Outback Challenge: Morocco (Team USA)

[Scott Brady]

First Annual Outback Challenge, Morocco (http://www.outback-challenge.com/)

TEAM PAGE (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/index.html)
Driver: Scott Brady (Expeditions West)
Navigator: Nathan Hindman (Pangaea)

European Sponsor: Outback Import (http://www.outback-import.com/), FR

Well, I can finally let the cat out of the bag, I have been selected to represent the USA as team leader and driver for the first annual Outback Challenge, Morocco. I have selected my good friend and experienced world traveler Nathan Hindman to be my navigator.

We leave the 22nd of April and return in mid May.

We will use this thread to record our training and preparations for the event.

Team USA will be driving a specially prepared PZJ73 Land Cruiser, outfitted with ARB Lockers, OME suspension, Bull Bar, Warn Winch, etc.

http://www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com/galerie2/galleries/20050423/LOU_Stage3_23042005_9656.jpg

http://www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com/galerie2/galleries/20050422/BRU_Stage2_22042005_0732.jpg

Nathan and I are both incredibly excited about this event and opportunity. We hope to keep this thread up to date so that you all can experience some of this with us...

[UncleChris]

First Annual Outback Challenge, Morocco (http://www.outback-challenge.com/)

Driver: Scott Brady (Expeditions West)
Navigator: Nathan Hindman (Pangaea)

European Sponsor: Outback Import (http://www.outback-import.com/), FR

Well, I can finally let the cat out of the bag, I have been selected to represent the USA as team leader and driver for the first annual Outback Challenge, Morocco. I have selected my good friend and experienced world traveler Nathan Hindman to be my navigator.

>>snip<<
Nathan and I are both incredibly excited about this event and opportunity. We hope to keep this thread up to date so that you all can experience some of this with us...

Cool, congrats, that should be a lot of fun!

[BajaTaco]

:clapsmile You guys are going to have a blast! :clapsmile

[CLynn85]

I was wondering when we'd here the rest of this story.

Looks like a killer combo of truck, driver, and navigator! Can't wait to read more :luxhello:

[DaktariEd]

Holy Crapoly! :eek:
That's fantastic! :luxhello:
Congratulations! :clapsmile
I'll be rooting for you and anxiously awaiting all the updates!


Ed

[Nullifier]

Kicks Ground...feels rejected...starts to cry...opens bottle...loads gun....bang.

No seriously guys that's awesome. Good luck. Is there a site with info about the race?

[Jonathan Hanson]

Now it can be told, indeed: I had a high-level leak on this some days ago. You deserve it, Scott!

[Mlachica]

:jumping: :luxhello: That is awesome, you both deserve a big congratulations! :luxhello: :jumping:

[datrupr]

:bowdown: :clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile :luxhello: :luxhello:

Congrats Scott, that is awesome! You know we will be routing for you all the way. I so happy for you and Nathan, that is just way too cool! You guys are #1 in my book.

[Westy]

another gradulations Scott. That will be a great adventure no doubt.

Couple questions? Have you ever driven a PZJ73 Cruiser?? Where do you guys plan to practice...or is it just a build and run deal?

Have fun! :victory:

[The BN Guy]

Congratulations and enjoy it for all of the guys that can't go!

[Brian McVickers]

Wow, this is going to be an incredible experience for you guys:exclaim:

How does it work, the web link has limited info right now.
So it will be Scott and Nathan in a PZJ73, Scott Drives and Nathan navigates.
How long is the course?
How long are the segments of the course?
Is it non-stop or will you stop and sleep?
How many days required or what's a good time?
Does Nathan ever get to drive?
Do you have a support crew with a mechanic and fuel or are you completely independent?

Ok, I'll try to think of more questions!!:ylsmoke:

[DaktariEd]

Now it can be told, indeed: I had a high-level leak on this some days ago. You deserve it, Scott!

A high level leak?
Hmmm...perhaps we should enlist the help of a Special Prosecutor...this may be serious...
:eek:

[Boston Mangler]

WOW

Congrats Scott!

You will be back in time for the Climb and Crawl right? :D

[+ d]

can't help but chime in!

:bowdown:

[calamaridog]

Bonne chance!

[HongerVenture]

That is soooo sweet! I am pumped for you guys! Wish we could be there to take photos and cheer you on. Best wishes for victory at the finish line.

[Scott Brady]

I am working with the organizer in France. Nathan and I are working hard to define navigation and mutual gear lists, etc. I hope to report more details tomorrow afternoon

The biggest challenge so far is finding an efficient navigation method. It looks like Ozi explorer will be the best plan.

Chris Scott has been kind enough to send over some 1:250,000 scanned maps.

[XXXpedition]

congratulations, scott! this is very exciting...
i envy you for that :bowdown: - always wanted to do something like that. maybe next year. right now i have other worries :-))

good luck and show the others what it's all about :-)))

[flywgn]

Scott,

That's great! :clapsmile We'll be attending...vicariously, of course.

BTW, got your card at Pta B. Sorry we weren' there to offer :eatchicke and :beer: .

[Scott Brady]

Ok, and French speaking members of this forum?

I have tried a few translate programs, but I need an accurate translation please. I have a general idea what is being said, but I dont want any error in the schedule.

Les dates
25/04/06
Contrôle technique des véhicules et embarquement sur le port de sète
27/04/06
Débarquement TANGER et liaison (environ 650 km)
28/04/06
Départ du 1er challenge
03/05/06
Dernier challenge et remise des prix
04/05/06
Liaison et embarquement à TANGER
06/05/06
Débarquement à SÈTE

[BajaTaco]

Ok, and French speaking members of this forum?



That would be mister Flywagon :jumping: he'll set you up.

[BajaTaco]

Here is my go at it:

The dates
25/04/06
Tech inspection for vehicles at the start/finish of the race.
27/04/06
Depart on liaison for TANGER (approx 650 km)
28/04/06
Start of 1st challenge
03/05/06
I have no clue
04/05/06
Return on Liaison from TANGER
06/05/06
the Finish of race

[flywgn]

Here is my go at it:

The dates
25/04/06
Tech inspection for vehicles at the start/finish of the race.
27/04/06
Depart on liaison for TANGER (approx 650 km)
28/04/06
Start of 1st challenge
03/05/06
I have no clue
04/05/06
Return on Liaison from TANGER
06/05/06
the Finish of race

Good job, Chris. You get an 'A-'. Would have been an 'A' (I never awarded an A+ in twenty years of teaching. :o ) except for the "no clue" part.

03/05/06 Dernier challenge et remise des prix translates to "Last trial and awarding of prizes".

I've used 'trial' in place of the cognate 'challenge' for the simple reason that I believe that in English for rallies of this type trial is the more common word. Not a big deal...and it would not have diminished Chris' scholarly effort. :D

PS - Although this probably doesn't need a mention, don't forget that the month is the second numeral in the above dates.

PS2 - Scott, I'd be delighted to accompany you as your official--or semi-official--translator.

[Scott Brady]

Thank you much! I spoke with my sponsor today and have all of the details in place. My plane tickets are booked...

[flywgn]

Thank you much! I spoke with my sponsor today and have all of the details in place. My plane tickets are booked...

You don't mention my ticket. Does this mean my application was turned rejected:( ?

[BajaTaco]

Good job, Chris. You get an 'A-'.

:luxhello: Cool!

Too funny, I just talked to Scott on the phone and he had a slight french accent... :p I can imagine when he gets home from the rally it's going to be hilarious...

[Ursidae69]

LOL at Flywgn. ;)

So, did you retire from your current job Scott? :confused: You must get more vacation time than I do! :D

Congrats to you and Nathan. :bowdown:

[bigreen505]

:bowdown: Congratulations Scott and Nathan! Best luck to you both! :bowdown:

[Scott Brady]

LOL at Flywgn. ;)

So, did you retire from your current job Scott? :confused: You must get more vacation time than I do! :D

Congrats to you and Nathan. :bowdown:

Well, not retired yet... The benefit now is that when I leave on adventure I make (some) money doing that too. I do not have a salary with IMS or Expeditions West, so I just get what is left over after expenses and salaries, etc.

Certainly not complaining though... I have over 100 adventure days planned for 2006 :D

[blupaddler]

Scott...


Congratulations!!! This will truly be a trip of a lifetime.



:victory:

Congrats...Good luck...and safe journey

[datrupr]

Certainly not complaining though... I have over 100 adventure days planned for 2006 :D


d00d, you so suck.:p


Again, good luck on this rally, I am pulling for you and Nathan!

[flyingwil]

Thank you much! I spoke with my sponsor today and have all of the details in place. My plane tickets are booked...

Sorry I couldn't help you out on the tickets!

I wish you guys the best. It'll be an adventure of a lifetime, and I look forward to reading and hearing you stories from this.

Wil

[Desertdude]

Congradulations Scott and Nathan on this great international challenge! :clapsmile


Will you use driving gloves?

[BajaTaco]

Congradulations Scott and Nathan on this great international challenge! :clapsmile


Will you use driving gloves?

I imagine they will use gloves AND a rolled-up left pant cuff... :)

[Hltoppr]

Holy crap! That's gonna be a trip/race/rally of a lifetime!

I think you and Nathan will be great representatives of the US wheeling community! Congratulations!

-H-
(...a little green with jealousy....:D )

[Scott Brady]

I have put together a team page:

Outback Challenge, Morocco (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/index.html)

[BajaTaco]

Right on! Great pics! That's a cool shot of Nathan. I like the Kalahari cap.

:lurk:

[Scott Brady]

Ok, we have a few updates as the final preparations unfold.

The gear lists are complete, and Nathan and I are filling the storm cases with gear and personal effects. I will post the final lists in a few days.

I also have an update on the PZJ73 Land Cruiser: A small body lift has been fitted, in addition to a new Old Man Emu suspension. 35" BFG Baja T/A's have been installed.

Here is a recent picture of the truck being trialed
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/smaller/IMG_0049.JPG

[Brian McVickers]

Nice!
I hope the actual race is at least as fun as the trials look!!


Yaahooo!:gunt:

[Jonathan Hanson]

NICE shot!

[BajaTaco]

:Wow1: Nice bumper stand there. :lurk:

[CLynn85]

Awesome photo of the truck standing up. Judging by all the photos I've looked at from the australian competition, you're in for the ride of your life.

[Scott Brady]

Here are a few more images from the vehicle testing and course reconnaissance

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/26.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/17.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/20.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/23.jpg

[Mlachica]

:lurk: great pictures :Wow1:

Man, you guys are going to have so much fun! BTW, don't forget to win.

:hehe: :bowdown:

[flyingwil]

Sweet Pictures! Is that a step stool on the spare?

[goodtimes]

And I missed this thread....how?????

Man, I need to get off of this horrid schedule (and onto a schedule like Scott keeps!).

Scott, congrats amigo! I'd tell you to enjoy the adventure, but I am guessing that you already figured that into the master plan....

[flywgn]

Again we'll have an adventure vicariously. First it was the Rallye de Tunisie, then it was Dakar, and now the OUTBACK CHALLENGE. I'm having so much fun that I'm in danger of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Great photos Scott. Where can we purchase sponsor caps and tees?

I sure hope the coffee-cup holder is gimbeled in the LC. :coffee:

[Scott Brady]

Ok, preparation is coming to a feverish peak here, and final packing is tomorrow activity.

I though some of you would be interested in our packing list: TEAM PACKING LIST (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/Overland_Rally.doc)

N=Nathan
S=Scott
FR=In France

I have also begun final nav testing, and am working with OZ Explorer. I intend to start a new thread on this tonight, and tap the experience of those better versed than I will this application.

I leave for San Diego on Monday morning for a conference and then fly to Paris on Thursday AM from Phoenix.

[Scott Brady]

Here is the basic area for the competition, which is centered around M'Hamid
http://www.outback-challenge.com/News/circuit2006.jpg

Each route represents a days challenge. Many of the days are entirely in the dunes.

[gjackson]

Some cool pistes in that area. I'll show Nathan some vid of some of them.

:D

cheers

[flyingwil]

Ok, preparation is coming to a feverish peak here, and final packing is tomorrow activity.

I though some of you would be interested in our packing list: TEAM PACKING LIST (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/Overland_Rally.doc)

N=Nathan
S=Scott
FR=In France


Scott and Nathan-

Looks like you have quite a list going to put up a good :sport_box Your list is outstanding!

I am sure you guys have though of this, but IMO you might want to bring some duct tape or x-tape to your list, along with hose clamps. When I raced Legends and Modifies, hose clamps can make or break you especially if the hoses are already clamped with the non-screwing (crimp) type. Also tube inserts with the clamps make for quick repairs.

Best of luck! We'll be routing for you, and know you guys will give it your all!

Go Scott:exclaim:

Go Nathan:exclaim:

Kick some :shakin:

[CLynn85]

American flag / American Flag stickers

Right on!!!

Show 'em how it's done guys!

[flywgn]

Good luck Scott and Nathan! Dust 'em! I'm getting used to these vicarious thrills.

Are you guys going to be carrying Iritrack? I hope not, otherwise I see more sleepless nights ahead for me. :luxhello: :luxhello:

[datrupr]

Good luck to the both of you! I am chhering you guys on, and bring home the trophy for Expeditions West & Pangea. Colette sends her best to you guys as well. We are routing for you and want to hear all about it when you guys get back.:bowdown: :jumping:

[Desertdude]

Good luck Scott and Nathan - Enjoy all things Morroco!

Keep the pedal to the medal and always smile at the camera :victory:


(pun intended)

[erin]

:victory:
Good luck to both of you. Be safe, but go fast!!

[HongerVenture]

Keep the pedal to the medal and always smile at the camera :victory:)

Couldn't have said it better... or punnier. Good luck guys!

[desertgirl66]

Scott & Nathan,

Wow!! Have a most excellent adventure in the Far reaches of the world!
We will be thinking of you and cheering you on~~

To many Happy Trails and rock on! :victory:

[Nullifier]

Good luck guys well be rooting for ya!

[Scott Brady]

Nathan is en route to Paris as I type this, and I leave in the morning at 8:00.

I am getting excited! :victory:

[goodtimes]

I am getting excited! :victory:

I never would have guessed!

Good luck, have fun, be safe, and kick some ***. :sport_box

[Boston Mangler]

good luck guys! :jumping:

[datrupr]

:victory: Good luck and Kick some *****!!!!!:victory:

[Scott Brady]

We are in Paris

Posting from my BlackBerry

[goodtimes]

Cool. Now the boring part of the adventure is out of the way, time to get into the good stuff! :box:

[p1michaud]

We are in Paris

I don't know how I missed this thread but congrats Scott and Nathan! I can't wait to see all the pictures and read the reports. :coffee:

Bonne chance et bonne route!:victory:

P

[Jonathan Hanson]

Bon apetit!

[ChuckB]

That is sweet!! Show 'em how its done!!! :gunt:

[CLynn85]

Looking on with anticipation. Good luck guys!

[elcoyote]

Hey, don't forget to psych out your competition...the shaved head crazy american is a good start, don't forget the wrap around Ray Bans under your goggles...but you could always try offending the gastronomical sensibilities of the French, think Fear Factor...okay maybe that won't work, I forgot they have Foie Gras :P

GO GET EM KILLA!

[david despain]

good luck!! hammer down!

[BajaTaco]

Hey, don't forget to psych out your competition...the shaved head crazy american is a good start, don't forget the wrap around Ray Bans under your goggles...but you could always try offending the gastronomical sensibilities of the French, think Fear Factor...okay maybe that won't work, I forgot they have Foie Gras :P

GO GET EM KILLA!

LMAO!!! :sport_box

[Westy]

We are in Paris

Posting from my BlackBerry

Good luck Scott! Kick some ***, go Team USA

[ShottsCruisers]

Congrats to Nathan and Mr. Expo West! Hey, Becky asked if Stephanie is with you?

[madizell]

Best of luck with the event, and remember, don't touch the winch cable when it is under tension. Judges will be watching.

[+ d]

laissez les bons temps rouler!

:victory:




(although i think that's more of a cajun phrase, either way...bonne chance!)

[madizell]

The biggest challenge so far is finding an efficient navigation method. It looks like Ozi explorer will be the best plan.

Keep an open mind about this, and find out what you can about the terrain and time constrains of the planned events. Using a laptop based nav system requires a certain degree of stability in the cabin, as well as time to use the equipment, and may be better suited to low-key events. Laptops just don't work well in high speed rough terrain events, such as blasting around in the dune country, or at night under low light conditions. Most laptops are also not very rugged. I would suggest having a simple, large screen GPS device available as an alternative, in case you need to fall back on simple but effective as a plan B. My 2 cents.

[Scott Brady]

We are in Avignon and trialing with the PZJ73. The food is fantatstic and the host has been wonderful.

outback imports has quite an operation here.

the GPS will be the the primary nav method, followed by the computer. the water crossings can be over 1.3M so the cumputer will be quite vulnerable.

off to work on loading in the truck

[Jonathan Hanson]

Thanks for taking the time to update us, Scott!

[BajaTaco]

We are in Avignon ... The food is fantatstic

Hey now, that is what I wanted to hear! :eatchicke

[Desertdude]

Yeah Scott - thanks for keeping us in the "loop" - enjoy the food !

[Scott Brady]

we leave for Sete and then Morocco tomorrow.

obtaining final equipment today, and second spare with Staun beadlocks. loading and lashing in the cargo area and African Outback roller drawer system

the pzj73 is running 35" kevlar belted baja t/a

[BajaTaco]

we leave for Sete and then Morocco tomorrow.

:jumping:




... second spare with Staun beadlocks. ...
the pzj73 is running 35" kevlar belted baja t/a

Whoa - spare no expense! :Wow1: :cool:




loading and lashing in the cargo area and African Outback roller drawer system

I have to wonder if they "overpacked" and the poor little TLC is looking like a bag of microwaved popcorn right now... :hehe: :lurk:

[BajaTaco]

I tried to embed the World Time Server's dynamic graphic into the thread here - to show current time in M'Hamid, but I can't get the code to work in the WYSIWYG editor.

So here is the link > MOROCCO CURRENT TIME (http://www.worldtimeserver.com/current_time_in_MA.aspx#)

[Desertdude]

Thanks for including that Chris :beer:

[DesertRose]

I can't imagine a more perfect adventure - gastronomy :eatchicke followed by real adventure and then more gastronomy :smilies27 to celebrate the victory! Good luck Scott :arabia:

[VikingVince]

What a great adventure plus great food:chowtime:
How long is your visa good for? You might consider getting lost on purpose:jumping: "Morocco Meandering Mania"

[Nullifier]

For some reason I expected more then a 4 hr time difference between Tampa and Morroco.:smilies27

[treighsee]

I receive almost daily reports from Nathan and Scott on their adventures in Morocco. They got off a 48 hour ferry ride from France to Tangiers Morocco today and have started their 400 mile drive to their race course start. Attached are some selected photos.

Here was an update from yesterday (4/26)
Just heard from Nathan again. Their 10 hour queue turned into 12 hours but the good news is they're all finally on the ferry and starting their crossing of the Mediterranean to Tangiers, Morocco. The bad news is the ferry has one engine down and the 36 hour crossing is expected to be 48 hours. This pushes them back on schedule and as soon as they land at 11pm on Thursday night, they'll have to start a 400 mile journey to get to the race course start on Friday morning. Coincidentally their first task is a 300 mile trek across the desert. woohoo.

There are 14 teams participating and they've been broken up into teams of 2 vehicles for traveling safety. Although they are scored individually, the 2 vehicle teams are responsible for each other and are not allowed to leave each others sight, so there are alwasy 4 guys together if something breaks or they get lost. They were all also given flares and the rule is if anyone gets stuck in the desert they need to stay put and at 5am the next morning they shoot off a flare to let everyone know where they are and then another every 30 minutes from then on until they are found.

Apparently the whole competition is in French. Nathan and Scott were paired up with some cousins who speak french and english so they translate for them. Nicola, who Nathan described as right out of a 3 Musketeers movie, is from Luxembourg, and Sebastian is from Belgium. After sizing up the other teams he thinks they'll come out somewhere in the middle becase there are some very capable trucks. It will ultimately come down to Scott's driving capabilities and Nathan's navigation, so be thinking of them.

[BajaTaco]

Tracy, thanks for the update! 48 hours on the ferry. Man, talk about time to kill... I am bummed because my wife said that Scott called a little while ago, and I wasn't here to talk to him! Not much news beyond what Tracy said. Sharon just said that Scott asked that I post on ExPo that they made it to Morocco safe and sound, and they are doing well. A big day in store tomorrow. That's about it. I don't think he really had time to chat.

Tracy, if you get any more details, please post 'em up! (BTW, you mentioned a few select pics, but they didn't show up).

Edit: Nevermind, I see you posted the pics on another thread.

[Desertdude]

It is quite facinating to get the info through the grapevine - thanks for posting :)

[flyingwil]

It is quite facinating to get the info through the grapevine - thanks for posting :)


X2 I love hearing of their adventure! Definately some good reading to come!:victory:

[treighsee]

From Nathan via Scott's blackberry:
Finished the first day. Very long day, especially after no after no sleep. 300 mile off road race to nav points along the way. We came in second over all, but their is some debate on the first teams checkpoints. We were the first team to almost all the checkpoints esp the last couple.

After the finish, another 120 miles to the campsite. We spent almost 3 hours within 2 miles of the campsite trying to find a way around some sand dunes. The camp while impossible to find, is really nice. We stayedin bedouin mud huts.
We're both tired and sore but ready to cont
Nathan

[treighsee]

Hey BajaTaco,
Is this the only thread I should be posting updates to? When I first logged in I couldn't find anything specific to the challenge so I just started poting to 2 threads I thought might be OK. Then, of course, I found this one. For now, until I hear otherwise, I will only post updates here. You can decide where they should go since you're more aware of where things go around here.
~tracy

[Desertdude]

Thank you for posting treighsee - I can only imagine what it feels like to show up after all the anticipation and adrenaline- land in a foreign country and get behind the wheel in an off-road challenge -



Send my big congratulations to the team for making their first day a real success :victory:

[Desertdude]

treighsee - this be the place - and over on iH8mud.com if you want to

click here
(http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=84170&page=2&highlight=outback+challenge) for the thread


::::

[BajaTaco]

Tracy, you are fast! Hehehe - I just talked to Stephanie Brady and she said she got a call from Scott last night around 2:30 am with basically the info that you posted this morning. According to what she said, there seemed to be some uncertainty as to the official results. He felt like they may be in 1st place. Very exciting stuff! Hopefully after the dust settles, they will have secured a win for this first stage. He mentioned that they had to drive through the night.


Hey BajaTaco,
Is this the only thread I should be posting updates to?

Yes, this is the thread specifically for the event. I will go ahead and lock the other threads. Thanks.

[Mlachica]

Wow that's great news :luxhello: Whether first or second that's a great way to start the race :clapsmile

[flyingwil]

:luxhello: Thanks for the updates! We are all wishing them the best! Keep the updates coming!

[BajaTaco]

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that Scott said it was a bit HOT :sunny:

I was messing around with NASA World Wind and did a couple of screen captures of the race area. One is "Landsat 7 Psuedo" geocover 1990, the other is "NLT Landsat 7" Visible color.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Great imaging, Chris! Thanks. And thanks to everyone for the updates. Sounds like our boys are doing great.

[treighsee]

From Nathan via Scott's blackberry:
Second day is finished and we did well again. A very high level of attrition from the other competitors. Out of 14 teams only seven made the starting line today one of whom stopped after only 5 minutes.

We seem to have established ourselves as the team to beat, or at least the team to follow :) Scott and I seem to work very well as a team and were doing great on these nav trials. Decided to play a safe conservative game today. Nice and easy and don't break anything. Within 15 minutes all 5 other vehicles had fallen in line and it became an all day convoy behind us to the nav points.

Todays challenge was in huge sand dune area (hundreds of sq miles) technical but short... Only 100 or so km in total length. We took some very good lines through the dunes and made good time. Back in camp by 5PM... A nice change from the 2 prev days.

Our partner vehicle, the team from Luxembourg has a mechanic here at the camp and he gave both of our LCs the once over and they're both holding up great. A few missing bolts here and there but nothing major. Not bad for 300+ miles of hard off road driving.

Tomorrow is a series of special tasks. First is a high speed closed course. The second is the infamous wall climbing challenge that they borrowed from the Australia event.

A dust storm blew in this evening, and they say it may actually rain tonight... Hard to believe in the sahara.

We can't say enough nice things about all of the other teams here. We were worried that we would be isolated because of the language barrier (most teams speak only french and very limited English). We seem to have met them half way with a combination of french, English and gestures. They've been very friendly and very accomodating.

That's all for now. We're exhausted. No photos for now. Can't send them from this phone, but well send as soon as we get laptop access... Probably back in France, or the last night in Morocco.
~nathan

[flyingwil]

No photos for now. Can't send them from this phone, but well send as soon as we get laptop access... Probably back in France, or the last night in Morocco.
~nathan

Oh... Can't wait for that! :clapsmile

Go:exclaim: Team Go:exclaim:

[BajaTaco]

Sunday Update! 7:00 PM Morocco time

I just spoke with Scott on the phone. He called from the bedouin camp in the desert and he said the wind was kicking up pretty good. He sounds like he is on a really good high and just enveloped in the whole experience. Scott says everyone has just been fantastic, that everyone is getting along so well, and their hosts are incredible.

They are currently in 1st place overall and have a strong LEAD!!! :gunt:

They have completed 8 stages, and only have 2 to go, with a 6 or 7 hour lead over 2nd place! They did a short course today and were able to be a little conservative since they know they have a strong lead. The strategy paid off.

Chris: So what has been the most challenging driving?

Scott: The sand driving has been the most challenging thing. The dunes are so big you can't just drive over some of them. You have to find ways to get around and through them. The Staun Beadlocks are incredible. We have even been down to as little as 2 psi while using them. There was one timed short course with sand driving, in which there was an optional dune climb. A successful attempt would be rewarded with a 1 hour credit. Both trucks on our team (the other is a Toyota Land Cruiser 73 series) made it up and ended up with 2 hours credit to the team. That helped a lot considering we were the only ones to make it. Quite a few cars broke on the 1st day and only about 1/2 made it to finish that day.

Chris: And what has been the most challenging navigation?

Scott: We have been doing really well with the navigation. Probably the worst time was when we were almost 2 days without sleep and we couldn't get to the first camp.

Chris: Are you using the laptop for nav?

Scott: Yes, we are using the laptop a lot. Our maps aren't the best, but we are making it work.

Chris: Have you had to do any water crossings?

Scott: Tomorrow we will be doing a water crossing that is supposed to be over the hood of the Land Cruiser.

Chris: Have you had to do any winching?

Scott: Yes, we did some winching today. One of the operations we had to do involved a 30m hill that was not driveable, the winch HAD to be used. We had to let one of the team vehicles down the hill, where they circled around, and then we had to winch them back up. Half of the teams DNF. The Warn 8274 winch on the Land Cruiser is crazy. It has been equipped with a 6.5 HP motor. The line speed is so fast that you have to walk fast, almost jog, to keep up with it.

Chris: So how is the weather? It's hot? Are the evenings cool?

Scott: Yes, it's like Phoenix, AZ in June. It's pretty hot. It does cool off in the evenings, and the nights are beautiful. Overall, the weather has been perfect.


So there you have it! WOOOHOOO!!!! Let's hear it for Team USA!!! :clapsmile

[Jonathan Hanson]

Yahoo!

Thanks, Chris! I'm sure you send the best from all of us when you talk to Scott.

[treighsee]

Lots of sunscreen for the both of is we start off every morning with a copious amount of SPF 35 and we've been living in our full brimmed hats. The Buff that Graham sent me has been a god send. I've been keeping it wet and around my neck all day... Huge difference.

We've been staying in a berber campsite with square mud huts with a thin canvas type covering. The tents aren't very well protected from the elements, so when we come back to camp at the end of the day, sand is everywhere. The Storm cases are awesome because I have this little bastion of cleanliness at the end of the day.

Not much in the way of animals so far. All that I've seen are camels, scarab beetles and some cool looking blue, yellow and red lizard. Not surprising though because its so damn got out here. Todays events took us to a Mesa. The top of the mesa was covered with rocks that had literally turned black from the sun while the underside of the rocks were a light orange.

Food has been very good. Its like eating at Mattam Fez in Boulder every night. Lunch is a boxed lunch that we eat on the trail. Nothing exciting, just crackers, juice box and a little pasta salad in a tin.
~nathan

[flywgn]

Man, this is exciting reading. I've just managed to catch up (away from AZ and the internet since 4/18) with this. Wow!

Instead of the flares is there some technical reason the teams don't use some sort of PLB?

[treighsee]

Day 3 is over and we've made another good showing. We had a good lead going into today so we decided to go easy on the truck and play it safe. The first challenge was a closed course in the dunes. There was a optional hill climb at the end that if you completed it, you would get a 1 hour time bonus. Everyone tried the final climb but only our Lux teammates and us sucessfully finished the climb. That extended our lead by 2 more hours.

After that we had a winching special task. The object was to winch the partner vehicle down a 100 ft 70 deg slop, then winch it back up to the top. All four of us had great communication and finished in first place.

Next special task was to change the front tire with the back tire on the same side of the vehicle. Both our hi lift and the Lux teams hilift were malfunctioning from all of the dust so we finished in the bottom half. That little but physical work in the 100 deg heat was very taxing. Next up was a high speed course in the dunes. We took second place overall.

The next special task was a steep supposedly impossible hill climb, but the 3rd team found a good line and 8 of the teams, including both of our vehicles, made it all the way up.

The last challenge of the day was another navigation challenge, which we finished in first place. It was close though with the second place team finishing only a minute behind us.

So that's all for today. Tomorrow is the final day of the competition, so if we can keep both vehicles running we should finish in first place.

Events tomorrow are the rescheduled cliff hanger event, another steep hill climb and a few other tasks including what is supposed to be a 1.4 meter deep water crossing at a nearby oasis.
~nathan

[flywgn]

Great news. Good going guys!

[datrupr]

This is AWESOME, and way too cool all at the same time!!! Go teams USA & Luxembourg!!!!!! Thanks for the updates.

[flyingwil]

Definately good reading! Thanks for the updates! :clapsmile

[ShottsCruisers]

What Fantastic News! It's An Honor To Know You Guys!

[FortyMileDesert]

Very nice!:clapsmile

[BajaTaco]

Well, they should be done with the final stages by now. No news yet. I'm sure they are popping some serious bubbly bottles right now :)

[Jonathan Hanson]

We expect an immediate post when you hear something, Chris!

[flyingwil]

We expect an immediate post when you hear something, Chris!

X2:exclaim:

[flywgn]

X3!!!:victory:

Allen

[BajaTaco]

Looks like we won't be hearing anything until tomorrow. I spoke to Scott's wife and she has not heard any word yet either.

patiently waiting... :box:

[Jonathan Hanson]

Damn . . .

I know what happened: They've drunk too much champagne, tried to log on to Expedition Portal but typed Exhibition Portal instead, and now they're telling some porno site about their adventures in Morocco . . .

Well, I'll tune in tomorrow morning!

[Hltoppr]

This is just too cool!!!

On to :victory: guys!!!

-H-

[flywgn]

Hanson,

I can't wait to meet you in person. We just may drive down to the southern part of the state just for that reason.

What a kick!

More to the subject. I tried to get on to the French site that's been carrying this adventure and it's not showing any updates for today either.

If what son-in-law tells me is true, those competitors may be trying to dig out of a sand trap. :archaeolo

Allen R

[treighsee]

From Nathan via Scott's Blackberry:
Were finished with day 4 but it appears that there will be a day 5 after all. Today went well overall. We took it easy in order to preserve the vehicle and the strategy appears to be working well.

The first challenge was the cliff hanger event. It basically consists of getting your vehicle to the top of 9 foot tall sheer cliff. We employed a good strategy of using the ground anchor to pull the top down and build up the base of the cliff and decrease the approach. We came in first place.

Next was a navigation challenge. We came in second place overall, with the first place team beating us by about 2 minutes.

The third challenge was a very difficult closed course event. Because of the high potential of carnage we went very slow, finishing in about 20 minutes. Giving us a third place finish.

One of the competitors, a Defender 90 owner took the phrase "drive it like you stole it" to heart and blazed through the trail in only 3 minutes, securing the first place spot for his team by a wide margin.

The last event of the day was another nav challenge that was about 100 km in length. We did well in the challenge, blasting to within 5 km of the final checkpoint in a bit under 2 hours. However the sun set and the last stretch were sand dunes that were too large and dangerous to drive in the dark. We had to back out and find another route, and we arrived in camp in third place for the stage.

We still appear to have a commanding lead, so well go easy tomorrow too. The events are supposed to be a mid day navigation challenge on foot, a water crossing obstacle of some sort and then a night time closed course in mud. After that, its back to Tangiers to load on the ferry and it's back to France.
~nathan

[cshontz]

Awesome! Good luck, guys! :)

[elcoyote]

Kicking butt & taking names! Very proud of you Scott & Nathan. Tomorrow pull out the stops! I'm chilling a bottle in anticipation of the final results.

[CLynn85]

This is just too cool! :victory:

[goodtimes]

Damn . . .

I know what happened: They've drunk too much champagne, tried to log on to Expedition Portal but typed Exhibition Portal instead, and now they're telling some porno site about their adventures in Morocco . . .

Well, I'll tune in tomorrow morning!

:xxrotflma

Johathan, I 'bout fell out my damn chair!

[flywgn]

A great Day Four. Hope Day Five goes as well.

Dang, I wish this event had Iritrack.

Allen R.

[BajaTaco]

LMAO at Jonathan :p I wonder if they posted any pics at exhibition portal...

Tracy, thanks so much for the update! Great news! Sounds like they are being fully challenged to the very end.

I hope someone got video of the D90 doing the closed course in 3 minutes :)

[picklefisher]

Hanson,

I can't wait to meet you in person. We just may drive down to the southern part of the state just for that reason.

What a kick!

More to the subject. I tried to get on to the French site that's been carrying this adventure and it's not showing any updates for today either.

If what son-in-law tells me is true, those competitors may be trying to dig out of a sand trap. :archaeolo

Allen R


Flywgn,
What is the link to the French site? I'm Nathan's mother and have been trying to follow their escapades.

[treighsee]

From Nathan via Scott's Blackberry:
It's mid day on day 5 and the challenge may or may not be over. A huge sand storm blew in mid day that may postpone the last challenge. Visibility is 1/4 mile at best. Everything we own has sand chips picked out of it. No question, sand storms are destructive. We're all going to need new
goggles and sun glasses for all the sand chip destruction.

The day started off with a navigation challenge. We made good time until we were only 3.5 km from the final nav point. The luxembourg cruiser ruptured a coolant line and overheated. Rather than fix it in the field, we opted to tow it to the finish line. I don't know the exact results since it was a staggered start, bit I believe we still finished first.

At the finish line one team member from each vehicle had to run about 1 km to a nav point and get a road book containing nav points for the remainder of the day. Scott made the run while we 3 stayed back to fix the land cruiser. We were able to cut the bad section of hose out and carry on but it gave a 25 minute delay on the next nav point.

Despite that we found a fast priste and were able to make up about 15 of those minutes, we still came in last.

The next event was a closed course consisting of a 40 in deep water crossing (a lot shallower than we'd been told), a short mud bog, followed by a rock crawling section. The rock crawling section was very Moab-esque, giving Scott and I a big advantage. Scott powered through the course easily racking up the fastest time overall.

About that time the sand storm blew in, and they decided to postpone the remaining events. There may be one last event tomorrow, a closed course rock crawling event, but that depends on the weather.

Back in camp all of the contents of our tents are covered in about an inch of sand. For now we are all gathered in a tent out of the storm with a half a dozen bottles of wine and scotts new best friend, a liquor from the south of France called Pastis.

On a side note, we have fuel trucks that come out every day to gas us up. Yesterday as they set out for our camp they found a female tourist dead among the dunes. No affiliation with our tournament but still kinda scary stuff.
~nathan

[treighsee]

Flywgn,
What is the link to the French site? I'm Nathan's mother and have been trying to follow their escapades.

Judy,
Here's the link for the Outback Challenge Morocco site. Not much help as they aren't updating it, but maybe they will tomorrow as they're heading back to civilization in Marakesh.
www.outback-challenge.com
~treighsee

[picklefisher]

Thanks, Tracy. Hope they're getting de-sanded.:archaeolo

Judy

[flywgn]

Picklefisher,

Sorry I hadn't seen your request.

Here's one site, but it hasn't been updating.
http://www.wanadoo.fr/

I then use <go.presse> and my password to get into the Gauloises site. I'm not sure that you'll be able to enter the site. My 'credentials' are holdover from Andy's Rally-Raid (Gauloises was his sponsor) in Tunisia last spring. I used my press credentials to obtain the permission from Gauloises in the first place and, so far, they have not rescinded them

David Casteu is sponsored by Gauloises also.

The 'updates' dried up a couple of days ago. I'm not sure what happened. I tried also to go on at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/ and
http://www.motorsport.com/news/ but managed nothing.

The reports back from Nathan and Scott have been superior.

Sorry.

Allen Russell

[picklefisher]

Allen,
Thanks for the sites. I'll give them a try. Fortunately Nathan has kept us informed. Actually, communication links have been much better than usual on this expedition. On his past trips, parts of Mexico and Africa were agonizing.

[BajaTaco]

Hi Judy, welcome to the forum!


Allen,
On his past trips, parts of Mexico and Africa were agonizing.

:p I happen to know a woman with similar sentiments...

Great update! Very exciting. Thanks again Tracy. Hopefully I will get to meet Scott's new friend someday ;)

That is really sad to hear about the unfortunate tourist.

[Jonathan Hanson]

I'm back from town and glad to hear Scott and Nathan are still doing well! If the last task is rock crawling it should be a doddle for them.

Cool that they're getting the entire Sahara experience via sandstorms, etc.

But sad news indeed about the tourist, except that it is a blessing to still have places in the world where man is challenged to merely survive. When all the challenges are gone, we will cease to excel.

[flyingwil]

:jumping: I just received a call from Chris regarding Scott and Nathan, Scott just call him, but chris is on the road and post this but.....



THEY PLACED FIRST:exclaim:


:luxhello: :clapsmile :luxhello: :clapsmile

They had one final event to break the close call between first and second.

We'll have to get the full details when they get back!

Nice job guys!

[treighsee]

From Nathan via Scott's Blackberry:
:jump: So the last day is over. We woke up this morning to a continuing sand storm. We all emerged from our huts covered in a thick layer of dirt from the all night storm. At 7 am we got word that the rock crawling Special Stage was happening and that it would count towards the final result. Since our team had about a 6 hour lead over the second place team, we took the course slow and easy. Scott drove and I walked ahead, spotting and taking photographs at difficult spots. The trail was similar to the arroyos in AZ, so it was very familiar terrain.

We finished the stage in last place, but emerged completely unscathed.

The whole group convoyed back to camp where the final results were given. We were officially declared the winners and given a big *** trophy and a bottle of champagne.

Now we're all on our way to Marrakech where we will spend the night before boarding the ferry tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks to everyone for the supprt and well wishes. Scott and I have about 2500 pics to sort through on the boat, but well post a few when we get back to France.
~nathan

[CLynn85]

AWESOME!!! :bowdown: Can't wait to hear the full story and see some pictures :victory:

[ShottsCruisers]

OUTRAGEOUS! CONGRATS!

:clapsmile :clapsmile :jump: :exclaim:

[whitethaiger]

:jump: Congratulations!!!:jump:

[flywgn]

From Nathan via Scott's Blackberry:
:jump: .... We were officially declared the winners and given a big *** trophy and a bottle of champagne...~nathan

OUTSTANDING! FANTASTIC!

I hope they drink the bubbly and don't waste it showering. :clapsmile

[bigreen505]

:jumping: :clapsmile :luxhello:
Congratulations boys, nice work!

[calamaridog]

I can't wait for the magazine article:exclaim:

[DaktariEd]

Stupendous!!!
:clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile
May I have your autographs???
:xxrotflma
Ed

[awalter]

Congratulations. Great achievement!:clapsmile

[datrupr]

This is way to f*@#ing COOL!!!!


Congrats guys, can't wait to hear more about it and see some of the pics! Come home safely!

[goodtimes]

Nice job!

Of course, was there ever any doubt as to the outcome?

:beer:

[Jonathan Hanson]

Yeah, we can say that now! Of course we knew all along there was no hope for anyone else. Congratulations you guys.

But it sounds as though everyone gave their best, and that's the essence of competition.

We're going to have a wicked photo thread here pretty soon.

[mountainpete]

Well done boys!!! :gunt:

[chet]

good job!!! I have one question though. I know its a life experience etc. but all they got a was a trophy? I would of expected the winner to get something more than that.:confused:

[Hltoppr]

Congrats!! Way to Go Guys!!!

I expect a full presentation in Prescott, Colorado or both!!!

:clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile

:beer:

-H-

[cshontz]

Congratulations, guys! Kickass!

:clapsmile

Its Millertime!

:beer:

If you get this before you come home, can you bring me back a large novelty foam finger from the event?

[edgear]

but all they got a was a trophy? I would of expected the winner to get something more than that.

That would be awesome if they got to keep the vehicle!!

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/smaller/IMG_0049.JPG


Perhaps to give away as a grand prize to the winner of this year's Expedition Trophy event?!?
:box:

[Nullifier]

:victory: AWESOME JOB GUYS, GO TEAM USA!!!:victory:

[CAPTAIN COORS]

scott you are the MAN!!!! linda and i are very proud of you, looking
foward to hearing all the tales, love ya!

[+ d]

right on guys!
clearly everyone here at ExPo is proud!



:bowdown:

[DesertRose]

Yahoo! A nice bit of news to read here in rather, um, green and tame Cincinnati (on business trip) -

AND TO THINK WE KNEW YOU BEFORE YOU WERE FAMOUS!!

GREAT JOB - a first class adventure!!

[madizell]

good job!!! I have one question though. I know its a life experience etc. but all they got a was a trophy? I would of expected the winner to get something more than that.:confused:

Unfortunately, international challenge races are not money events at this point. In fact, it costs a ton of money to put on one these events, including promotional costs, support people if their time is not donated, and insurance. Insurance can be the big one. Off road racing is high risk from the perspective of an insurance company. Even in those races where there is a high entry fee, most of the money goes to insurance and overhead. If sponsors will donate goods to be awarded to finalists, there can be something in it, but the cost of a set of tires pales to the cost of preparing and entering a race in a foreign country. But cash? Not without a source.

I think Scott and Nathan did get something out of this. Ask them if this is not so. Not money, perhaps, or even a car or goods, but a lot more than a trophy. This is, as you say, a life experience. Priceless.

[blupaddler]

EXCELLENT!!!


Congrats to both of you. Your accomplishments are World Class!

You've done us proud!!!



:victory: :victory: :victory:

[erin]

:victory: :victory:

Outstanding job by both of you!!

It's nice to see Americans winning european events like this. So I guess Dakar for next year?

Can't wait to see all the pics and read the complete writeup.

[Scott Brady]

We have had an incredible adventure.
Nearly back to Tangiers and then to France.thank you all so much for the kind words and well wishes.there are prizes,which we will give the scoop on soon,as we know the details.

[david despain]

oh yeah i would love to follow an expeditions west dakar build up and race! please please please:jumping:

[p1michaud]

From Nathan via Scott's Blackberry:

The whole group convoyed back to camp where the final results were given. We were officially declared the winners and given a big *** trophy and a bottle of champagne.

... Scott and I have about 2500 pics to sort through on the boat, but well post a few when we get back to France.
~nathan

Good work guys! :clapsmile

I'm looking forward to the pics!

Cheers :beer:,
P

[kcowyo]

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:


Team USA ---> :sport_box <---- Outback Challenge


AWESOME JOB GENTS!!!

We're all having a virtual ticker tape parade for you. Safe trip home -


:beer::beer::beer:

[treighsee]

We made it over the atlas mountains and into marrakech last night. Had a huge scare coming out of the mountains when I was driving, there was a sudden burst of driveline vibration. Pulled over to discover that the right rear wheel had sheered off all of the lug bits and wheel studs holding it on the vehicle. Another mile or so and the wheel would have fallen off with disasterous consequences. We were caravanning with another team from the event who are a bunch of crack mechanics, and they were able to get us back on the road in about 15 minutes.

Got in to Marrakech a bit after midnight. The trip videographer
is familiar with the town and took us to an awesome restaurant overlooking the main square. We didn't finish eating till about 2 in the morning but the food was awesome. I had lamb with tomatoes and apricots that was to die for.

Anyway that's all for now. We got up at 6 this morning to hit the road. We're just outside of Casablanca and should make it in to tangiers with a little bit of time to spare.

Hopefully I can get a bit of souviner shoping done, cause the past week has been a total blur. I think that we've done a little over 2000 miles, mostly off road, in the last week.
~nathan

[Jonathan Hanson]

Thanks for all the forwards, Tracy.

Glad the wheel held on through the important part!

[flywgn]

...Pulled over to discover that the right rear wheel had sheered off all of the lug bits and wheel studs holding it on the vehicle... We were caravanning with another team from the event who are a bunch of crack mechanics, and they were able to get us back on the road in about 15 minutes.~nathan

In FIFTEEN MINUTES! Wow, would I like to have those mechanics following me on backroads!!!!


... Hopefully I can get a bit of souviner shoping done....
~nathan

Just don't empty the cuffs of you shorts and you can send us all bits of sand from the Sahara. :D

[Mlachica]

:clapsmile congratulations! I can't wait to see some footage! :beer:

[Boston Mangler]

Great Work Guys!!!

:clapsmile

:bowdown: :bowdown:

[DesertRose]

Just don't empty the cuffs of you shorts and you can send us all bits of sand from the Sahara. :D

Hey - sounds like a great prize for one of the Expedition Trophy events! A vial of Saharan sand from the first Team USA victory of the Otback Challenge.

[BajaTaco]

Guys, I have been on the road so sorry for the late posting of my offical CONGRATULATIONS!!! There wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't there (in spirit) with you guys. I KNEW you would come home with a prize, whether tangible in physical form or not. Very cool indeed that you bring home a trophy, and as many have said, we are all very proud of you!

:clapsmile :beer: :clapsmile

The wheel studs story is a bit freaky. Be safe guys and have a great rest of the trip - it ain't over yet!

:jump:

Tracy, thanks for the updates so much. What would we do without you?!

lamb and apricots... damn....

[VikingVince]

Have been out of town for a week and just read all the updates...CONGRATS...CONGRATS...CONGRATS!!!!!...wh at a great life experience...can't wait for the pics!!!!:clapsmile :clapsmile

[treighsee]

Heard from Nathan about 30 mins ago (hey, I had to take a shower before posting, priorities!) They were off the ferry and about 10 mins out from Patrice's house in Avignon. They'll spend the night there and tomorrow morning Nathan takes a train to his brother's. From there he'll try to get on an earlier flight home but I really don't think he will, so I expect him back Wednesday night, as scheduled. Scott flies back on monday and will stay with Patrice until then.

They're both doing fine. Scott was still raging down the road as i could hear every bump the truck took.

And that's the last from me!
~tracy

[flywgn]

God, all the fun and excitement Nathan and Scott have had and they get to spend time in Provence as well....too much!

I hope they eat dinner tonight on the terrace of Le Cafe des Artistes, a not-too-touristy cafe on the Place Crillon (assuming it's still there) and the mistral should not be howling now so the terrace is wonderful.

Ahhhh, I'm getting hungry. Just may open a bottle of Bandol blanc and have médaillons de lotte for lunch just to celebrate their being in Avignon. What a wonderful way to end such a grand experience.

I'm not envious at all.

Pinochio

[blupaddler]

Sounds like a great idea!!!



I think we should all open a bottle of Cotes Du Rhone to celebrate

[flywgn]

...I think we should all open a bottle of Cotes Du Rhone to celebrate

We did better than that. We went out to dinner. Since Diana consumes no alcohol I had to bear the burden. :mad:

So....I took a bottle of Côte de Rôtie '91 that I had been saving for an occasion. It was fabulous. Couldn't drink the whole bottle, so I offered a couple of glasses to a nearby table and they had never tasted a Rhône wine that old (a mistake many people make).

Anyway we had a grand time. I had escargots Provençal as well. I can't remember how many toasts to Scott and Nathan we (I) did, but even the guy at the adjacent table toasted them. :luxhello:

The restaurant had no pastis (an omission they have promised to correct before our next visit) so I resorted to a glass of vintage port to top off the dinner. Diana opted for a mousse au chocolat.

Anyway, Scott...Nathan...know that there we were celebrating your victory tonight and managed to introduce several absolute strangers to you two.

[jeffryscott]

Congrats gentlemen, well done. As others have said, can't wait for the pictures.

Will we see some Outback Challenge-inspired events at this years rally?

Again, congrats.

Jeff

[elcoyote]

OUTASIGHT:exclaim: :exclaim:

[Scott Brady]

Hey Amigos!

Finally back in AZ. My whole family surprised me at the airport. Just starting to digest the 4-5,000 images and thousands of emails I just downloaded.

All of your support and encouragement means more than you will ever know!:clapsmile

look for me to get back in the swing of things tomorrow

[Brian McVickers]

Welcome home Scott and Nathan:bowdown: :bowdown:
Wow! Congratulations!!!
Can’t wait to hear the stories and see the pictures!:clapsmile

[Mlachica]

Did you guys come back singing "we are the champions?"

Welcome home fellas! :jumping: :beer:

[CLynn85]

Congrats Scott, glad to hear ya'll made it back ok! :clapsmile

[elcoyote]

Welcome back home guys. Congratulations on your win and a muy fine adventure. We're all very proud of you and you've earned bragging rights for sure. :victory:

[pskhaat]

Our jealousy is rampant. We surely expect at least 2 to 3000 of those pictures to be posted up for our liesurly viewing and your bandwidth consumption :) The other 1000 or so images can go to your assured magazine articles...

[flywgn]

Welcome back guys!

"Got Sand?"

[Hltoppr]

I think a little celebration get together sometime would be nice!

:clapsmile

-H-

[erin]

:victory:

welcome back!!

[pskhaat]

The last thing they probably want to see is all of us :) but I TOTALLY agree I'd love to hear first hand some of the stories and maybe a slide show? raw video presentation if they'd be so willing?

[datrupr]

Welcome Home Scott and Nathan. Congrats on your most stellar win! I can't wait to see some of the pics and hear the stories.

[blupaddler]

Welcome Back!!!

Glad you guys made it home safely.

[OutbacKamper]

Way to Go Scott and Nathan!

:victory:



We are all jealous of your great and successful adventure. No hurry posting those 1000's of photos, anytime in the next few hours is fine;)

[Desertdude]

Glad you both made it back safe and sound - that in itself is a total :victory:

[flyingwil]

:wavey: Welcome Home! Glad to hear you guys made it back and can't wait to hear about your great adventure of a lifetime!

[desertgirl66]

You guys RULE!! Yee-Hay:gunt:

Glad you are home safe and what an adventure!!

[shawkins]

I just found, and read this entire thread!

Congrats!

Thant has to be one amazing experience! I cant wait to see your pictures!:jump:

[OverlandZJ]

Congratulations Guys!

Looking forward to the pics and stories.

[Scott Brady]

Thanks again everyone for all of the well wishes and congrats. :wavey:

There will be a two-part article in 4wd Toyota Owner on the event, starting with the next issue. Until then, the details on the event and images will be pretty limited.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Outback Imports, France
Extreme Outback Products
4WD Toyota Owner
Pangaea-Expeditions

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/event/DSC_0252%202.JPG

[edgear]

Awesome photo! I can't wait to read the articles in 4WDTO. Too bad it only comes out every two months. But it will be well worth the wait!!

Congrats again on the victory

:clapsmile :jumping: :luxhello:

[Jonathan Hanson]

Scott, you are such a tease.

[Desertdude]

Nice! ...now we need a trophy room on the portal :victory:

[BajaTaco]

Oh man, what a photo!!! :clapsmile Incredible...

LOL... looks like the bottle is quite empty :jump:

[flywgn]

Oh man, what a photo!!! ...looks like the bottle is quite empty...

...and it's a Veuve Clicquot Brut! Nothing but the best for our guys! As I said in an earlier post, "I hope they drink it and don't waste it on showers."

:victory:


PS: What happened to the italics icon??? How can we put foreign words, i.e. Veuve Clicquot in italics? God, I can't abide these Philistine Forums. :D

[Colorado Ron]

Nathan,

I guess lunch is in order. I would expect a full rundown upon lunch!:chowtime:

[gjackson]

Me too!!:chowtime: :chowtime: :chowtime:

And I thought you were team USA, not team Alice Springs! Or are they the same?

[Scott Brady]

They are one and the same. Each vehicle pair was given a name. All inspired by something Ausie in nature, like Alice Springs, Brisban, etc.

[Scott Brady]

Are you all ready for some video?

Here you go (33mb). The official trailer.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/Trailer_Outback_Maroc2006_v2.wmv

Yeeee ha!

Edit: details for buying the DVD will be out in a few weeks. I am only posting on ExPo, as this is a "sneak preview"

[Nullifier]

Awesome!!! I'm gonna get a copy.

[Willman]

Are you all ready for some video?

Here you go (33mb). The official trailer.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/Trailer_Outback_Maroc2006_v2.wmv

Yeeee ha!

Edit: details for buying the DVD will be out in a few weeks. I am only posting on ExPo, as this is a "sneak preview"

Sign me up for next years outback!!!!! That was a great video Scott!!!!! it looks like you took some of the footage eh???

:arabia:

[Scott Brady]

Sign me up for next years outback!!!!! That was a great video Scott!!!!! it looks like you took some of the footage eh???

:arabia:

No, but I am providing images and other resources to the production.

It was a kick for me to watch too :)

[blupaddler]

:clapsmile


Very cool!!!

See Scott...See Scott run...run Scott run...
See Scott...See Scott win...Win Scott Win!!!








Hey, BTW...Any pics of that 80 series? It had a really cool skid plate underneath what looked like an Opposite Lock front bumper.

Congrats again. Enjoy your successes. You have worked very hard, and they are yours to relish. (Warning...Mushy...I am so proud of you!)

:jump:

[CLynn85]

Love the trailer, put me down on the list to buy the DVD when it's avail. Can't wait!

[jeffryscott]

Wow. What fun. Can't wait for the DVD. Good job Scott/Nathan and all the other folks - that was some challenging stuff. Wow.

Jeff

[+ d]

Woohoo!

Thanks for some good footage!

Looking forward to the finished product...:box:

[Scott Brady]

Congrats again. Enjoy your successes. You have worked very hard, and they are yours to relish. (Warning...Mushy...I am so proud of you!)


Thanks bro :)

[Scott Brady]

Finally able to upload our two-part story from the Outback Challenge, as featured in 4WD Toyota Owner.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/outback_challenge/event/D6_16.jpg

Outback Challenge Part One (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/Outback_Challenge_Pt1/Part_1/index.html): The Journey from Arizona to the Sands of the Sahara

Outback Challenge Part Two (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2006/Outback_Challenge_Pt1/Part_2/index.html): Victory in the Sahara