the names of all MI6’s agents and kills them all. Bond also gets shot during pursuit, but after spending time recovering and becoming an alcoholic he returns. Despite failing a few aptitude tests, boss M reinstates him out of pure desperation. Racing against time, Bond needs to regain his skills and track down the mastermind behind all the chaos before it’s too late.

With Skyfall it’s so easy to forget that you’re watching a James Bond film. Had it not been for the familiarities – the Aston Martin and Monty Norman’s guitar theme from Dr. No – this film could easily separate itself from the series. Traditional fans won’t be delighted by all the changes, but braver viewers will find the experience more than rewarding. If there is criticism to be levelled against Skyfall, it’s the less than impressive title sequence, the Adele theme song and the lack of screen time awarded to the remarkable Bardem. A few forgiveable cheesy one-liners also show up here and there, breaking away from the film’s serious tone for a laugh or two.

The new 007 adventure reaches for the sky and soars above many of its predecessors.

Polished, well paced and extremely entertaining, Skyfall is well-worth watching, renting, owning and adding to your collection.

HIGHLIGHTS

MOVIE TITLE

LOOPER

• Acting by both Willis and Gordon-Levitt Recommended for: Action / Sci Fi fans

Director: Rian Johnson Starring: Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Jeff Daniels and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

VERDICT

Possibly billed incorrectly as purely an action film, Looper probably works better as a sci-fi detective drama that avoids many of the usual clichés in exchange for an original story (remember those?). Think Terminator. Think Back to the Future. Think 12 Monkeys.

Think Blade Runner. Think Inception. Think of them all combined and you’d get a peephole glimpse into the world of Looper, a guaranteed future cult hit that could easily fit into Christopher Nolan’s catalogue. The head-scratching Looper, which manages to sell the idea of time travel without making us roll our eyes at the implausibility, has the right combination for a winning formula - a great script, great direction, great performances and great visuals. If you’ve seen the trailer, you’ll already know all there is to know about the clever set-up.

In 2074, the mob disposes of its enemies by sending them back in time to the year 2044, where hired hit men, dubbed loopers, wait to assassinate them. Gordon-Levitt plays Joe, a successful looper thriving in the criminal underground, armed with wit, charm and a retro-looking blunderbuss. Joe, who is incredibly low on morale, spends his time in bars doing drugs and sleeping with prostitutes. His life of leisure is suddenly interrupted when his future self appears at an assassination point. Old Joe, played by Bruce Willis at his action-hero best, cleverly outsmarts him, knocking him out cold and venturing off on a dark mission to save his future wife. A game of cat and mouse ensues, punctuated by narrow escapes, shoot-outs and sharp dialogue, as Joe tracks down his older self.

102 • DO IT NOW Magazine | October January January 2013 |2013 November 2012

GAME TITLE

VERDICT

HALO 4

In the distant year of 2007, upon saving the world from the Covenant and Flood alien menaces, UNSC Petty Officer Sierra 117 Master Chief was alone on the derelict spaceship, Forward Unto Dawn. He walked into a cryo-chamber and said to his AI companion Cortana: “Wake me when they need me.” This signalled the end of an era in shooter games, the climax of the Halo trilogy. Many were sad to see it go, but understood that the story it had told was complete; its enemies were defeated. However, a mere five years later, with a new studio at the helm, the Saga of Halo continues; with a new numbered entry that no one would certainly reject, but not many people especially asked for either. It would perhaps have been a little more dramatic if we hadn’t had a Halo game released each year for the last three years either.

CD TITLE

VERDICT

Assassin’s Creed III

Every now and again, something happens to a video game developer that they could only dream of previously. A product they release becomes so successful, so phenomenally acclaimed for its concept that it sets the stage to become a cross-media franchise of truly biblical proportions. For Ubisoft in 2007, this game was Assassin’s Creed. Skip ahead five years later, and with the release of Assassin’s Creed III (actually the fifth main series entry, and the twelth if including side games) this particular arc has come to an end. While it may not be the end for the franchise, it is the end of the story for many of the characters we have been introduced to over the years.

Assassin’s Creed III is definitely a good game, a great game even, I certainly thought so.

It has a lot of playtime-for-money, and a variety of gameplay activities to keep you going.

Definitely worth a buy for fans, and worth a look for newcomers as well.

INTERTAINMENT to look out for by Richard Flamengo Playing For Keeps Genre: Romantic Comedy Director: Gabriele Muccino Starring: Gerard Butler, Jessica Biel, and Dennis Quaid Date: 4 Jan 2013

Wreck-It Ralph Genre: Animated (3D) Director: Rich Moore Starring: Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, and John C. Reilly Date: 12 Jan 2013

Django Unchained Genre: Drama Director: Quentin Tarantino Starring: Don Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx Date: 18 Jan 2013

Flight Genre: Drama Director: Robert Zemeckis Starring: Denzel Washington, Carter Cabassa, and Nadine Velazquez Date: 25 Jan 2013

Lawless Genre: Drama, Crime Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, and Mia Wasikowska Date: 25 Jan 2013

ARGO Genre: Drama, Thriller Director: Ben Affleck Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman Date: 1 Feb 2013

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 103

inREVIEW:

Words & Photos: Francois Steyn - drivethis.wordpress.com

spotlight BMW M6 Convertible, IN the Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D VNT Raised Body & Chevrolet Sonic Hatch 1.3D LS BMW M6 Convertible

BMW is famous for its world-beating powerplants, with the 330i’s straight six having won engine of the year six years in a row. The 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engine, with two twinscroll turbo chargers, is combined with Valvetronic, double VANOS and High Precision Injection to make it another superb example of German engineering at its best. Delivering 415 kW (that’s 40 more than the Jag XKR and 20 more than Merc’s SL63 AMG) and 680 Nm of torque from as low as 1,500 revs per minute, you’ll see a 100 from standstill in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but the speedo is marked all the way to 330 to hint at its capabilities were it not for a gentlemen’s agreement. To give you an idea, the S-version of the XKR is limited to 300 km/h, but has the same torque as the M6 and 10 kW less power. Pure madness, but is it drivable?

Getting in, you’re surrounded by two-tone leather: light grey seats and centre console, with a black dash, steering wheel, and pillar posts. There’s brushed aluminium and ample carbon fibre too, but no teak decking, thank goodness! Pressing the Start button rewards you with a burble of burnt fuel from the quartet of pipes at the rear. Each time you switch off the engine, the threeway settings for steering, suspension, gearshifts, and engine power all turn to the default 'tame' setting. This makes the M6 as drivable and comfortable as any 5-series saloon. Fiddle with the aforementioned buttons next to the gear lever and you can customise the car to your liking. For pre-set M settings, there are two buttons on the multifunction (heatable and electrically adjustable) steering wheel. M1 turns all the settings to Sport and M2, and after asking for confirmation switches all to Sport+ and deactivates the traction control. Beware though, as the drivetrain has no problem with braking traction on dry tar, even with the optional 20-inch wheels that boast 295 section rubber at the rear. Luckily, when traction control is engaged, the power is immediately cut. It really is impossible to fully enjoy the acceleration of the M6 as you’ll be doing jail time before you hit third gear if you keep your foot glued to the floor.

104 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

I drove the less-attractive convertible, but don’t get me wrong because it is still a stunner. It's just that the coupé has a much more balanced look. The soft top can be opened electronically while driving slowly, and takes less than a minute to fold away. Once the top is down you can share the high-quality sounds emanating from the optional Bang & Olufsen surround sound system. There’s a six disc DVD changer in the cubby hole and you can connect your devices via Bluetooth or USB. The optional M multifunction seats include electric adjustment of the upper section of the backrest, backrest width, thighrest and headrest height for both passenger and driver. It can be heated or cooled, and in our test car we had the optional massage function for both front occupants. It’s quite an awkward, though not unpleasant, feeling as one butt cheek lifts and then the other.

The safety features are too many to mention, but some of the novel ones include Lane Departure Warning, Roll-over Protection for the convertible and a Head-up Display as standard. Optional extras are BMW Night Vision with object recognition and Lane Change Warning. It also has ISOFIX child seat anchors in the rear seats, which are also suitable for adults.

I would love to have tested this car on a track or runway, but on the road it corners flat, brakes on demand with excellent feel, and accelerates like a 4th of July firecracker. For just shy of R1.5 million it is good value compared to more expensive (but no quicker) supercars that do not come with a comprehensive five year, 100,000 km BMW Motorplan.

McCarthy Toyota Lynnwood Tel: (012) 807 9800 “Peace of mind is part of the deal!”

Toyota Fortuner 2.5 D-4D VNT Raised Body

Toyota has once again followed the pizza approach with their model range design. Let me explain. On any pizza menu there are always a couple of near-perfect combinations, save for one or two missing toppings (usually pineapple). The reason they do this is so that one perfect pizza does not cannibalise the sales of all the other great options. In the Fortuner range, there’s no doubt in my mind that a 4x4 version of the 2.5 D-4D would have topped the charts. Sadly though, that delicious option is not available. However, the 2.5 D-4D delivers 106 kW, only 14 less than the 3-litre, and the same amount of torque, albeit with a slightly narrower rev range. At 150 km/h it’s not out of breath and it has ABS, EBD, BAS, airbags, front- and rear fog lamps, and even Vehicle Stability Control.

It's also lighter on fuel than the 3.0 D-4D, and on a fully-laden trip to Sutherland it averaged 8.5 l/100 km. The fuel tank takes 80 litres, which meant that if we were careful we could have covered the nearly 1,000 km trip on one tank.

We drove through the Tankwa Karoo National Park and the Fortuner proved very comfortable over the rough corrugations. The stability control warning light did flash once or twice when a dip in the road surprised me, but it did not feel unsafe at all. The high

profile bakkie tyres and full size spare wheel gave me peace of mind as I’ve had a flat there once in a SUV with an emergency spare. The layout inside is versatile, with a 60:40 split for the second row of seats and a 50:50 split for the foldable third row. There is air-conditioned ventilation at the rear as well, so everyone stays comfortable on long journeys.

106 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

The interior of the 2.5 D-4D is toned down compared to the high-end 3-litre and does not have park assist or automatic cruise control. It does have auto levelling halogen headlamps as standard features though. For most families this entry-level Fortuner is the perfect vehicle, and if I was in the market for a new car this would be on my shortlist. My only concern is that if you, like my wife and I, enjoy exploring remote and wild locations without backup, you really do need 4x4 with low range for the 2% of roads that are impassable. The 2.5 does, however, have an electronic diff-lock to get you out of the other 98% of awkward situations.

Chevrolet Sonic Hatch 1.3D LS

At arm’s length, the Sonic Hatch may not stand out in the crowded hatchback segment, but upon closer inspection there are a few welcome surprises. Firstly, the funky, gamelike instrumentation works well and is not overdone or cheap looking. Secondly, the little 1.3-litre oil burner pushes out a healthy 70 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque, while sipping diesel like a teetotaller. During our week with the Sonic we averaged 5.5 l/100km without trying to break any economy run records.

from 290 to 653-litres when the seats are folded.

Included in the R184 400 price tag is a three year / 60,000 km service plan. •

Although it’s not a hot hatch, it does inspire a sense of driving pleasure through a combination of its positive feel six-speed gearbox, the perfectly shaped steering wheel, and large analogue rev counter mounted on the steering column. The latter is complemented by an LCD screen that shows your speed in bright blue digital numbers, as well as range left, fuel consumption, and trip distance, to name but a few features. On the multifunction steering wheel you will also find the cruise control, audio buttons, and hands-free operation of your cell phone. Even with its funky theme, the interior won't be outclassed by a Polo or Yaris.

èRelated articles: • In the Spotlight: Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Lumina SSV Ute, Toyota Avanza vs. Nissan Livina (Issue 19, p.138) • In Review: Finding your Perfect Companion - Mitsubishi, Isuzu & Harley-Davidson (Digital article, September ’12) • In Review: Amarok, Nissan & Volvo Be Pleasantly Surprised! (Issue 16, p. 112)

On the safety side it has ABS with EBD, as well as driver-, passenger- and frontside airbags. The 460-litre fuel tank is good for 800 km on the open road and the boot can be expanded BMW M6 Convertible

Toyota Fortuner 2.5 4x2

Chevrolet Sonic 1.3D LS

Capacity (cc)

4,395

2,494

1,248

Power (kW)

412 (6,000 - 7,000 rpm)

106 (3,400 rpm)

70 (4,000 rpm)

Torque (Nm)

680 (1,500 - 5,750 rpm)

343 (1,600 - 2,800 rpm)

210 (1,750 - 2,500 rpm)

0 - 100 km/h acceleration (sec)

4.3

N/a

11.7

Top speed (km/h)

250 (limited)

175

174

Fuel consumption (actual)

14.1 l/100 km

8.5 l/100 km

5.6 l/100 km

Gearbox

7-speed M-Double Clutch

5-speed manual

6-speed manual

Front tyres

265/35 ZR20

265/65 R17

195/65 R15

Rear tyres

295/30 ZR20

265/65 R17

195/65 R15

Service plan (years/km)

5 / 100,000

5 / 90,000

3 / 60,000

Base price

R1 485 500

R338 600

R184 400

Optional extras (+/-)

R218 750

Price as tested

R1 704 250

www.doitnow.co.za | Lifestyle • 107

inCLOSING

inside the next issue ...

Quote: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw Don't miss these and many other great articles in the February 2013 issue of DO IT NOW Magazine.

The Competitiveness of Orienteering

Just as rugby dominates in South Africa but lacks popularity in, say, Costa Rica, so it is with the sport of orienteering. Participation here is small, but in Scandinavian countries entries at major events exceed that of Comrades Marathon numbers, and supporters at home sit glued to their flat screens watching live broadcasts of the events or following GPS tracking of runners online.

The Great Makgadikgadi Pans Mountain Bike Adventure

The dry and dusty Makgadikgadi Pans of Botswana are one of the most inhospitable yet beautiful places on the planet earth. Why though would anybody want to drive there in a Mercedes-Benz ML500 before cycling 150 km across them? Patrick Cruywagen searches for the answers.

Taking on the World’s Longest Ocean Race

Nick Barclay, 31, from Cape Town decided to swop his highflying career in marketing for the challenge of competing in the world’s longest ocean race. With no previous sailing experience, but with a love of adventure, Nick describes how the Clipper 2011-12 Round the World Yacht Race brought him back to life.

On the Lighter Side Larry was a photographer for the N.Y. Times, and was scheduled to meet a plane on the runway to take him on a job.

“Hit it,” said Larry climbing into the first plane he saw on the runway. The pilot took off and was soon in the air. “OK,” said Larry, “fly low over the trees over there, I want to take a few pictures.” “What do you mean?” asked the pilot.

Larry looked at the pilot and answered a little annoyed, “I need to take some pictures for the N.Y. Times, so please …”

There was a long pause, before the pilot asked in a shaky voice, “You mean you’re not my instructor?”

SUBSCRIBE & WIN Subscribe during January 2013 and stand to WIN

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adidas evil eye halfr im worth R2 200 The Evil Eye halfrim design the durable, flexible SPX™ material make the eyewear extremely light and ideal companion on any tour. It is designed for the demands of both mountain biking on rugged trails and arduous road racing. The eyewear can also be individually adjusted to ensure an ideal fit.

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, DO IT NOW MAGAZINE (Pty) Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear, or for any consequence of utilising the information contained herein. Statements by contributors are not always representative of DO IT NOW MAGAZINE (Pty) Ltd opinion. Copyright 2009 DO IT NOW MAGAZINE (Pty) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the prior permission of DO IT NOW MAGAZINE (Pty) Ltd. DO IT NOW MAGAZINE(Pty) Ltd supports and encourages responsible practices with regards to all Adventure, Sport and Lifestyle activities. We also believe in the conservation and protection of our environment.

108 • DO IT NOW Magazine | January 2013

The legendary trail-riding performance of Trance X just got a boost. Everything you love about the original— handcrafted ALUXX SL aluminum frame, trail-taming Maestro Suspension and stable geometry—re-engineered for 29-inch wheels. Smoother, faster and always in control.

Learn more at giant-bicycles.com/TranceX29er

©2012 Giant Bicycle Inc. All rights reserved.

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