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This is the single-news section of the
marathonrally.com rally-live special of the Rainforest Challenge 2006. To navigate please use the upper or right Navigation Bar.
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Rainforest Challenge: 2006 Preview about the hardest Trophy ever.
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This year’s edition of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) will take place in the state of Kedah, from 25th November to 4th December. For the participants from well over 25 countries taking part, this year’s route promises to be another thriller. As a bonus, some trails have been closed for many years due to a previous security threat. But now, with the return of peace and tranquility, the area is once again open to the public and tourism.
Thus, this northern state has numerous demanding tracks which are all relatively unknown by many off-roaders. Another boost for the event this year is the inclusion of both the Royal Malaysian Army and the General Operations Force (paramilitary police) in our tactical operations base, due to the event’s close proximity to the Malaysia-Thai border. This is the first time that the RFC will take place so far up north.
From the preliminary reconnaissance, expect many river crossings, deep gullies, numerous uphill and downhill obstacles, deep muddy stretches and fallen rotten trees from natural attrition. Some of the route resembles the "elephant mud hole" of Hulu Terengganu while others are as difficult as the crossing the Twilight Zone of RFC 2005. The obstacles of lowland and highland forests are all there for the challenge. Expect a raw feeling of the jungle along certain stretches of the tracks.
The entire route will be from Alor Setar (D-Day), Kuala Nerang, Batang Tunggang Kiri (Malaysia-Thai border), Batang Tunggang Kanan (Malaysia-Thai border), Padang Terap, Pedu Lake, Mong Gajah, Muda Lake, Kg Batu Bukit, Kg Melaka, Sik and Sg Petani (D+10).
According to schedule, the participants will have a first taste of the jungle on the second night beside a soothing waterfall on the edge of the Thai border. This will be the well earned "rest and recuperate" after the Opening Ceremony and 2 days of full blast 4x4 action of the Prologue Special Stages in Alor Setar, the state capital. It’s also the "lull before the coming storm".
The Predator is that "storm" which will be a difficult struggle all the way to Camp Helipad and Army base in the northeast frontier with Thailand. An arduous journey with plenty of obstacles across river gullies, boulders, deep muddy stretches and uphill/downhill sections. Every km gained will be a hard earned victory.
Predator II is the next stage as the convoy rolls southwards away from the border areas towards Padang Terap forest region. The lowland forest trails of undulating and meandering terrain is their next test of skills and endurance. Some tracks just disappear into the river, some comprise of only elephant trails and some are V-gully crossings. Lots of sweat, mud and tears along the way to the campsites for sure. In the RFC, it’s not the distance covered that counts (moving 5 km can take 6 hours or more!). The challenging journey is everything.
After the thrills and spills of the Predator, it’s regrouping at Pudu Lake. Time to strategize for the final assault on the Terminator and the Twilight Zone of Ulu Muda. By now, as is the norm in RFC, only the most battle-ready teams will be allowed in to face their moment of truth. Others will have to use the bypass or escape routes whenever available, while some will be trekking inside to get a taste of the action. This "Battle of the Twilight Zone" will take a few days depending on the weather. One thing is certain; it will take its toll on man and machine. For some, it will be a sweet victory to exit at Kg Batu Bukit, for others, it’s live to fight another day while the rest will be proud to have lived the experience. From there, it’s a "home run" on tarmac to Sg Petani for the closing ceremony.
For those taking up the challenge, it would be prudent to heed the following advice and caution. This jungle event is not for the faint hearted. Everyone must have a correct mindset, be self-reliant, be a team player and be able to endure hardship that comes with it. Respect the law of the jungle, the environment and the might of Mother Nature. The unpredictable weather (and rain) will have a major impact on the event; which can affect the entire schedule. This is also a "La Nina" year. When the rain comes with a vengeance, there is simply no escape route as the easy tracks would be as tough as the Twilight Zone or worse. No plans are foolproof. Bear in mind that you will never have the event 100% to your liking or going your way. The overall objective of the event must prevail above individual preference. However, if you come fully prepared in mind, body and machines, you will definitely enjoy whatever hardship Nature can throw at you.
For further informations please visit the official website at [ www.rainforest-challenge.com ].
2006/05/15 I 12:40 CET I Editor: marathonrally.com/A2/MAN
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