4X4 tips Rainforest challenge

Welcome to the RFC 2003.

Competing on the RFC for the past four years Matt and I have learnt some invaluable lessons in life and have taken home memories that will stay with us until the end of our days.

Here, I hope, are some tips for your coming days in the rainforest.

The most important factor is to have fun and enjoy the moment. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the delights of Kuala Lumpur and visit the sights and attractions.

When the competition starts, remain calm, remember - to finish on top, first of all you have to complete the event - don't try to win it on the first day! Be prepared, and always have a back up plan. A breakdown on paved roads may be inconvenient but a breakdown two days into the jungle could spell disaster, help others, the transit sections are not a competition, it could be you that requires help tomorrow!

Ensure that you have adequate equipment and survival rations, do not try and run light, you cannot rely on schedules in the jungle, the rains will dictate how fast or slow you will move.

Enjoy your surroundings; learn to be at one with the jungle. Logistics will dictate that inevitably you will have some time to kill. Relax, carry out any repairs, check your vehicle, and if you are by a river use the time to clean yourself and equipment, but do not become over anxious - savor the moment.

Most of all, treat the jungle with respect - you are just a guest, and don't forget to leave it as you found it.

You are going on the greatest 4x4 adventure of all time, enjoy and be lucky……..

Simon Buck / Matthew Cook
Range Rover (Team 160) from United Kingdom