The past Saturday saw the first 4×4 fun outing to the Melkbos 4×4 centre. The idea is for VWS drivers to get some experience driving our Landies in off-road conditions.

We started the day meeting at Newlands, where we drove through in convoy arriving 30min later. After signing in and a quick chat on what to expect, we hit the trail called Bakgat. The course is a mass of twisting sand tracks, a large Play Area followed by more sand track which eventually leads you back to the main entrance. The course is well maintained and does no damage to vehicles. The first obstacle was a real muddy axle bender that required the right line to be taken and difflock engaged – once the stuck Landy had been pulled out. Once all vehicles had successfully negotiated the obstacle we continued on to the Play Area. The Play Area is a large piece of ground with numerous obstacles, mounds, steep inclines, declines and soft sand.

With several people per vehicle and some photographers on foot, everybody got a chance to drive the course and learn what a 4×4 vehicle is capable of.

This area is a great place to safely learn what the vehicles are capably of while having a great time.Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely and we look forward to returning to this great venue.

By Matthew Ferguson
Photo taken by John Murray