De Wildt - South Africa (near Johannesburg)

[Splitpin]

A friend of mine runs a company taking ppl through this area
Here is some picture of a place we ride call De Wildt - it's huge
if you dont have a GPS then you will definatly get lost for day's

TIME STARTED: 7:30am
TIME: ENDED: 14:30pm
TEMPERATURE: ± 32 Deg C
DISTANCE: ±150km

The 1st River Crossing is easy!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/1.jpg

[Splitpin]

At the 2nd River Crossing things get a little more technical. You first need to get down a steep bank and then make your way through some deep water. Tyres make the difference!

[Splitpin]

Getting through at the 3rd River Crossin

[Splitpin]

This River crossing is part of the Letlakane Loop. This is the last part of the loop where we get back to the Tolwane River. This part is where the new pipeline runs just east of Legonyane.

[Splitpin]

Whats a little roosting between friends especially when one is stuck and you can't go anywhere

[Splitpin]

picture from the air of a very small section of De Wildt

[Splitpin]

Moving down the Main River which gives the quads some technical riding to do. Claudia and Tony moving down a bank. Notice the water in the river bed. Usually this far up the river is bone dry.

[Splitpin]

On the bank of the Tolwane River where we usually have a river crossing. We decided not to cross here as the sand banks are very loose with the high level of the water. The river must have flowed quite strongly at one stage as certain parts of the route have been washed away that where to close to the rivers edge.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/6c.jpg

[bosshogg1]

that looks like bike heaven man the pics are nice i never seen a place like that :huh i wish one day i can go to africa an ride those trail. can i see some more pics of that beautiful country:macho

[Splitpin]

Thanks Bosshogg1
De Wildt is one of, if not the best place to ride in South Africa.

here is some more.
Pic 1 we have a option for getting into the river you can ride down the bank or jump it.

[Splitpin]

another one of the routes into the river

[Splitpin]

one of the many lodge's we have in the area - excelent breakfest

[Splitpin]

pic 1 exiting the river
pic 2 this river bed is 3.5 km long and in the dry season it nothing but a never ending 3.5 km woops section. after the rain is smooth and excelent place to nail it.

[Splitpin]

pic 1
this pic dosent really show how steep the bank is that we use to get into the river but if you dont have 1 or 2 ppl helping and holding the back of you quad down you are going to roll over

[bosshogg1]

thanks splitpin :eek2: these places are the truth i`m about to tell my riding buddies about the places an pics you are showing. it looks like another peace of heaven man wish i could ride out with you`s if you could keep sending the pics to keep us informed about your rides in the beautiful country man.if i cant ride over there its still a nice site to see i`m goin to slow down so i can take some pics to show you where we ride at in america!!!:macho 1 down 4 up

[Splitpin]

your in luck Bosshogg1

a group of about 20 of is are going to ride De Wildt on the 20th Jan and we always have a camera with us.
i'll try to find some more pics for you guys

[Pappy]

awesome! I enjoy seeing atv riding from around the world..thank you!!

[Admin]

Thanks for sharing your ATV adventure!

[bosshogg1]

thanks alot i cant wait!!!:D i.m going riding 2morrow and i.l do the same thing

[Splitpin]

Some of the local pedestrian who are not in the mood to share his path with a couple of quads.

[Splitpin]

We headed for the next stage of the ride which was the 3 river crossings. This is where the fun started. At the 1st crossing Speedo was the 1st to get stuck. Then Awesome and Splitpin also had their fair share of problems. However, everyone got through and we moved on to the 2nd crossing. The pictures explain the rest.

[Splitpin]

then moved into another riverbed closer to the Rooiwal area where we stopped at the famous dam wall for lunch. I had to show the guys how to jump off the wall with Speedo's Raptor 700. Here we have Manie on his Polaris giving it a bash.

[bosshogg1]

splitpin those are some good shots i had a family problem so i couldnt ride but next week we are out all day i told my friends about you guys an showed them the pics they really like them an cant wait for more some of the guys compete junkies they want to show you how an wer they get down an dirty :blah:

[Splitpin]

here's an update on our ride on the 20th Jan 2008

Our day started off very early around 04h30 / 05h00 with a drive to the various meeting points. Thanks to the leaders
The guys from the East were on time we even arrived at the factory before Peter. But this is when the first problem rose it's ugly head the ppl from the West were lost. Thanks to George (The Sweeper) who talked KD through the directions to the factory where a convoy of about 15 + quads came roaring into the factory parking.
After we waited for the "late" comers to off-load and suite up Peter held a riders briefing then we were off - well kind off there was a Pred 500 that had to be towed to start (not Bullets) this time.
We headed into De Wildt at some pace roaring down the tar road then into Quad heaven and NO DUST what a pleasure.
The trail was nice a twisty with some whoop’s sections and at the end of this was our first stop to wait for the slower riders - this is when we heard about Martins girlfriend's off and they decided to turn back.
luck she was not hurt shortly after that we had a lady on a Rustler roll with the quad ending on top of her, hats off to her as she got up and carried on riding to complete the day's ride
from here we headed back into our ride and arrived at our first water crossing I only arrived after 4 or 5 quads had made it across and the river started to clam one quad after another, Thanks to KD for showing me how not to do it and what route not to take, lucky a few of us made it across. Bullet decided not to even attempt riding through it as his quad would not start without a tow. MCR and Bullet decided to drag it through the river Thanks to MCR for helping all those that got stuck.
The group split up (faster/slower) riders and the route the faster riders took was a blast lost of mud and some rocky sections many got stuck, again thanks to KD showing us how not to do it and where not to ride. We finally got to the bridge and waited for the rider who got stuck then we were off again into some twisty sections and some river riding. Our second major river crossing was about 5 x deeper and bigger than the first. I arrive just in time to see Eddie on his tweelie fly through the rive at speed and almost loosing it in the river but was able to keep his moment going and made it out, this river again clamed many but there was us who again made it through.
After waiting for the rest of the ppl to make it through this river section out route was to get to the shop close to 3 rivers.
Peter made it clear that this section was a fast section but we were to expect lots of water around any corner so we were to be careful.
BeeBabe managed to hit some muddy water and ended up with some water getting behind her goggle and into her eyes lucky no major problems and after a while she was on her way.
at the "bush toll gate" where we were waiting for the rest of the group we had news that the Blaster's rear wheel came off and bounced into the bush, with Peter around and his Bush maintenance experience the blaster's wheel was back on using the nut from the front and the front wheel held on with "blou draat" this amazing quick fix lasted for the rest of the ride.
A few ppl headed off to try and find the shop which they did and we all headed off to the shop for some eats and cool drink.
3 rivers was our next destination and this normally is 3.5 km of a never ending woops section but not this time after some flash floods this was smooth and had loads of water "puddles" some deep and some not.
Most of us headed into this river at a pace with us all exiting drenched and about 20 kg heaver.
At the end we were waiting for rest of the group to catch up and those that stayed back to help the ones that got stuck.
The Blaster had a hard time with the river but made it through and there was an LTZ 400 that would not start and Peter again came to the rescue.
Some of the group decided to carry on while the rest stayed for Peter and the LTZ to arrive.
The final section back to the factory had some twisty sections and again some more woops sections.
We all finally arrived back at the factory wet and muddy.

photies now added

The start before the ride
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/quadanddewildtride012.jpg

our first stop
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200784.jpg


the first river crossing
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200785.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200788.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200792.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200797.jpg

another one of our stops
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200804.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200805.jpg

waiting for the blaster to catch up
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200809.jpg

stop at the bush shop
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan/P1200814.jpg

[Splitpin]

here is another wright up of the day from Peter @ Adventure MX

www.adventuremx.co.za

My Sunday morning started at 5:30am, and I would think that for others it would have been even earlier. With a quick peak out my bedroom window a silent “hhhhmmmm” is expressed as I see the rain. This is definitely going to be an interesting day for riding. I packed my bags, loaded my quad on the trailer and was set to go. I left my house at 6:15am to arrive at the factory at 7:15am. De Wildt here we come!

It was surprising sight for sleepy eyes. The whole yard was packed with cars, trailers and quads. I must say an excellent turnout for a Chatquads ride. Normally on rainy days such as these one would look for any excuse to lay in bed and snuggle, but we had some die hard quadders who where keen to get muddy. After a quick riders briefing we left the factory and headed for the unknown, well depends on how you look at it. We had our first problem when ACID’s Polaris wouldn’t start, and this all thanks to a closed fuel tap – You go Boy! Early on in the ride Martin (Haggis) and his Mrs. had to turn around as she was not ready for what lay ahead. Although a brave start, maybe with a bit of time and practice she will soon be joining us for a full ride. We traveled down school alley towards the Big Tree.

1st river crossing
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008a.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008b.jpg

Once we had reached the Big Tree we turned right and headed into the Main Technical River. One can appreciate all the rain that has fallen because this river is usually very dry. With all the water even the rocks become very slippery which makes for interesting riding? Moving in and out of the river as the path leads you over obstacles; you have to maintain a keen sense of awareness not to slip off the path or into a deep pond. It soon became apparent that a blaster was also going to give us plenty of problems. At one point we had to take the 3 slower riders on a detour in order to give the faster riders a bit more time to ride instead of sitting. While the 3 slower riders took the detour George (Sweeper) took the rest of the group and continued down the Main Technical River. At one point some serious mud pools needed to be conquered but that makes the day more interesting to see how your buddies get stuck while you wait your turn. You have such a good laugh until you realize it’s your turn and you shout out, “Oh Fark!”

By this stage Bullet’s Polaris had to be tow started every time we stopped. What is it with Polaris? He also got himself well stuck in a mud hole just before the car bridge. It was time for the Tank to pull him out, nothing better than Military Might! The rest of the section then opens up quite a bit as the river becomes very sandy. This one can ride at a bit of speed and some times it almost feels you are on a Jet Ski as the front wheels push up the water. We then reached the Tolwane River which was flowing heavily, so there was no way we were going to cross it today.

just after our 2nd river crossing
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008c.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008d.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008e.jpg

We then proceeded to the 1st half of The Loop. This is a fast section which has plenty of twists and turns, and today we got a bonus, plenty of whoops with water in them. Halfway through this section the Blaster lost his right rear wheel. The hub nut came loose and the hub slide right off. Imagine you see you rear wheel overtaking your quad, it must have been quite an experience. Well, we took the right front hub nut and put it on the rear and then we used some bloudraad and secured the front wheel. We eventually all made it to the shop at Ramogatla which is at the end of the 3 Fences River.

You will notice that one of the LTZ 400’s had to receive some TLC. After another good rest, snacks and drinks we headed up 3 Fences. That was absolutely awesome. The river is totally flat and you could crank it at full speed. In certain places there was water that was just breaking the surface of the bed which would catch your front wheels if you were going to fast and this would cause you to sway to one side and almost loose control

an LTZ needing some TLC
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008i.jpg

Stop at the bush shop for some fuel/cold drinks

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008h.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb313/SPLITPINPAUL/De%20Wildt/De%20Wildt%2020%20Jan%20Peter/dw20012008g.jpg

By the time we got to the 1st fence we realized that we were missing a rider. We found out that he was still stuck in the beginning of 3 Fences. The quad didn’t want to start. So it was up to me and my Tank to do a recovery. One thing I have to say is that this King quad of mine is a Machine. This thing hauls like you cannot believe it. I found the rider and towed him all the way back to where the group was waiting. Meanwhile the quad was also able to start again and managed to complete the ride on his own. Another big surprise was the fact that the Blaster finished the ride as well. At one point I mention to “All Fours” that this quad isn’t going to make it, and it proved me wrong, even with all it’s problems. Looks like those old IT engines definitely are Die Hard machines. Oh yes! Before I forget “Bullet” had to suffer the humiliation of being towed in after the Polaris didn’t want to start anymore. He did however manage to complete about 99% of the ride.

In total we did about 70km with plenty of waiting. We managed to take the same time as a long ride but only did half the distance. We finished round about 3:30pm. Thanks to Paul (Splitpin) for organizing the ride and the excellent turnout from Chatquad riders.
Thumbs up to you guys! Those that managed to roll their quads; you know who are, well done for not giving up!

[bosshogg1]

hey! friends over seas thanks for sharing your ride with us. it looked like a hell of a ride man. like i said before i wish, no i mean every body over here wish we could take a ride like that. the pics tell alot. splitpin i did not for get about the pics my quad been down for the past couple of weeks im hoping to be riding by this weekend.all of you`s keep up the good riding. 1 down 4 up

[Splitpin]

Hey Bosshogg1

i will be taking my family out for a ride on Sunday to a new place according to the ppl here it's a family place call In the Gorge
i'll try to take some pics and tell.

glad you liked the latest De Wildt adventure.
i try to get there every second month
the next De Wildt ride should be in March sometime