Lynford Country Weekend

The Lynford Country Weekend Organisers have stepped up a gear this year …. don’t miss this one! Thanks to the generosity of Glen Haw and his Sani2c team, we have been granted trail run access the legendary Sani2c day 2 section, which winds down the spectacular Umkomaas Valley.

The Ultimate Trail Run Package will be held over two days on the 7 & 8 September 2013, with many options for day 2.  For the faint hearted, there is option on Sunday to do a one day event.

Day 1 SATURDAY 7 September

Have you got your camelbaks? Entrants will register at Lynford School on Saturday morning (06h00 – 07h00), after which they will be herded into a truck and taken to the start of one of the most spectacular trail runs the province has seen. Warm up in the truck on the way there, you will hit the single track running!!

This 30 km route takes runners along the Sani2c Day 2 section. It winds through the single track onto a load zone and up to ‘Wow’ which affords one the best views of the Umkomaas River.  This is where you will realise there’s no kidding …. ‘it’s all downhill’.  Then onto Yankee Doodle, and a short climb after that will take you to Murray’s Meander. Take your time and soak up the dramatic beauty of this famous section of track.  Just to think that there was no passable way before this track was hand cut through the towering cliffs that drop down to the mighty Umkomaas. On you head to the notorious Nick’s Pass overlooking the Umkomaas River Valley. You will do 8 switchbacks as you descend onto  Sosiba’s Section towards Msayana School.

You will meander through to a few rocky patches and short steep gravel decent that leads you through to Mchunu’s Highway, and you can get the look at Umkomaas River which gets  ever closer as you decend …. how are  those legs? MamTholo’s Pride, a smooth, fast, bush-lined footpath leads you past remote homesteads, and then you enter the real African bush and thorn trees for 3km before the final climax of Tamika’s Detour, which tests those legs until you reach the banks of the Umkomaas River.

Your jelly legs will take some cooling down in the river as you hit new flat terrain. It might take a bit of getting used to, but keep a look out as you wind along the river for wildlife, which should distract you from the pain. Enjoy Nyala Pans … bet you never knew about this beautiful remote bush lodge.  Before you know it you will be entering sugarcane and you are home and dry, finishing on Mike Woodburn’s farm.  Relax a little before you are herded back onto the truck to celebrate at Lynford School.  Rest up … day 2 looms!

Day 2 SUNDAY 8 September

As if day1 was not enough … you choose what to do today…

• 10km trail run ….that winds through the forest single track, dairy pastures, grassland and cattle paths of the Ixopo rural  area. The race provides uncongested, hilly, fairly technical running set against the beauty of Alan Paton’s “Beloved Country”. This section is a fast undulating run for novices and experienced runners alike.

or

• 20km Trail Run …which is made up of the first 10km loop and then a more challenging, hilly route. This is will end your two days on a high after a proper trail run that is tough but beautiful. There will be a water-point at the 10km mark – please bring camelpacks if you require extra hydration.

or

• 20km MTB

or

• 40km MTB … come on you can do it!!

This package allows you 2 entries into the Sani2c Draw …  Got to be in it to win it!   GOOD LUCK!

Early entrants receive a Goodie Bag.  Pre-enter on www.roag.co.za or on the day from 06h00 -07h00. LIMITED ENTRIES!The cost is R500 for the 2 day package which includes 3 meals and a free campsite (bring your own equipment). If you not the roughing type please check out www.lynford.co.za for accommodation in the area.  Individual trail runs on Sunday are R70 for the 20km and R40 for the 10km.  Late entry fees are applicable.

The entire Lynford Clover Country Weekend is jam-packed with events – from Go-Cart racing (Friday night), the elasticated Foozball championships, motorbike enduro riding, bands, singers, a craft market, the legendary Saturday night party  and delicious country catering.

Bring the whole family we have a fully supervised, secure & safe (sign in/out basis) kiddies area.  Leave your precious little ones with one of our Mums while you run/ride.  R50 for the day will cover all their activities including tombola, jumping castle, face painting and more.  Snacks are available to purchase otherwise please pack lunch for your child.