Changing off-roading's image for the better

JAKARTA (JP): Off-road motor sports are usually known for being dangerous, dirty and male-dominated. However, in a bid to challenge this image, a weekend of fun off-road recreation is taking place at Bukit Sentul, about 30 kilometers south of Jakarta, starting on June 30.

"We want to change the image of off-roading from a dangerous and risky sport into a family and recreational one at the Adventure Family Off-Road (AFOR) weekend in Bukit Sentul," Kemal Ataturk of AFOR said at a media conference on Thursday in Bukit Sentul.

"Off-roading is a team sport and we are thinking of involving the closest team, which is family. It is also to encourage middle-class families, who, due to their busy routines, rarely get the chance to communicate with each other."

"Off-roading is the perfect event to build better communications, especially when they are facing barriers during the track."

The off-road track in the hilly Sentul area is about 12 kilometers long and can be finished within 90 minutes.

"We will teach basic off-road four-wheel drive jeep skills. Participants can rent a car and even a driver should fathers not want to take the risk," Kemal said.

AFOR is aiming to extend the track by 25kms to pass through Sentul's waterfalls and hot springs.

To further popularize recreational off-roading, AFOR will jointly stage the Adventure Family Fun Off-Road Exhibition 2000 with Casa Production in Bukit Sentul from June 30 to July 2.

So far, six teams -- Four by Fun, Kutu Lumpur, Brotherhood, Land Rover club, Land Cruiser club and Cisena Bogor -- and 10 families have registered to compete in the fun and games.

Participants will compete in several games, including ball and ring throwing, backward slalom, blind-fold driving and others for total prizes worth Rp 6 million (US$700).

Those who are interested in competing can register at Casa Production (Tel. 7208493) or Bukit Sentul (Tel. 87960263). (yan)