It was a rally to test the mettle of both man and machine. While men were tested for their skills in negotiating sharp curves and driving through slushy roads, it was a test of endurance for the machines. That’s the synopsis of Mahindra Great Escape rally conducted for the first time in the city on Saturday.
Women participants
Flagged off at Taj Deccan, the rally vended its way through Bowenpally, Balanagar, Dundigul and Narsapur forests covering over 100 kilometres of bitumen roads, slushy mud tracks and steep terrains.
Over 50 Mahindra Sports Utility Vehicle owners, including 13 women participated in the non-competitive rally, which is into its 53rd edition.
As the convoy of vehicles zoomed on the streets of Bachupally, Dundigul before reaching the Narsapur forests, villagers stood gaping. Soon as the motorists reached the tough terrain and rocky slopes of Narsapur forests, they were in for a shock.
The 15-km-long track that meandered through the jungle gave motorists a perfect off-road adventure. It took nearly three hours for them to complete the ride through the forest which in itself stood a testimony of the conditions. As one vehicle got caught in two-foot deep slush and growled to its strength, rest of the motorists in other vehicles, including Scorpio, Bolero and Legend were left holding their breath and anxious as to what lay ahead for them. And just when they passed over a steep terrain and heaved a sigh of relief, a sharp curve would welcome them.
“It is exhilarating but tough. Driving in these conditions is really a challenge for we have to stay focused all through the rally,” said S. Suresh, a participant. The organisers had arranged professional racing drivers and eight service vehicles to handle any untoward incidents.
The rally was organised in association with Shell, JK Tyres, Bharat Petroleum and Bosch.
The objective was to give Mahindra customers an off-road adventure ride. Though it was non-competitive, the experience of driving in jungles would be everlasting for participants, said Roma Balwani, vice-president Head Corporate Communications, Mahindra and Mahindra Limited. “There is good response here we now plan to make it an annual event in Hyderabad,” said Ms. Balwani.
