Itinerary: Parys De Aar Adventure Rally - 2011
Day one – Saturday 19 March
Meet at Thabela Thabeng (www.thabelathabeng.co.za) just outside Parys – we have the facility booked for the whole day, so you are welcome to arrive and settle in anytime during the day. Accommodation is dormitory-style, so you will not need to pitch your tent.
Contact details: 082 570 6252 (Christel van Eeden)
Note: Please ensure that you arrive with a full tank of petrol (we won’t be going through Parys the next day). Also note that there is no cellphone reception at Thabela Thabeng, so please ensure that you catch up with your loved ones prior to your arrival.
Day two – Sunday 20 March
Parys -> Warrenton (approx. 354km)
Accommodation: Timkulu Safari Lodge (www.timkulu.co.za)
Contact details: 082 400 4363 (Jennifer)
Day three – Monday 21 March
Warrenton -> Orania (approx. 288km)
Accommodation: Aan Die Ower
(www.aan-die-oewer.co.za)
Contact details: (053) 207 0118 (Andre / Anke)
Day four – Tuesday 22 March
Orania -> De Aar (approx. 306km)
Accommodation: Jules of the Karoo Guest Farm (www.julesofthekaroo.co.za)
Contact details: 082 553 0586 / (053) 631 3290 (Martisan / Julian)
Day five – Wednesday 23 March
De Aar -> home
Note: Some of the Pta / Jhb people will ride home via Fouriesburg / Clarens – accommodation is available at Meiringskloof in Fouriesburg (http://www.meiringskloof.co.za/) – you can choose between either camping (R50 per person) or a rudimentary chalet (R170 per person) – note that this is for your own account.
Please note the following:
· Navigation is quite an important aspect to this trip:GPStracks, maps (in PDFformat) etc. will be provided - it is however you own choice in terms of departure time, riding speed etc. If you do not own or use a GPS, you are welcome to ride with someone that does. By implication, you are welcome to ride at own pace, and to group with whomever seems appropriate at the time.
· It is absolutely imperative that you supplement your GPS navigation with the use of the physical maps. The reason for this is that a large number of the GPS models (including e.g. Garmin Nuvi) re-calculate each time you deviate from the route.
· It is suggested that ‘tracks’ are loaded and used on your GPS as opposed to ‘routes’. Both will however be provided to cater for people using GPS units that cannot load ‘tracks’.
· Some parts of the route are un-explored – this adds to the adventure…
· The route consists of approx. 90% off-road / gravel, and is usually well-graded. Note however that road conditions are extremely dependent on the weather (i.e. rain). There are always escape routes (tar), so you are welcome to deviate from the route at own discretion.
· Since 3 of the 4 stop-overs provide only camping accommodation, please ensure that you bring adequate camping equipment (e.g. tent, sleeping bag, mattress). Note however that cutlery will be supplied – thus you do not need to bring along.
· Each person is to carry his / her own luggage. Note however that participants may put sleeping bags and camping mattresses (only compact roll-up / inflatable type) on the back-up vehicle(s).
· Although back-up vehicles will be provided, please ensure that you carry basic emergency equipment (e.g. puncture repair kit, basic tools and 1st aid essentials) with you in order to not be dependent on the back-up.
· Breakfast will be served at 06:45 every morning (please be ready to hit the road immediately after breakfast).
· Dinner will be served at 19:00 every evening.
· Please remember that you need to provide your own lunch – there are however adequate fuel –and lunch stops along the route. You are welcome to stop when and where you wish.
· Beers, wine and cold drinks will be available for purchase at the accommodation points (should you prefer something stronger / different, please bring along).