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March 31, 2011

Marathon 2 on top of the Chegaga dunes

Start of the 2nd marathon leg under windy conditions. Ski masks to protect their eyes, impromptu cheichs wrapped around the head and face, the Gazelles eat a hearty breakfast before setting out on this second marathon and 6th and final leg of the competition. This leg is one of the most challenging for the navigators, who will have very few clear features to guide them.

The Gazelles will deal with the meandering course of Oued DRAA and cross the multiple dunes of Chegaga.

During this two-day leg, the teams will be able to choose their level of difficulty in the dunes.
 
 
 
Julie at a checkpoint.
 
 
Sonia, managing navigation.
 
 
Rough patch for team 315.

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March 30, 2011

Marathon 1 between Nejjakh – Mhamid

First marathon of the rally on March 28 and 29. The Gazelles have to spend the night in the middle of the desert...
 
More details of the leg on the Rally's website...
 
 
 
Sleeping out in the open.
 
 
Daily delivery.

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March 29, 2011

A humanitarian rally with Heart of Gazelles

 
The Rallye puts its strength and its image to the service of all through Heart of Gazelles, a registered non-profit organization in existence since 2001.
 
 
 
Adriana Karembeu, sponsor of the association.
 
Heart of Gazelles projects for the last 3 years include medical support through the Medical Caravan, helping children, education, providing jobs for single women, sustainable development and so much more.
 
 
André Manoukian, sponsor of the association.
 
More d'information on the association Heart of Gazelles.

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March 28, 2011

Driving in the dunes : tips and tricks

 
If the goal is to avoid getting stuck in the sand, the best one can do is avoid driving on dunes with a heavy load. It is thus necessary to keep it to the strict minimum. 
 


In the morning, the sand is still fresh, and consequently, very compact. It is best to cover the maximum number of kilometres in those conditions.


Some rules to remember :
  • deflate the tyres a little, to better the vehicle's bearing capacity (the surface in contact with the ground is more important)   
  • brave the dune face on, so as to avoid the car bending trajectories
  • take large turns to avoid the wheels locking
  • have at least one or two dunes in sight to prepare your route
  • speed up at the bottom of a dune and avoid decelerating early on    
  • stop on sand areas that are stable and firm. 

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March 28, 2011

The week-end races : on the dunes of Merzouga

 

Julie & Claire (315).

 

For the first time, Saturday, Claire and Julie manage to follow their entire road map. "It still took us 12 hours to do it, to cover 300 kilometres."


Being the pilot, Claire is getting more and more responsive to to the car's reactions.

 

 

 

Marie & Sylvie (318).

 

Always constant, Sylvie and Marie grow serene as the competition evolves. On Sunday, after driving only an extra 23 km compared to the optimal route, they got back to the camp before nightfall.  "And that's a first ! " says Marie.

 

 

 
Technical problem for team 122.
 
 
Isabelle & Dounia (122).
 

The 122 (Isabelle Charles and Dounia Bennani) is stuck due to a mechanical problem. Technical support is on site to help them get back on track. A breakdown that might cost the team its 4th position in the standings !

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