A recent trip up the Boegoeberg with a few Landy friends had me thinking . ( OK , Judy I know it is unusual..) .
We reached the top outlook spot after a group from another organization. The drivers from this group had gathered together at the top , somewhat reminiscent of our local Tokai baboon troop , and intently watched us struggle up the last few obstacles. I had a feeling what was coming , and it inevitably arrived . Once we reached the top the leader of the troop loudly dispensed advice on all our bad driving techniques , accompanied by respectful contributions and supporting noises from lesser minions. We politely endured the public chest beating by this alpha male, and were happy to see them depart soon afterwards . I made a point of watching them drive off , and recording the event on video , and was not at all impressed with their own driving efforts nor the leadership offered by the arrogant alpha male.
So why did it set me thinking ? The actual behavior is typical of the group concerned . So no problem with explaining that. But why is it that CLRC drivers are generally so much better than others ?
Flash back to a Namibia trip done in 2008 , with a good friend who was driving a very capable alternative to a Landy. Like many other 4x4 drivers this friend has previously stated that he uses his SUV for touring and seeing Africa , and sees no need to attempt difficult trails and competitive events. Fair enough ,not a bad policy. But when we left the main gravel roads in Kaokoland and did some serious off roading ,the friend immediately tensed up and apparently did not relax until we hit recognized gravel roads again.
Then last year I did a trip to Voorhoede with a group of mixed vehicle drivers. Voorhoede can best be described as attractive ,and wooded but the driving itself is possibly the most dreary I have ever experienced. Until we came to a section that the owner had warned us to stay away from . Everybody was going to by pass it until I said to the group leader that I wanted to try it. Great excitement and consternation amongst the other drivers . I was crazy looking for trouble. Anything to break the boredom , so I gave it a go . Slow and safe . And got stuck . Once again a chorus of comments complaining that I shouldn't have tried it . Anyway to cut a long story , the recovery proceeded with a Disco pulling my Defender from the front , and Herbie in his Patrol providing sideways stability , I was soon out and away. So at least the other guys could see that getting stuck is not a calamity . And that despite many cries of anguish and dire prophecies, Herbie's stabilizing of the Defender was effective.
Then at the end of last year Stefan and Sandra decide to strike out on their own and do a Caprivi - Namibia tour in their 110. Normally advisable to do only with company . Including all the renowned tough bits of Namibia, that people speak about with wide eyes. Crazy on your own ? No . Lots of water and food and a radio telephone reduced the risks.. So these two Swiss adventurers set off and have the adventure of a lifetime. These are guys who grew up in the highly sophisticated nanny state of Switzerland, where driving is almost risk free. And if you wish to take any risks you have to apply at least three weeks in advance . In triplicate. They report now that the infamous van Zyls Pass in Kaokoland is actually not a big deal , easier than some of the local trails they have done with the club..
So what is the common theme ? Simply that by participating in CLRC off road trails and points events there is an assimilation of knowledge and experience that makes a huge difference when doing the African overlanding thing. Doing a trail with the club can often be frustrating when the convoy is regularly held up to assist some struggler through. Each obstacle mastered , however, is a further deposit in the memory bank. Similarly points events boost this experience. These are the School Lessons that arm us for the real world adventure across our borders. And give CLRC members the edge.
Dave Pretorius