Iam not saying that going over rocks isnt overlanding, I say, rock crawling istn overlanding. Its just a part of it.
From that point of view is the Camel trophy not an Overlanding thing. Yes it was Always situated in the most beautiful areas of the world. And yes they did a lot of mileage.
But the main goal was teamwork and conquering obstacles. Which was always the toughest 4x4 I ever seen.
Overlanding isnt the obstacle the goal but the journey. I think that is a very different point of view.
Going to tough terrain to reach your goal is no problem, its a challenge.
Second, I did not mentioned your posted events. I wont judge them at all.
The only thing what I will say is that when there would be a Overland Bound Rally kind of thing, all members, where ever in the world should be able to compete in it.
So, there has to be a goal which everone can reach and there has to be "challenges" that everybody can do.
I keep with the expample of rock crawling and put in the second example; American Football. There is a world series of American Football. And of course just the USA will win this every time.
Why? Because American Football is big in the States. Its your heart and soul (together with basket ball and baseball) I played in the Netherlands AF, but our best team was not even equal to a minor college team in the states.
So when the world series came, the whole world had no chance to win it. I think you guys in the USA are equal to that with Rock Crawling. We just couldnt compete.
I watch video's from all over the world. Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. And you see totally different builds of Rigs.
For example, this forum has over 500 members who all like to overland!!!!! I love that fact!!!
In the Netherlands, we have one forum, which has 5200 members and 90% does 4x4 pay and play. So Overlanding isnt big here.
When you look at the oppurtunities you have, Africa has, Australia has, Europe cant compete.
But the "rules" in Africa are totally different from those in Australia or in the States. for example borders. In Europe you will be in a different country at least withing 1000 miles.
In Africa the same, except for the some bigger countries.
Australia has as a continent itself no borders at all. And no states in it as well.
Asia or the Middle East, well you all know what troubles there is.
So, when we should make a Overland Bound "Rally" . suitable for all members, we have to think about the goal and the "challenges" to be doable for all members.
If the "Rally" will only take place in the USA, north, south, east, or west and nowhere else, its simple that it will be a total USA thing, and Overland bound will have just a lot of USA members and the "members" from abroad are just hanging there like an appendix. (no use and it can irritate much)
I think, as such a member, Corrie and Michael, have had no intention to make this just for the USA.
So back to the first topic here;
Should the Camel Trophy come back? Maybe yes. Not sure about that one.
Should we embrace that kind of thought with the forum. Yes, we should, but not as tough as the Camel Trophy's. For all the reasons I already mentioned.
I think it would be a great thing to have a kind of friendly "competiton" to make this forum different and more outstanding.
So Lipek, and I checked your examples, I think they are great stuff to work with for a start. Especially the Vermont Overland I like.
Question now is, how do we make it a real Overland Bound thing!
Greetings from Robert
(ps, I remind everybody that english isnt my main language, I can make mistakes in writing, grammar and expressions.)
