River trip 06-10 August 2022

[Spike]

I'm retired from being "that guy" that tries to maintain decorum in situations where it is virtually impossible to maintain decorum, and I now stay away from large groups of 4x4's unless it is work related, so this subject is not my lane. Different strokes for different folks.
However, I'll chime in anyway.
Any 4x4 gathering, from two vehicles and upwards, should have a drivers briefing at the start, and a smaller one each morning before setting off, to set the tone. It's just the done thing.
Even if it just takes one minute and only involves a couple of sentences, it should be a habit that ALWAYS takes place and doesn't have to be pedantic or regimental. No finger pointing. Just what is coming up on the day, comms plan maybe if you're that detailed, and what not to repeat from the previous day. Then everybody goes off happy and informed, and problems don't escalate. "Guys today we are heading west, everybody on channel XYZ, maintain convoy discipline so always keep the guy behind you in your mirror, and Pietie is going to be sweeper. Oh ja, and another thing, remember to bury you kak properly"

[Alex Roux]

Maybe something else that Spike made me think of.

Especially with regard to the Rivertrip, we should appreciate that not all coming to the event drinks the same brand of tea.
Some like the sandy bits and wild camping experience only, and avoid the rocks at all costs, while others live for the hard stuff only.

Without too much red tape, there is certainly merit in
- volunteering someone to accompany the newbies, and the "agterosse"
- have more than one starting time (other than the "dou-voor-daggers", who like to wave everyone else good bye at 6:30am)

People do not have to fall in line, but let the volunteered person know if you wish to remain in their group for the day.
Including the group that prefers to exit the river at specific points - each to his own.
Some minimal organisation is necessary to help everyone have a good time.

[JohnBoyZA]

Some great input above! The River Trip looks like an epic trip. I prefer smaller groups (2-5 vehicles) and have been doing these with the same group of guys for the past 20 odd years, similar ethics so it makes things simpler, but we still have our morning chats, sometimes on the radio once we’ve started the trip. I could draw an analogy with the Bull Run. We started it with a few vehicles (same group of friends) and it escalated to the point where the numbers were capped and many rules and admin had to be introduced, and I subsequently I lost interest. Anyway, I guess the River Trip has got to that point too and hence this discussion.
Out of interest, how many people/vehicles partook this year and do you place a cap on the numbers?
Thank you for sharing the pics. The BONfire looked epic.

[Alex Roux]

Some great input above! The River Trip looks like an epic trip. I prefer smaller groups (2-5 vehicles) and have been doing these with the same group of guys for the past 20 odd years, similar ethics so it makes things simpler, but we still have our morning chats, sometimes on the radio once we’ve started the trip. I could draw an analogy with the Bull Run. We started it with a few vehicles (same group of friends) and it escalated to the point where the numbers were capped and many rules and admin had to be introduced, and I subsequently I lost interest. Anyway, I guess the River Trip has got to that point too and hence this discussion.
Out of interest, how many people/vehicles partook this year and do you place a cap on the numbers?
Thank you for sharing the pics. The BONfire looked epic.

I think we were about 30 this year.
We have been as many as 50 pre-Covid.
But then even though there is a main fire, some prefer their own camp a 100 meters or two off the main setting.

[offroadbiker]

I am not there for 1 year and it turns into a shit show.............

[izakjbrt]

Well I enjoyed it. Was my favourite trip of the 3 that I've been on. Don't know about all the things that happened . I did get out of the river just after the first molototsi camp, but had a little electrical problem, and the dents that I picked up last year in the molototsi's rock garden last year, decided to get out. But met up again and that Monday evening was epic!

[Peter Connan]

For me the beauty of the river trip has always been that the trip is so simple that we didn't really need to apply control.

The other great thing about it has always been that it is a great trip for people of any experience level.

Pretty much since you really can't get lost (once everyone is in the river) and so everyone can pretty much do as they please.

I really don't want to lose that aspect of the trip. It's what makes it fun for me. But it also seems to me that over the last few years we have had a larger percentage of relatively new people. New to the Patrol group and even new to 4x4ing.

It is clear that we have a couple of issues. Secondly this trip clearly appeals to people who haven't yet learnt what some of us have already forgotten.
And the trip is getting tougher as the sand is removed. Lastly I do think we have been getting somewhat lax.

I seem to recall that we used to (at least attempt) split the group into batches, each batch accompanied by a couple of reasonably experienced guys.
We also need to find a non-onerous way to make sure the last guys start driving at a reasonable time in the morning, so that they can also arrive at camp at a similarly reasonable hour.

Personally I am not sure how to make it easier for the newbies without taking all the fun out of it for the older hands.

[Plamen.D]

[JohnBoyZA]

Wow, lekka vid, thank you!

[Tinus lotz]

The beauty of the rivier trip is the people. We never had a issue ever .yes I leave with the last group and guide every one along but just becouse what I do . The molotosi is getting more technical but stil easy enough to do with standard patrol on 31 inch wheels .
Over many years we need to realize that diff people do things differently.
But never had we ever needed to tell anyone to behave or step in line . Always a pleasure camping with the patrol guys . Will do it again and again