Desert Dog
Dakar Finisher
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This might be some way off still, but I will update this with the press releases and info as and when it becomes available, in the hope that we shall see some of our brethren across the pond come and play in our sand pit!
WARNING: Competing in the Desert Challenge is addictive!
Link: http://www.atcuae.ae/en/sporting/desert_challenge.html
The rally celebrates 20 editions in 2010. Run every year since its “birth” in 1991, the rally has grown to become a firm favourite with the cross country fraternity and is the only event that has maintained its Cross Country FIA Cup & FIM Championship status without missing a single year.
The event will be based, once again, in Abu Dhabi, following the very successful change of base location for the 2009 edition.
Entry fees remain as 2009 and are very reasonable and extremely good value. The only cost that the competitor incurs above the entry fee, is accommodation before and after the event, transport of vehicle to Abu Dhabi and air travel for the overseas competitor. The fees are now available on the website, see link above.
Once the rally has started, all accommodation, food and fuel costs are covered by the entry fee and, of course, the traditional and legendary, post event Gala Dinner, for the Stars, under the stars!
The fixed location of the Bivouac at the base of the awesome Tal Morib (Hill of Horror) lends itself to very simple assistance/service arrangements for the private entries and factory teams alike, and with all assistance points accessible by good asphalt roads, 4WD assistance vehicles are not required.
The format of the event is designed to be user friendly, with the first leg starting on “easy” desert and gradually increasing in difficulty to act as a refresher to the experienced and as an introduction for the first timer. The remaining legs are full, open desert with all the varieties of terrain that make the event what it is, a real challenge to man and machine. The fixed Bivouac, means that the competitor can miss a leg, due to physical or mechanical problems, and not get left behind. Of course, there is a penalty for this, but importantly for the amateur, you are not out of the rally.
The rally could not happen without the Medical, the Search & Rescue and the “legendary” Desert Challenge Sweep Teams which combine resources and technology to ensure as safe an event as it is possible to conduct. In cooperation with the TDCOMM staff, and utilising the Iritrack Satellite monitoring technology, which incidentally was pioneered, since 2003, by the Desert Challenge, these teams respond to incidents to assist the injured and exhausted competitor and assist in retrieving those who suffer problems during a leg, in an effort to keep them running.
Our long suffering and hard working marshals are currently undergoing training for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, so be warned, they will be extra sharp and attentive, but I am sure they will appreciate getting back to the Challenge where the competitors are mostly old friends!
The event is also very family and fan friendly, with easy access to the route, the desert and the bivouac which could be by the very reasonable local taxis, if necessary!
The event has been invited to base itself at a new facility which is still under construction but which will service every need of the organisation and the competitor, in a single location, while providing a variety of “amusing” facilities to entertain those with time to spare!
Those who are on Facebook may care to join the Group “Desert Challenge”
Over twenty years, the Challenge has built a loyal, friendly and enthusiastic following. Don’t consider entering unless you are prepared to come back to the UAE again, and again, because it is addictive. You have been warned!!
We had Michael Jackson (yes, THAT one) at the Gala Dinner handing out prizes in 2005. He didn't give me anything though...
WARNING: Competing in the Desert Challenge is addictive!
Link: http://www.atcuae.ae/en/sporting/desert_challenge.html
The rally celebrates 20 editions in 2010. Run every year since its “birth” in 1991, the rally has grown to become a firm favourite with the cross country fraternity and is the only event that has maintained its Cross Country FIA Cup & FIM Championship status without missing a single year.
The event will be based, once again, in Abu Dhabi, following the very successful change of base location for the 2009 edition.
Entry fees remain as 2009 and are very reasonable and extremely good value. The only cost that the competitor incurs above the entry fee, is accommodation before and after the event, transport of vehicle to Abu Dhabi and air travel for the overseas competitor. The fees are now available on the website, see link above.
Once the rally has started, all accommodation, food and fuel costs are covered by the entry fee and, of course, the traditional and legendary, post event Gala Dinner, for the Stars, under the stars!
The fixed location of the Bivouac at the base of the awesome Tal Morib (Hill of Horror) lends itself to very simple assistance/service arrangements for the private entries and factory teams alike, and with all assistance points accessible by good asphalt roads, 4WD assistance vehicles are not required.
The format of the event is designed to be user friendly, with the first leg starting on “easy” desert and gradually increasing in difficulty to act as a refresher to the experienced and as an introduction for the first timer. The remaining legs are full, open desert with all the varieties of terrain that make the event what it is, a real challenge to man and machine. The fixed Bivouac, means that the competitor can miss a leg, due to physical or mechanical problems, and not get left behind. Of course, there is a penalty for this, but importantly for the amateur, you are not out of the rally.
The rally could not happen without the Medical, the Search & Rescue and the “legendary” Desert Challenge Sweep Teams which combine resources and technology to ensure as safe an event as it is possible to conduct. In cooperation with the TDCOMM staff, and utilising the Iritrack Satellite monitoring technology, which incidentally was pioneered, since 2003, by the Desert Challenge, these teams respond to incidents to assist the injured and exhausted competitor and assist in retrieving those who suffer problems during a leg, in an effort to keep them running.
Our long suffering and hard working marshals are currently undergoing training for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, so be warned, they will be extra sharp and attentive, but I am sure they will appreciate getting back to the Challenge where the competitors are mostly old friends!
The event is also very family and fan friendly, with easy access to the route, the desert and the bivouac which could be by the very reasonable local taxis, if necessary!
The event has been invited to base itself at a new facility which is still under construction but which will service every need of the organisation and the competitor, in a single location, while providing a variety of “amusing” facilities to entertain those with time to spare!
Those who are on Facebook may care to join the Group “Desert Challenge”
Over twenty years, the Challenge has built a loyal, friendly and enthusiastic following. Don’t consider entering unless you are prepared to come back to the UAE again, and again, because it is addictive. You have been warned!!
We had Michael Jackson (yes, THAT one) at the Gala Dinner handing out prizes in 2005. He didn't give me anything though...
