Changing off-roading's image for the better

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)