Raid De Himalaya 2012

oldmonk · 16th October 2012, 20:43

Unlike last year, when we went up the valley to Srinagar, this year TSD followed the Extreme cars most of the route crossing all the passes Raid traditionally does. So for TSD participants, this year's Raid really felt like 'de Himalaya'.

Raid usually doesn't give free zones in TSD. Which meant competitors had to plan making bio and fuel breaks. Following Extreme cars had its advantages though. We got couple of big free zones (more than 3 hours each) while waiting for the extreme stages to start. Competitors got to relax, bond with each other etc.

While the TSD part wasn't as technically challenging as Mughal, it was a much improved version from last year's Raid. Simple things like placing TCs more than 2km from a roadbook instruction was enough to make the event tough. Also thankfully, none of the sections were car breaking.

Like last year, Raid TSD started with 'cork screw', an offroading test. SUVs had to cover a distance of about 1km through obstacles, without touching cones, in less than 5 minutes to get zero penalties. Out of 30 odd vehicles only 1/3rd managed to clear with no penalties, we were one of them.

We ended Leg I (Shimla to Manali) on top. Leg II (Manali to Tabo) wasn't lucky for us though. Got stuck behind traffic climbing up Kunzum La and got a penallty of more than 3 minutes at the TC there. Ended Leg II overall 7th. This also dashed any hopes of coming 1st, since the difference to 1st was insurmountable. Still, kept at it and after doing reasonably well in the other legs (we won Leg V also), we had climbed to overall IInd at the start of the last day.

Woke up on day VI to learn that the last leg (Leh to Leh) was cancelled since two passes on the route were snowed under. Couldn't complain, we got a much deserved rest day and we had already done whatever we could do position-wise.

So, a much better Raid for me this time, climbed from 19th last year to 2nd this time around. Organization (general and TSD specific) was exemplary and kudos to HMA for having pulled off a great event.

This year we were part of the Mahindra Adventure team (we also won the TSD 'team trophy'). Big thanks to Bijoy, Vinod (vinod_nookala), Vinay (CJ3b) and Lohitt for the opportunity and all the support!

oldmonk · 19th October 2012, 21:43

Lots of action pics on FB, but sadly none of TSD. Though here is a nicely done edit of the 'Cork Screw'. We are at 3:02 to 3:28.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqGVbU477hw

16th October 2012, 20:43	#16
oldmonk BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 178 Thanked: 77 Times	A lazy report Unlike last year, when we went up the valley to Srinagar, this year TSD followed the Extreme cars most of the route crossing all the passes Raid traditionally does. So for TSD participants, this year's Raid really felt like 'de Himalaya'. Raid usually doesn't give free zones in TSD. Which meant competitors had to plan making bio and fuel breaks. Following Extreme cars had its advantages though. We got couple of big free zones (more than 3 hours each) while waiting for the extreme stages to start. Competitors got to relax, bond with each other etc. While the TSD part wasn't as technically challenging as Mughal, it was a much improved version from last year's Raid. Simple things like placing TCs more than 2km from a roadbook instruction was enough to make the event tough. Also thankfully, none of the sections were car breaking. Like last year, Raid TSD started with 'cork screw', an offroading test. SUVs had to cover a distance of about 1km through obstacles, without touching cones, in less than 5 minutes to get zero penalties. Out of 30 odd vehicles only 1/3rd managed to clear with no penalties, we were one of them. We ended Leg I (Shimla to Manali) on top. Leg II (Manali to Tabo) wasn't lucky for us though. Got stuck behind traffic climbing up Kunzum La and got a penallty of more than 3 minutes at the TC there. Ended Leg II overall 7th. This also dashed any hopes of coming 1st, since the difference to 1st was insurmountable. Still, kept at it and after doing reasonably well in the other legs (we won Leg V also), we had climbed to overall IInd at the start of the last day. Woke up on day VI to learn that the last leg (Leh to Leh) was cancelled since two passes on the route were snowed under. Couldn't complain, we got a much deserved rest day and we had already done whatever we could do position-wise. So, a much better Raid for me this time, climbed from 19th last year to 2nd this time around. Organization (general and TSD specific) was exemplary and kudos to HMA for having pulled off a great event. This year we were part of the Mahindra Adventure team (we also won the TSD 'team trophy'). Big thanks to Bijoy, Vinod (vinod_nookala), Vinay (CJ3b) and Lohitt for the opportunity and all the support! Last edited by oldmonk : 16th October 2012 at 20:46.
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