COUNTRY TRAX Herman Cremer instructor 082 806 5030 herman@countrytrax.co.za BOOKING ADMINISTRATOR Bikebookings Poldine Odendaal& Celia le Roux 082 895 5009 info@bikebookings.co.za Fax.086 528 5633 General information: Dirt Bike Training Weekend Country TRAX Amersfoort, Mpumalanga DATES FOR 2018 23-25 Feb, 27-29 Apr, 15-17 Jun, 22-24 Sep & 2-4 Nov 2018 DURATION 3 Days. Friday @ 9:00 sharp Sunday @ ±12:00. VENUE FEE INCLUDED IN FEE EXCLUDED IN FEE OPTIONAL EXTRAS LEVEL OF TUITION INTENTED FOR Country TRAX Amersfoort (about 3 hours ride/drive from Gauteng) R5,100 (lodge accommodation) per rider or R4,600. (pitch your tent) not recommended in winter Tuition, accommodation Friday to Sunday, all meals from Friday lunch to Sunday brunch, drinking water, use of facilities and loads of fun! Fuel, insurance, medical care, use of bike, Thursday stayover (optional), Friday breakfast (optional), and anything not stated as included above. Arrival on Thursday before commencement of course are recommended, but ofcourse optional. The rate is R680 per person for Thursday dinner, bed & Friday breakfast. Non riding companions welcome! Cost is R2,100(lodge)/R1,500(camping) p.p, and includes accommodation & all meals. Although attendance at the Country TRAX Weekend Off-Road Course or any other previous off-road training is not a prerequisite for attendance, it is certainly recommended, as it enhances the rider s experience of the course. Please note that this is not a course for total novice off-road riders. This training is suitable for Enduro/Dirt Bike riders riding bikes of typically 125 550 cc engine capacity. BOOKINGS >>> Book online here. (our new booking site... :-) ) Important: due to small training groups we are unable to accommodate an unlimited number of participants. Prior booking & payment essential to confirm booking. INTRODUCTION Thank you for your booking to attend a Country TRAX course. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our training venues which has been selected to comply with the high standards of County TRAX, considered to be the benchmark of off-road motorcycle training in South Africa. The academy is headed by Jan Staal du Toit who started the academy in 2000 and who has since developed a curriculum for courses which is adapted for our South African off-road conditions. Country Trax offers its training to all off-road riders, irrespective of what brand of bike they ride and aims at making a positive contribution to the developement of off-road riding in South Africa.
ABOUT THE COURSE The extremely competent and qualified BMW internationaly certified instructors of Country TRAX (details above) will be responsible for the training and they comply with the national high standard of the academy. They guarantee that you will double your skills and halve your fears in one day. Surely something to look forward to! After meeting everyone having a cup of coffee, the course kicks off with some necessary theory, thereafter practical tuition and plenty of riding on this beautiful farm with well prepared training facilities to safely teach you different techniques in a safe environment. This 3 day course has been designed for dirt bike riders (typically between 125cc & 550cc), that aims at improving your basic off-road or enduro riding skills. Even experienced riders can benefit, and we will bet you ll agree after completion of course that there are always some of your riding techniques that need attention to maximise the enjoyment of your two wheels. Our training method makes it possible to accommodate riders with various skill levels, so anybody is welcome from those new to dirt bike riding to the more experienced riders. We believe that only if your basics are firm, will you be able to really excel and develop into a good rider. Some key elements that is covered in the course: Basic riding position & riding style explained Balancing & riding Cornering on flat ground and in ruts Jumping over terrain Jumping over logs and holes River crossings Emergency stops Wheelies and stoppies` (or nose wheelies)... and a lot of practical riding over all kinds of terrain, including up hills and down hills, sand, mud, rocks and through the forest BRING THE FAMILY! You are welcome to bring your friends and family with for the weekend. Its the perfect place to relax, read a book, bring your mountain bike, go for long walks or we can arrange horse riding for you on the neighbours' farm. Trying your hand at motorcycle photography remains a favourite! We have meals together. As a safety precaution, we don't allowed children unless there s full time supervision. {Country TRAX Amersfoort also offers open weekends where you are welcome to bring your bike, friends and family to enjoy the excellent facilities at Country Trax. These weekends are self catering and its a prerequisite that at least one of the party have attended a course at Country Trax before so you are familiar with the routes & the farm. Come and relax & ride!} WHAT TO BRING keep in mind that the academy is ±40 km away from the closest small town 1. Your own motorcycle Any make of dirt/mx/enduro bike permitted, typically 125 550 cc Extra petrol (20 liter should be adequate) Any spares and tools that you might need like tubes, puncture repair, etc. 2. Full protective gear Helmet (plus goggles if using open visor helmet) Boots (Off-road/MX boots are essential!!!). NO army/hiking boots allowed for safety reasons. Gloves Protective clothing. Body/motocross protectors with enduro shirt works best, but protective jacket also acceptable. Enduro pants or normal padded trousers. The more the better! 3. Other gear Soft cloth/chamois for cleaning visor Cap & sunscreen Camel back is recommended to make sure you do not dehydrate. However, there will be occasional breaks to quench your thirst. Optional: rain gear 4. Personal If you have chosen to camp, remember your camping gear (tent, matress, sleeping bag, cushion, towel & torch) Warm informal wear for the evening. Keep in mind that it might be chilly at night. Insect repellent (summer) Basic first aid kit plasters, antihistamine for odd gogga bite, etc. Any personal medication that you might need; Cash. Country Trax has a small shop with interesting bits and pieces.
TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM FROM THE COURSE 1. Although we strongly recommend that you have attended the Country TRAX Weekend Off-road course as it teaches you the basics, it is not compulsory. This course builds on the basics and are intensive training. 2. A high level of fitness is recommended as training can be both physically and psychologically intensive. 3. Drink plenty of water before and during the training. 4. It helps to carry small packets of raisins, jelly babies or energy bars in your pockets - it helps to boost energy if you get tired. 5. Especially in the colder months, wear layers of clothing which can be peeled off as it usually gets warmer in the day. 6. Get a good nights sleep on Thursday night. 7. If you drink alcohol, we recommend that you minimize your intake of alcohol before and during the course. It influences your body s ability to balance and focus. This is essential for safety reasons. 8. In case of rain, consider yourself lucky as you will have the opportunity to play with your bike in wet conditions! The team is looking forward to welcoming you to Country Trax Off-road Academy! Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions. COMMENTS FROM A FEW PREVIOUS STUDENTS Die naweek was n onvergeetlike ondervinding, en ek het verseker my vaardighede BAIE verbeter al gehoor van n vertical learning curve? AUG Ja dit was n heerlike naweek gewees en almal het hulself gate uit geniet. Ons was almal poot uit en baie styf gewees en het met n glimlag op ons gesigte daar weg gery. Vir ons was dit belangrik om ons motorfiets-ry ervaring te verbeter maar ook om ander mense te ontmoet en om sosiaal te verkeer in die aande met die ander ouens op die kursus. Dit het ons alles gedoen en die kombinasie van n klomp dinge ( opleiding, sosiaal, nuwe mense ontmoet, inligting uitdeel, opleiding ontvang, ens ) het die naweek n sukses gemaak. AUG Ek het die kursus geniet en het baie geleer. Ek was baie op my senuwees dat die instrukteurs ongeduldig en moedeloos met my sal raak, maar was vinnig gerus gestel deur hul vriendelikheid en geduld. Hulle was deur die hele dag baie opbouend en ek het nie een keer gevoel ek wil moed opgee nie. Ek het hierdie naweek so paar roetes offroad gedoen en was baie verras met die verskil in my ry vermoë en selfvertroue. JUNIE Môre almal,soos ons almal reeds herhaal het(met rede) was alles uitstekend-die kos, akkommodasie, instruksie, omgewing, kursusinhoud en selfs die weer het saamgespeel. Beste van alles was om 'n klomp 'sout van die aarde' mense te ontmoet. JUNIE It was FUN and I don t think one can quantify the value of the skill that was passed on to us. The instructors were excellent teachers...their demonstrations and coaching (while we were trying to repeat what he made look so easy) will definitely stand us all in good stead for many more (and safer) miles. The camaraderie and support between all the guys made the weekend special. JUNIE The best prepared course that I have been on so far that taught me skills in off road riding that increased my confidence and safety as a ride 100 time! The accommodation and food is of extremely high quality and is nothing better after a long day of training to relax in the great atmosphere. If only the marketing material had described what a great experience it would be I would have gone earlier. Must say I was at first scared of doing the course as I thought it is only for experienced riders and soon realized that it is done in such a structured manner and gradually providing you with the required skill and knowledge to ensure you are safe at all times. As you get to towards the end of the course you realize why you had to first master certain skills to move to the next level. Once again a well balanced course and will be doing it again! JUNIE My son had a awesome weekend,he came back with a sore and stiff body but a huge smile on his face,johnjack eats breaths dirt bikes He assures me that he will definitely be booking the advance course when available...for me as a parent I was at first afraid to leave my child 400km away, but as we left him there I had so much peace that my child was in good and safe hands the farm is so beautiful and peaceful and accommodation comfortable and relaxing I must commend Jan and Elsie and there whole team on excellence in a relaxed way Thank you for being part of Johnjack's dream OKTOBER
MAP & DIRECTIONS LOCATION AND CONTACT DETAILS WHERE IS IT? Close to Amersfoort, Mpumalanga. Please DO NOT use GPS coordinants as they take you on A different route, see directions below. Approximately 3 hours drive from Gauteng. ELEVATION 1 700 m above sea level (yes, its High Veld) CONTACT PERSONS Jan & Elsie du Toit CONTACT NUMBERS 017 753 1720 or 083 669 7283 MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL Limited Vodacom and MTN reception NOTES ON GETTING THERE 1. Please take into account that the last 45km of gravel road to Amersfoort is not a gravel highway, and that it will slow you down. Give yourself extra time to make sure to arrive before dark on Thursday or on time for the course if you arrive on Friday morning. If traveling to Country TRAX in the morning, be aware that you might have thick fog in the mornings which will slow you down. 2. IMPORTANT: It is not advisable to arrive after dark. If by force of circumstances you will be arriving after dark, please contact us prior to your departure from Amersfoort so that we may monitor your ETA as there is little or no mobile reception on the non-paved road to the farm. 3. Thursday arrivals: Please try to arrive by 18:00 so you can settle in. Dinner is served at 19:00. DIRECTIONS 1. From PRETORIA Pretoria to Middelburg via N4 - Hendrina - Ermelo - Amersfoort - CountryTrax CLICK HERE for Google Maps Directions - Leave Pretoria and travel east on the N4 towards Middelburg. - After travelling ± 130km on the N4, take exit 133 onto the N11 and continue south towards Hendrina/Ermelo. - Travel to Ermelo via Hendrina. You will reach Ermelo after ± 92 km. - Stay on the N11 in a southerly directions to Amersfoort. - REMEMBER TO FILL UP YOUR BIKE IN AMERSFOORT PLEASE. - Follow the directions through the town of Amersfoort towards Piet Retief. (Do not follow the signs to Volksrust) - The road becomes a gravel road as you cross a bridge on the edge of town and it will remain unpaved until you reach Countrytrax. - Continue for about 37km. Travel slowly if wet. - Turn right at the Turn right at the white BMW Motorrad/ Enduro Park Country TRAX sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers clay & grass huts). - Continue on this road for 5km and turn left at the big COUNTRY TRAX sign. Follow the road to the farm for another 2 km where you will be met by the Country Trax team.
2. From JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg - Bethal - Morgenzon - Amersfoort - CountryTrax via N17 CLICK HERE for Google Maps directions - Take the N17 towards Ermelo. - At Bethal, exit the highway, drive through town and take the R35 towards Morgenzon. - From Morgenzon, go to Amersfoort. REMEMBER TO FILL UP YOUR BIKE IN AMERSFOORT PLEASE. - Follow the directions through town towards Piet Retief. (Do not follow the signs to Volksrust and Ermelo) - The road becomes a gravel road as you cross a bridge on the edge of town and it will remain unpaved until you reach Countrytrax. - Continue for about 37km. Be cautious if wet! - Turn right at the Turn right at the white BMW Motorrad/ Enduro Park Country TRAX sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers clay & grass huts). - Continue on this road for 5km and turn left at the big COUNTRY TRAX sign. Follow the road to the farm for another 2 km where you will be met by the Country Trax team.
3. From PRETORIA Pretoria - Delmas - Bethal - Morgenzon - Amersfoort - CountryTrax CLICK HERE for Google Maps Directions - Leave Pretoria from the M10 (Hans Strijdom Drive) on the R50 towards Delmas for about 60km. - From DELMAS, follow directions to the N17. - Continue to Bethal on the N17. - At Bethal, exit the N17 and follow directions to the R35 to Morgenzon and Amersfoort. - REMEMBER TO FILL UP YOUR BIKE IN AMERSFOORT PLEASE. 44km gravel road.. - Once in Amersfoort, follow the directions towards Piet Retief. The road becomes a gravel road as you cross a bridge on the edge of Amersfoort and it will remain unpaved until you reach Country Trax. - Continue for about 37km. - Turn right at the Turn right at the white BMW Motorrad/ Enduro Park Country TRAX sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers clay & grass huts). - Continue on this road for 5km and turn left at the big COUNTRY TRAX sign. Follow the road to the farm for another 2 km where you will be met by the Country Trax team.
ROUTE WARNINGS 1. Look out for pedestrians and animals crossing the road. Watch out specially for cattle! 2. If you are travelling on the N4, look out for speed traps near Bronkhorstspruit. 3. On gravel road sections (e.g. the last part of the route to Country TRAX, be careful of fixed stones in the surface. While checking for oncoming and passing traffic, use the best parts of the whole width of the road to choose the best track/line. There s always a good line, just look for it! If you feel unsafe travelling on the gravel road (specially when wet), phone the academy and arrange for them to pick you up from Amersfoort. Safe travels! We are looking forward to welcome you to Country TRAX for an exciting weekend.