COUNTRY TRAX Jan du Toit chief instructor ctrax@lantic.net ` BOOKING ADMINISTRATOR Celia le Roux Bikebookings 082 895 5009 info@bikebookings.co.za Fax.086 528 5633 General information >>>> COUNTRY TRAX WEEKEND OFF-ROAD COURSE DATES FOR 2012 10-12 Feb, 23-25 March, 13-15 April, 11-13 May, 22-24 June, 13-15 July, 17-19 Aug, 31 Aug - 2 Sept, 5-7 Oct, 2-4 Nov, 31 Nov - 2 Dec DURATION 3 Days. Friday @ 9:00 sharp Sunday @ ±12:00. VENUE FEE INCLUDED EXCLUDED LEVEL OF TUITION INTENTED FOR Country Trax Amersfoort (about 2.5 hours ride/drive from Gauteng) R3,500 per rider (lodge accommodation) OR R2,999 (camping accommodation - not recommended in colder months) Pillion (passenger) riders (R1,950) and non riding companions (R1,300/person) welcome! Arrival on Thursday before commencement of course can be arranged. The rate is R450 per person for dinner, bed & breakfast. A discounted rate applies if you attend this training within 12 months of the previous course - this only applies if you attend the SAME course again. Tuition, accommodation Friday to Sunday, all meals from Friday lunch to Sunday brunch, drinking water, use of facilities and loads of fun! Fuel, insurance, use of bike and anything not stated as included above. This is the intermediate level training course. Previous attendance of the Introduction to Off-road riding course is highly recommended if not essential (depending on your riding experience). This course is also ideal as an annual refresher course. dual purpose/adventure bikes, although this course is valuable for pure off-road bikes (typically <550cc) as preparation for the Dirt Bike Fundamentals Training. BOOKINGS >>> Book online at www.bikebookings.co.za. The booking button is at the bottom of THIS PAGE. Important: due to small training groups we are unable to accommodate an unlimited number of participants. Prior booking & payment essential to confirm booking. INTRODUCTION 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 instructors of Country Trax 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 over a nice cuppa (or breakfast if you arranged it), 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.
Master a new set of skills, build confidence and be comfortable on gravel. This three-day course is aimed at the seasoned road rider who is new to off-road riding (see level of tuition below), and/or the off-road/dual sport/adventure rider of some experience, who has not yet had formal training in the specific skill set required for off-road riding. It is a very intensive course, which will not only help you build your confidence to take to off-road riding at any time, but also to help eradicate the bad habits of self taught riding and in general become a safer rider. If a weekend of thrills, of learning and laughing, whilst building yourself as an off-road rider, is what you expect, you will not be disappointed. Some key elements covered in the course * Theory of motorcycle dynamics in off-road conditions - understanding why and how the motorcycle responds to rider input. * Being 100% in control of your motorcycle in all situations * Practical exercises in a wide range of terrain conditions, but in a safe and controlled environment. and lots of riding during the weekend! Our training method makes it possible to accommodate riders with various skill levels, so anybody is welcome. We strongly recommend that you have attended our entry level course Introduction to Off-road Riding (offered in Gauteng by Country Trax Gauteng) as we continue to build on the basics in this course but it is not essential. We believe that only when your basics are firm, will you be able to really excel and develop into a good rider. BRING THE FAMILY! You are welcome to bring your friends and family with for the weekend. Its the perfect place to relax, bring your mountain bike or go for long walks. Trying your hand at motorcycle photography remains a favourite! We have meals together. No children allowed if there s not full time supervision (safety precaution). {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 you have attended a course at Country Trax before so you are familiar with the routes & the farm. Come and ride!} WHAT TO BRING 1. Your own motorcycle Any make of dual purpose bikes are permitted. Tyres: for better & easier performance on all terrain and in all conditions, it is essential that you have off-road tyres ( knobblies ) fitted to your bike. Call one of the instructors if you have queries about this. Tyre pressure gauge (optional) Full tank of petrol. Please fill up at Amersfoort. Any spares and tools (for possible adjustment or two) that you might need like tubes, puncture repair kit, etc. Important: please remove handle bar raisers if fitted to your bike unless you are taller than 7ft. They interfere with the overall balance of the bike & rider and are considered dangerous. You will not be allowed to ride the oval track if you have handle bar raisers fitted! 2. Full protective gear. Please ensure you bring adequate protective clothing with you to the course. Riding has its inherent risks and we believe in prevention rather than cure! Helmet (plus goggles if using open visor helmet) Off-road boots. Remember that 90% of off-road injuries are to the feet and the lower legs and can be prevented by wearing proper boots. Good off-road boots are therefore as indispensable as good helmets. And it s not about brands or fashion statements - it s about medical bills and pain and arthritis when you re old. Army boots and hiking boots are NOT off-road boots and will NOT be allowed on the course. Savanna's and Santiago boots are NOT off-road boots and are NOT recommended, therefore. Gloves, protective trousers and jacket or motocross protectors. 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. Optional: rain gear 4. Personal 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. For any extras and interesting shopping at the small shop. Alcoholic beverages of your choice for the evening, as Country Trax doesn t stock any.
TIPS TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM FROM THE COURSE 1. We strongly recommend that you have attended the Country Trax Introduction to Off-road riding course as it teaches you the basics. 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 pocket - 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 Ons het ongelooflik baie geleer en is ons vandag gewapen met 'n bedrewenheid wat van onskatbare waarde gaan wees op ons beplande roetes. Dit was lekker om julle almal te ontmoet en dit sal lekker wees om julle weer te sien - dalk met die opvolg kurus. Ons gaan dit defnitief weer doen. Dankie vir die vriendskap en kameraadskap wat julle ons gebied het en dankie aan Country Trax vir 'n waardevolle en ongelooflike kursus. Dit was pret en beste waarde vir geld. Casper Bierman Des 2010 Die naweek was n onvergeetlike ondervinding, en ek het verseker my vaardighede BAIE verbeter al gehoor van n vertical learning curve? AUG 2010 Die beste R 3,500 wat ek nóg belê het. JULIE 2010 (en dit nogals van 'n finansiele beplanner...) 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 2010 Ek het die kursus geniet en het baie geleer. Ek was baie op my senuwees dat die instrukteers ongeduldig en moedeloos met my sal raak, maar was vinnig gerus gestel deur Marchant en Herman se 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 2010 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 2010 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. My almost vintage 88 GS and I both regret not doing this course many moons ago! JUNIE 2010 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 2010 For someone like me who has never really done the adventure bike thing, I am now so amped to do some adventure riding and get out there. The course was absolutely fantastic, I have learnt more this last week end about riding than in the past 5-6 years that I have been riding, I think it is invaluable knowledge and something that you can use in every day riding as well as off-road/adventure riding. JUNIE 2010 Many many thanks for an awesome weekend. I have not stopped telling everyone about it. The way the course is set up is perfect, not once were we pushed into doing something we didn't want to do. As I mentioned no-one was frowned upon laughed at we all felt comfortable, I am over the moon now that I have overcome that fear of the bike is to big and heavy. All I want to do is upgrade and start enjoying another side of life. To the lodge - fantastic knowing everything is safe, awesome food, friendly staff. The venue is perfect!! To the instructors, job well done!!i will def be back with a heap of riders from our end of the world!! The course material and knowledge passed onto us words cannot explain. MAY 2010
MAP & DIRECTIONS LOCATION AND CONTACT DETAILS GPS COORDINATES S26 58.044 E30 11.549 WHERE IS IT? Close to Amersfoort, Mpumalanga. Approximately 2,5-3 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 Friday or on time for the course if you arrive on Saturday morning. 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. Friday arrivals: Please try to arrive by 18:00 as dinner is served at 19:00. DIRECTIONS 1. From JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg - Heidelberg - Bethal - Morgenzon - Amersfoort - CountryTrax VIA N17 (recommended) - Take the N17 towards Ermelo. (this is a new highway!) - At Bethal, exit the highway, drive through town and take the R35 towards Morgenzon. - From Morgenzon, go to Amersfoort. This road is very potholed, so drive carefully. - WARNING: The section of road (the last 10km) between the Majuba power station and Amersfoort is VERY worn on the right (oncoming) side of the road resulting in trucks moving to the right (you side) to avoid potholes. Please be careful! - 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. - Turn right at a small COUNTRY TRAX sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers clay & grass huts). Approximate travelling distance: 280km. Approximate travelling time: 3.5 hours
2. From JOHANNESBURG Johannesburg - Heidelberg - Balfour - Greylingstad - Standerton - Perdekop - Amersfoort - CountryTrax - Take the N3 towards Durban. - Turn onto the R23 about 8km after Heidelberg towards Standerton. No not take the first exit to R23. Continue on the R23 for about 146 km (you will go through Balfour, Greylingstad and Standerton). - Turn left at the 3 rd Amersfoort turn off, approximately 45 km after passing through Standerton. This is just before you get to the very small settlement, Perdekop. - After about 500 meters turn left again towards Amersfoort. - Continue for 31km to a T-junction, turn right to reach AMERSFOORT. - WARNING: The section of road (the last 10km) between the Majuba power station and Amersfoort is VERY worn on the right (oncoming) side of the road resulting in trucks moving to the right (you side) to avoid potholes. Please be careful! - 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. - Turn right at a small COUNTRY TRAX sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers clay & grass huts). Approximate travelling distance: 280km. Approximate travelling time: 3.5 hours 3. From JOHANNESBURG. Johannesburg - Heidelberg - Balfour - Greylingstad - Standerton - Amersfoort - CountryTrax If you are coming from Jhb, we suggest that you take the alternative gravel road going east just south of Standerton - although a bit longer its a better option in our opinion than nr. 1 above. From Standerton, turn left on a gravel road about 10km from Standerton going towards Volksrust on the R23. This gravel road goes to Amersfoort and you have to travel a few km's on the R35 to Amersfoort after joining it just north of Amersfoort. - Take the N3 towards Durban. - Turn onto the R23 about 8km after Heidelberg. Continue on the R23 for about 146 km (you will go through Balfour, Greylingstad and Standerton). - Turn left at the Amersfoort turn off approximately 10 km after passing through Standerton, in the direction of Volksrust. This is a gravel road for use by farmers and not big mining trucks! - Continue for 47 km to a T-junction, turn right to reach AMERSFOORT. - Follow the road into Amersfoort, which is about 10 km away. - 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. - Turn right at a small COUNTRY TRAX sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers clay & grass huts). Approximate travelling distance: 270km. Approximate travelling time: 3.5 hours >>> The map shows the part of the route from Standerton and Amersfoort.
4. From PRETORIA Pretoria - Delmas - Bethal - Morgenzon - Amersfoort - CountryTrax RECOMMENDED - Leave Pretoria from the M10 (Hans Strijdom Drive) on the R50 towards Delmas for about 60km. - From DELMAS, continue on the R50 for about 30km and exit left onto the R580. - Continue on the R580 for about 27 km and turn left at T-junction onto the R547. - Continue for about 5km and turn right at T-junction on the R545. Continue for 33km to BETHAL. - Drive about 3km on the N17 in north easterly direction. - Turn right on the R35 towards Morgenzon. - Continue on the R35 for 77km via Morgenzon to Amersfoort. 44km gravel road - 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. - Turn right at a small COUNTRY TRAX sign/ second Waterfall sign on a slight uphill (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers cottages). Approximate travelling distance: 285km. Approximate travelling time: 3.5 hours 5. From PRETORIA Pretoria - Delmas - Leandra - Standerton - Amersfoort - CountryTrax Refer to map above at nr.2 for section Standerton to Amersfoort) - Leave Pretoria from the M10 (Hans Strijdom Drive) on the R50 towards Delmas for about 60km. - From DELMAS, continue on the R50 for about 120km via Leandra to Standerton. - From Standerton, follow the R23 towards Volksrust. - Turn left at the 2 nd Amersfoort turn off, approximately 10 km after passing through Standerton in the direction of Volksrust. This is a gravel road for use by farmers and not big mining trucks! - Continue for 47 km to a T-junction, turn right to reach AMERSFOORT. - Follow the road into Amersfoort, which is about 10 km away. - Follow the directions towards Piet Retief. The road becomes a gravel road as you cross a bridge on the edge of town and it will remain unpaved until you reach Country Trax.
- Turn right at a small COUNTRY TRAX sign/ second Waterfall sign (on the left hand side of the road will be some workers cottages). Approximate travelling distance: 290km. Approximate travelling time: 3.5 hours 6. From PRETORIA Pretoria to Middelburg via N4 - Hendrina - Ermelo - CountryTrax If wet,don't take gravel short cut from Ermelo to Country Trax but rather travel via Amersfoort. This De Emigratie road badly damaged after recent rains... - 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. - REMEMBER TO FILL UP YOUR BIKE PLEASE. - Stay on the N11 in a southerly directions towards Amersfoort/Volksrust. - Travel about 7 km from the Church Str/N17 junction and turn left on a gravel road indicated by sign De Emigratie`(big water reservoirs visible) THERE ARE NO ROAD SIGNAGE FROM HERE, SO TAKE ODOMETER READING WHEN TURNING OFF THE N11. - Follow this road for ± 39km. Turn left. - After 9km, turn left at the T-junction in an easterly direction (towards Piet Retief). - Continue for 5km and turn right into gravel road indicated by small COUNTRY TRAX sign. On the left of the road will be workers cottages build with clay and grass. - Continue on this road for 5km and turn left at the big COUNTRY TRAX sign. Follow the farm road for 2.3 km until you reach the academy. Approximate travelling distance from Pretoria to Country Trax: 280km. Approximate travelling time: 3 hours ROUTE WARNINGS 1. Because of extensive mining in Mpumalanga, heavy duty trucks tend to damage the surface of roads and create pot holes and uneven surfaces in some places. Be on the lookout for trucks avoiding these places and moving into your lane! Be extra careful on the following sections of road: Coming from Johannesburg, beyond Perdekop towards Amersfoort, past the Amajuba power station. Coming from Pretoria, between Morgenzon and Amersfoort. 2. Look out for pedestrians and animals crossing the road. Watch out specially for cattle! 3. If you are travelling on the N4, look out for speed traps near Bronkhorstspruit. 4. 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! Safe travels! We are looking forward to welcome you to Country Trax for an exciting weekend.