Kaokoland...makes you thirsty...for more!
- Thread starter chopperpilot
- Start date
Day 5: Arrival at Van Zyl's Camp
Van Zyl's camp is a community run camp. It has a dry river bed running through it, which many opted to make their "bedrooms in! :thumleft:
Facilities are minimal. The toilets did not have water to flush, so we had to resort to a "veldtie"!
Make a habit to use facilities such as showers on arrival, as water supply came to a halt at sunset, even if it's only a water rinse. ;D
Carry at least slops with you on the bike, as the Iveco was only at camp before the bikers at Epupa. ;D
A few pics at Van Zyl's community camp:
Pic 1: Hennie Roos' 5 Star luxury cabin!
Pic 2: The boys enjoying a cold one, thanks to Janco!
Pic 3: The shower cubicle.
Pic 4: The campsit.
Van Zyl's camp is a community run camp. It has a dry river bed running through it, which many opted to make their "bedrooms in! :thumleft:
Facilities are minimal. The toilets did not have water to flush, so we had to resort to a "veldtie"!
Make a habit to use facilities such as showers on arrival, as water supply came to a halt at sunset, even if it's only a water rinse. ;D
Carry at least slops with you on the bike, as the Iveco was only at camp before the bikers at Epupa. ;D
A few pics at Van Zyl's community camp:
Pic 1: Hennie Roos' 5 Star luxury cabin!
Pic 2: The boys enjoying a cold one, thanks to Janco!
Pic 3: The shower cubicle.
Pic 4: The campsit.
Attachments
wooly bugger
Bachelor Dog
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Day 6: Van Zyl's camp to Marble camp, via Van Zyl's pass. 70 km.
On day 5 lay ahead another highlight of this trip, the conquering of Van Zyl's pass! :biggrin:
Besides Van Zyl's pass being a rider's achievement, the lookout before Van Zyl's pass provided a fantastic view with the Marienflüss plane in the distance, an excellent photo oppertunity! :
The jeep track from Van Zyl's camp to Van Zyl's pass is quite rocky.
Before the pass we reached a steep and rocky downhill step, and with myself not being familiar with the actual Van Zyl's pass, I for a minute thought we had reached Van Zyl's pass. It was not it though! :-\
Bigger bikes, such as the 750 AT, were assisted, as this step which was off camber and downhill, could result in serious injury. All riders made it uneventful. :thumleft:
I dubbed this small step, "Mini Van Zyl's", as it was propper preparation for the big boy!
A few pics from camp to mini Van Zyl's:
Pic 1: Ian and Bertie
Pic 2: Bertie and Gordon. Rocky jeep track visible.
Pic 3: Beautiful flora. Looks like a Kudu Lilly.
Pic 4: Craig Botha, before cruising down the step.
On day 5 lay ahead another highlight of this trip, the conquering of Van Zyl's pass! :biggrin:
Besides Van Zyl's pass being a rider's achievement, the lookout before Van Zyl's pass provided a fantastic view with the Marienflüss plane in the distance, an excellent photo oppertunity! :
The jeep track from Van Zyl's camp to Van Zyl's pass is quite rocky.
Before the pass we reached a steep and rocky downhill step, and with myself not being familiar with the actual Van Zyl's pass, I for a minute thought we had reached Van Zyl's pass. It was not it though! :-\
Bigger bikes, such as the 750 AT, were assisted, as this step which was off camber and downhill, could result in serious injury. All riders made it uneventful. :thumleft:
I dubbed this small step, "Mini Van Zyl's", as it was propper preparation for the big boy!
A few pics from camp to mini Van Zyl's:
Pic 1: Ian and Bertie
Pic 2: Bertie and Gordon. Rocky jeep track visible.
Pic 3: Beautiful flora. Looks like a Kudu Lilly.
Pic 4: Craig Botha, before cruising down the step.
Attachments
Day 6: En-route Van Zyl's pass and Marble camp.
Craig Botha/Dirt Rat taking his BMW 650 X-Challenge down the rocky step with ease.
https://youtu.be/Sr-14-VjZ_Y
Kobus Myburgh keeping an eye on Caig, ensuring his safety. :thumleft:
Craig Botha/Dirt Rat taking his BMW 650 X-Challenge down the rocky step with ease.
https://youtu.be/Sr-14-VjZ_Y
Kobus Myburgh keeping an eye on Caig, ensuring his safety. :thumleft:
Day 6: Van Zyl's Pass: Viewpoint
We had a brief break at the viewpoint before Van Zyl's. Stunning view all the way to the Marienflüss plane, as well as a peek of vehicles lined up for Van Zyl's.
We also had the oppertunity to take a group photo. ;D
Some pics at the viewpoint. :thumleft:
We had a brief break at the viewpoint before Van Zyl's. Stunning view all the way to the Marienflüss plane, as well as a peek of vehicles lined up for Van Zyl's.
We also had the oppertunity to take a group photo. ;D
Some pics at the viewpoint. :thumleft:
Attachments
Day 6: Finally...Van Zyl's Pass! :biggrin:
Hardy had given us all sorts of warning about the pass, and I'm sure we were all apprehensive on what was waiting for us! :'(
He forgot to mention snakes! As Kobus put his rucksack down at the top and side of the pass, a small green snake was observed! All there quickly vacated the area. The snake found refuge in a tiny mopany tree, actually a shrub, were a pic could be taken of it. 8)
I was one of the first to go down the pass, with the KTM 500's suspension and lightness, resulting in a safe descend.
My intention was to leave my bike were it was safe, and return for some pics of my fellow riders.
Pic 1: Our host at the pass!
Pic 2: Ian, halfway down.
Pic 3: The bottom 2 thirds, after the step.
Pic 4: A pic from the bottom, where we could park the bikes.
Hardy had given us all sorts of warning about the pass, and I'm sure we were all apprehensive on what was waiting for us! :'(
He forgot to mention snakes! As Kobus put his rucksack down at the top and side of the pass, a small green snake was observed!
All there quickly vacated the area. The snake found refuge in a tiny mopany tree, actually a shrub, were a pic could be taken of it. 8)I was one of the first to go down the pass, with the KTM 500's suspension and lightness, resulting in a safe descend.
My intention was to leave my bike were it was safe, and return for some pics of my fellow riders.
Pic 1: Our host at the pass!
Pic 2: Ian, halfway down.
Pic 3: The bottom 2 thirds, after the step.
Pic 4: A pic from the bottom, where we could park the bikes.
Attachments
Day 6: More of Van Zyl's Pass
The first section of Van Zyl's must be the most daunting, as the step is a steep and rocky off-camber descend. 8)
Hardy and Kobus assisted, and all the riders traversed the step safely. : :thumleft:
Pics of the riders:
Pic 1: Zanie
Pic 2: Abel
Pic 3: Craig
Pic 4: Pete
The first section of Van Zyl's must be the most daunting, as the step is a steep and rocky off-camber descend. 8)
Hardy and Kobus assisted, and all the riders traversed the step safely. : :thumleft:
Pics of the riders:
Pic 1: Zanie
Pic 2: Abel
Pic 3: Craig
Pic 4: Pete
Attachments
T
trevo
Guest
Almal rondom die 50s! :imaposer:
Hulle sal jou comment geniet!
Kaokoland...een van die beste tye in my lewe.
Hulle sal jou comment geniet!
Kaokoland...een van die beste tye in my lewe.
Kobus Myburgh
Grey Hound
0012 said:
+1. Kom nou Chopperpilot.
For those who have not done Van Zyl’s pass:
The step itself, shown in Henk’s pictures, is what everyone fears the most. It is an intimidating section that really gets your adrenaline pumping. It’s short, but very steep. I’ll attach the long section in the next post.
What no one ever talks about, is the approach and departure of the step. Henk has described the approach already, and I’ll let him continue with the rest, but this is just, if not more, difficult.
Everyone did extremely well getting through the pass unscathed. You’ll notice in the pics that assistance is only offered when requested. It makes a huge difference to your confidence when there is someone by your side, since footing is a real problem. The majority of the group required very little, if any assistance. They were all rock stars!
Kobus Myburgh
Grey Hound
What the step is all about:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Een plek en een mens waar en wie ek n vuurtjie vir n aand sou wou deel. Van Zyl's pas en oom Ben van Zyl. Ek dink sy stories sal n paar boeke kan vol maak oor sy jare toe hy daar gewerk het vir die staat.
Kobus Myburgh
Grey Hound
To give context to the fantastic group again.
From the left:
Craig Botha, Bertie Rietveld, Gordon Buckley, Ian Timoney, Henk Goedhart (the author), Brian Harmse, Hardy de Kock, Abel van der Merwe, Hennie Roos, Hennie Dekker, Dunken Cackett, Peter King.
In the front is is Zanie Cilliers and Lance Aylward.
It was certainly a versatile group of people in terms of riding skills and persona, the perfect recipe for a successful trip. What was special is that everyone got along and complimented one another in one way or another.
I was privileged to be part of the Specialised Adventures team and could see all the hard work that goes into a trip like this. This also gave me the opportunity to observe the group dynamics.
Craig, as stated before, a true adventurer. I have no doubts that he can do this trip solo and come out the other side unscathed.
Bertie and Henk is obviously good friends. Two competent riders that trusts each other when they ride together. Always in the mix and sharing their knowledge and experience.
Gordon, the quiet one (at first), slowly settling in and showing his competence on the biggest bike in the group. Calm and collected.
Ian, the joker, the surfer dude that came to find meaning to his life, and found it. I’ll never forget his unselfish behavior of putting his bike down in the sand and literally jumping to aid Abel when he came down.
Brian, the Energizer bunny. This guy is just never ending, making every minute count, always a smile and lending a hand wherever he can.
Abel, the tenacity of a lion. Imagine doing your first big off road trip in Kaokoland, at the age of 60+. Huge respect!
Hennie Roos, I have never met a more chilled guy than him. Nothing is a problem, everything is OK. A dry, witty sense of humor that leaves everyone in tears. A great example of a human being.
Hennie Dekker, a gentleman, a team player and a guy that enjoys the simple and adventurous things in life. Despite having bike problems (like me) he persevered, always with a smile on his face and a story to tell.
Duncan, the guy that’s planning a round the world trip next year. I have no doubt that he will do it and succeed. His laughter will always stay with me.
Peter, the rustige one. Always finding the beauty in the landscape and wandering off in his own thoughts. He defined the word ‘content’ for me. He knows exactly where he is in life and where he’s heading. Inspirational!
Zanie & Lance - Can you two tie the knot already! A great couple that obviously enjoys each other’s company and live for these type of adventures. Both competent riders in their own right.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
From the left:
Craig Botha, Bertie Rietveld, Gordon Buckley, Ian Timoney, Henk Goedhart (the author), Brian Harmse, Hardy de Kock, Abel van der Merwe, Hennie Roos, Hennie Dekker, Dunken Cackett, Peter King.
In the front is is Zanie Cilliers and Lance Aylward.
It was certainly a versatile group of people in terms of riding skills and persona, the perfect recipe for a successful trip. What was special is that everyone got along and complimented one another in one way or another.
I was privileged to be part of the Specialised Adventures team and could see all the hard work that goes into a trip like this. This also gave me the opportunity to observe the group dynamics.
Craig, as stated before, a true adventurer. I have no doubts that he can do this trip solo and come out the other side unscathed.
Bertie and Henk is obviously good friends. Two competent riders that trusts each other when they ride together. Always in the mix and sharing their knowledge and experience.
Gordon, the quiet one (at first), slowly settling in and showing his competence on the biggest bike in the group. Calm and collected.
Ian, the joker, the surfer dude that came to find meaning to his life, and found it. I’ll never forget his unselfish behavior of putting his bike down in the sand and literally jumping to aid Abel when he came down.
Brian, the Energizer bunny. This guy is just never ending, making every minute count, always a smile and lending a hand wherever he can.
Abel, the tenacity of a lion. Imagine doing your first big off road trip in Kaokoland, at the age of 60+. Huge respect!
Hennie Roos, I have never met a more chilled guy than him. Nothing is a problem, everything is OK. A dry, witty sense of humor that leaves everyone in tears. A great example of a human being.
Hennie Dekker, a gentleman, a team player and a guy that enjoys the simple and adventurous things in life. Despite having bike problems (like me) he persevered, always with a smile on his face and a story to tell.
Duncan, the guy that’s planning a round the world trip next year. I have no doubt that he will do it and succeed. His laughter will always stay with me.
Peter, the rustige one. Always finding the beauty in the landscape and wandering off in his own thoughts. He defined the word ‘content’ for me. He knows exactly where he is in life and where he’s heading. Inspirational!
Zanie & Lance - Can you two tie the knot already! A great couple that obviously enjoys each other’s company and live for these type of adventures. Both competent riders in their own right.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kobus Myburgh
Grey Hound
ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS said:
Tussen hom en Jan Joubert kan ‘n man dalk ‘n rukkie besig wees. :thumleft:
[member=16826]Kobus Myburgh[/member]
Dankie vir jou akkurate opsomming van ons groep! :thumleft:
Ek het werklik ons groep, en dit sluit die "personeel" in, geniet :biggrin:
Al was ons ń groep, was elke ryer vaardig genoeg om na hom/haarself om te sien.
Ten opsigte van Van Zyl's, asook die ander dae. Die voorligting deur Hardy, jouself en Janco het my meestal versigtig vir die dag wat voorlê gehad, wat ek glo goed was.
Ek het meestal die tegniese gedeeltes makliker as verwag gevind, en ons hele groep het volgens my uiters goed gevaar.
Die regte (makliker) fiets, positiewe ingestelheid (Abel), en ryvernuf (jouself en Hardy op die pegs by Van Zyl's) maak kinderspeletjies van die obstruksies. :biggrin:
Nota: Hopelik laai hierdie "post". Kry nie van gister nog foto "posts" gelaai nie. :'(
Dankie vir jou akkurate opsomming van ons groep! :thumleft:
Ek het werklik ons groep, en dit sluit die "personeel" in, geniet :biggrin:
Al was ons ń groep, was elke ryer vaardig genoeg om na hom/haarself om te sien.
Ten opsigte van Van Zyl's, asook die ander dae. Die voorligting deur Hardy, jouself en Janco het my meestal versigtig vir die dag wat voorlê gehad, wat ek glo goed was.
Ek het meestal die tegniese gedeeltes makliker as verwag gevind, en ons hele groep het volgens my uiters goed gevaar.
Die regte (makliker) fiets, positiewe ingestelheid (Abel), en ryvernuf (jouself en Hardy op die pegs by Van Zyl's) maak kinderspeletjies van die obstruksies. :biggrin:
Nota: Hopelik laai hierdie "post". Kry nie van gister nog foto "posts" gelaai nie. :'(
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