A very well organized event by TKM & Autocar.
A big thanks to Tejas for being my co-driver and instructing me on my very first proper off road stint in my T-Fort. Specially with the heavy rains making it more difficult (for newbies like me) to judge the track, we had Allan, Tejas and the gang (EXAMM Team) to help us.
It was a Fortuner Fest right from the Pune Rendezvous point. 15 Fortuners left in a single file towards Automission at Khalapur. On reaching the venue, found a lot more Fortuner's (they were the Mumbai morning Batch). It was one sight to see: at least 30-35 Fortuners in the parking lot!
In this event, learnt a lot of stuff I didn't know about off-roading.
Discovered a few things the car can do in HL & LL modes! Starting off on the 2nd gear from standstill (in LL mode), to the - "look ma! no feet on the accelerator pedal" - while ascending, & "look ma! no feet on the brake pedal" - while descending technique on that steep 40 degrees gradient, to: drifting that BIG CAR on long slushy corners (that was fun); the T-Fort did it all : in awe-inspiring moments.
Ever since I had got my car in April this year, been itching to participate in the Fortuner Boot Camp.
Apart from Tejas and Allan, met a few other T-BHPians too - Speedy and rahultomahawk : with his classic Amber colored Land Cruiser 'Free Spirit'.
Had a long chat with Mr. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor Autocar India, about crucial it is to get a hands-on knowledge about off-roading in a car, specially when you own one!
Autocar India's Dy. Editor - Karthik & Publisher - Bhavesh were patient enough to smile through till the last Fortuner had its run on the final day of the boot camp.
It was raining heavily that afternoon. I did not risk getting my DSLR drenched to capture the intense shots of the T-Forts in action. However I managed to get a few pics from the sheltered viewing gallery. Pardon me for the limited angles of the shots.
Here goes:
Lined up at the Toll Booth on the E-way. All 4 lanes were occupied by T-Forts.
Once Off the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, got a feel of things to come. This road leads to the venue.
Lined up in a queue - at the gates of Automission
Lets get down and dirty baby!
What color are my alloys?
Mr. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor Autocar India
Most Reputable of them all! - The Land Cruiser
A small part of the track - see the steep incline-decline?
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