Ten days driving across the Sahara Desert within the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc shouldn’t be precisely the variety of adventure a pair of B.C. women ever expected to join.
“I’ve never driven in sand. I’ve driven in numerous snow being Canadian,” said Jessa Arcuri, the navigator for his or her team called The Northern Rallycats.
“I believe her husband thinks we’re crazy. But I believe numerous people think we’re a little bit on the market for this one,” said Myra Van Otterloo, who will do the driving.
Van Otterloo and Arcuri are a part of the annual all-women’s rally, travelling for per week and a half through some very tricky terrain, that presents every kind of hazards, in southern Morocco.
The race, which runs from March 3-18, will feature 190 different crews from around the globe, with 14 from Canada.
“Perhaps you roll over and get disqualified or perhaps you get stuck and should wait for a tow out, otherwise you dig yourself out,” said Van Otterloo.
The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc has been supporting Moroccan villages in some distant areas, constructing homes and schools with used water bottles, and offering free medical care provided by the team of doctors and nurses arrange for the rally.
The social impact helped persuade Jessa and Myra to partake, who’re ready for each challenge involved, they said.
“That is going to be certainly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” said Arcuri.
It’s a real test for each team in the sector.
“You’re using your brain and your body. You’re being physical and also you’re making some dangerous decisions at times,” said Van Otterloo. “It’s numerous teamwork. Jessa and I actually have been friends for a very long time so it’s perfect for us.
“I expect numerous laughs. I expect a little bit little bit of frustration.”
Van Otterloo’s competitive nature has her aiming for a top-five finish, but making it throughout will still be the final word reward for these rally rookies.
“I’m not desirous about if I can’t,” said Arcuri. “I’m desirous about the celebratory finish and that it’s a story I’ll have the opportunity to inform my grandkids.”
To make things even more difficult, crews will not be allowed to make use of any electronics for help and must depend on traditional technique of navigation corresponding to maps and the sun.
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