UK4X4
Expedition Leader
This is an annual event held each year comprising of a east west crossing of the wahiba desert in Oman.
The start point is given prior to the challenge, then there are 3 way point stops the first day and 2 the second.
each following point is given as you reach the marker.
Ie you can't just miss the intermdiate points.
This year were 20 teams of 5 trucks each, mostly jeep wranglers, with a few Prados- Cherokees- Patrols and LC's thrown in.
One team is just landrovers in old ex Omani army vehicles.
This write up is about the guys you don't see when you compete in these events....the backup crews.
Having recently taken up desert enduro on a CRF450X, the local group has taken time out to teach me and look after me on the trails.
This weekend was payback time !
Transport 450kg of gear for 5 people to a way point in the middle of the desert.
The following is a short trip report
Smelly Bikers support team report !
GPS Track data
Day 1 Mintrib to Camp
41.6 miles in 2.26 hrs - main track
1.4 miles in 2.03hrs- dune maze
4 Miles in 1 Hr- open valleys and scrub
47 miles total travelled
Day 2 Camp to Mintrib
14.9 Miles in 1.3 hrs following the scub valleys North
30.1 Miles in 3.41 hrs still following and searching for a route out, with pillow dune mazes always between us and the track
45 miles total travelled
Worst section speed 0.68 miles per hr
The first day was using the main track down and then 7Km cross country to the camp,
After the track we turned North east and headed cross country into the dune maze
where stuck became a 50 meter issue
This section became a constant parade of sand mats, shovels and tow ropes
The lighter lead jeep made easy work with twin detriots lockers and 35" tires, especially this last one...with the open camel grass valley in front of us
The heavy Patrol just drove through the crests, not bothering to get stuck or go around
The start point is given prior to the challenge, then there are 3 way point stops the first day and 2 the second.
each following point is given as you reach the marker.
Ie you can't just miss the intermdiate points.
This year were 20 teams of 5 trucks each, mostly jeep wranglers, with a few Prados- Cherokees- Patrols and LC's thrown in.
One team is just landrovers in old ex Omani army vehicles.
This write up is about the guys you don't see when you compete in these events....the backup crews.
Having recently taken up desert enduro on a CRF450X, the local group has taken time out to teach me and look after me on the trails.
This weekend was payback time !
Transport 450kg of gear for 5 people to a way point in the middle of the desert.
The following is a short trip report
Smelly Bikers support team report !
GPS Track data
Day 1 Mintrib to Camp
41.6 miles in 2.26 hrs - main track
1.4 miles in 2.03hrs- dune maze
4 Miles in 1 Hr- open valleys and scrub
47 miles total travelled
Day 2 Camp to Mintrib
14.9 Miles in 1.3 hrs following the scub valleys North
30.1 Miles in 3.41 hrs still following and searching for a route out, with pillow dune mazes always between us and the track
45 miles total travelled
Worst section speed 0.68 miles per hr
The first day was using the main track down and then 7Km cross country to the camp,
After the track we turned North east and headed cross country into the dune maze
where stuck became a 50 meter issue
This section became a constant parade of sand mats, shovels and tow ropes
The lighter lead jeep made easy work with twin detriots lockers and 35" tires, especially this last one...with the open camel grass valley in front of us
The heavy Patrol just drove through the crests, not bothering to get stuck or go around
Last edited: