Saturday 23 February: Muizenberg- Farmer Peck’s Valley

Saturday 23 February: Muizenberg- Farmer Peck's Valley

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Feedback: Saturday 16th February 2013: Tokai Breakfast Run

The 6.00am rendezvous at the Arboretum Parking Area, attended by well over 50 trail runners, was a mixture of admiration and confusion. The admiration was for Tim’s Group, as it is not very often that we are in the company of such fine athletic specimens. The confusion was that all of Greg, Alex and Jackie have officially defected from “us” to “them”……rumour has it that, not only do they earn rather lucrative appearance money, they also received rather hefty signing on lump sums. Peter and Tim are currently negotiating the transfer fees.

After the usual introductions by Peter, which some folk find amusing, rather than taking in the serious side of the instructions and reminders……please guys, accidents happen, you must be prepared……we set off in 4 groups, as follows:

• 1.       Tim’s elite group
• 2.       TMT group 1, led, at Peter’s request, by Dave, armed with comprehensive written instructions
• 3.       TMT recovery group, led by Peter
• 4.       TMT walking group, led by Fay.

Sam  trying to hitch a ride down with a mountain biker

Tim’s group set off at a blistering pace (enough about “them”) and TMT group 1 at a gentle trot, closely followed by the recovery group and the walking group. We hadn’t gone 100 metres, when Dave took a wrong turning. A few more wrong turnings ensured, before we eventually reached Level 5 on what can only be described as a perfect summer’s morning……the views over the Cape Flats and False Bay, all the way to Gordons Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains, were quite magnificent. 

We followed the trail into the Silvermine Reserve and through the mountain bike car park. Dave took a tumble, so Neil wisely stepped in to the lead role, a fine move under the circumstances, as, from then on to the finish, not a foot was put wrong……a navigational hundred percenter. We raced up on to Steenberg Ridge, the Silvermine dam in the distance below, we scrambled over a few rocks below Elephants Eye, then motored along the single track to the tar road and on to the top of Blackburn Ravine, then to the lookout deck, where we gathered to take in the breathtaking views of Hout Bay.

A quick photo shoot and we were soon retracing our steps back to the lookout point below Elephants Eye and then all the way downhill back to the car park, where all 4 groups mingled in perfect harmony.

Stunning Sunrise view

The only incident of note was Mike losing his hydration pack……well, he didn’t actually lose it, he left it on the boot of his car, then walked over to the group for chat. Someone lifted/stole it and gave it to a security guard, who thought it was “junk”, so he dumped it in a black refuse bag and was about to confine it to the refuse bin/take it home (you do the maths), when Dave (luckily) retrieved it and returned it to a rather relieved Mike. The last sighting was of Mike and the security guard in deep meaningful conversation, probably discussing the pros and cons of leaving a hydration pack unattended on the boot of a car……lesson learned?

About 20 of us made our way to Julian and Gaeleen’s mansion (thanks guys) for a lovely breakfast and to admire Greg’s body (this insert at the request/insistance of the ladies present……sorry Allison!!!) and Julian’s jewelry.

On a lighter note, when leaving the car park, we noticed a sign reading “Baboons Drive Slowly”……and we were under the impression that baboons drove quite quickly.

Many thanks to Dave for this report and to Jackie,Chantal and Michael for the photographs 

Feedback: 9 February

Sunrise

Recovery Group showing off Eleanor's ankle!

A less dense part of that kloof

Saturday 9^th February 2013: Constantia Nek-Vlakkenberg

Saturday’s saw a record number of 40 turn out for what would become an eventful sortie.  

All started well as we climbed up the many steps leading over Vlakkenberg pass. We saw a magnificent sunrise breakthrough the low lying clouds threatening rain.   Then Eleanor stumbled and turned her ankle. Fortunately Elaine was at hand and she expertly strapped it up and we decided that it would be better for her to continue down Bokkeman’s kloof where we could get her to a car as opposed to retracing our steps and going down all those steps.

The main group continued at a fine pace up to Skoorsteen berg and we of the Recovery Group searched for the trail down the densely wooded Bokkeman's Kloof.   We found it well hidden in thick bush and we had some good bush wacking experience before the terrain opened up a bit.   

The Main Group decided to try the alternative path which was in fact the better option and soon caught up and overtook us going down the kloof. The rain set in but at least Eleanor’s ankle was holding up and she made good progress downhill and decided to continue along the pipe track to the end.

Meanwhile Fay’s walking group were being slowed down by a newbie who was neither fit nor strong and was tiring fast.   They unfortunately missed the beacon and sign we had left indicating where to turn down the kloof and seeing the Main group on the other side of the valley followed them down only to miss the point where the stream is crossed.    

By now the rain was falling steadily but the Main and Recovery groups were soon back at the start and the shelter of their cars.

Back to the kloof and the struggling walking group.  Fortunately Felicity had taken her cell phone and called me to say they were lost and were having problems with the tiring newbie.  I decided that Neil and I should drive down and wait for them at the bottom of the kloof to reduce the distance they still had to cover.   We also managed to telephonically guide them back up to the board walk where they found the previously ignored beacon.  

Meanwhile Neil had started back up the kloof to escort them down.  They met up and returned down in the now pouring rain at a snail’s pace to stay with newbie!.   Eventually they reached the bottom after taking four and a half hours for what should have been a 2:30 walk. Clearly Neil is the hero of this as during the course of that morning he did Bokkeman’s three times.  Those who ran that day will understand that was no mean feat in that thick bush.

We then drove a gaggle of soaking walkers and a very embarrassed newbie back to Constantia Nek.

A few lessons to be gained from this incident which could have ended on a far more serious note.

1. Even trail walking is not easy.  We need to be careful about how we “sell” trail running/walking to potential newbies.   We must stress that they must be fit and able to cover at least 12-15kms on tar at a modest running pace or at a fast walk if wanting to join Fay’s walking group.   What we do is tough going and we should not overlook the fact that what we now find relatively easy is in reality well beyond the capabilities of the average couch potato.
2. Group leaders and sweeps should monitor any newbies and if it is clear after say 15minutes that they cannot keep up then they should be tactfully asked to turn back and return to the cars.
3. Cell phones are essential.  Without one we would have had no idea what had happened and would not have been enabled to effect a rescue.
4. Rain proof jackets are essential on all sorties.   Only two of the walking group had rain jackets and the rest were clearly very cold and wet.
5. Whistles helped Neil locate them, need I say more. 

Feedback Sat 2 Feb: Sunbird Centre

Feedback: 26 January- Table Mountain North Face Traverse

Feedback Table Mountain North Face Traverse

26 runners on the day!   Good run despite a strong Sou East wind blowing down Plattekip Gorge and over the saddle.

Thanks to Piero and Greg for leading on what was Piero's 25th sortie.   So congratulations to him and he is now eligible to wear our Red Tee shirt. 

And congratulations to Lorraine for completing 10 runs and joining the Decurions who are entitled to use the speed check in

Early morning Cape Town

The long slog uphill

Contour path at last!

Mai n Group in the Cave

Recovery Group

elevation profile of the sortie

Route taken

FEEDBACK: Sat 19 Jan GLENCAIRN –KLEINPLAAS DAM CIRCUIT

Despite the allure of the Red Hill Classic road race 20 turned up at the RV on top of Black hill where the Sou-easter was gusting mightily.  

Ralph was late at the start but by following the foot prints followed us and eventually passed the recovery group after about 3 kms and sprinted on to catch up with the main group further ahead.    After such a turn of speed perhaps he should graduate up to Tim's longer faster group.t .  

Despite the wind and the deep soft sand for much of the way both groups had a good run, those who elected to take a tumble chose to fall in soft sand so no stories there!

Piero Granelli for his maiden sortie as leader and navigator scored a perfect 10 without a wrong turn or loosing anyone.   Well done!     As backup we had a long haired lass from Lancashire but her expertise was not needed.  Thanks Cathy .

We shared the route with Tim's Longer faster Group who after an initial detour to gain distance merged with our group for the last few Kms.

Main Group at Kleinplass Dam

Route followed

FEEDBACK sat 14 JANUARY 2013

Saturday  14 January 2013: Constantia Nek- Kirstenbosch

Despite me delaying the start by about 20 minutes because I forgot to bring the start register and route directions for which I am entirely to blame we had a good run in reasonable conditions up the first short cut steps and then down to the roller coaster high level path all the way through to Skeleton gorge.
Mike Hart accompanied by two others, having opted for the recovery group's shorter route, were enjoying the sortie so much that they decided to run the full route instead!

Thanks to Gregg and Dave for leading the group and congratulations to Veronica who scored a double 40. Ran her 40th sortie in the week she turned 40!

Starting out up the steps!

Where else in the World will you find a better trail running region?

Photo of both Main and Recovery groups

Feedback, Saturday 15th December: Rhodes Memorial

Running towards Newlands Ravine

28 including 7 newbies arrived at the RV to find the gates up to Rhodes Memorial firmly locked. Having anticipated this eventuality we started off from said gate.  Despite the early hour it was soon warm work grinding up heartbreak hill towards the blockhouse which was followed by a good scenic run along the trail leading from King’s Block house towards Constantia Nek.

Re group

we turned down at Ascension gully and made our way back along Woodcutters trail through Newlands Forest to the start.   Here we discovered that someone had removed our Start Register from under Liz’s car and despite a search it was gone.   Several of us then drove through the now open gates up to the Rhodes Memorial parking area for our customary end of year picnic breakfast under a convenient shady oak.

Thanks to Julian for leading the main group, to Lorraine for some of the photos and Gaeleen for the track and elevation profile.

Lorraine taking it easy!

Group Photo

End of year picnic breakfast

Route followed

Elevation Profile

Feedback: Sat 8th December, Silvermine SE

Silvermine SE  

Slogging uphill and too misty to see much

35 turned up at the start although some did miss the turn off  to the parking area.
Although lower down it was a warm summers day up here in the cloud shrouded mountains with the Sou Easter pumping it was something else.  Anyway as usual we split into two groups and Richard led off the main group heading out for the trail round to the amphitheatre and beyond.   For us in the recovery group that was the last we saw of them!

Recovery group at the Amphitheatre cairn

Main Group

Veronica led out the recovery group at a fine clip, [clearly she has recovered] and we followed the main group, occasionally hearing them but due to the mist we could see very little.  One mishap which fortunately did not turn out to be serious so after a short break we continued.   Later we encountered Michael who was doubling back as it appeared the main group had lost some.   we assured him that there were no stragglers other than us so he disappeared into the mist to catch up again.



We later learnt that all was well with Richard re-grouping the group at frequent intervals to ensure all stayed together.






A good uneventful run for all concerned at least I heard no complaints.

More mist

Richard checking the cairn's map

Thanks to Richard Rossiter for safely leading the group through the mountains in poor visibility and to Gae for ensuring that the back markers did not fall off the bus.
We had 8 newbies who seemed to have enjoyed the run and we hope to see them back again.


 Back in the parking area we had a little awards ceremony with Veronica, who was the Table Mountain trailers first recruit, presenting a certificate of achievement to Gaeleen Tompkins
as by the end of this run she and I both completed 75 sorties each.

Gaeleen with certificate

Gaeleen and I having each completed 75 sorties

Thanks to Jackie and Lorraine for the photos

feedback 1 December, Tokai Forest

A good turn out of 26 including six newcomers. Special thanks to Paul for leading the main group along a new variation of the planned route which included passing the baboon troop.    

Congratulations to Leigh Gordon and Michael Manning who completed their tenth run with us and so join the Decurions with their speed check in.