Tierkloof - January 2012 by Sian Louw The team met at the Winelands Engen on the N1 and were glad for the breeze when we set out as we realised it was going to be a very hot day in Rawsonville. We gathered in the picnic area at Tierkloof to take pre-ride instructions from Johann, admire the view of the damn, pay a last minute visit to the ladies (me), and deflate tyres (everyone else). Johann told us the first section of the trip was rocky and "grillerig"! And so it was. The first major obstacle was a rocky uphill with loose rocks and stones with a sharp left turn at the top. Everyone traversed it safely, although some had a second attempt, and some chose the escape route. From there we had a tough time keeping up with Johann as his Cruiser seemed to just fly over the bumpy track! We enjoyed wonderful views of the farm and dam as we inched up the mountain. Our next obstacle was daunting to look at - what appeared to be a sheer rock face as high as the bonnets of the 4x4's. Johann took it first, and as expected, "cruised" up and over. One by one the rest of the vehicles, under Johann's guidance, took it in their stride despite the nervous jokes that were thrown around before the time and only one opted for the escape route. Onward and upward we went, and stopped at the top to admire the view of the mountains and enjoy snacks and cooldrinks, and a discussion about sunscreen(!). Then all the way back down again, to test our vehicles and nerves at the next major obstacle, a high walled donga of compacted earth with a very steep exit that has seen its fair share of erosion. Once again Johann showed the way, and we all made it out with varying degrees of nail-biting moments when vehicles lifted and tilted and fought their way out. Johann then entertained us by taking his Cruiser through again with an attempt at an even more precarious exit, but it was not to be. From there to the sand and time to play as everyone enjoyed numerous turns on the soft obstacles and then it was all over. Back to the picnic area to inflate tyres and a braai lunch in the company of new friends.