acsis VOB Trail Runners

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: END OF WEEK WRAP UP

2012-02-09T10:30:00.001+02:00

Hi All

It suddenly struck me that I will not be at work tomorrow so I need to do the wrap up today. So if anyone needs to contact me tomorrow then you can try tim.bellairs@gmail.com or probably best to phone me, sms or BBM me as the Blackberry is a little temperamental about emails (no comments from the iPhone people please).

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2012

The acsis VOB-organised runs are definitely on. 06h30 from the Kloof Nek car park. For full details check out http://vobtrail.blogspot.com/ or http://vobtrailwrg.blogspot.com/ (for Table Mountain Trailers).

Just a quick note on the Table Mountain Trailers Sortie – Peter and Gaeleen feel that just doing an out-and-back run on the Pipe Track may be a little “done that already” so he is cooking up something more “interesting” which, by all accounts will include Kasteelspoort and Corridor Ravine (to be confirmed). So be prepared for something a little tougher. However, there may still be the option of just doing Pipe Track (check with Peter). The start will still be 06h30 from the Kloof Nek car park. For more information on it please contact Peter Rogers on pelorus@telkomsa.net and watch for his email if you are on his mailing list.

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2012

MATES BAT RUN TRAINING RUN

Sunday 12 February 2012: We will be doing Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head and the t*r road in between. We have managed to persuade Michael Ohlsson to teach of some of his sneaky shortcuts to avoid the odd bottleneck on race day. And the good news is that all participants in our training runs automatically get entered into our monthly SAUCONY running shoes draw – every run you do increases your chances of winning!

Where: We leave from the Kloofnek Parking lot. As you drive into Tafelberg Road from Kloofnek Road, turn left into the second parking area where the TMNP information kiosk is situated.

When: In time to start running at 06H30.

What: Bring weather appropriate kit, and water to drink on the run. We will be refilling at the Kloofnek tap along the way, but there is very little to be found anywhere on the mountain these days and certainly none on our route. Snax for energy, and maybe an ICE cold beer for afterwards in the carpark while you meet the people.

Route: From Kloofnek along Tafelberg Road until the bottom of the zig-zags, up to Saddle Rock and then up Devil’s Peak (with maybe a shortcut here and there). Back down again the same way, then back along Tafelberg Road. Fill up at the tap, and carefully cross Kloofnek Racetrack. Up Lion’s Head, and back down to Kloofnek Parking.

Duration: Difficult to accurately predict and dependent on weather and participants, but somewhere in the region of 4 – 6 hours. We are happy to split the group should we need to and ensure that nobody feels held up or rushed.

EVENTS & TRAIL SHOP ITEMS I FORGOT TO ADVERTISE ON TUESDAY

ANOTHER OPTION FOR VALENTINES DAY

Feb 14th is Valentine's Day! Just in case you didn't know! And 2012 is a Leap Year (asks !!).

So a couple of us girls thought it would be fun to invite some boys to join us on a run or a walk .............. and then a pic-nic!

Kloof Nek at 18.00, Tuesday, 14th Feb. There will be a choice of routes and speeds, all leaders and sweeps will be s! So s please be nice!

The pic-nic is a bring your own! plus a bit for your friends please! And don't forget the bubbly!

And cos it's the day of love for all we thought it would be nice to love our four legged friends,

(and let's face it at some of our ages they're the best friends we've got! - I digress, sorry!)

so please bring a tin of food or a toy for a or a and we will see that they get to one of the animal welfare organisations!

THE BOSCHENDAL LION’S HEAD 17KM TRAIL RUN, 7KM FUN RUN AND MARKET DAY

(if you want the official flyer, entry form, indemnity etc please email Petro Mostert at petro.mostert@media24.com . Sorry, they were just too large to attach)

10 MARCH 2012

HOW TO GET THERE:

Follow Kloofnek Road towards Camps Bay and close to the top turn right into Quarry Hill Road. At the T-junction turn left and then first right into De Hoop Avenue. The sports field is on the left. For secure parking turn right into Varsity Road (R10 per car).

General Information:

2011 was the inaugural run of this annual event.

It is a medium-difficulty run, but with some steep inclines and declines.

No showers are available after the race.

Because the event takes place in the Table Mountain Nature Reserve (TMNP), participants must adhere to TMNP rules and regulations, which will be explained at the
compulsory race briefing.

Route description:

The sports field borders onto Signal Hill and the entire race will take place in theTable Mountain National Park, a Natural World Heritage Site. A single track leads the way through the pine forest at the start. Near the Noon Gun participants will follow a steep jeep track with spectacular views of the harbour and the City of Cape Town. The track then takes runners across Signal Hill road to a refreshment station on the saddle of Signal Hill. The trail now ascends the contour path left around Lions Head all the way to the top. On your way down a marshall will show you where to descend towards Signal Hill [3Peaks route]. Runners will pass the refreshment station a second time before descending via the jeep track after crossing Signal Hill Road. You will return via a contour path through the pine forest to the finish on the sports field [the spot where you receive an ice cold beer!]

Duration: +- 2,5 hours

There will be a water, Coke and REHIDRAT at the refreshment station that runners will pass twice. You can also refill your water bottle here.

Cost: R100. We encourage companies/organisations/groups to patricipate in team colours. For each nine entries submitted together, a team will receive one free entry.

Prize giving: Prize giving will be at 9:30am. The first three runners will be eligible for prizes. All competitors will receive a refreshment at the finish. There will also be a lucky draw with some great prizes.

TRAIL SHOP

For Sale: 1 pair of size 11 Inov8 Mud Rock Trail Running Shoes. Brand New. Never been worn! R900 price negotiable. Contact Joseph Beattie on

082 532 1500 or jolibt@gmail.com.

Picture available but it is a 4MB attachment.

Whatever you’re up to, have a great weekend Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

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acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: OTHER GREAT RUNS AND EVENTS + TRAIL SHOP (at the end)

2012-02-07T08:13:00.000+02:00

Hi All

WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2012

BRONWYN’S FAMOUS WEDNESDAY EVENING INFORMAL TRAIL RUN – new route

New route for the group this week. Meet at the Sandy Bay car park in Llandudno in time to start running at 17h45. Run along the beach and along the coast in the direction of the wrecked crane. Then up to the gravel road and along it in the direction of the Hout Bay dunes. Down the dunes to the car park again. The Famous Bronwyn will be back at the helm after a short injury-induced layoff.

CRAG TRAIL RUN

Leader: Grant McPherson

Date: Wednesday 08 February 2012

Time: ready to start running at 17h45 sharp

Location: Milnerton Beach

Route description: From the start at the Milnerton lighthouse we drop onto the beach and head off in a northerly direction towards Dolphin Beach Hotel. After about 1 km we turn off the beach and follow the well-defined, if meandering, path towards the dunes. At the end of this path we will again drop onto the beach and continue on the beach itself. At Dolphin Beach Hotel we'll regroup and head back along the beach — destination, that lighthouse that never seems to get closer! High tide is at 15:50, low tide at 21:57, so the beach will be runnable out and back. With a bit of good fortune, the wind won’t punish us too severely on the return leg. Sunset is at 19h46, moon rise 19h54.

Duration and distance: approx 80 mins, 11 km

Walkers: Rod Prodgers will lead walkers on a BRISK walk, leaving from the same place at the same time, for the same approximate duration. Walkers are advised to bring the appropriate equipment (see below).

Grading

— 100 % runnable

— A1

— pack run

Starting point: Woodbridge Island, Milnerton (Google Maps link: http://tinyurl.com/34fm4f3)

Directions: From the N1, either via Koeberg Road through Brooklyn/Ysterplaat/Rugby into Milnerton as far as Loxton Road, turn left and head down to the island across Otto du Plessis Drive, or via Marine Drive through Paarden Eiland into Otto du Plessis Drive, Milnerton, and then left over the bridge onto Woodbridge Island.

Equipment

— valid Wildcard/Green Card

— water/energy drink/munchies

— foul weather gear, if required (see WeatherSA Table: Cape Town (Milnerton))

— personal medication (if required)

— something for rehydration after the run

— warmer/dryer clothing for the rehydrate session

Car guards: 01 Feb: Pierre Cloete & Phillipa Lever-Cloete

THURSDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2012

CELTICS SUMMER TRAIL RUN

On Thursday 9^th February we meet at Newlands Forest for the run to start at 18h00. We will do the Silvertree Trail Route.

Meet in the parking area at the Parks Board office / helipad / firebase (the parking area is the main parking area off the M3 – 700 metres north of the big M3 / Blue Route intersection with Rhodes Drive / Newlands Avenue, and about 1.2kms south of the southern end of UCT). NB: PLEASE ALL DO YOUR BEST TO STAY IN YOUR GROUPS – MOST PARTICULARLY DO NOT RUN AHEAD OF YOUR GROUP LEADER. If you are new to the runs and unsure of the pace of the various groups, then rather run with a slower group initially. Thanks area off the M3 – 700 meters north of the big M3 / Blue Route intersection with Rhodes Drive / Newlands Avenue, and about 1.2kms south of the southern end of UCT).

The route is undulating as it heads from Newlands Forest initially with a few up-hills before linking up with the Silvertree Trail. We head along the Silvertree Trail, before eventually cutting down into Kirstenbosch before heading back along the lower rollercoaster route into Newlands Forest.

The distance is about 7,8kms.

Difficulty rating – 7/10

NB: PLEASE ALL DO YOUR BEST TO STAY IN YOUR GROUPS – MOST PARTICULARLY DO NOT RUN AHEAD OF YOUR GROUP LEADER. If you are new to the runs and unsure of the pace of the various groups, then rather run with a slower group initially. Thanks

CRAG STELLENBOSCH / SOMERSET WEST TRAIL RUN

LEADER: George Horn (0826013356)

DATE: Thursday 9 February 2012

TIME: in time to start running at 17h45 sharp

LOCATION: Helderberg Nature Reserve, R10 entrance fee or Friends of the
Helderberg Access Card

ROUTE DESCRIPTION:
From the entrance through the forest and up the Erinvale firebreak to the Eastern track. A long steep ascent and then down again :)

DURATION AND DISTANCE: approx 100mins, approx 8 - 10 km

GRADING:
— 90% runnable
— A1
— pack run

STARTING POINT: Helderberg Nature Reserve Entrance Gates.

DIRECTIONS: From the Lord Charles Hotel on the R44 follow Main Road toward Somerset West town centre. Take the Lourensford Rd turn off and follow Lourensford Rd to the Shell Garage circle. Turn left into Hillcrest Rd and follow it to Reservoir Rd. Turn right into Reservoir Rd and later left towards the Nature Reserve entrance.

Equipment

— water/energy drink/munchies
— foul weather gear (if required )
— personal medication (if required)
— something for rehydration after the run
— warmer/dryer clothing for the rehydrate session

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2012

SAUCONY JOURNEY TRAILS / MATES SUNDAY TRAIL RUN

Where: We leave from the Kloofnek Parking lot. As you drive into Tafelberg Road from Kloofnek Road, turn left into the second parking area where the TMNP information kiosk is situated.

When: In time to start running at 06H30.

TO JOIN UP TO THE JOURNEY TRAILS EMAIL LIST:

Sign up for this email group by sending a blank email to journeytrails-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

TO CHECK OUT JOURNEY TRAILS and maybe donate some bucks:

http://www.journeytrails.co.za/

TO JOIN MATES:

http://www.capetrailrunning.co.za/wordpress/?page_id=5
Social memberships also available. Ask Michael Ohlsson what you get for joining.

You can join our mailing list for FREE!! on http://capetrailrunning.co.za/mailman/listinfo/mates_capetrailrunning.co.za

Don’t forgot our Facebook page!

OTHER RUNS AND EVENTS

WILD CARD RENEWALS – MESSAGE FROM AWARD- AND SHOE-WINNING TRAIL RUNNER ALLISON LAMB

………. Sanparks Green card 12 entries for R85 which is a whole lot cheaper than the R305 individual Wild Card. It covers Silvermine, Boulders, Cape Point, Tokai and Ouedekraal so ideal for the occasional trail runner. It’s not individual specific like a Wild Card so your visiting aunty can use one of the 12 annual entries. I’m pasting in the link for info, you need to bring your ID, 2 ID photos, a utility bill and R85. You can’t buy it online like a Wild Card but Kirstenbosch Tourist info centre will issue it as well as a few other places listed on the web page:
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/access-cards-permits.php#green

Cheers
Allison

VALENTINE’S DAY TRAIL RUN

Looks like you have to enter via the Runner’s World Facebook page.

THE TRAIL SHOP

1. Brand New Garmin Forerunner 410 (won at a run)... has 1 year guarantee!

R2900 onco

Contact: Mark Pikker 072 347 0491

mpikker@gmail.com

2. Jane Holdcroft has to pull out of the Grabouw Xterra (full) on 26^th February 2012. Would anyone like to take her place ? The entry fee is R400 and substitution fee of R100. Jane is happy to pay the substitution fee.

If anyone is interested please contact Jane:

Office: (021) 9157323

Mobile: 0790852582

janeholdcroft@hotmail.co.uk

3. At least two Argus Cycle Tour entries have become available. Let me know if you are interested and I will put you in contact with Caroline Kinross or Mariette Flint. Caroline and Mariette, please let me know if these entries get taken.

NB: Please note that the idea of the trail shop is:

a) To advertise sports event entries that become available where the seller is just trying to recover costs (not make a fat profit); and

b) For individuals to advertise excess trail running equipment and gear which they might have acquired (also not to be an extreme profit making exercise);

There may be other exceptional circumstances which can be considered on a case by case basis.

HOWEVER: We will not allow product and service advertising, even if trail running related. Sorry about that but there are other media for that. If you would like to advertise in the acsis VOB club magazine, Imbaleki, we would be happy to put you in touch with the correct person.

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

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acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2012 - ATLANTIC SEABOARD ROLLERCOASTER

2012-02-06T09:51:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

MONDAY HILL RUN

17h15 start from the Lower Cable Station. If there is no lightning around then we can scuttle up India-Venster and down Platteklip Gorge (jog back along the road or contour path). Might as well make use of the light while we still have it. We won’t be doing this in winter. However, if there is lightning around, have a good time without me. I am not going out on the mountain in an electrical storm. So please RSVP to me if you intend running so that we can stay in communication and make last minute plans if necessary.

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2012 - ATLANTIC SEABOARD ROLLERCOASTER

After a fairly light run last weekend it is time to start working those legs again. For those who have seen the proposed run for this coming weekend in the schedule, there is a small change from the planned route. I will be taking Woody Buttress out of the figure eight and replacing it with the Diagonal Route (sorry about the repeat for those who did CRAG Run last week) for two reasons:

1. I haven’t had a chance to go and explore it with a smaller party yet; and

2. After doing an absolutely superb Ledges outing on Saturday I am, nevertheless, still busy thanking God that I am still alive and my enthusiasm for the possibility of exposed ledges has currently ebbed to an all-time low.

SO, here we go:

Start Time and Place

Kloof Nek car park in front of the SANParks Info Centre (I think my car can drive there on its own now) in time for a 06h30 start.

Route

We start off with a nice little warm-up along the Pipe Track and after about 1 .5km or 2 km we take the path (well sign posted) to the left and up the Diagonal Route. Depending on the weather and size of the group we may go straight up Porcupine Ravine instead of the traverse around the Jubilee Buttress but we will make that call on the morning. Then we will take the Apostle Spine Path to Oudekraal Ravine (just before Grootkop) and work our way back over to Corridor Ravine. From here the idea is to ascend Corridor Ravine (back to the top) and then decide between a Woody Ravine descent or a Kasteelspoort descent. We will go all consultative at the time, but I guess, being a control freak (thank you Douglas) I will make the final call. J But largely, conditions on the day will determine what is best. Then it is back along the Pipe Track to the cars. For those looking for an easier option, they can give the Corridor ascent a miss and hoof it back along the Pipe Track – about 6km of reasonably flat stuff. Personally, I will then have an ICE cold beer, but each to their own.

Distance

Not a long one but a pretty tough one. Max 15km.

Time

3 ½ hours (ish) if you are doing both big climbs.

Difficulty

Tough. Lots of technical stuff with some bundu-bashing from the lower reaches of Oudekraal Ravine to get to the bottom of Corridor Ravine. I still remember all the moaning last time we did this (in the other direction). Enough very runnable stuff to make it pleasant morning out though. And we are on the shaded side of the mountain.

Important Notes

1. The carrying of your own water and snacks is critical in this heat. LOTS of water. Do not rely on mountain streams at this time of year.

2. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Some scratchy conditions at the bottom of Oudekraal Ravine. Leggings for the softies and ramp-models. Black may hide the sweat but it will also make you sweat a whole lot more. Your call.

3. Sunblock and a cap.

4. Please fill in the attendance register before starting out.

5. Runners who are new to the group, please come and say hi so we know who you are and don’t lose you on the first run.

6. Have fun, it’s not a race.

7. Photographers, please send me your photos afterwards.

8. ICE cold be’erages for a rehydration session in the car park afterwards.

THE TABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILERS (acsis VOB Medium Distance Slower Pace Trail Group)

11th February: Kloof Nek and Pipe-track

Remember to bring at least 1 litre of water! and a whistle

Brief Description of Route

Out and back along the pipe-track above the Atlantic Seaboard.

Rendezvous and Start Time

RV in the parking area at the bottom of Tafelberg Rd just after the Kloof Road circle. Be ready to start running at 0630

How to get there? Drive up Kloof road following the signs to the cable station. At the top of the hill there is a circle, turn off first left and the parking area is almost immediately on your left

Terrain and Distance

Mostly undulating single trail/pipe track with some uphill parts. Distance will be about 11 kms taking us more or less 2hrs .

THE INEVITABLE FEEDBACK FROM SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2012 – see photos attached (thanks to Roger Ronnie)

Ever have one of those days that you are kind of dreading and it turns out, against all expectations, to be a fantastic day? I was expecting extreme heat. I was expecting to be pretty much on my own, bearing in mind all the other events that were on at the same time. I was thinking to myself, “why did you organise a run and not just postpone?”. I am so glad that I didn’t postpone. I arrived to find all of the Harfield Harriers mob assembling in the car park and it was good to see some familiar faces that I hadn’t seen for a while. They were not running with us but it was nice to know they would be out there too. Then our crowd started rolling in and it turned out to be a perfect group for the morning. Twelve of us set out and we were all pretty happy with one pace. No spreading out. However, I must apologise to Hariette for losing her within the first 200m but by the time Paul Mitchell told me you had turned back it was all rather too late to do anything about it. Sorry about that. On the way up Kleintuinkloof we had our only reported fall of the day (self-confessed by the party involved but I did see the blood too) so the Sailing Sandra Award goes to……Seamus Daly. Well done Seamus.

Seamus’s adventures were not over for the day. After heading up through the Amphitheatre and into the top of Spes Bona Valley we were en route to Tarturus Cave, under Douglas’s guidance when I yelled some vague directions back to Seamus as to where we were heading and then stopped to admire the view. Seamus did not appear and by the time I finished daydreaming, I had lost the group AND Seamus. I ran backwards and forwards shouting “SEAMUS” in one direction and “DOUGLAS” in the other and got answers to neither. I eventually decided they could all go to hell and I would complete the run on my own, upon which I literally fell over a stack of hydration packs lying in the path. The reason the group didn’t hear me was because they were crawling through the cave. I was peering tentatively into the cave when I heard a heavy rustling in the bush behind me. It is always interesting to discover whether you are a fight or flight kind of person. I quickly discovered which I am as I had automatically assumed the sprinters “On your marks” stance. The rustling got closer……….”Get Set”………….the shape of a person began appearing…………..”G…………..it was Douglas and co. The stupid cave goes under the path so the spelunkers emerged behind me. What a relief! We completed the Silvermine Tour de Caves by running past Nellies Pool, Muizenberg Cave (which I have also never seen before), down past the top of Peck’s Valley where the religious fanatics were singing tunelessly in the early morning heat on top of a mound of rocks. By then it was starting to get warm as we were in the valley which blocked the breeze. So we trotted over to the Higher Steenberg Peak and did the scenic traverse around it and back to the cars without further incident.

This leaves only the mystery of what happened to Seamus. On arrival at the car park I found Seamus’s car gone and an amusing note accusing us of hiding in the cave conspiring to lose him. However, we rather suspected that Seamus deliberately ignored the directions in order to take a sneaky little short cut home. For his “false accusations” and taking an unauthorised short cut Seamus achieves what, to my memory, is the first double award on the same run. For he scoops the Missing Margaret Award too. Very well done Seamus. I am pretty sure this is a first ever. J

PS: I will NEVER be leading a group up The Ledges. EVER! D’you hear me? EVVAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

PPS: Did I mention that you must bring lots of water if you are running with us this Saturday? Watch it rain now.

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

NOORDHOEK PEAK RUN 2012 - INVITATION - 25 FEBRUARY 2012

2012-02-03T13:50:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

What is the Noordhoek Peak Run ?

Each year there has been a tradition at acsis VOB (not an official VOB event, mind you, just a tradition), that we do a run to Noordhoek Peak, followed by a breakfast of the “Each Person Brings a Plate of Something” variety. In the past, it was always run from the founder of the tradition, Seamus Daly’s home in Constantia Hills (with a short route group starting from the top of Zwaanswyk Road in Tokai) with the breakfast also being hosted by Seamus and Annemarie in their lovely garden. Also traditionally, this Noordhoek Peak Run took place on the Sunday a week before Christmas.

However, during 2011, Seamus sold up and moved on out to Noordhoek which took him out of the picture for hosting the event. However, Jane Holdcroft very kindly agreed to assume the duty of hosting the event from her and Adam’s equally stunning home off Tokai Road, Tokai. However, it could not be accommodated in December so we decided to postpone until February 2012 which is now upon us.

We will also be having it on a Saturday, in place of our normal trail run, so as not to conflict with Sunday Stars, LSD and the Cool Running groups.

Who is invited ?

Everyone. This is not just for the VOB members amongst us as you will see from the attached photos of some of the groups from years gone by. The invitation is being sent to the VOB Trail Running / Table Mountain Trailers email list which includes many members from other clubs and also lots of roadies from VOB who enjoy a bit of trail. So it is for everyone who has been involved in our groups, runs and emails over the last few years, as well as past participants in this event.

When ?

The date is set for Saturday 25 February 2012.

What will happen ?

You are welcome to attend “the run only” or the “run and the breakfast” or “the breakfast only” (if you can handle the guilt). Your choice, but if you are attending the breakfast, you need to RSVP to Jane or myself so that we can co-ordinate food and drinks.

Long Route:

Meet at Jane Holdcroft’s house in Mulder Close, Tokai in time to start running by 06h15 (also in time to drop off your “plate of goodies” if you are attending the breakfast too).
Run up Tokai Road to the Manor House, turn left up to the Arboretum and then follow the traditional Noordhoek Peak Run route up to the Peak and back down the same way (ish).
Report for brunch at Jane’s at about 09h00 / 09h30ish onwards (optional).

Short Route:

Meet at the Tokai Forest Arboretum in time to start running at 06h30.
Follow the traditional Noordhoek Peak Run route up to the Peak and back down the same way (ish).

Report for brunch at Jane’s at about 09h00 / 09h30ish onwards (optional).

Breakfast:

From 09h00 / 09h30 at Jane’s House which is located at:
Please RSVP asap to Tim or Jane by 20 February 2012 if you are going to attend the breakfast and let us know what plate o’ nosh you are intending to bring so that we don’t end up with tons of fruit salad and no cold meat for Tim. Please note that unfortunately, although it is a nice big venue, there is not unlimited capacity, so at some point we will have to draw the line on the breakfast numbers.

Additional:

Bring cozzies and towels.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: FRIDAY WRAP UP

2012-02-03T08:02:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2012 – acsis VOB TRAIL RUNS

The acsis VOB-organised runs for this weekend are ON:

Medium / Faster Group: 07h15 start in Silvermine East car park for a Lite Trail Run. See full details on http://vobtrail.blogspot.com/ .

The Table Mountain Trailers (medium distance slower group): 06h30 Start at Constantia Nek. See full details on http://vobtrailwrg.blogspot.com/ .

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU BRING PLENTY OF WATER. IT’S GOING TO BE HOT.

SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2012 – SAUCONY JOURNEY TRAILS / MATES TRAIL RUN

Sunday 5 February 2012: This will be our first SAUCONY run. All you have to do to be in with a chance to win a pair of SAUCONY’s, is to attend at least one Sunday run and your name will go into the hat.

We are still very much into Bat Run mode, and will be moving on to the next two peaks.

Where: Kloofnek parking area. Drive up Kloofnek Road as if you are going to Campsbay from Cape Town, turn left into Tafelberg Road, and left again into the second parking area at the TMNP information kiosk.

When: In time to start running at 06H30.

Route: Up Platties to Maclears, down again, some t*r to Lions Head, up and down that, back to Kloofnek Parking area for a rehydration session which will be particularly difficult for me ‘cos it is now No Beer February and February is 29 days long, and that is not fair that arbitrary calendar extensions by Mayans and all sorts of people should make my February just that little bit more difficult. I intend to lodge a protest with the United Nations, and expect the extra day to be retroactively moved to 2011. This should happen soon, so all of you people who are joining me in this self imposed exile from real life can take heart.

What: Weather appropriate kit. Water – there is a tap at Kloofnek and if you don’t mind what a million visitors per day can do to a river then you can drink in Platteklip Gorge. Otherwise, bring plenty water. Snax – there is bound to be a sarmy break somewhere. Beer for afterwards for the cruel, coke and water for the rest of us.

Duration: Mmmm. Let me look into my crystal ball….. FOUR hours. I think.

WEATHER FORECAST – thanks to www.yr.no

OTHER EVENTS

LION OF AFRICA HALF AND 10km (road races) – SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2012

The CEO of Trail Running has asked to remind all runners that it is the Lion of Africa 21.1km (06h00 start) and 10km (06h15 start) races are being held tomorrow. I am pretty sure you enter on the day. The races are hosted by Spartan Harriers and the CEO is the official starter for the day. Let’s hope he doesn’t have a repeat of last Saturday.

BAT ENTRIES

There are still a few BAT RUN ENTRIES AVAILABLE.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGgwU1lROWhUWGJieGE3UTFnVEVJWEE6MQ for the online entry form.

Check out www.batrun.co.za

Date: Sat, 3 March Time: Registration 6pm, Start 7pm Entry Fee: R 250,00

GARDEN ROUTE TRAIL RUNS

For those of you that might be around the Garden Route area this weekend:

Diaz Festival Adventure Run taking place on 5 February 2012. This exciting Adventure Run coincides with the popular Diaz Festival in Mossel Bay. The longest section of Trail will be run on the spectacular St Blaize Trail. This Trail is a popular hike that follows the 30 metre contour along the cliffs eastwards from Dana Bay towards the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. The trail offers dramatic sea views, excellent whale and dolphin watching, good birding, and interesting fynbos.

www.southerncrossadventure.co.za

Whatever you’re up to, have a great weekend.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: OTHER GREAT TRAIL RUNS AND EVENTS

2012-01-31T07:56:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

WEDNESDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2012

BRONWYN’S FAMOUS INFORMAL WEDNESDAY KLOOF NEK TRAIL RUN

There will definitely be a run. But can we ask that if you are planning to attend this run, please rsvp to Tim (timbe@boe.co.za) just for this week. This so we can contact you if we decide to move the start of the run this week.

For now the start is at Kloof Nek car park in front of the SANParks Info Centre at 17h15 but this could change. So please rsvp; event the Usual Suspects. Did I mention, please rsvp ?

CRAG TRAIL RUN

Leader: Barry Washkansky

Date: Wednesday 01 February 2012

Time: ready to start running at 17h45 sharp

Location: Twelve Apostles, western slopes of TM

Route description: Starting from Theresa Ave, Rontree Estate in Camps Bay, we head steeply up to the Pipe Track, that venerable and popular promenade along the lower reaches of the Twelve Apostles, originally constructed in 1887 to allow access to workers (and materials) building the water pipeline from Slangolie Ravine to Kloof Nek. A left turn along the Pipe Track allows a bit of stretching of the legs for some distance towards Kloof Nek, as far as the start of the Diagonal route. Now it’s a long slog and scramble up the steep path around Porcupine Buttress, up the rock-stepped watercourse in Porcupine Ravine, and continuing around Jubilee Buttress before the final ascent to reach the Apostles Path in the Valley of the Red Gods. A short run along the top brings us to our descent via the dependable but sometimes slippery Kasteelspoort (Castle Gateway) to the Pipe Track, and we retrace our route to the starting point. Sunset is at 19h51.

Duration and distance: approx 120 mins, 8 km

Walkers: John Damata will lead walkers on a BRISK walk, leaving from the same place at the same time, for the same approximate duration. Walkers are advised to bring the appropriate equipment (see below).

Grading

— 40 % runnable

— mostly A1, some B2 (minor rock scrambling involved, but skills required not much more than when climbing a ladder; some exposure)

— pack run

Starting point: Theresa Avenue, Rontree Estate (Google Maps link: http://tinyurl.com/32d7zz5)

Directions: From Kloof Nek take Camps Bay Drive M62 down into Camps Bay. Take the THIRD left into Fiskaal and follow this road as it snakes up the mountain. Fiskaal becomes Francolin and eventually Theresa. About 500 m from the start of Theresa you’ll find our starting point at the end of a little side road on the left. Parking in the side road is limited, so please find yourself a spot somewhere along Theresa Ave. I suggest we all park on the sea side of the road, taking care not to obstruct any driveways or bends in the road (solid lines). This run will take a bit longer than the usual Wednesday outing so it is important that we start on time — PLEASE don't be late.

Equipment

— valid Wildcard/Green Card

— water/energy drink/munchies

— foul weather gear, if required (see http://tinyurl.com/CRAG-weather)

— personal medication (if required)

— something for rehydration after the run

— warmer/dryer clothing for the rehydrate session

Car guards: 01 Feb: Rod Prodgers & Agnes Noell

CAPE SUMMER TRAIL SERIES – RACE 4

Tygerberg Nature Reserve

For full details check out www.trailseries.co.za

THURSDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2012

CELTICS SUMMER TRAIL RUNS

On Thursday 2^nd February we meet at Kloof Nek for the run to start at 18h00. We will do the Deer Park Route.

The route starts from the Kloof Nek parking area (where the Sanparks info centre is.) Meet in the parking area on the left just 100 metres up Tafelberg Road from the traffic circle on Kloof Nek. It heads in the direction of Devil’s Peak taking in the humps and hills of Deer Park. It then climbs steadily to Dead Man’s Tree on Tafelberg Road and heads back along Tafelberg Road past the base of Platteklip and Lower Cableway back down to the start.

Distance: +/- 9km.

Great for ‘night’ running and if it is a clear night, the views from Tafelberg road of Table Mountain on the one side and the city on the other as you run back to your cars will be fantastic!

CRAG STELLENBOSCH / SOMERSET WEST TRAIL RUN

No details yet. I won’t send out a general email when they arrive so if you want the details, drop me an email and I will forward them.

OTHER RUNS AND EVENTS

WILD CARD RENEWALS – MESSAGE FROM AWARD- AND SHOE-WINNING TRAIL RUNNER ALLISON LAMB

SUMMER TRAIL SERIES

Check out below or at www.trailseries.co.za for full details.

VALENTINE’S DAY TRAIL RUN

Looks like you have to enter via the Runner’s World Facebook page.

GARDEN ROUTE TRAIL RUNS IN FEBRUARY – FROM HANO OTTO

For those of you that might be around the Garden Route area over the first weekend of February:

Entries are now open for the Diaz Festival Adventure Run taking place on 5 February 2012. This exciting Adventure Run coincides with the popular Diaz Festival in Mossel Bay. The longest section of Trail will be run on the spectacular St Blaize Trail. This Trail is a popular hike that follows the 30 metre contour along the cliffs eastwards from Dana Bay towards the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse. The trail offers dramatic sea views, excellent whale and dolphin watching, good birding, and interesting fynbos.

Enter online:
www.southerncrossadventure.co.za

That’s it for now.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2012 - SILVERMINE EAST TRAIL RUN LITE

2012-01-30T10:31:00.001+02:00

Good morning All

MONDAY HILL RUN

Bad news again. I won’t be able to lead a hill run today. If anyone is keen on running a “hill” please let me know before 14h30 today and I will co-ordinate it. But if I hear nothing, and you hear nothing further, consider it cancelled today.

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2012 – DEPARTURE FROM THE SCHEDULE – AN EASY ANTI-CLOCKWISE RUN IN SILVERMINE EAST (GATE 2 / R5 GATE / MUIZENBERG SIDE OF OU KAAPSEWEG)

For numerous reasons, inter alia, the bodies are taking strain and there are now some more strenuous Bat Run Training Runs on Sundays with MATES etc , we are going to be doing a Trail Run Lite this weekend and it is a departure from our ‘planned runs’ schedule. Jane will be updating the Facebook page.

Start Time and Place

07h15 from the parking area inside Silvermine Gate 2 (the R5 gate / the gate on the Muizenberg – Kalk Bay side of Ou Kaapseweg). To get there, drive up Ou Kaapseweg from the Tokai side (keeping an eye out for the Gate Guard walking up from Westlake – give him a lift). At the top, the road flattens out for a short while and you PASS the turn to Gate 1 on your right. Ignore it and keep going till the road starts dropping down to your left. At this point start looking for Gate 2 on your LEFT. It comes up quite suddenly so don’t drive as fast as the lunatics trying to get over the pass. Go through the boom on your left and park in the parking area on your right. That’s where we start.

Route

We head straight down the road to the waterfall and then continue on the contour path above the valley. We then take the path up towards the top of Echo Valley / Cave Peak turnoff area. Up to the Amphitheatre and across to the top of Spes Bona valley. If it’s a cool day we will go down Spes Bona and then up to Nellie’s Pool. If it is a scorcher (as forecast by Peter Rogers) then we will head “straight across” to Nellie’s Pool for a splash. Then it is over to the foot of Muizenberg Peak, left and over to the foot of Lower Steenberg Peak, across the Higher Steenberg Peak and then right down the valley before Wolfkop and back to the cars.

Distance

Only between 12 – 15km. Closer to 12km I think.

Running Time

2 – 2 ½ hours.

Difficulty

Moderate but quite short.

Important Notes

I think the entrance fee is still R5 but bring some extra and give the attendant a tip (as in financial gratuity, not free advice). A small price to pay for car safety these days.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and carry the necessary wind-proof jacket, whistle and cell phone.

And PLEASE carry water. Lots of it. Do not rely on mountain streams at this time of year. And bring some energy snacks.

Sunblock and a cap. If anyone wants lessons on how to apply sunblock (and also how to remove it in a desperate emergency) speak to Sandra Murray.

Watch out for snakes.

Fill in the register before starting out.

Have fun. It’s not a race.

Bringing ICE cold rehydrating be’erages for afterwards.

On the topic of having fun: Please be aware that trail running and related activities are inherently riskier and more dangerous than road running. You are participating in these runs voluntarily and whilst acsis VOB and the organisers of the runs take all reasonable precautions to ensure runner safety, it can never be fully guaranteed. To this end, acsis VOB and the organisers personally cannot be held liable for claims relating to injuries, disabilities and deaths, inter alia, that may occur during these events. You are participating entirely at your own risk. Please ensure that you are medically fit to be participating and make sure that you are properly kitted out for each particular run so as not to place yourself at undue risk.

TABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILERS – SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2012

They will be sortie’ing from Constantia Nek at 06h30 – route to be announced.

FEEDBACK FROM THE MYBURGH’S WATERFALL RAVINE RUN (THE DISA RUN) – PHOTOS TO FOLLOW (HOPEFULLY)

I don’t what the heck was going on on Saturday but many of us were in agreement that we just felt “pap”. Personally, I blame last week’s solar flare that was supposed to knock out all of our satellites and half the world’s electricity supply but thankfully disappointed the doomsdayers. But there was definitely something sapping the energy out of people and if it wasn’t for the sheer beauty of this run, I think a lot of us would have been a lot grumpier than we were. The malaise kicked in early. As we commenced our rare downhill start, Margaret thought better of things and decided it was time to head back to bed. She did a swift “omkeer” and telephoned her apologies (thank you Margaret).

Chris Whales did a very fine job of leading us to the Boskykloof Road start (which I had never done before but gets a solid tick in the “to be repeated” book) and then into the correct ravine. Thank you very much Chris. A certain well known runner tells a very amusing story of what happens when you start up the wrong ravine……….. To hear this you need to attend the post-run debriefing session one week and ply the well-known runner with ICE cold beer (I think Castle is his preference). He also implicates another well-known runner but it would be unfair to name Kevin Ewers when he is not here to defend himself……..ooops.

The climb up Myburgh’s is simply spectacular. It must be noted that there are some steeper, slightly exposed sections which can make one a little dizzy if one hasn’t had a good breakfast. But as long as you take your time it is perfectly safe and these areas tend to give you stunning panoramic views which I would bet that the vast majority of Capetonians have never seen and probably never will. Breathtaking! Whilst the fields of red disas did not materialise (as Gideon put it) there were sufficient around to make the trip worthwhile for those who did it for this reason. There were already a few hikers up there who were less than pleased to see a sweaty bunch of trail runners heaving past them. As one of them remarked: “for trail runners, there is not a lot of running going on” – ouch!

I know that a number of people took photos. If you are happy to do so, please would you send them to me and I will ask Jane if she can put some of them on the Facebook page.

Karen and Grant found a few blue disas (significantly less obvious or spectacular then their red cousins) near the top of the ravine and stopped to take pictures……..and nearly got left behind by the rest of us who were thinking “well that was fun but now let’s get running already”. And so it was that Jane split the group up so that the faster runners could push on. The rest of us followed as best we could. I remember describing the route from the top of Myburgh’s to the finish as “easy easy easy”. I may, in fact, have glossed over things a bit. By the time we got to the dams we were exhausted and half of the group decided they had had enough excitement for the day and took the concrete road back to the cars. The rest of us decided to take the Ash Valley track as a slightly easier option than Nursery Valley. We got to the hut in the valley, no problem, and then the path seemed to disappear. “Here it is” cried Elvira and charged off, with all of us in tow, into an area that could only be described as “unfamiliar”. We ground to a confused halt and this was accompanied by the traditional sniggers. A little backtracking and we were soon on the right path again…………..HOWEVER……….. Elvera, because you were at the head of the misadventure……..please accept this Missing Margaret Award from the Committee. J

As we stopped for a little water break at the bailiffs cottage, who should run past us on his way down the mountain? None other than Ryan Sands. So as we started running again, Elvera and Robyn, with the speed, strength and agility of mountain lionesses (aka ……), took off in hot pursuit, leading the charge down the mountain. However, when it seemed that Ryan was determined to run down on the road, they abandoned him in disgust and took the single track. I could have sworn I heard him say “phew” but maybe he was just tired.

And so our run (and this email) drew slowly to an end. Just when it seemed that we would be without a Sailing Sandra Award, I heard a rumour that Glenn Buchinsky (very subdued for most of the run) took a fall to end all falls on the last piece of single track down from the Eagles Nest. But unlike the eagles, he “did not so much fly as plummet” (apologies to Monty Python). Now I didn’t see Glenn afterwards as he had already dashed off to his car. But Glenn, I hope you are okay and Happy Sailing Sandra to you.

Finally, although the CEO of Trail Running had been absent from the run, citing a hangover, lack of sleep, a lazy bladder and a faulty alarm clock, it was good to see him waiting in the car park to open the ritual “quaffing of ale” (his preference being Castle) to close the morning’s proceedings. Quaffing being “like drinking only you spill more” (I think that might be Blackadder).

Have a great week Everyone.

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: VERY IMPORTANT FRIDAY WRAP UP

2012-01-27T08:01:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012 – acsis VOB TRAINING RUNS

IMPORTANT CHANGE TO START OF SATURDAY MYBURGHS WATERFALL RAVINE RUN (REPEAT FROM TUESDAY)

By now you will note that our acsis VOB Saturday runs are ON. For those doing the Myburghs Waterfall Ravine run, please note that the start will be from CONSTANTIA NEK, not Farriers Way as previously advertised. 06h30 start. Please pass this message on to our notorious “Monday only skim readers”.

For all other details check out: http://vobtrail.blogspot.com/ .

The Table Mountain Trailers sortie is also on. 06h30 at Kirstenbosch Rycroft Gate (also known, to VOB runners, as Top Tap or Top Gate). For all other details check out: http://vobtrailwrg.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY WEATHER FORECAST thanks to www.yr.no

Nice pleasant morning. Don’t forget to bring water. Constant “breeze” so a windbreaker will be a thoroughly good idea.

SUNDAY TRAINING RUN – 29 JANUARY 2012

MATES BAT RUN TRAINING RUN

“It is time to start training for Bat Run! For the next couple of weeks we will be focussing on ups and downs of Devil’s Peak, Platties and Maclears, and even if you are not thinking of doing the actual race (why, I don’t know) this sort of training will be exactly what you need to get rid of those final dregs of all that Xmas pud that is still lingering in your system. And you get familiar enough with the route that you can do it at night. Without ending up in Newlands.

Where: Kloofnek Parking: As you drive up Kloofnek and turn left into Tafelberg Road, turn left into the second parking area where they TMNP information hokkie is.

When: 06h30 start.

What: Bring water, snax, weather appropriate kit. And ICE cold beer for afterwards.

Route: From Kloofnek along Tafelberg Road (t*r) to bottom of Devil’s Peak. Along the way, you can do the Royal Wave at your roady buddies doing Kloofnek Challenge coming the other way while you coolly stride along in your trail kit. Up the zig zags, up Devil’s Peak, down to Tafelberg Road. A bit more t*r, then up Platties (maybe even all the way to Maclears), down and some more t*r to Kloofnek. The beauty of this route is that you can customise it to suit your fitness – if Devil’s kills you, then slope along Tafelberg Road back to the car park.

Duration and distance: The distance is rather insignificant, Devil’s Peak should take about 2 – 3 hours and the whole thing maybe up to 4 - 5 hours.

Seeya!

Douglas Rossouw

082 418 5945”

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012 – RACE

TSiBA EDUCATION NEW BALANCE TRAIL RUN SERIES

Map : Helderberg Farm

Whatever you’re up to, have a great weekend.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: OTHER GREAT RUNS AND EVENTS

2012-01-24T16:42:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone

Sorry this is a bit late. But this email relies on me receiving a number of other emails. I try and leave it until the last of them gets in so this can result in delays. Even then, sometimes we don’t get all of the info in time……..

CHANGE TO THE START PLACE FOR THE acsis VOB RUN ON SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012

The applies only to the group that is going to run the Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Run, not the Table Mountain Trailers.

All we are doing is making a change to circumvent the Car Admin factor. The run is going to start at Constantia Nek, not Farriers Way in Hout Bay. So toss that map away. Chris Whales is going to lead us on an alternative path to get to the path to Myburghs. This will involve an extra 2km, mostly downhill as a nice little warm up before hitting the ravine. A portion of this will be on the Main Road going down into Hout bay so extreme caution must be exercised.

So please, no-one is to go to Farriers Way to start. We won’t even be running past it. Please go to Constantia Nek in time to fill out the register and get running by 06h30 at the latest.

WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 2012

BRONWYN’S FAMOUS INFORMAL KLOOF NEK TRAIL RUN

Despite our gallant leader’s injury, we will be there for a run starting at 17h15 sharp. Start from the Kloof Nek car park in front of the SANParks Info Centre. Between 8 – 12km at a medium pace.

CRAG TRAIL RUN

Wednesday 25th Jan:

Leader: Dirk McIntosh

Date: 25th January 2012

Time: Ready to start running at 17h45 sharp

Location: Northern slopes of Table Mountain

Route description: From the start on Tafelberg Road (where the Blue gum trees are), we head upwards on the Devil’s Peak Saddle Path until we reach the Lower Traverse which we follow towards Oppelskop and King’s Blockhouse. Once we’ve reached King’s Blockhouse and have recovered suitably, we head right and start the climb up Mowbray Ridge, turning right onto the Middle Traverse, and hoping to get a glimpse of the lonely Tahr that’s been seen there, follow the path through to the Saddle. Once we regrouped we begin our descent down the Saddle Path to our starting point.

Sunset is at 19:56.

Duration and distance: approx 90-120 mins, 10 km

Walkers: Christo Steyn will lead walkers on a BRISK walk, leaving from the same place at the same time, for the same approximate duration. Walkers are advised to bring the appropriate equipment (see below).

Grading

— 70 % runnable

— Grading: A1 (B2 for the short ascent above the Blockhouse – note that there is some scrambling up the steep rocks above the Block House which may intimidate those who are afraid of heights – so, if you are at all acrophobic, you may want to avoid this one).

— pack run

Starting point: Tafelberg Road (The Saddle) (Google Maps link: http://tinyurl.com/38d2kum)

Directions: Get to Kloof Nek via Kloof Nek Road from the city, or Camps Bay Drive from Hout Bay/Camps Bay side, and follow the Cable Car signs into Tafelberg Road, past the Lower Cable Station; about 2 km further there is a parking area under gum trees on the left, opposite the clearly signboarded Saddle Path, which is the starting point.

Equipment

— valid Wildcard/Green Card

— water/energy drink/munchies

— foul weather gear, if required (long-range forecast is slightly cloudy, no rain, 18–26 ºC, wind SE 35 km/h)

— personal medication (if required)

— something for rehydration after the run

— warmer/dryer clothing for the rehydrate session

Car guards: 25 Jan: Gavin Goldsmith, Ezan Wilson

CAPE TRAIL SERIES

RACE NO 3: SILVERMINE WEST

For full details check out www.trailseries.co.za .

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY 2012

CELTICS SUMMER TRAIL RUN

No details received yet, sorry.

CRAG STELLENBOSCH / SOMERSET WEST TRAIL RUN

No details received yet, sorry.

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012

In addition to the acsis VOB Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Run

THE TABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILERS (acsis VOB Medium Distance, Slower Group)

28 January: Kirstenbosch-Newlands Forest

Brief Description of Route

From the Kirstenbosch Rycroft Gate [Top Tap] through the gardens to contour path and then along towards Newlands and returning via an alternative route. This is a bit of a surprise route as Veronica Barnes is planning it so I know not the details.

Rendezvous and Start Time

RV in the parking area off Klassens Rd. Be ready to start running at 0630

How to get there? Follow the M63 out of town towards Constantia Nek, drive past the main entrance to Kirstenbosch Gardens and up Canterbury Rd to the top where it turns sharp left. Klassens Rd is hard left again opposite the top entrance to Kirstenbosch which is the Rycroft Gate. Parking is along the left hand side of Klaasens Rd.

Terrain and Distance

Probably forest trails with some inevitable uphill. Actually have no idea as it depends where Veronica leads us!
Distance will be about 12 kms taking us more or less 2hrs 30min.

TSiBA EDUCATION NEW BALANCE TRAIL RUN SERIES

See race flyer below.

OTHER RUNS AND EVENTS

WILD CARD RENEWALS – MESSAGE FROM AWARD- AND SHOE-WINNING TRAIL RUNNER ALLISON LAMB

SUMMER TRAIL SERIES

Check out below or at www.trailseries.co.za for full details.

TSiBA EDUCATION NEW BALANCE TRAIL RUN SERIES

Map : Helderberg Farm

VALENTINE’S DAY TRAIL RUN

Looks like you have to enter via the Runner’s World Facebook page.

GARDEN ROUTE TRAIL RUNS IN FEBRUARY – FROM HANO OTTO

Enter online:
www.southerncrossadventure.co.za

That’s it for now.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012 - MYBURGH'S WATERFALL RAVINE / GROOTKOP / DAMS / NURSERY ARBORETUM / PUFFER PATH / CONSTANTIA NEK

2012-01-23T10:25:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

MONDAY HILL RUN

Nothing this week, I’m afraid.

Back in action next week with a proper hill rather than the exploratory trips we’ve taken over the last few weeks. Next week we will tackle Devils Peak at speed.

SATURDAY 28 JANUARY 2012 - MYBURGH'S WATERFALL RAVINE / GROOTKOP / DAMS / NURSERY ARBORETUM / PUFFER PATH / CONSTANTIA NEK

Start Time and Place

This is a car admin week. As many runners as possible to meet at Constantia Nek at 06h00. We will leave as many cars there as is viable and jump into as few cars as possible and head down at 06h10 to the start in Farriers Way in Hout Bay in time for a 06h30 sharp Start.

Directions to Farriers Way: See attached document, block CM18, X marks the spot. From Constantia Nek, straight down towards Hout Bay, right into Disa River Road, left into Valley Road, first right into Garron Ave, right into Connemara Drive, first left into Hunters Way, first right into Farriers Way. Get it ? Got it ? Good!

Route

WARNING: the last thing I expected at this point in January was rain. Quite heavy too, as I was scrambling around bringing washing in and got soaked. Why am I yammering on about the washing? What is crucial for Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine is that you do it when it is DRY. It can be a little too slippery when wet. I will investigate conditions beforehand BUT if we start going up and it appears that it is going to be slippery then be warned that we will NOT PROCEED. I am not going to take chances. If it is even slightly dangerous we will turn back, run the contour path towards Suikerbossie a la Table Mountain Challenge and head up Hout Bay Corner and Llandudno Ravine instead. Makes it a bit longer but that’s okay because the planned route is not that long anyway.

All going well we head up the spectacular Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine, oohing and aaahing about the red disas all over the place. If you’ve never seen them, they’re much smaller than you think! As things flatten out and we near the Apostles Spine Path (ASP), look out for the rare blue disa. We saw a few of them there last year. Yes, I know they’re just flowers and we’d all rather see lions and leopards but they’re really quite pretty. We turn right onto the ASP and head over the eastern shoulder of Grootkop and proceed down the other side past the tops of Oudekraal Ravine, Corridor Ravine, Slangolie Ravine (with its little scramble which can be avoided) and Woody Ravine. Then it’s right at Margaret’s Cairn (I never get tired of telling that story…..it’s the origin of the Missing Margaret Award) onto the old railway track to the concrete road near the huts. Keeping to the left of Woodhead Dam we follow the road around to the far end of the Hely-Hutchinson Dam wall, left onto the single track, first right onto the path that leads to the top of Nursery Ravine. At the top of Nursery turn right and follow the Puffer Path to the Bailiff’s Cottage and then straight down to the cars at Constantia Nek on as much single track as possible.

Distance

I am guessing at about 15km-ish (if we have to do the Llandudno Ravine detour it is more like 20km).

Running Time

Allow at least 3 ½ hours for this one. 4 hours for the slower runners.

Difficulty

Tough climb to start with and then another nasty but short climb over Grootkop. After that it is easy, easy, easy stuff.

Important Notes

1. Please note the car admin arrangements above. 06h00 at Constantia Nek to drop cars. 06h30 start at Farriers Way, Hout Bay.

2. There is some mild(ish) exposure going up Myburghs Waterfall Ravine. Certainly nothing worse than anything we have done to date. If you get nervous, please tell me and we will start singing something appropriate like “That’s Amoré”. It seems to calm people down.

3. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and carry the necessary wind-proof jacket, whistle and cell phone.

4. And PLEASE carry water. Lots of it. There are still people not understanding this point. It boggles the mind. For those who have been transgressing: it’s a clear liquid with relatively little taste but a constant supply is essential to human life. Although it is fairly easily available some people have been battling to get their hands on it. It needs to be carried in a container. So you need a container/s which can hold about 2 litres (3 litres if it’s hot). I know there are some experienced, extremely fit trail runners who can do without it so I am not nagging them. They know their limits. Facetiousness aside, if you are in doubt, then please bring water. Do not rely on mountain streams at this time of year. And some energy snacks.

5. Sunblock and a cap.

6. Don’t stand on snakes. Might cause you to turn and ankle over.

7. Fill in the register before starting out.

8. Have fun. It’s not a race.

9. Bringing ICE cold rehydrating be’erages for afterwards.

FEEDBACK FROM SATURDAY 21 JANUARY 2012

Going straight into the India-Venster climb is a tough way to start a humid, sweaty Saturday morning. There was no time for slacking either as the Table Mountain Trailers were hot on our heels. But as we warmed up, the quads screamed less and we started enjoying the spectacular views (see some of Roger Ronnie’s photos attached). Our American guest started off full of energy and enthusiasm but the humidity seriously started taking its toll by the time we reached the scrambles. By the time we reached the Arrow Face Final where we go around the Camps Bay side and onto Fountain Ledge the “good feeling’s gone” (Dori from “Finding Nemo”). He looked ready to jump. But to his credit he slogged it out to the Platteklip cairn regroup and gleefully said goodbye to us. Then came the breaking into groups. Thanks again to Jane for taking the fast / non-regrouping group who sped off in the direction of Maclears Beacon and we never saw them again.

Thank you also to Karen Jennings who took on the task of Short Route Leader in the absence of poor Bronwyn who is with injury again and confined to “walking in the pool” (recover soon Bronwyn). More will be said about Karen’s short route below (all in good humour).

The marginally slower group decided to avoid the humiliation of eating Jane’s dust and we took the scenic route to Maclears Beacon, along the front face of the table. Stunning run in stunning weather. Roger Ronnie up front took a little wrong turn and realised his mistake too late as he was confronted by a wall of rock. This put him in line for an award……..does he receive it ???? Read on.

From Platteklip to Echo Valley our group had a lovely, extremely runnable flat and downhill gallop. Then a little climb over to the dams, a quick drink from the tap and then more flat to the top of Woody Ravine. SUCH EASY RUNNING. We then had a slow descent of Woody Ravine which is steep but very safe and has been stabilised nicely. For those who want to know, it is perfectly do-able now. We then had a lovely flattish 4.5km run in along the Pipe Track where, lo and behold, we caught Karen and Robyn from the Short Route Group. What happened there?????? The Short Route Group had taken the path straight down to Echo Valley from Platteklip, then Isolation Valley, Valley of the Red Gods (some then ducked down Kasteelspoort) and then took the path all the way to Corridor Ravine. Karen, for taking a much tougher, more technical and only marginally shorter route than the Long Route (700 meters doesn’t count as shorter) the committee is unanimous in awarding you this week’s Missing Margaret, sparing Roger the blushes.

The winner of the Sailing Sandra is equally deserving. Mike (I think it is Pithey, please confirm Mike – definitely not Ohlsson ………. who is standing behind me with a gun to my head) left it to the last 200m of Pipe Track before being brought to ruin in avoiding a very little dog (what Robyn described as “stoepk@kker”) who refused to give way. Mike rolled in with all the little tell-tale signs of a Sailing Sandra candidate. The entire right hand side of his body was covered in sand and the grazes on arms and legs were bleeding more than sufficiently to earn him this week’s Award. Congratulations Mike!!!! And well done for taking it in such great spirit. I’m not sure I would have been smiling.

It was hot now. We were tired. But all was made better by ICE cold beer.

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 21 JANUARY 2012 - INDIA-VENSTER / MACLEARS BEACON / DAMS / WOODY RAVING or CORRIDOR RAVING / PIPE TRACK

2012-01-16T09:29:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone

MONDAY HILL RUN

My intention was to meet at Platteklip car park at 17h15 this evening and then head over to Union Ravine / Cave along the contour path and then go up Yellowstone Gully to get a view of the Africa Amphitheatre from the other side (compared to last week). However, I seem to have picked up a mild stomach bug (why is it always 02h00?) and am feeling a little weak today so I will probably have to postpone. If there are any interested parties, please would you drop me an email during the day anyway and perhaps we can make a call later in the day if I am feeling stronger. Please RSVP so I can communicate with you individually. I will not send out another general email to all with the details later today.

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY 2012 - INDIA-VENSTER / MACLEARS BEACON / DAMS / WOODY RAVING or CORRIDOR RAVING / PIPE TRACK

Start Time and Place

We will start at 06h30 from the Lower Cable Station on Tafelberg Road. To be more specific, just as you get to the cable station building there is a coach parking area / turning area. Just at the start of this parking area you will see a path (sign posted) leading up onto the mountain. We will gather at the start of this path.

The Route

From the cable station we head up straight beneath the cables to the contour path. Straight across the contour path and head up and around Venster Buttress and across the top of India Ravine to the scrambley bits. Up the scrambles, now peppered with solid steel staples which make it no worse than climbing a ladder (if the ladder is perched on the edge of a mountain). Just above the scrambles we bear right and around the Camps Bay side of the mountain to Fountain Ledge and Fountain Ravine and pop out at the cairn at the top of Platteklip Gorge. From there it is a relatively flat canter over to Maclears Beacon. We then take to the Smuts Track and head down in the direction of Window Gorge but then take a path off to the right which leads to Echo Valley. At the first major intersection we retrace our steps a few meters and hopefully look at the Disas in the little dell under the footbridge. Then it’s back to the intersection, turn left, do a short climb and then a long, gentle drop down to Dams. We then take the old railway track to the Apostles Spine Path where we turn left and then probably right and down Woody Ravine. However, some doubts have been raised about the suitability of Woody Ravine as it has been closed for a while. Anyone been down recently? Feedback? If it is unsuitable, we will choose between Kasteelspoort (yuck!) and Corridor Ravine (preferable but more distance). From there it is a few kms of Pipe Track back to the cars.

The Strategy

We are going to try and fully utilise the services of Jane Holdcroft while she is available. What we will try and do is split the group in two. I will lead one and Jane (subject to her final approval) will lead the other. Both groups will be medium-ish paced but one will be slightly faster and will not stop and regroup nearly as often as the other. Let’s call that Jane’s Group. The other group will still do a reasonable pace (we don’t want to be out there all day) but will regroup fairly regularly so that no-one gets abandoned.

Please decide beforehand which group you want to be in. If in any doubt as to your ability to keep up with the faster group, please stick with my group instead.

Distance

In all honesty I don’t really know but would estimate about 20km.

Running Time

3 1/2 to 4 hours

Difficulty

This is quite a tough run. Having said that, the only really big climb is at the beginning. From just after the Platteklip summit cairn there is tons of downhill and flat with one small climb from Echo Valley over to the Dams and then the possibility of some speed bumps on the Apostle Spine Path depending on how far we go and on the Pipe Track but nothing serious.

Important Notes

1. Water is crucial on this run. Bring as much as you can carry. 2 litres as an absolute minimum. I will carry 3 litres for myself. Be well hydrated before you start. There is very little shade on this route although I have tried to plan the run so that we finish in the most shade possible (along the Pipe Track) when it is hottest. Bring energy snacks. Lots.

2. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. As we will be on the top of the mountain for a while this will include a solid windbreaker, whistle and cell phone.

3. Regarding the Start, please note that Tafelberg Road can be very busy, even at that time of the morning so you may need to park a few hundred metres from the start point. Please allow a little extra time for this.

4. There is some moderate exposure to heights on the climb up India – Venster. But now that SANParks has put steel staples on the scrambles it is not bad at all. Even the big sissies we had with us last time we did the route handled it fine. Only an extreme fear of heights should keep you away from this one.

5. Take precautions against the sun. Sunblock and cap.

6. Take precautions against snakes on the path i.e. watch where you are putting your feet. Seamus sent me a terrifying few pictures of what can happen if you get bitten by a puffadder (shocking stuff; definitely not family viewing). Suffice to say that you DO NOT WANT TO BE BITTEN BY A PUFFADDER. Please exercise extreme caution and read point 10 below.

7. Decide before the run which group you wish to run with and stick with that group.

8. Fill in the register before starting out.

9. Have fun. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun. It’s not a race. The race for the morning is over on Red Hill.

10. Please be aware that trail running and related activities are inherently riskier and more dangerous than road running. You are participating in these runs voluntarily and whilst acsis VOB and the organisers of the runs take all reasonable precautions to ensure runner safety, it can never be fully guaranteed. To this end, acsis VOB and the organisers personally cannot be held liable for claims relating to injuries, disabilities and deaths, inter alia, that may occur during these events. You are participating entirely at your own risk. Please ensure that you are medically fit to be participating and make sure that you are properly kitted out for each particular run so as not to place yourself at undue risk.

TABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILERS (acsis VOB’s Medium Distance, Slower Pace Trail Group)

21 January: Table Mountain Oppelskop

Brief Description of Route

From the lower Cableway station up to the contour path and then right across the North face of the mountain around Oppelskop on the middle traverse and then down East side of Blockhouse ridge and back via the lower traverse.

Rendezvous and Start Time

RV in the parking are just beyond the Cable Station ready to start running at 0630

How to get there? Follow the signs to the Cableway and park in the parking area along Tafelberg Rd just beyond the Lower Cableway Station.

Terrain and Distance

Rugged mountain single track trail with some precipitous parts. Not as hard going as it sounds as its most along the contour path but there will be some uphill and downhill work. Last 1km on tar! Distance about 12 kms taking us more or less about 2hrs 30min.

FEEDBACK FROM SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2012

Well I can’t really give any as I was off doing roadie stuff. But Jane has reported that all went well and she modified the route to suit as many runners as possible. No awards were made which is a great sign.

I saw lots of trail runners on the Hohenort 15km on Saturday though. Fantastic race that and well suited to trail runners who can tolerate tar as it encompasses nearly every hill in Hohenort. Even Mike Ohlsson was there and it appears that the psychological warfare between him and Douglas is coming to a head with only one week left to go before Red Hill and both of them still vehemently denying that they are training for it yet both of them are doing lots of road work. Mike certainly appeared to be determined to stamp his authority on the tar as I saw him at about the 2km mark and he was FLYING. But he still had enough humour left to swear at me for not greeting. To be honest I was more concerned about my ability to keep breathing than greeting fellow runners (road-mode). By all accounts Mike finished in a blistering 68 minutes but I guess we will have to wait for official confirmation from the time-keepers to see if we got those digits the right way around.

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2012 - TOKAI FOREST / VLAKKENBERG / CONSTANTIABERG

2012-01-09T09:01:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

PHOTO APPEAL

If anyone has photos from the Chairman’s Run Trail Version on 2 January 2012, please would you let me know. We would like to get hold of them.

MONDAY HILL RUN

As discussed towards the end of 2011, we will only be doing a hill run every second Monday now. I am going to try and use every other Monday evening to do a little exploring of my own regarding new routes while we still have some later summer daylight left in the evenings.

Tonight is going to be a more exploratory trip. I am going to head up the India-Venster and look for where the Sky Walk intersects with that path. If I can find it I will follow it across the big India and Africa amphitheatres and come down Yellowstone Gully / Union Ravine. If I can’t find it I will head up to the top of India-Venster and come down Platteklip.

Anyone interested in joining me please RSVP so we can organise a meeting place (Tafelberg Road is chaos at the moment). Please note that my Blackberry decided to stay at home today. You can still contact me telephonically on the same number which will divert to my dodgy old phone (twin-SIM) but which doesn’t have anyone’s number on it so don’t think I will recognise your number.

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2012 – TOKAI FOREST / VLAKKENBERG / CONSTANTIABERG

Start Time and Place

06h30 at the Arboretum car park in Tokai Forest. Coming from Cape Town, take the M3 as far as Tokai and take the Tokai Road offramp. At the traffic lights intersecting with Tokai Road turn right and follow Tokai Road up to a traffic circle. Straight over at the circle. Steenberg Golf Course now on your left and Forest Glad residential development on your right. Keep following the tar road straight on into the forest where it narrows significantly (ignore Swaanzwyk Road going off to your left). When you come to a t-junction with the Tokai Manor House straight in front of you turn left and follow the gravel road up to a parking area normally teeming with mountain bikers. This is where we will meet.

Route

We will make our way over to the big zig-zags (also known as the Bridle Path) used by the mountain bikers. Up this path and then over to the path up Vlakkenberg Nek. We will take a small path off the main path and work our way up to the beacons on top of Vlakkenberg. Then we will make our way back to the tar road. Here we will decide whether to take the Puffer Path Traverse or head up to the Mast and back down past Elephants Eye. Either way we will end up on the Elephants Eye Path and head straight back down to the car park on it.

Distance

Somewhere between 15km and 20km.

Running Time

3 – 3.5 hours

Difficulty

Moderate to tough (especially if we head up to the Constantiaberg Mast).

Important Points

1. It is now crucial that you carry water. Lots of it. 1 litre won’t cut it for this run and you cannot rely of getting water on the mountain at this time of year. Bring energy snacks too.

2. Please dress appropriately according to the weather conditions. Bring a good windbreaker. Moisture-management gear is preferable. Plus charged cell phone and a whistle for emergencies.

3. There is very little shade on this route so take precautions against the sun.

4. Keep an eye on the path for snakes (and, obviously, don’t stand on them).

5. Even more dangerous than snakes, please keep your eyes out for mountain bikers in the Tokai Forest area. Please be courteous and try and keep out of their way as they will be moving at greater speed and it is easier for us to leap out of the way than for them to change direction at speed. And we can hear them long before they are aware of us.

6. Fill in the register for starting out.

7. Please be aware that trail running and related activities are inherently riskier and more dangerous than road running. You are participating in these runs voluntarily and whilst acsis VOB and the organisers of the runs take all reasonable precautions to ensure runner safety, it can never be fully guaranteed. To this end, acsis VOB and the organisers personally cannot be held liable for claims relating to injuries, disabilities and deaths, inter alia, that may occur during these events. You are participating entirely at your own risk. Please ensure that you are medically fit to be participating and make sure that you are properly kitted out for each particular run so as not to place yourself at undue risk.

8. Bring ICE cold be’erages for afterwards.

TABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILERS

THEY’RE BACK after their Festive Season Break !!!!! For those not “in the know”, this is the acsis VOB-organised medium distance, slower group which is organised by Peter Rogers and led by Peter, Gaeleen Tompkins, Sandra Ackland and Neil Garbers.

Details from Peter:

“Rendezvous and Start Time

RV in the Arboretum parking area ready to start running at 0630 on Saturday 14 January 2012.

Terrain and Distance

As this will be our first run in the New Year we will start with a relatively easy run along the contour trails in the Tokai Forest on gravel roads with a few bush trails. Inevitably some uphill work to be done to access the upper levels. Distance about 11 kms taking us more or less about 2hrs 15min.

Special Notices

I use a Google-mail Group to send out these notices so if you no longer wish to receive them please use the unsubscribe facility at the end of this message. (This is only for people already on his mailing list)
Please be aware that trail running is inherently riskier and more dangerous than road running. You are participating in these runs voluntarily and whilst acsis VOB and the organisers of the runs take all reasonable precautions to ensure runner safety, it can never be fully guaranteed. To this end, acsis VOB and the organisers personally cannot be held liable for any claims whatsoever relating to injuries, disabilities and deaths, inter alia, that may occur during these events. You participate in the acsis VOB organised trail runs entirely at your own risk.
Please ensure that you are medically fit to be participating and make sure that you are properly kitted out for each particular run so as not to place yourself at undue risk.
Although each runner is responsible for their own safety in the event that an accident occurs or one or more runners get lost then all runners are expected to assist in the search and recovery.

looking forward to seeing you all again next week

--Peter”

FEEDBACK FROM CONSTANTIA NEK TO BLOCKHOUSE AND BACK RUN

I am suffering from total writer’s block so cut me some slack here. This was a relatively incident-free run despite being quite a long and hot trek with at least two of us setting out with major, thumping hangovers. It was pretty much all a blur with me trotting along at the back watching everyone else whenever they felt they had had enough (that is the beauty of this run). I do remember seeing Katya coming back at a gentle pace i.e. the speed of sound rather than the speed of light this week. I also remember turning at the turnstile below the Blockhouse and then suddenly I was sitting drinking something that tasted like beer (WARNING: beer is addictive, bad for you and will make you talk nonsense and also look like us ……….Michael, Kevin, Douglas, myself etc………..don’t say you haven’t been warned. Don’t drink and drive blah blah blah) in the car park with the usual bad influences and a couple of newcomers (a big welcome to all of you). In fact one of the newcomers, a certain Kerry, was sporting a recently bliksem’d knee oozing just enough blood to earn her the Sailing Sandra Award (aka The Dancing Daisy Award) for the day. Well done Kerry. We all felt very sorry for you until you jumped into a big fancy car and sped off to a breakfast at a swanky restaurant in Hout Bay while the rest of us rummaged through the bins and scrounged bruised fruit off the hawkers. The sympathy was then over. Lekker run though. Thanks everyone.

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2012 - CONSTANTIA NEK TO KING'S BLOCKHOUSE AND BACK

2012-01-03T10:00:00.001+02:00

Good Morning Everyone and a very Happy New Year

We are going to kick off the New Year with something a bit flatter than usual, mainly because there is a HUGE road race on the Sunday which lots of regulars like to run i.e. The Bay to Bay. And because we will do an Out-and-Back Course, those wishing to do a shorter run can turn any time they like. Be warned though, that because it is a bit flatter, the pace inevitably creeps up a bit so it is not a slower run, just a flatter one.

SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2012 – CONSTANTIA NEK TO KING’S BLOCKHOUSE AND BACK

Start Time and Place

06h30 sharp start and Constantia Nek car park.

Route

We will keep this as simple as possible to avoid losing people who want to turn back early. It is essentially doing the OLD Table Mountain Challenge Leg 2 (i.e. excluding the murderous detour up Rooikat Ravine) in reverse and then the right way around. We will follow the higher jeep track over to Cecilia “Forest” and then up to the top of the gum trees at the border with Kirstenbosch. Then we just follow the contour path through Nursery Ravine, Skeleton Gorge, Window Gorge and then up the little climb known fondly as The Aloes (for those who love aloes) and then just keep following the path through little ravines to the turnstile below the King’s Blockhouse and above Rhodes Memorial. Then turn around and run back. It is marginally easier running back.

Distance

The full route is just shy of 20km. If you turn just after Window Gorge and just before The Aloes climb then you should get about 10km.

Time

Give yourself 3 ½ hours for the full route.

Difficulty

Easy enough but there is a lot of single track so the distance can tire the legs.

Important Notes

1. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. This is a more forgiving run in terms of cold but if it’s raining you get VERY wet and if it’s hot you can get very hot and it gets humid under the trees.

2. Please make sure you are carrying enough water for the whole run and more, especially if it is hot.

3. When you are running the boardwalk sections in the Newlands area please be very careful as these can be very slippery and the walkways camber the wrong way i.e. outwards so that they are often tilted towards a nasty drop.

4. The closer you get to The Blockhouse the more you move into mugger territory. We need to stay in groups and be very aware of our surroundings. I recommend carrying a whistle in your hand. Blow it loudly if you become isolated and worried.

5. Remember the sunblock and cap.

6. Fill out the attendance register before setting out.

7. Have fun.

8. Bring ICE cold refreshments for afterwards.

9. Please be aware that trail running and related activities are inherently riskier and more dangerous than road running. You are participating in these runs voluntarily and whilst acsis VOB and the organisers of the runs take all reasonable precautions to ensure runner safety, it can never be fully guaranteed. To this end, acsis VOB and the organisers personally cannot be held liable for claims relating to injuries, disabilities and deaths, inter alia, that may occur during these events. You are participating entirely at your own risk. Please ensure that you are medically fit to be participating and make sure that you are properly kitted out for each particular run so as not to place yourself at undue risk.

FEEDBACK ON CHAIRMAN’S RUN – TRAIL VERSION

It seems that we can be guaranteed at least one day of rain each January and know exactly which day it is. It will be the exact day we plan to have the Chairman’s Run. It is usually a delight running in the rain but it is just nicer to start before it starts raining. This was not to be. From the time we drove into the shadow of the mountain it started raining. Not heavy rain but enough to get you (and the attendance register) nice and wet within minutes. Willow was looking particularly forlorn sitting in the rain as she waited for us to start. 23 of us started up towards the contour path and slowly the rain eased. It was one of those glorious mornings in the natural forest on the contour path where there had been enough overnight rain to have the streams flowing strongly but not making them too difficult to cross. So the feet were soon soaked in surprisingly cold water. No-one was complaining though. Then came the dreaded boardwalk. The soaking overnight rain meant slippery boardwalks and those who had not experienced the phenomenon before soon learnt why the others were suddenly taking much shorter strides and weren’t making any sudden turns. No less than three runners went clattering to the woodwork. No serious injuries, just bruises and a particularly spine chilling shriek from Mariette as she started skidding towards that nasty drop-off mentioned above. It’s amazing how deeply human fingernails can sink into hard wood when the need arises but she managed to claw her way back and we decided to walk most of the remaining boardwalk.

We got to the turnstiles below the Blockhouse with no further incidents and here we met up with one of the Chairman’s Run road running groups en route to Signal Hill. At this point Richard Acheson decided to demonstrate his running versatility by abandoning us to run in to Signal Hill with the roadies. Down to 22 runners. Just before the climb to Oppelskop Traverse Mariette and Odile decided that they had had enough of splashing through puddles and that it was time to head back. They dropped down onto Tafelberg Road and headed back to the cars. We reckoned that in that weather, the muggers were still snuggled up in bed. They got back safely. Down to 20 runners and Mike and I had to try and play catch up. By the time we caught up with Jane who was waiting patiently at Saddle Rock, the group was down to 5. It seems that the main group had split in three and all gone slightly different routes. The crossing of the Saddle was a very damp trek. They say that plants are largely made up of water. It appears that these bushes were made up entirely of water. The fact that is was no longer raining went largely unnoticed as we were still getting soaked. By the time we got to the top of Newlands Ravine we had mostly regrouped and only the faster group (Ewers, Ronnie and Dampies et al) was missing……….ah well……..

The descent of Newlands Ravine was another slippery affair with lots of whoops, screams and a little good-humoured swearing. We regrouped briefly at the picnic table and decided that the best way would be the most direct route and set off straight downhill and all arrived safely in the car park to find the faster group already there not drinking beer at all.

Beautiful run. Lesson of the day was that we definitely need two group leaders for that run to look after the large variety of pace amongst those who attended. Perhaps next year we can twist a few arms?

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

LAST ONE FOR 2011: JOURNEY TRAILS / MATES RUN .......acsis VOB CHAIRMAN'S RUN.......BASIC CLIMBING COURSES

2011-12-29T10:09:00.001+02:00

Good morning Everyone

Here is the last word (or two) for 2011 at last.

In this email:

1. JOURNEY TRAIL / MATES RUN – 31 DECEMBER 2011

2. acsis VOB CHAIRMAN’S RUN (TRAIL VERSION) – 2 JANUARY 2012

3. acsis VOB Trail Running comment on “B grade” scrambling routes on our runs in future

4. TONY LOURENS COURSES ON EASY SCRAMBLING TECHNIQUES AND BASIC ROPE WORK FOR EASY CLIMBS (particularly on Table Mountain)

5. “TRAIL” MAGAZINE

1. SATURDAY 31 DECEMBER 2011 – MATES NEWLANDS FOREST / NEWLANDS RAVINE / SADDLE / KING’S BLOCKHOUSE

Feedback: For certain Scottish reasons which I shall not go into (what goes on Newlands Ravine stays in Newlands Ravines) our run didn’t quite shape out as we planned it. We still had a lot of laughs and had a good time, but that leaves us in the unique position that we don’t have to plan a new route this weekend because we have the means available to cut and paste last week’s run. And so that is what we shall do J

This will be a very special event indeed for two reasons: It will be the last run of 2011 which was a very nice running year for some of us, and it will also be the absolute last time that we get to run on the 31st of December of ANY year. Yes, facts are facts, the Mayans said that the world is going to end on the 23^rd of December next year. So be there or be square!

Run Leaders

The run will be led by Douglas Rossouw, Michael Ohlsson and Jane Holdcroft.

Start Time and Place

06h30 start from the car park at the Newlands Forestry Station (where the helipad is as well as the VWS offices) on Union Avenue, Newlands.

Route

Up to contour path along to and up Newlands Ravine, over saddle to one of the traverses, round to Block House and home via Newlands forest or Contour path- will decide when we get there.

Running Times

3 hours +-

Bring all the usual clobber like water, snacks proper clothes and kit and of course, ICE cold beer.

2. MONDAY 2 JANUARY 2011 – acsis VOB CHAIRMAN’S RUN (TRAIL VERSION)

Start Time and Place

06h30 (sharp) start from the car park at the Newlands Forestry Station (where the helipad is as well as the VWS offices) on Union Avenue, Newlands.

Route

We will make our way up to the contour path and around to the turnstile just below the King’s Blockhouse. Up to the Blockhouse and then take the Lower Contour Path around Oppelskop Ridge and over to Kloof Corner. From there, whoever has organised picnics and lifts will proceed to Signal Hill to join the road runners and families for picnics. Whoever wants to return to the start will turn and head back along the contour path to the split on the Devil’s Peak side of Platteklip. Proceed up and across The Saddle then down Newlands Ravine to the cars for ICE cold beers.

Distance

About 15km to Signal Hill. Maybe a little more.

For those doing the return trip, well, it depends where we choose to turn but we can make it anywhere between 15 – 25km of relatively easy stuff.

Running Time

Probably about 2 ½ hours to Signal Hill.

For those doing the return trip, I guess you know me well enough by now to know that I don’t really know. 3 hours? Ish?

Difficulty

Easy stuff as trail runs go.

Important Notes

1. Make sure you are carrying enough water for the full distance you are running. I would suggest a minimum of 2 litres unless you want to risk ecoli-belly (drinking from the now sparse streams) for the New Year’s Eve.

2. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Last year it was freezing and poured with rain. Make sure you check the weather report and as I always say, also stick your head out of the window on the morning as you are getting ready. At the end of the day it boils down to common sense.

3. Take the usual precautions against the sun. Don’t be embarrassed by headgear. Roger Steele wears something like Darryl Cullinan used to wear on a cricket field but he still runs faster than most people I know. People will just think you’re eccentric (which is cool) and in most cases they would be right.

4. Watch out for snakes on the paths or if you dash off into the bushes to do what the CEO is famous for.

5. Don’t forget that the Blockhouse area is Mugger-land so let’s be careful there and stick together. You can put the hammer down when we get onto the Lower Contour after the Blockhouse.

6. If you are returning to Newlands Forest, remember the ICE cold beer.

3. SOME FUN ON A SERIOUS NOTE FOR THE NEW YEAR plus SCRAMBLING / EASY ROCK CLIMBING COURSES 2012

Some of you will have noticed that occasionally our runs have been taking in some more “interesting” sections (some would call scary or even dangerous). MATES have been doing the same but they have some experienced rock climbers in their group who provide the necessary assistance / advice for the less experienced scramblers. This has not necessarily been the case in the acsis VOB Group.

But rather than abandon doing these spectacular paths we have decided to approach the issue in the following way:

a. On the basis that we are a trail running group and not a rock climbing group, GENERALLY our Saturday runs will NOT contain these tricky sections very often. We will just use them to spice things up from time to time;

b. However, when we do take these scary paths on, we will not be tackling anything worse than a “B” scramble on any of our runs. To give you an idea of what a B scramble is, this includes Agatha’s Gully (on the MATES CEO’s Christmas Run), India - Venster, Right Face - Arrow Face Traverse, Carrell’s Ledge and the ascent of Devil’s Peak via Mowbray Ridge. This puts The Ledges route OUT of range for us unless we do a small party of interested runners only. The Ledges is a “C” scramble / climb on which a rope is not absolutely necessary but is highly recommended.

c. We will always try and have a safe / easy detour for runners to follow around the scary bits;

d. If there are no easy detours then this will be specified upfront;

e. I (Tim) will be doing a course (see below) on safe scrambling techniques and rope work for easy climbs so that I am more than prepared / trained to assist runners on these easier scrambles if they start freezing up and panicking etc.

f. And of course, once again I need to draw your attention to our little club disclaimer: “Please be aware that trail running and related activities are inherently riskier and more dangerous than road running. You are participating in these runs voluntarily and whilst acsis VOB and the organisers of the runs take all reasonable precautions to ensure runner safety, it can never be fully guaranteed. To this end, acsis VOB and the organisers personally cannot be held liable for claims relating to injuries, disabilities and deaths, inter alia, that may occur during these events. You are participating entirely at your own risk. Please ensure that you are medically fit to be participating and make sure that you are properly kitted out for each particular run so as not to place yourself at undue risk.”

Now because we have had a very good response to these quite challenging bits on runs I am investigating doing some courses on basic scrambling and rope techniques (as mentioned above) which will enable people to tackle “C” (The Ledges and Spring Buttress etc) and even “D” grade (easy rock climbs with ropes) with confidence and competence. Sonia Beard has put me in touch with Tony Lourens who is going to send me some information on his courses. For those of you who don’t know about Tony, he is the author of “Table Mountain Classics”. If you are interested in details of unusual and exciting routes on Table Mountain then I highly recommend that you get your hands on the latest updated version (2011) of this book. I have been messing around on the mountain for the best part of 30 years and he has come up with lots of relatively easy routes that I have never even heard of or imagined. I can’t wait to get out there and try them out.

However, the main point here is: If you are interested in joining me in doing a course or two on safe scrambling techniques and basic rope-work for easy climbs then please let me know and I will send you the details and co-ordinate convenient dates and times. Why wait for other people to help you? Learn to do it yourself and then help others.

TRAIL MAGAZINE

For those who haven’t seen it yet, South Africa’s first magazine strictly on Trail Running has been launched by the same publishers as “Go Multi”. Unsurprisingly, it is called “Trail”. It is available at CNA, Dischem and a few other places (check out www.trailmag.co.za ). It’s actually a great read. What is particularly impressive about it is the trail runner models that they have used for some of their action photos. Check out page 52 in particular…………….. J.

Have an awesome and above all, safe, New Year’s Eve Everyone and I will see you all on the trails in the New Year.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

MATES RUNS THIS COMING WEEKEND + acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 2012

2011-12-22T12:00:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone

FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER 2011 – THE MATES / CRAG SUNSET SKYLINE TRAIL RUN

If you are unsure of whether or not it is still on, you can either just pitch up as they suggest, and do an alternative run OR contact MATES (in this case mkleynhans@gmail.com) directly OR drop me (Tim) an email and I will try and find out from Cher or Martin.

“So our little jaunt up Mowbray Ridge and Ledges didn't happen as planned last week due to rain. So we are going to do it plus a little extra this coming Friday evening 23rd!

If you are interested in coming, pay close attention to all the details - this is NOT your usual CRAG-type run! If you struggle with heights or rock scrambling, give this one a skip and we'll see you next year at the first Crags. If putting your life on a tiny little ledge is more your style and you fancy yourself as the mountaineering type, then see if you can join us.

Route: Up the front of Devil's Peak on Mowbray Ridge to the summit (some scrambling and exposure to heights) from the Blockhouse. Then down the other side and up Ledges to MacClears (even more serious scrambling and exposure to heights). Run the front face, admiring the setting sun and twinkling city lights, and down dependent on visibility, speed and energy, either Kloof Corner (chains and exposure to heights) or India Venster. Run the contour path back around to the Block House and down to Rhodes Memorial and then down to the cars in UCT. The scrambles are 3-5 meters at Ledges and the chains at Kloof Corner are about 5 m and way harder than India Venster or Lions Head, so be warned. We are going at a comfortable pace so we can admire the changing light on our amazing mountain and beautiful peninsula. Cher will set the pace, so don't stress that I'm leading and she says she wants to see the views :-)

Duration: Plus minus 4-5 hours (BRING HEADLAMPS!!! And of course water/food for duration. Not likely to be any good water on this route at this time of year).

Start Time: 17:00.

Start Location: Sports Hall/Info Centre, UCT Upper Campus (lots of parking space, secure and the cars won't be locked in like they would at Rhodes Mem).

Extra Info: Due to the extremity of this run, if the weather is bad, we won't go! If you're unsure, show up anyway and we can make a decision to do a lower mountain run or take on the full route.

And one last time, just in case you missed it earlier in the message, this is not the usual CRAG style run. It has some serious cliff exposure and rock scrambling - be ready for that if you join. Oh yes and this is 100% at your own risk.

Cheers
Your questionably intrepid leaders Martin and Cher!”

SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER 2011 – MATES NEWLANDS FOREST / NEWLANDS RAVINE / SADDLE / KING’S BLOCKHOUSE

Run Leaders

The run will be led by Douglas Rossouw, Michael Ohlsson and Jane Holdcroft.

Start Time and Place

06h30 start from the car park at the Newlands Forestry Station (where the helipad is as well as the VWS offices) on Union Avenue, Newlands.

Route

Up to contour path along to and up Newlands Ravine, over saddle to one of the traverses, round to Block House and home via Newlands forest or Contour path- will decide when we get there.

Running Times

3 hours +-

Bring all the usual clobber like water, snacks proper clothes and kit and of course, ICE cold beer.

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING SCHEDULE OF SATURDAY RUNS FOR JANUARY – MARCH 2012

Please find attached hereto. Note that these might change closer to the time but it is largely representative of what we will be doing. Any changes will be advertised in plenty of time before the run.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING - CHILL TIME

2011-12-19T09:11:00.001+02:00

Good morning All

MONDAY HILL TRAINING

Today will be the last hill run for the year. To round things off we will be sticking to the theme of “trying to doing things a little differently”. We will start up Platteklip Gorge but then at about half way up we will traverse out to the right in the direction of the Right face Arrow Face Traverse. We will probably have a sniff around to see if we can find the start of the ledge from this side but will then retrace our footsteps a little and descend via either Yellowstone Gully or Union Ravine. No undue exposure to terrifying heights and precipitous drop-offs on this run. Now this is not entirely guesswork. The route is taken from the 1972 (yes, some of us were alive in 1972) Mountain Club of SA Table Mountain Guide book (see extract attached) which features many routes that do not appear in route books today. One must ask why but I guess we will find out soon enough. We will be exploring some of these old routes in 2012. So there is lots of exciting stuff to come in the New Year to spice up our existing routes.

So today we start at 17h15 from the car park at the foot of Platteklip Gorge on Tafelberg Road. It is just under 2km past the Lower Cable Station.

Please let me know if you are going to attend.

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNS FROM NOW UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2011

………………………..………………………………

Hahahaha! Okay, I think it’s time for a short break. My body is telling me it is time to sit and drink beer without having to go for a run first.

I know Jane Holdcroft is keen to do a run this coming Saturday (24 December) but I am going to schedule in all of my Christmas shopping for Saturday morning (after a long sip of Rescue Remedy). So it is quite possible that Jane will be taking a run or that MATES will organise one or even a combo between the two…..although Jane is a MATES runner………oh, you know what I mean……. In that case I will send the details out as soon as they are available.

I will also be circulating the schedule of acsis VOB-organised runs for January 2012 fairly shortly too, so this is not the last you’ll be hearing from me this year.

FEEDBACK FROM THE SILVERMINE NORTH / WEST RUN

We couldn’t have picked a more perfect day for this run. Glorious weather. Bright sunshine with just a very gentle breeze to cool things off. 22 of us set off down toward the mountain bike car park. Half way up Steenberg Ridge we were 23. Huh ? Yes…….. Then the big climb. Good grief but that climb to the mast is longer than I remember. You know you’re having a sluggish day when you get to the regroup point at the tar road and someone (not sure if it was Jackie or Dirk) had brewed up a pot of tea !!!!! That is definitely a first. No, I lie, Michele Priestman did it once but that was when she was doing a gentle run at the back. These two were at the front! Nevertheless, years of gentle abuse from my trail running colleagues have hardened me to these “insults” and so we soon set off again light hearts and heavy legs.

At the very highest point of the run, the fence around the Mast, Allison Lamb was overcome with the excitement of: having conquered the climb / her new trail shoes / altitude sickness / all of the above and slammed herself into the ground, as one does when excited. I must say that I expected the Sailing Sandra to come on the descent to Blackburn Ravine but no, Allison stole a yard on the rest of the pack and displayed just the right amount of blood and pain to not be in any danger and yet convincingly scoop herself a Sailing Sandra Award. I didn’t actually see the fall but the usual agents of treachery drew my attention to the incident and of course the wounds could not be hidden when we were swimming in the Dam afterwards. Well done Allison. Glad it was no worse though.

At the regroup at the Blackburn Ravine platform we decided to split the pack. The run had been very technical to that point and some seemed keen to stretch the legs out a bit so half of the pack decided to head down the stone highway so they could do a bit of a gallop on jeep track up and over past Noordhoek Peak and then down to the Dam. The rest of us took the more technical Panorama Trail over towards Noordhoek Peak (a tradition at this time of year). After a shortish while we saw in the distance ahead of us the group who elected to RUN the jeep track……….they were WALKING!!!!! HAH !!!!!

It was absolutely perfect at Noordhoek Peak. Sunny, wind-free and so clear you could see forever. This is fairly rare at this time of year as the peak is often plagued by a brisk south-easter. But by now we were all thinking of the Dam and a refreshing dip followed by ICE cold beer. So we picked the shortest route and headed straight down and over Crassula Ridge / Hillcrest Path and down to the Dam, plunged in and then basked in the sun.

What a way to end the year. Thanks everyone for a great run and great company.

WRAP UP

I know I will be seeing some of you at the Manor House 16km on Family Day / Boxing Day but I guess I won’t be seeing most of you until next year now. So it just remains for me to leave you with the following:

First of all, to all of you who have supported these runs over the last year, thank you and it has been wonderful having you along on the runs. They would have been very lonely Saturday mornings without you. A group of runners slugging down beer in a car park early on a Saturday morning is very socially acceptable. One person on their own is just weird and a bit sad. J

To all of those who have assumed responsibilities of leading groups, whether formally like Jane, Mike and Douglas have done over the year or informally when a run has split up on a particular day, a massive thank you. And also a big thank you to the MATES crew with whom we have worked so well and seamlessly over the last year. Often one couldn’t tell whether the Saturday run was a VOB run or a MATES run. And quite honestly, did it really matter ? Thanks everyone.

To those celebrating Christmas, have a blessed and peaceful Christmas. Don’t hold back but be safe. To those who are simply taking a break, have a wonderful chill out and come back rejuvenated and stronger for having had some rest (and probably a bit fatter…..not that you’re fat now, you understand…….of course not…..no…..).

Have a fantastic, successful, happy and, very particularly, an injury-free (the usual scrapes, bumps and bruises don’t count) New Year Everyone.

Cheers for now and have a great week.

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2011 - SILVERMINE NORTH / WEST plus MATES NIGHT RUN

2011-12-12T09:49:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone

MONDAY HILL TRAINING

This is the penultimate hill run for the year.

Today we will do Devils Peak. 17h15 start from The Saddle car park on Tafelberg Road, about 3km past the lower cable station.

Next week we will do Platteklip as far as the traverse to Yellowstone Gully. We will traverse across towards Right Face / Arrow Face but WILL NOT do the ledge. I am so OVER ledges for the year. Instead we will descend via Yellowstone Gully and Union Ravine with a short dash back along the contour path to Platteklip. Probably nothing potentially fatal on this run.

SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2011 – DOUBLE HEADER (SLIVERMINE NORTH / WEST) and MATES NIGHT RUN

I was going to cancel the acsis VOB run in favour of just teaming up with MATES for the evening run. But then I discovered, with my busy social schedule, that I can’t do the night run as I am due to attend a small soiree on Saturday evening. I guess it’s just that time of year……. So I will be doing a lighter, shorter run in the morning for those who feel like doing a warm-up for the main event in the evening. So here are the details for both runs:

Morning run in Silvermine North / West – in lieu of the traditional “Noordhoek Peak Run” which will move to a new timeslot in February.

Start Time and Place

07h15 from the Silvermine Dam car park. You access this through Silvermine Gate 1 / R20 Side. The Gate only opens at 07h00. If you drive up Ou Kaapseweg from Tokai, it is the first turning to your right as you get to the crest of the mountain pass where the road flattens out before the descent to Sun Valley.

Route

From the car park we will head up onto Steenberg Ridge and make our way up to the Elephants Eye path. We will climb past the Elephants Eye and on up to the tar road near the Constantiaberg Mast. From the mast we will descend to the wooden platform at the top of Blackburn Ravine. From there we will take the Panorama Trail over to Noordhoek Peak. From the peak we will decide on a course of action. If it’s hot we will cross the jeep track and head back over to the Dam for a swim. If the day is cold / wet / windy and / or generally miserable we will extend the run a bit with a loop down towards the entrance gate and then run up the River Walk to finish off on.

Distance

About 12 – 15km depending on the weather.

Time

Allow about 3 hours to enjoy the views.

Difficulty

Moderate. One big climb and a few “undulations”.

Important Notes

1. Please carry plenty of water with you and some energy snacks.

2. Please make sure you are properly dressed for the weather conditions and carrying the basic safety equipment (windproof jacket, cell phone, whistle, space blanket).

3. Sun protection is important at this time of year (sunblock and cap).

4. The usual caution about snakes on the path applies. Watch where you put your feet.

5. Bring entrance fee money (about R20) plus a tip for the car guard at the car park. Wild Card will get you in free but still bring a tip for the car guard.

6. Remember there is no cell phone reception at the Start but you can pick signal up from time to time on the route. So don’t be late because you won’t be able to tell us.

7. Bring a costume and towel for a swim in the Dam afterwards if the weather is good.

8. Regardless of the weather, bring ICE cold beer for afterwards.

TABLE MOUNTAIN TRAILERS (Medium Distance Slower Group)

No more runs this year.

MATES EVENING RUN – SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 2011

“Our buddy Nico Thirion from Pertorsh has asked us to organise a night run for the period while he is in Cape Town so we thought why not? Herewith details:

Where: We will start from the parking lot of the Brass Bell / Kalkbay Station ‘cos there are some cool car guards here.

When: In time to start running at 19H30.

Route: Up a piece of Echo Valley, through Boomslang Cave (waddaya mean you are afraid of the dark?) to emerge in time to see the sunset over Kommetjie. Then Amphitheatre, Tarturus Cave (maybe even in there as well) then over to St James Peak and Muizenberg Peak and stuff. The rest will be made up as we go along.

Duration: About 4 hours.

Pace: It’s night time, so no heroics.

What: Weather appropriate clothes – pack a little bit more warmish things than you think. Snax. Snax breaks are strictly enforced. Camera’s with flash so you can snap the city lights. Water to drink on the run. Here’s the killer – beer for drinking on the rocks afterwards, sez Mike. I think we’re gonna freeze, which is where the warmish stuff comes in.”

DETAILS (REMINDER) OF MATES CEO’S CHRISTMAS RUN

Will be sent out tomorrow with a summary of Other Great Runs for the rest of the year.

FEEDBACK REGARDING THE CONSTANTIA NEK TO MACLEARS BEACON RUN LAST SATURDAY

Well the morning started off innocently enough with us mocking the Norwegian weather report of rain by mid-morning and scoffing at Bronwyn’s warning that Carrell’s Ledge would be wet and slippery. It was a clear, sunny morning after all. Then the tiny warning signs started appearing……….like Sari eating my breakfast which I foolishly put down on a tree stump. Jane leapt into action in a move that I initially thought was to save my breakfast but actually turned out to be a move to split the food evenly between Sari and Willow before Sari chowed the whole thing herself. Fair enough. It wasn’t a very nice bar anyway.

Then Mike walked over to start a conversation with someone who appeared to be Linda Doke. After his opening barrage of light-hearted abuse, she turned around……..and yes, you guessed it…..it wasn’t Linda. Awkward !!!!!!! But you must KNOW how much we enjoyed that.

Then as we headed out of the car park, a car alarm went off and Mark had to dash back to go and sort it out. Then on the first climb a cell phone started ringing (Kevin’s, I rather suspect, although it could have been Paul’s) and I remembered I had left my cell phone on the seat of my car…….*&&^$#@%^&*!!!!!!.....there was NO WAY I was going back to fetch it.

The trip to Bailiff’s Cottage turned out to be a rather sedate walk but thereafter the whip got cracked and we were running. We all managed to hang together up the long climb to just before Maclears Beacon. Then it was decision time. The group of sensible runners under Jane’s guidance decided to give Carrell’s Ledge a complete miss and were to head straight on up to Maclears. The rest started following me down a path to the right………..which turned out to be the wrong path ……… and the mocking began (sigh). I quick adjustment saw us onto the right path. As the path got narrower and narrower I noticed fewer and fewer people following me along the fairly precarious approach path. I got to the start of the ledge and then the eating of words began……Bronwyn was right…..there was water pooled up along the ledge, cascading into the precipitous ravine below. It was looking very slippery indeed. A glance back along the way I had come revealed 15 very concerned faces. Their mouths may have been jeering but their faces were saying “are you seriously expecting us to go there?????”. The tough call: I could not risk taking them onto the ledge in those conditions. All you need is for one person to panic and freeze and it spreads like an infection. Mike, Douglas, Margaret, Kevin et al, being experienced and with solid heads for height, decided to do it anyway and I wasn’t concerned about them. They know what they’re doing. I made my way back along the approach path anticipating the barrage of teasing I suspected was waiting for me but was surprised by friendly response. I suspect it was overwhelming relief. From the vantage point that they saw the Ledge, it looks truly terrifying. In truth, once you are actually on it, it is much less frightening (barring one or two little “step-over” points). It’s the “getting onto the ledge” that is the worst part.

So the bulk of the group did the quick climb to Maclears to find that the sensible runners had displayed even more good sense and were long one. Knowing that I had been over the route with Jane and that they were in excellent hands, this was actually a relief. Far rather that than be faced with a bunch of cold, grumpy runners, frustrated from having to wait. And, as the Norwegians had forecast, the clouds had started to roll in. Yum Yum….more words to eat. So we waited a while for the Christmas Carrellers to join us…..and they never arrived. The crows were starting to circle above us (pretty freaky). Then we saw them at the bottom of the long valley running down towards Devils Peak……but they were heading in the wrong direction. We got into brief cell phone contact in which they professed to be “looking for Maclears Beacon” by heading exactly the wrong way. With a group chuckle we abandoned them (they were fine) and did the awesome scenic path along the north face of the Table as far as Platteklip Gorge. The drop down to Echo Valley at the head of Blinkwater Ravine was stunning and is one that we rarely do. Really beautiful views. Then heading down Echo Valley I was in front……which I hate……..because it is a little overgrown and I have this mortal fear of writhing around in agony after being bitten by a snake so I resorted to trotting like a Lipizzaner. It looks ridiculous and I’m pretty sure it makes no difference at all but just feels safer.

The rest of the run was fairly uneventful and I was confident that there would be no Sailing Sandra Awards. But Mark Allen was determined to leave with a trophy and on the final sprint descent, he hooked the toe of his shoe on one of those treacherous steps and made us all proud. SUPERB effort. The judges all raised their scoreboards: 10….10…..10……10. A perfect performance. After the dust settled he looked like he had had a run in with Hannibal Lecter with a noticeable amount of skin missing. However, Mark seemed more concerned about the trouble he was going to be in when he got home for being so late. I’m sure his wife was waiting for him with a bottle of Friars Balsam,,,,,,,ooooo eina! Well done Mark, the gold medal is yours for the week. Hope you weren’t in too much dwang.

The final joy of the day was just pipping Mike and Kevin to the finish. They had found their bearings and had caught up with us at last. They had been in hot pursuit since spotting us from the top of the mountain and were thundering down behind me. A warning shout from Roger gave me just enough time to put on a little burst of speed to beat them down. No prizes for it but the disappointed on their faces was reward enough. J

Then all such matters were set aside as we quaffed down the ICE cold beers in the car park to the amusement of the passing hikers.

That’s it. Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER 2011 - CONSTANTIA NEK TO MACLEARS BEACON AND BACK VIA FRONT TABLE & DAMS

2011-12-05T09:06:00.001+02:00

Good morning Everyone

So here we are again!

NEW BALANCE TRAIL SHOE LUCKY DRAW

The last New Balance Trail Shoe lucky draw took place before the run on Saturday. Once again The Table Mountain Trailers cleaned up and the voucher goes to Allison Lamb. I am sure she has won it before too!

A final HUGE thank you to New Balance for the support and wonderful vouchers this year. Please PLEASE support New Balance in return by buying their awesome gear when you replenish your trail running (and any other sport) stocks and also by supporting their sponsored events.

I know I thanked Katharine Tromp (New Balance) last week as she has been fantastic in organising the vouchers for us. But just because she represents our sponsors doesn’t give her immunity from getting a hiding when she gets out of hand. Here I refer specifically to The New Balance Surfer’s Challenge at Kommetjie yesterday. As we were lining up at the start on Long Beach I heard a familiar voice behind me saying: “Oh I am just going to run to the first rocks and back.” Ladies and gentlemen, that is all of about 1km in total!!!!! No prizes for guessing who that was! Yes indeed. And looking in such fine running form too. SIES Katharine ! J Although I must say that by quarter of the way through the race I was thinking “why the hell didn’t I do the same?”. Particularly tough conditions this year running it on the high tide. Soft sand the whole way (and a small hangover as contributing factor).

MONDAY HILL TRAINING

After last week’s adrenalin rush, this week will be safe and boring in comparison but it has attractions of its own. Stunning 360 degree views of Cape Town, as well as friendly hikers and tourists to chat to and who make us feel tough.

Today is Lion’s Head day. We will start at 17h15 sharp from the Kloof Nek car park just in front of the SANParks Info Centre. We will take the runnable single track to the canons and then start heading up to the left and up to the top. The descent will be along the jeep track. Make sure you bring some water. Please RSVP if you are coming.

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER 2011 - CONSTANTIA NEK TO MACLEARS BEACON AND BACK VIA FRONT TABLE & DAMS

Start Time and Place

06h00 from Constantia Nek car park. A change from our calendar as advertised a few weeks ago. And yes an early one to beat the heat although generally we seem to be facing gale force south-easters these days. Don’t worry, we don’t do these early starts for long.

Route

Up the steps / Bridle Path to the Hoerikwaggo / Bailiff’s Cottage. Shortly thereafter turn right onto the Puffer Path which we follow all the way up to Maclears Beacon. In keeping with our new edge of danger, there will be an option of doing Carrel’s Ledge just before Maclears if there are any takers and if the wind is not blowing. This ledge has a very similar “brown corduroy” rating as the Right Face – Arrow Face Traverse. My hands are starting to sweat again just thinking about it. We will discuss it further on the day. From Maclears we will take the path along the top of the front face of Table Mountain so we can enjoy the views. We end up at Platteklip Gorge where we will head down left into Echo Valley. Then left again down Echo Valley and then right over to the dams. Around Hely-Hutchinson Dam and down Ash Valley back to the Puffer Path and then down the steps to the cars.

Safe short routes are available. On the way out to Maclears, short route runners can turn up any of four valleys to come out at the dams and take the cement road back to the start.

Distance

About 20km?

Running Time

3 ½ hours?

Difficulty

Moderate

Important Notes

1. Carrying water is paramount at this time of year. As this is a longish run, snacks are necessary too and I promise not to make facetious comments about “is this a run or a picnic?”.

2. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and carry the right gear. We are going to the top of the mountain and it can get very cold up there, even in summer if the south-easter is howling.

3. Snakes are being spotted in abundance in the summer heat. Let’s just keep an eye where we are putting our feet.

4. Protection from the sun – sunblock and a cap.

5. Please sign in on the register before starting out.

6. Rehydration supplies for afterwards, especially ICE cold beer.

REPORT BACK ON SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2011: KARBONKELBERG / SUTHER PEAK / SANDY BAY LOOP

As is becoming tradition. This will have to wait until tomorrow. Busy time of year so will sit down at my pc tonight. Sorry about that.

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2011 - KARBONKELBERG / SUTHER PEAK / SANDY BAY / HOUT BAY DUNES

2011-11-28T11:23:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone

Can you believe that December is just about upon us ? Of course this means that the time is here for our final New Balance Trail Shoe Lucky Draw. This will take place before the run on Saturday. Two things:

· A huge thank you New Balance for their support this year and for sponsoring pairs of trail running shoes for our bi-monthly lucky draw. As always, we strongly encourage you to support New Balance in return by buying their high quality trail running (and other sport) products whenever you are considering a purchase. Thank you to New Balance and especially Katharine Tromp for all of her help during the year.

· As usual we will have a prize for the first trail runner who presents themselves to me in FULL New Balance attire this Saturday morning. No chancers like we’ve had in the past, please. Chancers will be forced to down a warm beer BEFORE the run. If you can’t drink alcohol, then it will be a glass of cod liver oil (apparently its good for you). If you are a vegetarian then it will be olive oil.

MONDAY HILL TRAINING

This evening we will be doing a new route. We will start at the Lower Cable Station in the tourist coach parking area just before the cable station on Tafelberg Road. We will climb up to the contour path and then head straight on up India – Venster to the point where we break off left onto the Right Face – Arrow Face Traverse (in our case it will be the other way around). Once across this “sensational traverse” we will descend Yellowstone Gully and Union Ravine to the contour path and drop back down to the cars.

Start 17h15 sharp.

Please note that there is some exposure to heights on this one but certainly nothing worse than we did last Saturday. J

Please let me know if you are attending.

SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2011 – KARBONKELBERG / SUTHER PEAK / SANDY BAY / HOUT BAY DUNES

Start Time and Place

Hout Bay Harbour at 06h30 sharp. Drive past Mariners Wharf in the direction of The Sentinel and take the next turning left into the harbour parking area. Once through the gate we will park just off to the left.

Route

We will follow the Hout Bay Trail Challenge Leg 1 route up to the Karbonkelberg Radar Station and then across to Suther Peak. From there we drop down to the Hout Bay dunes. From the dunes we traverse left on the gravel jeep track, all the way to the end it. Then we drop down to the coastline and follow the narrow track back to the Sandy Bay beach. Once across the beach we climb back up to the top of the Hout Bay dunes again which we follow down to the houses and then onto the tar for a run in to the harbour through the residential area.

Distance

About 15 – 20km. I’ll tell you afterwards. A short route of about 11km can be devised by cutting out the Sandy Bay loop.

Running Time

Allow 3 to 3 ½ hours.

Difficulty

Moderate.

Important Points

1. Please carry enough water and food for the full run. As far as I know there is no water on this route. 500ml is normally not nearly enough, especially if it is hot.

2. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Let me know if you are in any doubt as to what you should be wearing.

3. Cap and sunblock are highly recommended.

4. There have been muggings in this area so I ask you with tears in my eyes to PLEASE STAY IN GROUPS and be aware of your surroundings!

5. Lots of single track in an area that is not hiked nearly as much as Table Mountain so snakes are not as runner-friendly as other parts of the mountain. Keep a wary eye out for them. If you see one, stop and scream. I don’t know if this is the right thing to do but it certainly seems popular.

6. Please bring a few rand for entrance fee to the harbour (although the “authorities” may not be there at that time to collect) and also a tip for the enthusiastic car guards.

7. Please sign in on the register before starting out on the run.

REPORT BACK ON THE FREE PIQUES RUN

Will have to send this through tomorrow. I forgot to type it out yesterday and am a little pressed for time today. Sorry about that. It was a very interesting run!

Have a great week Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs (Sir)

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299

acsis VOB TRAIL RUNNING: VOB FREE PIQUES

2011-11-21T09:32:00.001+02:00

Good morning Everyone

See feedback on last Saturday’s run attached.

MONDAY HILL TRAINING

Today we are going to take advantage of the cooler weather and hoof it up Devils Peak from The Saddle car park starting at 17h15 sharp. Please let me know if you will be joining me.

SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2011 – VOB FREE PIQUES CHALLENGE

Start Time and Place

I know you’re going to hate this at first but if the weather is anything like last Saturday then you will thank me. We are going for a 06h00 start at the Platteklip Gorge car park on Tafelberg Road. This is just shy of 2km past the Lower Cable Station, driving towards Devils Peak.

The Route

What we are trying to achieve here is to do something akin to the Pensioner’s 3 Peaks but with more running sections so we can stretch those legs out a bit instead of doing straight up and down three times. It also gives runners the option of doing 1, 2 or all 3 Peaks depending on your time constraints and / or fitness.

Leg 1: Up to the contour path in Platteklip and then, turning left, take the Lower contour path around Oppelskop Ridge to the King’s Blockhouse. From here it will be straight up the Mowbray Ridge to where the path splits for the Upper Contour Path. Here we will make things interesting. Those with a fear of heights will take the upper contour path (right) around to The Saddle and then climb to the top of Devils Peak. The rest will “race” them by taking the Knife Edge and then the minor scramble on the Newlands side of the mountain which comes out more or less at the summit. From the summit we will drop down onto The Saddle and then down to the contour path and back to Platteklip car park.

Leg 2: As a recovery run we will cross Tafelberg Road and run down through Deer Park to Kloof Nek and then take the shortest route up Lion’s Head. Back down to Kloof Nek (where there is a tap to top up water supplies) and then up Kloof Corner to the contour path which we follow back to Platteklip Gorge.

Leg 3: For those with sufficient energy and time, the hike up Platteklip awaits with a dash across to Maclears Beacon via the shortest route and then back along the north edge of the mountain to Platteklip and back down to the car park.

Of course the order of events may change, especially if it is a stinking hot day. But we will be as democratic as possible about this.

Running Time

Quite a long time, really, but it can be made manageable by just doing one or two of the three legs. Probably about 2 hours per leg.

Distance

Each Leg must be about 10km but perhaps Mr McPherson, being the a seasoned Pensioner’s 3 Peaks campaigner, can provide more accurate info which I will confirm on Friday.

Difficulty

Devils Peak: Moderate to tough.

Lions Head: Moderate

Table Mountain: Moderate to tough.

All three in succession: Tough (probably very tough).

Important Notes

1. We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to carry sufficient water on these runs. Although the distances don’t sound all that far, if it is hot you will go through a lot of water very quickly. You cannot rely on mountain streams at this time of year, despite the rain we’ve had. I reckon you could easily go through 2 litres per leg on this run. This is why we return to Platteklip each time. Bring a water bottle to keep in your car in order to top up your hydration pack.

2. If you are attempting more than one Leg you will require nutrition on this run. Each to their own but bring food. No collapsing on the mountain please. We’ll feed you to the snakes.

3. Bring proper gear / kit / clothing. Moisture management clothing, windproof / waterproof jacket / space blanket / whistle / cell phone.

4. Sunscreen and cap / hat.

5. Ear plugs if you don’t like swearing.

6. Scottish / English dictionary.

7. Sense of humour.

8. ICE cold beers for afterwards. Robyn, just two for you this time.

9. Please fill in the register before starting out.

Table Mountain Trailers (aka acsis VOB Shortish Route Slower Group): Saturday 26th November: Glencairn-Kleinplaas Dam circuit

Route
After the hard runs of the last two Saturdays this is a reasonably easy circular route around the koppies behind Glencain and Red Hill and passing the Kleinplaas dam before picking up the Puffer route back to the start.

Rendezvous and Start Time
RV in the parking area on top of Black Hill on the South side of the M6 or Glencain Expressway.

Ready to start at 0630

How to get there? From the Fish Hoek/Sun Valley side follow the M6 through the traffic lights at the Fish Hoek-Kommetjie intesection and head up Black Hill. At the crest of the hill look out for the parking area on your right and park close to the big SAN Parks sign at the far end of the parking area.

Terrain and Distance
Reasonably easy undulating bush trails with a few modest hills. Some sandy stretches and a short distances on tar and farm tracks. Distance about 14kms taking us more or less about 2hrs 30m.

Warning!
Summer is here now and most of the rivers and streams are drying up so we cannot count on finding water on our runs. Dehydration is a real risk during trail runs so from now on each runner is required to carry their own water bottle or hydration pack during our runs. And don't forget those whistles!

Peter Rogers

That’s all for now. Have a great week, Everyone.

Cheers

Tim

Tim Bellairs

acsis VOB Trail Running

Cell: 082 321-0299