When it comes
to adventure, there are two types of people. You have those who are amazed by
what has been done and those who do the incredible task that leaves you
awestruck. The members of Goa’s ‘Off-Road Trail Club’ are the latter and over
the last few years, have successfully carved a niche for themselves in the Goan
off-road community.
Such is their
reputation that they have moved quickly from a handful of like-minded
individuals to its current standing where their events are one of the most
sought after across the State.
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Not only do
their activities always attract a huge number of passionate 4-wheel-drive
vehicle owners, they are also keen to push the envelope when it comes to
offering a platform for fellow enthusiasts. Be it through their one-of-a-kind
competition like the Sand Challenge 2019 or their rugged, in-the-wilds majestic
trails, have made Goans proud that they can do this in their own beloved State.
“Over the
past 2 years, our group expanded, and we have been able to visit some of the
most beautiful landscapes in Goa. One usually never gets to see such places,
without having to trek for miles. We have also gained a lot of knowledge and
experience on how to tackle tricky terrain and obstacles. Getting stuck and
helping each other rescue their vehicles, has brought all of us closer,” says
Yashvit Naik, who was introduced to the club by his schoolmate Akhil Nadkarni.
Another stand
out factor is that it isn’t limited to one’s friend circle or just one
neighbourhood; but has members from across the State. It isn’t an all-boys club
either as they have been applauded for their initiatives to encourage women
drivers to show off their skills.
“The photos
we would share on social media attracted more people who shared the same
passion and/or owned off-roading capable vehicles – and did not know where to
go off-roading, “ quips Yashvit, while elaborating about their various
experiences together.
It’s also a
club that inspires others, given the many champions amongst them.
Their
president Byron Dias leads from the front in that regard, having won several
competitions including winning the first place in Goa Challenge 2017 in the
modified petrol category. Few others had podium finishes in that challenge held
in Colvale as well. This year, they have planned to be part of many off-road
competitions including Mahindra Off-road Trophy. And they’re certainly buoyed
by their recent triumphant performance at the Rebel 4*4 competition in Valpoi
held last Sunday. Byron defended his 2018 title by winning the first place in
this year’s petrol category while fellow club member Delano Da Costa won the
second place.
Byron points
out that its more than just an adrenalin rush as they have emphasise on various
factors such as maintaining discipline and ensuring safety of their drivers.
“We first
check that the driver’s capability and he or she is accompanied by someone.
They all have walkie-talkies and we carry along the technical materials and
have the know-how to deal with breakdown and helping them out if needed,”
explains Byron.
Byron along
with other members decided to take things up a notch whereby they have formally
registered their club and everything has been organised in a very professional
manner in terms of how their club runs to how their conduct their activities.
“There’s a
lot more to come. We have a unique competition called Freedom Challenge 2019,
which will be held on Independence Day, August 15, “adds Byron while hinting
that the event will have something special for women drivers too.
What fuels
their endeavours?
Like their
machines, they are keen on climbing higher, however steep it may be. While they
want to join competitions across the nation as Off-road Trail Club(OTC); back
home, they are keen on organising more exciting events where they can share the
joy of the criss-crossing the unbeaten path as well promote safe driving with
first time off-roaders.
“We also are
looking at tying up with other organisations across the country and on that
note, we could soon be organising a 4wd trip to Leh,” adds Byron.
It’s not
just the journey, but the vehicle too!
It’s usually
the Mahindra Jeeps – right from the old CJs and MM540/550s to the new
generation adventure vehicle – Mahindra Thar. The other all-time favourite
vehicle is the Maruti Gypsy – respected for its light weight and agility.
People
participate with stock vehicles (lightly modified with mud terrain tyres) to
heavily modified ones – custom built only for off-roading and competitions.
“There is no
limit to what one can do to make their off roader more capable – it starts with
a simple tyre change and ends with big holes in one’s pockets – but it’s all
worth it!,” adds Yashvit.
Incidentally,
at their Sand Challenge event held at Benaulim beach, they had not only had an
all-terrain vehicle (ATV)category but also a separate category for Stock Luxury
SUVs with 4×4 capabilities (4wheel drive is a must). People participated with
vehicles like Ford Endeavour, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mitsubishi Pajero, etc.
Tougher
the terrain, greater the fun
There is a
general preference for the South given the array of options in the district.
Their club
has mostly been around to places such as Cuncolim, Sanvordem, Sanguem,
Netravalli and even Pargadh, Maharashtra for which they receive the prior
permissions and mostly visit private properties.
There are also
some mud terrain roads including those that were earlier old horseback tracks,
which go up hills and through dense nature.
Variety,
seasonal flavours, always makes a difference!
The type of
terrain off-roaders look for are:
1. Vertical
Climbs – These can be found all around the year. Need not necessarily be loose
soil. But with rain they become that much more difficult as with loose and wet
soil the vehicles don’t get enough traction to make the climb.
2. Slush /
Mud – Mostly only found in the rains. The marshy soil found in Salcete is what
makes off-roading so much fun. Tackling slush is a skill and it is very common
for new off-roaders to get stuck deep in such mud. If one does not know how the
vehicle will behave in such mud, over-revving the engine and spinning your
tyres too fast can get one stuck in very difficult situations – the deeper you
dig in, that much hard it is to rescue the vehicle. Vehicles without any
recovery equipment (like a winch) should be very careful.
3. Water –
Water crossing / Water wading is what off-roaders live for! As risky that it
is, one must experience it once to understand the joy of driving through water
streams like it’s an amphibian vehicle! In monsoons it’s that much easier to
find such water streams. It common for off-road vehicles (equipped with the
necessary gear – a snorkel) to drive through bonnet deep water.
