OK
The extra weight on the roof was our 3rd prize (two Cadac Gas braais:)) which was only carried up there cause they were too big to fit into the back of the car.
The competition revolved around 6 events and a final. Final results are based on the best 5 plus final. (this year though one event was cancelled and it was best of 4 plus final)
In a nutshell, drivers and navigators ability to manoeuvre ones 4x4 through a predetermined area is tested, incorporating one knowledge on ones vehicles size, overhang, turning circle and vehicle capabilities, speed required for certain obstacles, choosing the right lines and speed, planning the obstacles and learning to listen to the navigator (driver even had to drive obstacles blind folded) Look also at
http://www.bridgestone.co.za/content.asp?PageID=360
The last event on Saturday was a 4x4 / navigation event. We were given a list of coordinates (with different datum and formats) testing our ability to enter these points and getting to them. Seems like the ones (like us
) this certainly paid off as we ended up leaving Bridgestone at 21:30 in the evening whereas the others all rushed off jsut after 20:00. The route took us to certain places and points from where we had to record what was at that position. In some cases the next point had to be calculated using a bearing and distance which ended up some guys in a vlei on the opposite side of the highway
and missing a marshal point. We drove roughly from Isando, Boksburg, Rand Airport, Heidelburg, Springs, Delmas, Bronkhorstspruit, Cullinan, Pretoria and Hartebeespoort mostly via secondary and discrtict roads. A total of 333 Km (though the optimal route seems to have been around 325Km) and cut off point was sunrise, though due to the mud, this was moved to 08:30.
Sleep was limited to tents at the finish, but most of us couldn't sleep.....
Never mind having a Paj in the top three, in the top ten there were Geländewagen, Land Rovers, Isuzu DC, Fortuners (possibly more), it proves to me that there is no "the best 4x4 is" scenario, but that it boils down to the driver (and navigator telling the driver what to do) knwowing his / her vehicle. Sure, a 4.5 EFI Cruiser will go up a Namib slipface what the Paj cannot do, but therefore a Paj can at least turn in a parking lot
Horses for courses and good fun
