International Wrangler Go Topless Day 14 May 2011
International Wrangler Go Topless Day 14 May 2011
Chrysler Jeep Cape Town and the Jeep Club Cape celebrated the International Topless Day in grand style.
Wranglers arrived from 8.00am onwards at both dealerships – CJD Century City and CJD Newlands
Mug ‘n Bean Century City had sponsored free coffee which was greatly enjoyed by all participants.
9.00am arrived and all had their Go Topless T-shirts on and it was photo shoot time. The weather was overcast but warmer than the previous day. Both groups departed from the respective dealerships at 9.15am in a slow orderly convoy with us all to meet up in Marine Drive past Dolphin Beach Hotel. The wranglers with their lights were a major draw card with passing cars hooting in excitement in seeing so many wranglers all together.
The two groups were in constant communication with each other during the drive thanks to Comnet Radio for the loan of the handhelds for the day. The group of 50 plus vehicles all lined up on the beach front in Otto du Plessis in Blaauwberg for another photo shoot. Passers by all slowed to get a look at this bunch of happy Jeep Fans. With the photo shoot done we slowly entered Otto Du Plessis and headed for Melkbos. The line of Wranglers made one excited to be part of such a special event. In Melkbos some pulled off at the Caltex to fill up and buy refreshments. The rest took a scenic route through Melkbos on the beach front.
We all met up again and exited Melkbos in convoy for Outrek Pad 4x4. The farm is situated just outside Melkbos on route to Atlantis. Jeep Banners waved to all the Wranglers at the entrance to the farm. All the vehicles slowly meandered through the farm to the Lapa where the drivers talk would be held and all would be able to drive the 4x4 Route.
Once we were all parked at the Lapa, the non Wranglers joined us making the group just short of 60vehicles, what a site. Everyone rushed to deflate tyres with 0.8 bar the recommended pressure for the sand route we were about to embark on. Some newbies rushed to get clarity on how to set up their vehicles for the route.
At the Drivers Briefing the 4 leaders of the day were announced, Ian Newton, Vaughan Deyzel, Neil Muller and myself. Four different sections of the farm were identified and the four leaders agreed to start at different points to prevent traffic congestion.
The drivers were split into groups of approx 15 and each set off in a different direction with their leader. Some of the passengers and drivers decided to stay at the Lapa and start the braai's and just relax for the day.
The four groups set off with two hours of continuos 4x4 ing to challenge their skills. Quickly all the excitement turned to concentration and awareness of the surroundings, with bushes close by that if your line was wrong the painful screech was heard down the side of the wrangler. The majority of the farm is sand driving where momentum is everything and the correct gear selection always helps.
Section 1 done with my group, with no hiccups, then onto section 2 and section 3, with drivers changing seats with passengers wanting to drive. Section 4 was the last route with water crossings included. We arrived at the second crossing to catch up with another group still working hard to get their group across the water. One or two showing how simple it is if you get the line and your momentum correct. One black wrangler determined to show the rest of his group how capable his wrangler is tried the crossing one more time and entered two meters in and there he stood deep in the water and going no where fast. 10 mins later he was recovered and pulled from the muddy water.
My group watched nervously as it was now there turn to attempt the crossing knowing three other groups had already churned the crossing into a muddy pool. After half an hour we had all crossed with a couple of recoveries needed. Some lost bumpers, number plates, dented bumpers, sprayed their occupants with mud but all were through and ready to move on.
With the worst behind us we slowly made our way back to the Lapa and joined the rest to braai and relax.
Green Mamba’s were shared amongst all those who returned to tell their tale of how the day went. Thank you for the donation of Green Mamba’s. The fires were ready and meat sizzled above the coals. The overall response from those who returned to the lapa was relief that the driving was over and now they could relax and eat. Thank you to Sakkie and Nico Stoffberg of Outrek Pad 4X4 – www.outrekpad.com for providing a well organised venue.
Till next year when we all can Go Topless again.
Regards
Craig Parsons
Jeep Club Cape
www.jeepclubcape.co.za
021-8018346
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