Course Review

Many riders are recording their thoughts and comments on particular parts of the course for later study and review. Technology is playing a more prevalent roll in this event as riders are using communications technologies to stay in touch with their crew and staff. The field notes taken during todays drive-through provide additional context to aid in this real-time rider support.

This course review also provides the drivers for each team the opportunity to gage the conditions of the driving areas which are adjacent to the course. The current rules of competition will allow for support vehicles to accompany their riders. This is a common practice at events within the UAE although direct support is limited to specific crewing points along the course.

Permanent water facilities have been installed throughout the course. These include ample water tanks and landscaped oasis vegetation for shade and cooling. These facilities are currently brand new. In a few years, it will be difficult to distinguish them from naturally occurring water holes.

The course footing has been described as quite improved over it's normal state. This is due to the recent heavy rains which have both softened the hard surfaces and made the sand much more firm. It must yet be seen if these two changes will be consistently held throughout the day. There are quite a number of common trails on the course, which will lead to multiples of 100s of horses passing some sections. This could reduce the advantages currently seen in certain parts of the trails.

Overall, the trail is a mixture of sand (generally 2-5 inches, although deeper in places) and hard packed earth. There is a small amount of limestone like hardpan also mixed in. In this desert, the sand blows often, moving a dune from here to there - covering what was hardpack - the shifting sands of arabia. The course for a World Championship Endurance Race.

johnt