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Sable Ranch, Drive out, Breakfast & Trail

22 July 2023 - Clint Mason
The Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa embarked on an extraordinary adventure on the 22nd of July 2023. With the excitement building up, Landy Lovers from all corners of the Johannesburg and Pretoria converged at the Sasol Pinehaven Garage, the designated meeting point and the epicenter of our adrenaline-pumping journey. The early morning chill had us bundling up, yet the enthusiasm in the air warmed our spirits, for we knew that an unforgettable day lay ahead.

As the event host, I was certainly looking forward to this event with eager anticipation. I had made a special effort to set out early with my beloved Land Rover, Emma, girlfriend Michelle and my loyal four-legged fur-kids, Griffen and Katie, but to my surprise, Kevin had beaten me to the garage. His beaming smile and infectious excitement set the tone for the adventure that awaited us.

With our convoy of Land Rovers steadily growing, we packed around the back, making sure there were enough parking bays for everyone. Little did we know that the empty spaces would soon be filled with the iconic silhouettes of Defenders and Discoveries, standing tall and proud, ready to conquer new horizons.

The cold was unrelenting, even Griffen and Katie, hesitated to step out of the cozy confines of the Landy. Michelle, my partner in adventure, dashed off to buy us some warm coffee from the garage, coaxing the dogs to venture out and join us on this memorable day.

As the sun began to rise higher in the sky, our spirits soared along with it. The sight of Land Rovers coming together in one place, bound by a shared passion, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The chatter of eager participants and the occasional bark of joy from our furry companions filled the air as we gathered for a momentous day.

The paperwork was quickly completed, and our driver briefings set the tone for a safe and exhilarating journey. It was time to set off on the first part of our adventure, a 30-minute convoy drive that showcased the camaraderie and enthusiasm of the Landy Lovers community. The sight of ten LROC in perfect formation was a testament to the unity and excitement that comes with being part of our esteemed club.

As we set off on our journey, it became apparent that some passersby might not have the same appreciation for our convoy as we did. For those in a hurry, weaving through the procession of Land Rovers might have presented a unique challenge, but for us, it was a delightful sight to behold. We struck a balance between staying together as a unified group and providing enough space for others to pass, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone.

Our destination, Noble Village, was soon in sight, and the excitement grew as the Land Rovers pulled into the parking lot in unison. The lineup of Landys was a testament to the heritage and adventurous spirit of the Land Rover brand. With the arrival of Michael De Bruin and his two Jack Russels, Griffen found his "today crush." True to his nature, Griffen declared his undying love, if only for the day, to the smallest pup in the vicinity.

Marinda from Noble Village had made special arrangements to welcome our club, anticipating a few of us, but not expecting such a significant turnout. After some last-minute shuffling, we were soon all seated, and the aroma of a hearty breakfast filled the air. Most opted for the classic breakfast options, but Michelle and I, always up for a culinary adventure, chose the delicious hamburgers, which did not disappoint.

The extended table made it challenging to keep track of all the conversations and laughter, but the joyous atmosphere was palpable. Our breakfast gathering felt like a family reunion, where old friends and newcomers seamlessly merged into one big, happy Land Rover family.

With the day gradually warming up, the time had come to tackle the much-anticipated Sable Ranch 4x4 trail. The allure of the trail proved irresistible, and most present decided to give it a go. As we said our goodbyes to those who chose to call it a day, the remaining Landy Lovers prepared their vehicles, eager to experience the thrill of off-road adventure.

The excitement in the air was tangible as the sound of tires being aired down filled the air. The convoy queued up, and the anticipation reached a crescendo. It was time to ascend the Sable Ranch mountain, and we were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Before we reached the trail, a small obstacle course provided some fun, more so when it has rained as it turns the obstacles into muddy bogs. Unfortunately, the time of year meant there was no rain, but this did not dampen our spirits. The Land Rovers navigated through the course with ease.

Once past the obstacle course, the real adventure began as we ventured into the heart of Sable Ranch. The trail's initial ascent was steep and rocky, demanding skillful maneuvering and precise wheel placement. Watching the Landys conquer these obstacles was a sight to behold, engines revving, and axles twisting, each vehicle pressing forward with unwavering determination.

As we tackled the challenging terrain, I realized that my initial trail grading might have underestimated the trail's true difficulty. However, this only heightened the exhilaration and thrill of the journey. The Landy owners showed their mettle, navigating the rocky terrain with expertise and grace.

With each meter gained, new obstacles presented themselves, providing plenty of photo opportunities for those capturing the breathtaking moments. The trail proved to be more demanding than expected, but this only added to the sense of accomplishment as we embraced the challenges with unyielding passion.

With determination and camaraderie, we pushed forward, reveling in the adventure that only Land Rover ownership could provide. Every Land Rover was built to handle these tough trails, and we were proud to put them through their paces.

Reaching the summit was a moment of triumph and jubilation. We took a well-deserved break, soaking in the stunning vistas and the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming challenges as a united community of Landy Lovers. Amidst shared stories and laughter, we captured the day's highlights, including some breathtaking drone footage.

After a quick detour as I lead the convoy down the wrong trail, we began our descent, snaking its way back down the mountain with grace and expertise. Gravity played to our advantage this time, but it did not lessen the thrill and excitement of navigating through rocky terrain.

As we reunited at Noble Village, it was hard to believe that so much time had passed. The day had flown by in a whirlwind of adventure, laughter, and the joy of being part of a passionate Land Rover community.

A braai awaited those who wanted to extend the adventure, and a handful of us seized the opportunity to savor the last moments of an unforgettable day. Around the campfire, we reminisced about the day's adventures.

With the fall of night, the time had come to bid farewell to the Magaliesburg mountains and our fellow Land Rover enthusiasts. Driving in convoy once again, we made our way to the Engen garage, where final goodbyes were exchanged.

"Sable Ranch, Drive out, Breakfast & Trail" was an extraordinary event that captured the essence of Land Rover ownership and the spirit of adventure that unites us all. The day was a testament to the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences and a love for exploring uncharted terrain and reminded me that the Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa is more than just a club; it is a family united by a passion for exploration and a commitment to adventure. Until our next extraordinary journey, let's continue to embrace the thrill of the unknown and the indomitable spirit of Land Rover ownership.

 

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