Both SUV’s had undergone preparations including under-carriage protection, and suspension tuning prior to the event. The installation of professional radio sets enabled the crew members to communicate effectively. It is also essential in taking the boredom out of the daily long driving hours.
Although most of us had previous experience in overland events, driving amid low-lying clouds must have been one of the memorable moments during the drive.
Away from the clouds and the angels, this range topping Garmin 276C GPS was a constant source of amusement for these 2 rally veterans in Car # 24.
Under left-hand drive traffic conditions, we took great care of each other and coordinated every overtaking manoeuvre.
For those who wish to have a better idea on how we managed to drive from Singapore to China in 10 days, kindly read http://singaporecarboy.blogspot.com/2009/11/caita-2009-introduction.html. This is definitely not a luxury tour. Waking up as early as 5am, driving 3 to 4 hours per interval and lack of clean toilets in some places were part and parcel of the marathon drive. But, some team members found the rush to consume our daily lunch within precious little time to be most challenging.
Thus, this 'butler' came well prepared to serve finger food onboard.
Our cars had diet problem too. In Vietnam , high grade petrol is not freely available.
Fortunately, a blue bottle of octane booster was all it takes to ensure that the engine would rev and pull happily.
On lighter days, some of us were able to find ‘windows’ for personal pleasure. William managed to check out the watches at Golden Gate Plaza (Thailand/Cambodia border).
I had the opportunity to do a morning ride with my folding bike (yes, I carried one in the Santa Fe) around the palace in Phnom Penh .
On another occasion, I ventured into several small lanes during my solo night ride around Ho Chi Ming City. That turned out to be rather silly because the lanes were poorly lit with no prominent landmark. Quite expectedly, I soon got lost, folded my bike and hailed a taxi back to hotel.
Minor incidents aside, the Singapore team displayed good understanding of the rules, demonstrated spirited teamwork and stayed cohesive throughout the journey. Once again, I am proud that our collective efforts bagged the Outstanding Team Award.
More importantly, we made new friends from China and the Asean countries.
Together with the Malaysian participants, we presented the Rasa Sayang dance during the Closing Ceremony of the event.
Our cars were then handed to the forwarder (2 cars per 40-foot container) in Fang Cheng Port while we flew home.
I am pleased to collect my car in good order on 29th Oct 2009 and wasted no time in giving it a deserving wash.
On behalf of the Singapore team, I wish to extend my deep appreciation to the Organising Committee of CAITA 2009, Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Sports Council and Singapore Motors Sports Association. We are also grateful for the kind assistance rendered by Komoco Motors, Hyundai’s official importer, towards our vehicle preparation. Lastly, thanks to Stamford Tyres, SSW, Espace Service Centre, Tye Electronics, World Freight and all well wishes who had provided much encouragement and support towards our successful completion of CAITA 2009.
