Hi guys - new to the board and just dropped in to see if you have any advice and to let you guys know what's happening other side of the world - in the United Arab Emirates.

Mid-January me and two bros are going to attempt to be the first people to ride Around the UAE Off-Road.

That's around 1200km of serious sand dune desert (crossing the northern-most corner of the Rub al Khali, largest sand desert in the world) of flat gravel plains and of stark mountains - no touching tarmac.



We've registered for a Guinness World Record, and hopefully we'll be able to get it accepted.

6-9 days of insane riding, guys! 8) - January 16-24, 2009

We're going to be filming a web-documentary with helmet cams and we've got the support of companies that believe in the spirit of adventure:

QUAD BIKES PROVIDED BY:



SUPPORT VEHICLE PROVIDED BY:


and the UAE exclusive distributor:




START/ARRIVAL CEREMONIES AND PRESS CONFERENCE LOCATION PROVIDED BY:



A "REACH YOUR DREAMS" ACTIVITY BY UGRU STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AT:



AND WITH THE PROUD SUPPORT OF THE MEMBERS AT DUBAI DESERT CLUB:



The adventure of a lifetime starts with organizations that understand the drive for accomplishment, and without sponsors it would be impossible to do.

If there's interest on the board, I'll be glad to keep you guys updated on how we're preparing, on what the route is, how we're organizing, and what difficulties we face and how we'll work to overcome them - your advice or comments or warnings are welcome!

If our adventure can inspire yours, then make us welcome!

 

Hey,

That's sounds awesome! What a great opportunity that I'd give anything to try. By the way, I'm the Editor of ATV Rider Magazine, and we'd love for you to keep us updated and everything you can tell us. Will you guys have a professional photographer with you to document the trip. Could make a great story in the print mag and online. Let us know.

Thanks,
Thad Josey
Editor - ATV Rider Magazine  

By the way, PM me any contact info, I'd love to touch base with you.  

Thanks for the welcome!

As a matter fact, I write the Motoring section for the national daily's weekend magazine out here: check out my work at http://archive.gulfnews.com/search_results/search_result.aspx?q=Paolo%20Rossetti&DaysTo=0&Sorting=0  

Right now we're at the stage where we've realized this is for real, and we're going: "What the hell are we getting ourselves into!!!!" LOL

It's a trip that is definitely going to stretch our combined experience and put all our skills to the test.

Thad, the terrain is awesome! You have got to see it in person to know what it feels like.

The immensity is just over-powering; and it takes a grown man's breath away.

I suppose one would feel the same way in other places on our planet with extreme conditions, like maybe Antarctica, or the Sahara desert!

We'll be happy to share every step of our journey with you here, and hopefully - and we'll try our darndest - it'll be a happy ending!

Last weekend we went out for a practice run with some buddies in cars, covering 200km of similar terrain, but smaller dunes and closer to civilization, and as fate had arranged it a buddy managed to roll his Land Rover down a dune - so that really sobered up the World Record boys! :shock:



We got to practice our first aid and getting everyone out to safety, and that really hammered home the reality of what we're about to go up against...

It's not even the one mishap that worries us; it's when you have a series of two or three mishaps!

Even something stupid like you get a flat, and while changing the tire, the car keys slip out of your pocket into the sand... (we're duct-taping a spare key to the chassis)

So that's where we're at right now - 6 weeks to go, and trying to think of all eventualities.  

A couple of quick updates:

2 new official sponsors: Red Bull, who will be providing us with satellite connectivity so we can do live uplinks, and Emarat4x4, a club of desert crazies who will be offering us logistical support: check out www.emarat4x4.com

We've also launched a Facebook Group, open to all so link up there with us as well: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41018480641 (1200km in the UAE Desert)

We received Vio-POV helmet cameras, and they look quality! Tomorrow I'm going to test them, so I'll see if I can show you what the terrain looks like over here.

4 weeks to go!!!  

For anybody interested in seeing what the POV sports video camera looks like, I've linked a test clip up on my facebook: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1073307346704

These are the helmet cameras I posted about earlier from http://www.vio-pov.com/  

Pleased to announce that Padana is joining us as supporters for this trip, by providing us with riding clothing and protection.



http://www.padana.com/  

ONE WEEK TO GO!!!  8)

Today the press release went out, and the first interview came in - felt like a superstar!  :lol:


Guinness World Records Off-Road Quad Biking Attempt

Trio of Brothers in ‘Around the UAE’ Expedition

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Le Méridien Al Aqah will host a team of three Italian brothers, who are attempting to enter the Guinness World Records for a 1200km off-road trip, titled ‘Around the UAE’, driving quad bikes.

The event, organized by UAE resident Paolo Rossetti, will commence on January 16, from Sila in the Western Region, traversing ‘Rub al Khali or The Empty Quarter’ along the UAE borders and is scheduled to end at Le Méridien Al Aqah on January 24.

Rossetti, a motoring enthusiast, has lived in the UAE for the past nine years and hopes to create a new category in Guinness World Records for the longest off-road trip, as well as to set a national record in the UAE. His brothers, Andrea and Marco reside in Italy and all three of them will take turns driving the quads.

“Le Meridien Al Aqah recognizes the initiative of Rossetti and his team and encourages his sense of national identity, as well as the outdoor sports which have become so popular in the region,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.

Rossetti and his brothers will take two KTM quad bikes the 525 XC and 450 XC, and a Ford Expedition support vehicle provided by Al Tayer Motors, on the trip, along with satellite connectivity, courtesy Red Bull.

“This trip brings together three brothers united by a spirit of adventure and a love for the outdoors. We have provided them with a Ford Expedition for this adventure as it is a rugged and spacious 4X4 adept at handling city roads as well as the rough desert terrain. It is a fitting support vehicle for this venture. We wish the Rossettis all success in their record-making attempt,” said Martin Penny, General Manager, Ford, Lincoln & Mercury, Al Tayer Motors.

“We are lucky to have the support of companies and groups that share with us the spirit of adventure, including Le Méridien Al Aqah,” said Rossetti.

A student development co-ordinator at UAE University, Rossetti was inspired to show students that goals can be set and achieved.

“I work with Emirati youth and we hope with this trip to inspire young people to challenge their comfort levels and to reach beyond the everyday, to stretch themselves towards achieving amazing dreams, just like the leaders of this country are doing by example and it is to them we dedicate this adventure,” added Rossetti.

Daily exploits from the trip will be posted on www.emarat4x4.com, an online fraternity of off-road enthusiasts based in the UAE and on the Rossetti’s Facebook site, every evening using the satellite connectivity provided by Red Bull. A film clip of the adventure will also be uploaded on YouTube later.

Le Méridien Al Aqah will arrange a press conference along for the team on their return, as well as hosting them overnight to recuperate from their journey. Representatives from other sponsors, Al Tayer Motors, KTM and Red Bull will also be present.