[DKG]

When you have had loads of fun offroading in a variety of vehicles and wide range of terrains, spending countless moments wondering how stunningly beautiful the wilderness around is, one cannot help but want to share this joy with others.

It's this thought and desire that led to the conceptualising and execution of the Pride Adventure Drive held on 31st August 2014 for a fun group of 23 Pajero owners at Masaipet near Hyderabad.

The event was a huge hit as many first timers explored their versatile machine's offroad prowess in a controlled environment "designed' to minimise risk of damage to vehicles in stock condition.

In the many days prior to the event the failed monsoon in Hyderabad meant we could create obstacles which were a bit more aggressive given the dry conditions. The track done I took a stock Pajero Sport through the paces and was satisfied the obstacles would give first timers a real taste of adventure offroad.

Two days before the event the skies darkened and the rain gods decided the event had to have the classic monsoon flavour. What followed left me bewildered as to the effect all the rain was going to have on the track. The evening before quick decisions were taken to scrap one or two obstacles that now would mean water at the window level thanks to a over flowing stream.

It rained lightly for the most part of the day as the event progressed and the atmosphere was magical. Everyone loved it and the slush was any offroader's paradise.

I'll let the pictures do the talking....

[DKG]

A total of 23 participants met early Sunday morning, following registration and a short briefing the cars lined up at two tracks for a prelunch session of trying out various obstacles. The non Mitsubishi cars were Marshall and recovery vehicles

[DKG]

The mandate for track design was simple. Participants should be able to do all the obstacles with no risk of damage to their stock cars and the track should give people a taste of what you begin to encounter by way of natural obstacles when you venture offroad.

The morning session was to be a practice session in a controlled environment where participants would explore how to tackle different obstacles. Post lunch, and a sumptous one at that, we had planned a offroad excursion in the wild to give people a flavour of what actual offroading in the wilderness can entail. The post lunch drive was magical with the rain and the setting of a lake beside the trail.

[DKG]

Most of the participants had never ventured offroad and I was amazed how quickly they learnt to tackle obstacles. The look of satisfaction on many a face as they grew in confidence both in terms of understanding their vehicles and how to tackle an obstacle was truly gratifying to watch

[DKG]

The enthusiasm of participants was palpable as many made repeated attempts at both tracks sometimes with other members of the family having a go. In many instances it was father son duos having fun, something i loved seeing as its all about quality time spent with the family

[DKG]

Close to lunch it had started to rain and having a delicious hot lunch with more than 200 people huddled inside the shamiana was quite a sight, with 4x4's parked all around. Post lunch we headed out for a natural trail drive around a lake to a lovely spot where hot tea and biscuits were served following a raucous photographic session.

[DKG]

With this event we look forward to opening up Pride Adventure Drives to other SUV owners. Its quite obvious that families enjoy these kind of gatherings where in the safety of an organised event the family can enjoy their versatile machine to explore the countryside.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the 4x4 Section. Thanks for sharing!

[batterylow]

Great set of pics and looks like the whole family had fun.

Its interactions like this that strengthen the bond between the owner and the vehicle.

Pushing the vehicle to limits that they have not hitherto visited.

O.T

First time I am seeing a Telengana state reg plate.

[karan561]

OMG ! Did i just see a Pajero with a TRD sticker, haha;





Toyota FTW

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by DKG

With this event we look forward to opening up Pride Adventure Drives to other SUV owners. Its quite obvious that families enjoy these kind of gatherings where in the safety of an organised event the family can enjoy their versatile machine to explore the countryside.

Deepak, a great initiative and I am sure it will become more popular. Looks like it was a well organised event and format - Practice followed by the Trail.

Reminds me of some of the OR Trainers sessions here in UAE.

All the Best & Drive Safe

Ram

[khan_sultan]

Awesome event & nice way to get these SUV's flex their muscles and get dirty. Am sure the owners would have loved the event & would be looking for more.

I am pretty sure that most SUV owners would love to venture out for a nice adventure family outing if done in a controlled & supervised manner, which causes minimum damage to vehicle and also takes care of hospitality.

Q: Was this supported by Mitsubishi or a private conducted event?

[nishantdlv]

Some didn't even have their number plates on yet! Maybe on Temp registration! Great enthusiasm!

[Bump-Stop]

An excellent way to familiarise the owners to the true capabilities and weaknesses of their vehicles. I really do hope that it becomes an annual event on Mitsubishi's calendar as well.

[DKG]

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

Awesome event & nice way to get these SUV's flex their muscles and get dirty. Am sure the owners would have loved the event & would be looking for more.

I am pretty sure that most SUV owners would love to venture out for a nice adventure family outing if done in a controlled & supervised manner, which causes minimum damage to vehicle and also takes care of hospitality.

Q: Was this supported by Mitsubishi or a private conducted event?

The event was organised by the local Mitsubishi dealer. HM most probably will support on a regular basis. However the plan is to widen the scope of participation and open it up for all SUV owners. I guess we can attract many other sponsors if the event is targeting a broad consumer base.