XMspread Fairview Dryland Traverse

Underground

Trails

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHS ZOON CRONJE

JANUARY 2016

The Fairview Dryland Traverse takes place each year in the mountains around Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.

The prologue starts in the bespoke Cango Caves

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IMAGE BY www.zooncronje.com

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Light the way The Cango Caves set the magnificent stage for the opening prologue of this iconic event.

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Dam good run The Raubenheimer dam outside De Hoek near Oudshoorn. I had to climb a cliff to get this perspective and eventually “paid” for the shot by falling off it

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The Cango Caves set the magnificent stage for the opening prologue of this iconic event

MORE INFO www.drylandtraverse.co.za IMAGE BY www.zooncronje.com #drylandtraverse

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Navigating the various chambers took runners along 4km of trails inside the caves exclusively to runners in this event. Runners had to rely on their headlamps and the down lights on the trail which of course aren’t nearly as well lit as this longer exposure shot

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The dramatic clouds kept runners cool in the unforgiving terrain as they left the cave system

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Down to the core The descend into the main cavern at the Cango Caves delivers a spectacular view of the splendour and size of the cave system runners are about to experience

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Ts and Cs apply

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First

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aid

Between the medics and the CBC sponsorship with quality craft beer athletes are well looked after to say the least

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It is all about

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the view

The title sponsorship by Fairview Wines allows athletes to take in breathtaking views on exclusive trails in beautiful surrounds

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Majestic Swartberg The iconic Swartberg pass is a bucket list item for most runners and here it’s just another stage

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True to form the Dryland team make sure routes are exceptionally well marked

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Terrific trails The trails used in the Fairview Dryland Traverse are fast becoming the stuff of legend for obvious reasons

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Full Frontal Fun is the name of the game, the vibe at this event is something to write home about

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ASTONISHING COMBINATION OF A MAXIMUM 4000 LUMEN OUTPUT AND MORE THAN 11 DAYS OF BATTERY RUNTIME, THE FENIX TK75 2015 EDITION IS VERSATILE, ADVENTUROUS AND RELIABLE.

MADE OF DURABLE AIRCRAFTGRADE ALUMINIUM AND COMPLETED WITH AN ANTI-ABRASIVE FINISH.

Illuminate Your Adventure xtremedia.co.za

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The fun vibe is not only reserved for when you are not running either

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The most difficult step is always the first step, especially after a hard stage the day before

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Flower power The exceptional beauty of the surrounds seem to inspire runners to smile more often, that and the cameras of course

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Klein Karoo International make sure that there is always sumptuous ostrich meat on offer at water tables making for not only healthy but delicious snacks

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This is big mountain country and part of the appeal is that the race village is nestled in some of the most scenic mountains South Africa has to offer

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Traction control Apart from the obvious there are some compulsory items to ensure the runners’ safety

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Up and The view of the top of Swartberg pass in the distance as runners continue to climb

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away

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Start your engines, the start of the Swartberg pass stage starts at the foot of the bespoke pass

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The trails cut through numerous bush tunnels on some of the days in stark contrast to the Karoo days #drylandtraverse

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Tread with care, the Karoo can be unforgiving and the descents can be just as demanding as the climbs

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Follow the leader

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The lush undergrowth and streams at the base of the mountains keep runners fresh while presenting their own challenges

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The event is growing in popularity and even starting to attendance from international competitors

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“ It is right behind me isn’t it?”

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One of the stages featured a segment of an obstacle course

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NC

RO N

JE

The Fairview Dryland Traverse takes place each year in the mountains around Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. The prologue starts in the bespoke Cango Caves

PH

OT O:

ZO O

#drylandtraverse

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