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CROCS ROCK: PADDLE, PACE AND PEDAL CHALLENGE

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PROGRAMME

FOR ALL EVENTS, MEET AT ORPEN MEMORIAL HALL, MOSHESHESFORD CLUB

SATURDAY, 1 MARCH 2025:

Triathlon: 06:00
Stage 1:  Two-man ARK BOATS leave from KRAAI RIVER BRIDGE to DRUMBO (±13 km).
Stage 2:   MOUNTAIN TRAIL from DRUMBO back to MOSHESHESFORD CLUB (±15 km).
Stage 3:   End with a CYCLE from MOSHESHESFORD CLUB (±22 km).

Biathlon: 06:00
Stage 1:  Two-man ARK BOATS leave from KRAAI RIVER BRIDGE to DRUMBO (±13 km).
Stage 2:   MOUNTAIN TRAIL from DRUMBO back to MOSHESHESFORD CLUB (±15 km).

21km Pacers: 06:00
A new Run /Hiking route along the Kraai River, linking up with the other competitors on the return leg.

40km Pedal: 06:00
A round route Cycle along the road to Donkerhoek, Aartappel Hoogte and back to the Moshesh Club
21km

Social Pedal: 08:00
A ride Aartappel Hoogte way and back to the Moshesh Club.

Social Pacers: 08:00
A Run / Hike from The Caves to the Moshesh Club, along the Kraai River.

Social Boats: 09:00 and 13:00
Two-man ARK boats.  Flat water with easy rapids.
Leave from DRUMBO to RIVERSIDE (±13 km).

Social Tennis: 14:00
Mosheshesford Club (doubles).

Steak Evening: 18:00
Meet at Orpen Memorial Hall for drinks, prize-giving and supper.

Please note that the club operates on an CASH ONLY basis, and has NO card facilities.

CROCS ROCK: PADDLE, PACE AND PEDAL CHALLENGE BRIEFINGS

The nature of this event is outdoors adventure in the mountains!  It is therefore essential to come prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.  We therefore have made a comprehensive list of additional equipment that is considered essential to have with you.  Please ensure that you check this list before arriving at Mosheshesford Club– there are no additional supplies available from here.

Please ensure that your transition bags are packed and left with the transporting vehicles.

BOATING COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT:

  • Protective wear for over the knees and legs / cycling gloves for boating
  • Long sleeves
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sun block
  • Old takkies for on the boat
  • Water and snacks for on the river (NB! No litter or glass to be thrown into the river!!)
  • A towel and dry clothing in tog bag to be given to the pick-up vehicle for the end of the boating section

PLEASE NO GLASS TO BE BROUGHT ONTO THE BOATS.

BOATING BRIEFING:

Meet at the Orpen Memorial Hall at 05:45.  Participants will be transported to the starting point.  You will be briefed before starting the race.  The time-keepers will blow a whistle to indicate the start of the race.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED ON THE RIVER.

Safety:

  • Life-jackets, helmets, paddles and a pump are included in the rental of the boats. Please ensure that you use the protective equipment.  When you put on your life-jacket, make sure to tighten the straps to ensure you do not slip out of it should you fall into the water.
  • Although the river is checked before the event, the river is dynamic and can change quickly. You need to look ahead to assess for dangerous overhanging branches or dangerous currents.   It’s better to disembark your boat and walk it down the river past the dangerous areas.  Depending on the water levels, there may be shallow areas where you might have to disembark you boat until deeper waters.
  • If you need to get out of the boat (e.g., stuck on a rock), get out up stream so that the boat does not knock you over.
  • Steer away from branches hanging in the river or logs in the water. The current may trap you against the branches or other such obstacles.
  • Avoid fences for your own safety and that of the boat.
  • If the waters are high and flowing rapidly: If you fall out of the boat, try and hold onto your paddle and if possible grab hold of the boat.  Float feet first down the river until the rapid comes to an end.  Either pull over to a safe place to get in or pull yourself back into the boat.
  • Don’t fight the water – water is always more powerful!

Equipment Care:

  • Please ensure that all equipment is returned in the same condition you received it. You will be liable for any damaged or lost equipment.
  • When pumping the boats, take care not to step on the pump pipe or buckle it as this could make a hole in the pipe.
  • Only pick up the boats by the handles or side ropes. DO NOT PICK UP BY THE SEAT!
  • Do not push too hard with the paddle against a rock etc. – this could break the blade.
  • Please wash down the boat before taking it out of the water at the finish – a bucket will be provided.

Basic Boating Skills and Tips:

  • The person seated at the back of the boat steers the boat.
    • Paddle on R side to turn L, and L side to turn R.
    • For sharp turn to R, back paddle on R or drag the paddle like a rudder on your R side. Visa versa for the L.
  • The person in the front is the “power” and paddles evenly, unless required to do differently.
  • Speak to your partner in order to get into a rowing rhythm.
  • Avoid going sideways into a rapid – if you are broad side, it is easier to tip.
  • If you hit a rock – “hug the rock” (i.e., lean towards the obstacle, not away to avoid tipping)
  • Read the water:
    • If there is a V pointing away from you (Friendly V), you can head down the point on the rough water (i.e., follow the tongue of the stream – you are heading between 2 rocks).
    • If there is a V pointing towards you (Unfriendly V), you should avoid going over the tip – it is a rock and you could get stuck on it.

MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT:

  • A backpack to carry equipment, food and water
  • Camel pack / water to drink – there is no water point on the hike
  • Wet weather gear (a waterproof jacket)
  • Cold weather gear (a polar fleece or similar)
  • An emergency (SPACE) blanket and whistle to draw attention to yourself in case of an emergency
  • Cellphone
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sun block
  • Hiking boots or foot wear made for rough terrain
  • Long sleeves for hiking
  • Long pants to hike in
  • Walking stick (optional)
  • Camera / binoculars (optional)

MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUN BRIEFING:

Flags posted along the route will guide you on the route.  It is important that you walk to the numbered signs in order to see the next sign.  There will also be a check point at random signs, at which you need to sign a register.  Try and step on grass or solid rock.  Look for sturdy iron standards to climb over the fence if you can’t climb through.  On your return to the club, report immediately to the time-keeping hut and ensure that your time is noted. In the event of bad weather (lightning) building up, please discontinue the trail and seek the closest marshal to return you to the club.

CYCLE COMPULSORY EQUIPMENT:

  • Cycling helmet
  • Bicycle
  • Sun block
  • Bicycle pump / patches

CYCLE BRIEFING:

As soon as you have made your transition, you head for the marked-out route.  Please look ahead for any warning of dangerous patches (especially on the “off-road” areas).  There will be water points along the way, which will also be the checkpoints for participants.  It is still recommended that you cycle with your own additional water / camel pack.  There are road markings indicating the route along the route.  There are warnings to motorists along the route of cyclists, however please ensure that you cycle on the side of the road, especially when taking corners or approaching blind rises.  There will be a marshal driving behind the last cyclists.  Should you not be able to complete the race due to injury / fatigue, please wait for the marshal, who will drive you back to the club.

In the event of bad weather (lightning) building up, the marshal will discontinue the cycle at his/her own discretion and load all participants into the vehicle and return to the club.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS:

Meloney Giddy: 072 500 1356
Stephne Conradie: 071 518 4582
Bianca Turnbull: 072 903 6126
Christina de Villiers: 083 702 2717