Goodness…… how time flies when you’re having fun!! It was just six months ago that we launched the first ever Alfie Cox Dual Sport Festival at Sierra Ranch.

That first weekend was a great success judging by the feedback we got from YOU – the participants. So much so that many of you wanted to know about the next event before you even left Sierra Ranch in September 2007!

Well we listened, and we hope that you will enjoy what we have in store for this year’s event:

• The venue remains the same – Sierra Ranch, Mooi Rivier, KZN.
• This years’ event takes place from 19th to 22nd June 2008.  This way we hope to keep the rain away and add a certain “winter fireplace” charm to the event, which is what resorts like Sierra Ranch are really well known for.
• The format remains the same with an improved time trial, more great routes, better medical coverage and entertainment to match the pace of the rest of the weekend!  And we hope to convince some other Dakar legends to come and share their stories with us.
• The price remains significantly competitive in relation to the camping alternatives available during the remainder of the year.
• This remains the premier “All Brand Dual Sport” event in South Africa.

As a valued participant of the inaugural event, it would be great to ride with you in 2008 and you have an opportunity to retain your ACDSF number if you reserve your place in this year’s event before 21 April 2008.  Places will be limited as there are a maximum number of beds available at Sierra Ranch.  We do not plan to make camping facilities available so please respond to this mail with your application as soon as you possibly can.  Please remember to let us know who should be included in your party so that we can plan your accommodation requirements appropriately.

DO NOT CONTACT THE HOTEL DIRECTLY WITH ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS – THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU.

To confirm what the ACDSF is all about and what you need to think about and bring, the following ground rules are still in existence to ensure that we all understand what this weekend sets out to achieve, and what not to do to spoil it

What is the format of the weekend?

There will be two routes available on each day - two for Friday and two for Saturday.  One of the routes will be scenic and non-threatening and the other a little more challenging with some special stages rated in “chillies”.  If you think you’re up there with the best of them, then a “3 chillie” is probably up your street.  If you’re an average DS rider looking for a little extra heat, then a “1 chillie” is just what you need.  The days riding is intended to keep you busy for at least 5 hours, so make sure you leave early enough so that you can get back for the afternoon’s program at the venue.

Please remember that DS riding is a buddy sport.  Although there will be sweepers on each days’ route, as well as medical support, it is important that all riders in the event ride within their own skills levels and provide the first level of support amongst themselves.  This event is not a race, so there should be no reason for any unfortunate incidents.

In addition to these routes, a time trial will be held on both days, followed by some evening entertainment.  The time trial will be designed to test you and your machine in moderate to difficult off-road conditions.  It is not intended to be a “technical” contest.

a maximum number of beds available at Sierra Ranch.  We do not plan to make camping facilities available so please respond to this mail with your application as soon as you possibly can.  Please remember to let us know who should be included in your party so that we can plan your accommodation requirements appropriately.

What bikes will be allowed?

Bring only your street legal dual sport set of two wheels – no trailers, no cars (other than those in the parking area, if you chose to trailer your bike to the venue), no model aeroplanes, no shopping trolleys and very definitely no quads or scramblers of any sort.  There will be no negotiation at the entrance.  If you have a side-car, make sure your entire rig has knobblies on or you’ll be heading straight back home.

What kit should I bring?

Bedding, towels, a roof over your head and a few good meals are all part of the weekend package.

You may find the following useful:

• A trusted machine, recently serviced and in good running order.  Workshop facilities will be available for basics, but will not have spares for all types of DS bikes.  If you think you need to, carry some basic spares with you.  If you don’t think you need to, still carry some basic spares with you.  Be prepared.
  
  
• A puncture repair kit.  It would be a good idea to be completely self sufficient in this regard.  Compressed air will be difficult to find.  Be prepared.
  
  
• A camelback or something similar to keep you hydrated and to carry your lunch in.  Although the routes and road books have been prepared with the utmost care, history has taught us that not even Charlie Boorman’s roadmap worked properly on the first days of the Dakar.  You may be out there for longer than you think……so be prepared.
  
  
• Suitable riding gear and something comfortable for the evenings.  Remember that June in this part of KZN WILL be chilly.  It is more than likely that the days will be sunny and warm with cold evenings.  Snow is unlikely at that time of year.  That’s as good as the weather forecast is going to get.  Be prepared.
  
  
• A toothbrush and strong toothpaste.  There’s nothing worse than having to deal with yourself in a stuffy helmet after a couple of late night boollies – it’ll be worse if you’ve brought a pillion.  Toothpaste is also a good defogger.  Be prepared.
  
  
• You may find that some garages only take cash and you will find that the cash bars at Sierra Ranch will only take cash.  Do not spend your fuel money on boollies and don’t spend your boollie money on fuel.  Be prepared.

Where will we be staying?

No need for tents and sleeping bags.  The purpose of the weekend is to ride, so even your sleeping shorts are optional although the Hotel Management may be a little disturbed if you sleep in your boots.  Get all the Sierra Ranch info at www.sierraranch.co.za.

What are the costs?

This year’s costs are R2200.00 per rider and R1100.00 per pillion accompanying a rider.

What more do I need to do to be part of this exciting event?

Do all the registration and admin stuff……you will find all of this documentation at the end of this section

 I'm look forward to welcoming you to the festival.

Warm KZN Regards,

Alfie Cox