Another nice rally

Just stumbled across this website. a nice rally to Dakar in the affordable priceclass.
Too late to get ready now. But something to remeber. An entrance fee of at he moment 1200,00 euro is not too much. Early entrees paid only 800 euro. Off course additionel costs exeed this amount. Only fuel would be more.
http://www.intercontinentalrally.com/index.php?jazyk=en&odkaz=home

Not altogether sure about Western Sahara. Thought it was still a 'no go area', but it seems it is accessible although still not great. Here is what the British Govenment say:-

•There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

•Developments in the region may trigger public unrest, especially after Friday prayers. You should avoid large gatherings of people and demonstrations, which can turn hostile. Be particularly alert in public places.

•There is a high risk of unexploded mines in more remote areas. You should avoid driving off road and take care on main roads, especially when driving in more remote areas.

The advisory website also talks of rallies being cancelled in NW Africa and the risk of kidnapping - talking about The Dakar I presume.

Not great, but you still have the problem of what to do with your vehicle once you arrive in Dakar - ship it or drive back?


On a lighter note, I love the photo pictured alongside their advice ...



Go on girl ... PUSH!!!

Probably a photo of Yoda & Dilys in their youth!

only diferance, we were on Southend beach

A lot of talk from governments, but nothing happened last years, since Dakar moved to SA.
From Holland they still do the barrelrace to Dakar. About 3 times a year, no problems whatsoever. I think it is the planning of your route and good talks with local governments that makes the difference.

Stumbled across this one. At least it is in a safe region.

http://blackseaadventures.com/eng/

Arctic 4×4 Experience
Svenska

Start: Stockholm 12 feb 2011 08:00 AM
Finish: Stockholm 20 feb 2011 11:00 AM
Distance: ca 5000 km

Experience the thrill, challenge and the adventure in the Arctic! The rally takes you through a landscape that can be both beautiful and threatening, where the weather can change very quickly and the northern lights can be seen under the stars. Simply an adventure rally and a challenge for everyone who likes cars and adventures!

This is not a closed road race. It’s mostly held on public roads but there is some rough sections along the route. To be able to accomplish every part of the rally you´ll need a 4WD car. The route takes you through the forests in Sweden, up in the Norweigan Arctic wide open spaces and down through the Land of the Thousand Lakes Finland. Both start and finish line will be in Stockholm, Sweden. The rally is not about speed, it’s a competition valuing driving skills, endurance and navigational skills.

Every day during the rally you will get a race sheet with geo challenges of the day. Everyone you complete gives you points. Also some other tasks can occur during the competition. That team who have most points at the end of the competition will win. You can read more about the competition rules here.

You can participate with a 2WD car but then you maybe have to skip some rough sections.

Strangely enough this doesn't interest me. I like the sun, so any 4x4 event is fine by me, as long as it doesn't involve snow - well, not for more than a few hours. That's my limit of tolerance!

Why freeze when you can fry?

I really like the Northern one. We did a similar route about 5 years ago in the Chevy only we didn't go that far North, only to the Arctic Circle. Even so it took us 3 weeks and we did around 3000 miles. Also that was when we could get the ferry outbound from Newcastle to Gothenburg and return from Bergen, it would be much further now.....

Still time to book though Jaap, what do you think?

Tom Mc wrote:

Strangely enough this doesn't interest me. I like the sun, so any 4x4 event is fine by me, as long as it doesn't involve snow - well, not for more than a few hours. That's my limit of tolerance!

Why freeze when you can fry?

You know what they say Tom, When the going get tough - the tough gets going...

We had -30C last winter and about 2 meters of snow, it was an adventure just to get to work...

On my trip to Sweden it was summer and + 30 C.
Your country has a big temperature difference from summer to winter !.
We had enough trouble getting round in 20cm of snow here last winter !

2 metres??? As Sylvia says, 2 0 cm is enough for Britain to grind to a halt!

By the way CJ, I found out where that 4x4 show was in Sweden. I simply found a t-shirt they gave us at the time. It was Villingsberg 2000, so much for 4 or 5 years ago. Time flies! It also wasn't even north as Villingsberg is just west of Stockholm. Do you remember this event?

Villingsberg, hm....

Sure it wasn´t SOT? - Swedish Offroad Tour, making a stop there. They start in south of Sweden and end up in the north having lots of OR-events along the way....

In Villingsberg by the way, I spent some time in my army-days shoting 10,5 cm guns....

Keith, Cj, i really would like to join this event. But I really can't afford it this year. We ain't ready for this temperatures and the total costs are too much. Who knows maybe another time.
Btw placed this on the prikkerspagina, and at least one team joined. (bowy)