The adventure biking itinerary being undertaken by three motorcyclists, Nick Yell, Jaco Loots and Dirk Ackerman is now available. The bikers will collect roadkill data for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). Their 2043 km circular journey — predominantly on minor dirt tracks — to highlight the plight of African wildlife affected by the impacts of roads and transport in the Karoo started on 2 November, 2014 in the town of Aberdeen in the Great Karoo.
The bikers will be passing through the Karoo, as follows:
- November 2: Distance: +/-212 kms- Meet in Uniondale and travel back roads to Aberdeen via Willowmore.
- November 3: Distance: +/-498 kms- Depart Aberdeen for Middelpos via Beaufort West, Merweville and Sutherland.
- November 4: Distance: +/-364 kms- Depart Middelpos for Kenhardt via Brandvlei and passing the western edge of Verneuk Pan.
- November 5: Distance: +/- 440 kms- Depart Kenhardt for Van der Kloof Dam via Hopetown. November 6: Rest day at Van der Kloof Dam.
- November 7: Distance: +/- 409 kms- Depart Van der Kloof Dam for Mount Melsetter guest farm (near Schoombee) via Luckhoff, Trompsburg, Bethulie and Steynsburg.
- November 8: Distance: +/-332 kms- Depart Mount Melsetter guest farm for Aberdeen via Cradock, Pearston and Jansenville.
- November 9: Distance: +/-135 kms- Depart from Aberdeen to Willowmore.
Author and leader of the biking adventure, Nick Yell, says, “The journey described in my book, Circling the Great Karoo, was around 3000 km, but took me 12 days to do on my small old scrambler back in 2005.Although the total distance contained in this itinerary is 2,390 kms, the actual distance of the “Riding for Wildlife” circular Karoo trip on its own, i.e.: Aberdeen to Aberdeen is: 2043 km”
This journey can be followed on www.facebook.com/EndangeredWildlifeTrust and Twitter.com/TheEWT.
The EWT has been actively collecting roadkill data on South African roads for the last year through its Wildlife and Roads Project. A national campaign was also launched to encourage members of the public to assist with roadkill data collection through the reporting of their sightings.
The public is invited to continue to submit roadkill data and photographs. Participants should specify the location of the roadkill (preferably GPS co-ordinates), try to identify the species seen and record the date on which it was seen.
Recorded roadkill sightings and photographs can be sent to roads@ewt.org.za and via the EWT’s Road Watch South Africa smartphone app which can be downloaded on http://www.prismsw.com/roadwatch/android/RoadWatchSouthAfrica.apk. The South African iTunes store also offers a facility to download the EWT’s Road Watch app for iPhone users. Additional information is available on www.ewt.org.za.
Seven members of the public who accurately record and submit the most roadkill sightings between 1 November 2014 and 31 January 2015 will stand a chance to win prizes.
Prizes up for grabs include:
- 1st prize: 1 x Zeus 2100B helmet; 1 X set halogen spotlights; 1 x set off-road tyres; 1 x Desert Fox fuel cell and a year’s membership to the EWT – Approximate value R5,000
- 2nd prize: 1 x Zeus 2100B helmet and 1 X set halogen spotlights and a year’s membership to the EWT – Approximate value R2, 200
- 3rd prize: 1x Desert Fox fuel cell, 1 x tyre repair kit; 1 x P1 lube and a year’s membership to the EWT – Approximate value R1,050
- 4 x consolation prizes : 1 x tyre repair kit and 1 x P1 lube – Approximate value R 460
- Total Value of prizes: Over R10, 000
The EWT’s Wildlife and Roads project is supported by Bridgestone SA and Arrow Bulk Logistics, with logistical support from Mopane Bush Lodge. For further information please contact Wendy Collinson on wendyc@ewt.org.za