China-Sanya International 4x4 Challenge 2009, Day Four
2009-09-22Text by Darshan Maralanda, pix by Anuradha Ratnaweera
Day 4 started out with the usual briefing where the instructions to enter the `Twilight Zone' were revealed. A seven kilometre stretch where the choice was given for the competitors either to go through this difficult terrain or to backtrack. The media was also given the choice either to backtrack, or to hike the seven kilometres.
The convoy lined up to twilight zone with the Land Rover team from Philippines leading the way followed by the Lankan team. Rest of the convoy consisted of Malaysia, Hong Kong and China consisting of a total of 13 vehicles entering the twilight zone.
The twilight zone lived up to its reputation from the very beginning of the trail. As the trail progressed, the terrain became muddy and narrow. At every hill, winching was necessary for the Lankan car whereas better prepared vehicles such as the Philippines and the Malaysian team contended the essence with much ease. The tropical rain started descending making matters worse and separating the convoy where the river rose and the part of the convoy had to turn back.
With the rain drenched trails every climb needed at least to be winched four times. While the lead car was not to be seen ahead, the Malaysian car was promoted up the order to lead the convoy. Also a team from Hong Kong contributed to the recovery, bringing in the true sense of team work which was the right formula to get through the twilight zone.
China-Sanya International 4x4 Challenge 2009, Day Three
2009-09-21Text by Darshan Maralanda, pix by Anuradha Ratnaweera
Day 3 had four special stages planned on either side of the river, where the Lankan team took on SS 13 and 14.
SS13 was a drive through a thickly wooded area and considering the 15 minute DNF and the ample debit point possibilities, the team decided to take a DNF after reaching the 10 point mark hoping to save their machine for the rest of the event.
SS14 was through a creek gully which had the competitor winching through almost a 90 degree gully wall. However, the competitors ahead had broken through and made it viable for the Lankan Patrol to winch through and successfully complete the SS within 8 minutes.
SS11 and 12 on the other side were not very fortunate for the team as the vehicle's alternator packed up and had to be repaired within the SS since no recovery could reach where the Patrol was stuck. While Arbin was busy dismantling the alternator, a Sri Lankan style lunch was cooked in the SS area itself. When the lunch was over, the vehicle was ready and had to go through winching motions of the regular run to get out of the SS.
