Female marshals led the charge for the 37th edition of the Gulf News Fun Drive, leaving gender specific stereotypes in the dust as they stepped up to handle whatever tricky situation participants dug themselves into.
Gulf News tabloid! caught up with several such daredevils, many of whom returning to the Fun Drive to take part in some off-road action.
RUBA HUSARI
GN Fun Drive Marshal for five years
What keeps you coming back every year?
It’s the adventure culture which unites all off-roaders. There’s a camaraderie that has been built over the years among experienced drivers who enjoy helping others explore the desert and enjoy the experience while making sure they stay safe.
What drew you to off-roading in the first place?
It was my fascination with the Rub Al Khali initially. Flying over it leaves you speechless as to the beauty of the Arabian Desert and its expanse. When I knew I was moving from the UK to Dubai 12 years ago, I was determined there are two things I wanted to do: explore the desert and the underwater. I started off-roading and diving in 2006 and it’s a new adventure every time I hit the sand or put on a mask.
Do you face a lot of stereotyping from folks who may not take your instructions seriously because you are a woman?
No, not at all. We are very few women marshalling the event and when we try to help with instructions, they can tell we know what we’re talking about. We’re also less judgemental so I think less intimidating than other folks for some.
Do you recall the first time you got behind a wheel and set off on your own adventure in the desert/mountains?
It was in the desert. I would sum it up as: Huge amount of adrenalin and a big learning curve.
What are some of the most common mistakes made by drivers off-roading?
One of the most common mistakes we see year after year is drivers not prepping their cars before the drive, not making sure their spare tyre is in place and has air, or not having the right wrench or car jack to replace their tyres if needed. Another common mistake is not deflating their tyres enough (15-16 psi is ideal) so obviously they get stuck easily. Very often just deflating the tyres will get them out of a jam.
Advice you would give to novice off-roaders
If you’re stuck, don’t panic. Follow the procedures you were given in the route notes and wait for help. Whatever situation you are in, remember safety is your priority. And most important, make sure everyone in your car is wearing a seat belt at all times, even if you’re driving at 30km/h. And remember, it’s not a race!
ELISHA DESSURNE
GN Fun Drive Marshal for four years
The Fun Drive has always been something for me to do with my dad. He’s the lead marshal and will show up to every edition without fail — it’s a great way for us to spend time together.
What first drew you to off-roading?
As a child, my parents always made sure to show me how fun the desert is — it’s full of surprises and the freedom you feel out there is like nothing else. I have ridden bikes off-road for years, [and] once I got a driving license, there was no stopping me from taking on four wheels too.
Do you face stereotyping from folks who may not take your instructions seriously because you are a woman?
I face a lot of compliments for being a woman off-road actually. And when it comes to casual recoveries, people are eager to see me give it a go. Once someone is stuck, you’ll be surprised how pleasant they can be.
Do you recall the first time you got behind a wheel and set off on your own adventure?
I actually learnt to drive the dunes at my first Fun Drive back when I was a navigator; we had the ever-fun FJ Cruisers out thanks to Toyota, as well as a great team of marshals who lead the way, provided me with tips, and showed me how to recover a car first hand.
What are some of the most common mistakes made my drivers off-roading?
Drivers often try to power out of being stuck in the sand; it is the worst thing to do and you will only dig yourself in deeper — deflate your tyres while you can and take it easy.
Any advice for novice off-roaders?
Never fight against the dunes, they will win. Trying an obstacle more than once is better than only getting one chance.
LAILA TAHA
GN Fun Drive Marshal for two years
What keeps you coming back every year?
As a [GN Fun Drive] Navigator, I really enjoyed the experience and saw how different it was from the regular drives that one does in the desert. I realised that the entire team puts in so much efforts for an event, there is so much work which needs to be done to ensure readiness of the Fun Drive — it is a country level event, it is a brand and what an honour for one to be a part of it.
What first drew you to off-roading?
Primarily, I love nature and it gives me a feeling of complete disconnect; it is very rewarding and releases stress that we unknowingly accumulate. It gives me something to do, hmmm, well, a lot to do which is including and not limited to preparing myself, the car and accessories. It is worth it! Sometimes, we go with a few cars just to clean up the desert.
Do you face stereotyping from folks who may not take your instructions seriously because you are a woman?
There has never been a time when folks have not taken instructions seriously. I can find my way most of the times. I do see shocked faces though, especially with what I drive — somewhat nasty looking matte black modified [Dodge] Durango. They expect a man as a marshal and a bit shocked when they see a girl instead!
Do you recall the first time you got behind a wheel and set off on your own adventure in the desert/mountains?
Ha ha, how can I forget that, it happened by accident. I had never driven in the dunes and we could not make it to the mountains in one of our outings, the plan changed and we opted to hit the desert. I drove aggressively and reached Fossil Rock, only to realise that I was in 2WD and with fully inflated tyres; I think that it was the steering movements and the momentum that enabled me to drive. To sum it all up, I have never looked back ever since!
What are some of the most common mistakes made my drivers off-roading?
Over confidence, going alone in the desert, not observing safety, excessive use of power, inappropriate tyre pressure, lack of off-road gear, unfit vehicle — all are contributing factors to the common mistakes made by drivers off-roading and these must be avoided. I notice that a lot of people do not drive with their thumbs up on the steering wheel, it is a very little thing but it can avoid accidents and enable better steering response.
Any advice for novice off-roaders?
Safety first and do not leave anything except your tracks behind. Love Mother Nature. Be prepared when you are going into the desert (supplies, accessories and etc). The dunes change with the wind, they may not be the same.
BELINDA ALI KHAN
GN Fun Drive Marshal for 30+ years
I started out as a participant on the very first one. It was New Year’s Day and the drive started from the Hilton Hotel down by [Dubai World] Trade Centre and ended in Fujairah. It was 6am and we were having breakfast after a night of revelry and one of my friends suggested the drive and we just showed up.
What first drew you to off-roading?
I grew up on a farm in Ireland and my parents made sure that as soon as our feet were able to reach the pedal we learnt how to drive. These were rural areas and in case of emergencies, my parents ensured their kids could manage to get to the next farm and get help. I was nine years old when I started driving in Low 4 in a large field. My love for a four-wheel only grew with drives in Tanzania, Botswana.
Do you face stereotyping from folks who may not take your instructions seriously because you are a woman?
For many years, I was the only female marshal. And it was always funny to go over to car that was stuck and to see their expressions saying we pulled the short straw and got stuck with a woman to help us out.
What are some of the most common mistakes made my drivers off-roading?
Ninety-nine per cent of the drivers will say they are very experienced, only to hit the first section of the dunes and grind to a complete halt because they have managed to get stuck. Many don’t realise when to be in low 4 and when to switch to high 4.
Also, what happens a lot on the Fun Drive are drivers who are literally on your bumper. Once the car in front grinds to a halt, the others soon follow. Also, those who are more experienced, take it as a race and don’t stick to the route planned and get stuck.
Any advice for novice off-roaders?
Deflate those tyres, anywhere between 14 and 16 PSI. Speeding is the next big one. If you are speeding and haven’t deflated those tyres correctly, you run the risk of them coming off. Respect nature.
