It seems that everyone recovered well from their fines the previous night, as all the Castrol Magnatrek teams were ready for the day’s promised crazies long before breakfast. And you’ll be amazed at the type of energy levels people display – before they’ve even had a cup of coffee – when R100 000 is at stake.
With this being the first full day of competition, teams knew that there’ll be much more action going on than the previous day. What type of things they’ll have to get up to, however, they had no idea.
It started small. In fact, it started with the smallest maze most of these folks have ever had to navigate. The molecule maze tested their memory skills and they had to figure out which was to correct path by trail and error. The Rough-Busting R.V’s walked out top, completing the challenge in the shortest time.
Challenge one: Magna Maze
But this was only the beginning. The next challenge commenced straight away and this was the first time during the trek that I saw a hint of real fear in these eager eyes. What towered up from the ground were some 12m high posts connected by ropes. It was easy to see that the challenges were stepping up a notch. It was time for the Big Cling.
Two members from each team had to lean toward each other with their full body weight in order to keep their balance as the ropes moved further and further apart. The rest of the teams were shouting encouragements and tips from the ground and it was beautiful to watch them work together even though they’re competing against each other. They loved it. They concentrated, they clenched every known muscle in their bodies and they came back down laughing, relieved.
The Big Cling
After the third team member had their share of heights by doing a leap of faith to catch a trapeze swing (also about 12 meters above the ground) it was time for a well-deserved picnic lunch and rest.
A well-deserved break
The afternoon saw the teams achieve something I’m sure many of you have wished you can do – ride around on a segway. For those who don’t know, these are those nifty two-wheelers that the security guards always drive around on in shopping malls while you trudge away, wishing the shops you want to visit were closer together.
A colourful obstacle course brought the challenge, and even the crew had a go. Janina from Jacaranda FM was convinced that she never wants to walk again. Who would if you can drive a segway?
After the hottest part of the day and all the main challenges were over, it was time for another coordinated convoy. This time, to Magalies Manor. A beautiful drive reminded me that Gauteng isn’t all about big buildings and brown surroundings. It has truly beautiful surrounds.
On the move to Magalies Manor
With the competition over and a swimming pool waiting, relaxation, drinks and a plated three-course dinner was all that was left to take care of on Day 1 of the Castrol Magnatrek Family Edition.
To get in on the action, you can tune in to Jacaranda FM. Janina (@janinasays) will be doing live updates from the trek. You can also follow the teams on Twitter or find @Magna_Trek or @JacarandaFM. I’ll also be tweeting (@Adelgreen) from here. If you’re in the Gauteng surrounds and you spot the Magnatrek convoy (it’ll be hard to miss) tweet us a picture.
Watch the video below and answer the question at the end to stand a chance to win a couple’s voucher for a two night stay, DBB valued at R3 540.00 at Magalies Manor.
Castrol Magnatrek Day 1
Magalies Manor
Situated only 45 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Magalies Manor is an intimate country retreat where the rooms walk straight out into the garden. A swimming pool and outside bar creates a great place to relax and the restaurant will spoil you with great service and delicious meals. Visit www.magaliesmanor.co.za for more information.
Magalies Manor
