xmen4x4.com

An open letter to the RFC secretariat and the X-Men (born out of LROM) …
Why no X-Men in RFC`08? I pose this thorny question as in my opinion the Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia (RFC) would never have survived all these years were it not for LROM – Vicky, Alyna, Atek, Char and all the rest over the years. And even if it did survive, it just wouldn’t have been the same. During my six RFC events, the times that you came to the rescue, not just with a winch, but with comfort. When we (the Media) were feeling low, there you were with smiles, noodles and a bottle of whisky to share, even if it was your last. Truly excellent!

The camaraderie and hospitality I can readily understand as we are all off-roaders, so no matter what part of the world we find ourselves in, there will always be a welcome. No, what I am talking about is caring and sharing, something that Asian people are very good at – Alyna and her crew in particular.

Come on RFC and X-Men, for the common good put politics to one side and whether your differences are financial or egotistical, SORT YOURSELVES OUT! The 2008 event just wasn’t the same without the security and sound decision-making you bring to the table. The RFC is you, you are the RFC, everyone knows it! I therefore suggest that all parties swallow their pride and some sort of dialogue is re-established sooner rather than later … please!!!

One final point I must mention –

From Day One of the RFC back in 1997, the humility shown by members of LROM has been first class. The reason I mention this is because there we were, arrogant rich Westerners with the best machinery money could buy who arrived in Malaysia thinking we knew everything possible about off-roading. WRONG! With very little kit to work with, you were getting places the competitors could only dream of. Okay, you know your terrain, but the fact remains that with some pretty old vehicles and gear, so often you made the ‘experts’ look silly. Yet throughout you still didn’t rub their noses in it. Sorry to embarrass you, but it’s true. You always remained humble, despite so many times thinking to yourselves ‘what is this idiot doing?’ You just knew they were doing things wrong and there was a better way, yet still you let them get on with it as it was ‘their adventure’. Providing it wasn’t dangerous you always let them make their own mistakes, but would always be there if advice was sought or assistance required. This is important. So often you have calmed the situation when all around you were starting to panic. Knowledgeable you certainly are!

Thanks therefore to every member of LROM involved in the RFC since 1997, many owe you a great debt of gratitude … and if this is truly the end of the line (I sincerely hope not), rest assured your sterling efforts have been appreciated by fellow enthusiasts the world over.