The following message was sent to all who registered for Trail Blazing: (If you have not done so register here)
Assembly is outside DLF Golf Club, Gurgaon on Sunday, November 8, 2009. At sharp 1000 hrs the convoy is scheduled to roll out for the off road trail. Be there in time or you will get left behind. The GPS tracks files for the trail are attached for those who have their GPS. We request that you pay special attention and make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition and that you carry: - Tow rope and shackle (essential in case you require a tow).
- First aid kit.
- Spare tyre.
- Ground sheet/cover or folding stools/chair to sit and have lunch.
- Food/ Snacks and water for your crew and self.
- Please carry caps for all, despite winter setting in, it gets hot and bright in the open.
- A GPS is optional but useful.
Please remember that this is a group activity and best enjoyed as a group. The group is as fast as the slowest member, it could be you, so have a little patience. As there is mix of experience and novice we urge all to mix up and help each other showing the true off road spirit.
Total tarmac run is 28kms and off road distance is 8kms. The start of dirt surface is 10kms from assembly point. The outing will follow format listed below: - Every one will move in a convoy.
- The convoy would travel on Gurgaon Faridabad road till District border.
- Here convoy would take a right turn leaving the tarmac road.
- On this main trail at reaching "Slope" point convoy would halt.
- Those who wish to do speed trials may use route marked as Trail2 on GPS. However they have to then join the start point of Trail1 on their own.
- At slope point vehicles will be sent in by marshals one by one after gap of one minute.
- This is a small but steep downhill slope. Try and keep vehicle in first gear or low ratios and go down without the use of brakes.
- At the end of down slope skirt temple to right and keep following the trail till you reach the next marshal.
- The convoy would then turn left to reach base area.
- Here the convoy will break up in to groups. Each group can attempt a different challenge.
- When one group finishes a particular challenge they will swap with the other group and do another challenge.
- There is an area near the base point with sufficient tree cover where all will take lunch break.
- The convoy would follow the route out through Mangar village and on reaching Gurgaon Faridabad road break up.
- There is Trail3 marked in GPS files that you can try on your own.
Around the base area there is lots of undulating open area surrounded by rocky outcrops that are very tempting. The Challenges that we will attempt are: - Hill climb - A small hill with steep slope presents opportunity to see what you and your vehicle can handle.
- Sand driving - if you can reach it. The trail crosses a rain drain before you can reach a bit of sandy "beach"
- Geocaching - You will be given a point coordinates. Find the point. This is conceptual use of GPS so walking only.
Please follow directions/instructions given by the volunteer marshals at all times. These are aimed to ensure your safety. You are requested to please not litter and leave behind only your tire marks.
Every one is to follow convoy rules, which means: - Do not overtake and maintain your order in the convoy.
- Keep the car behind you in sight.
- Slow down or stop if you do not see him in your rear view mirror.
- The car ahead will also slow/stop when he sees you slow/stop. This helps the convoy remain together.
- There would be a convoy lead and tail in radio contact at all times.
We hope at end of this outing you would have added to your off road skills and get prepared for a full blown Trail Blazing event soon. Do drop in a line, or more, on event page of your experience.
Happy Off Roading, Team Northern Motorsport |