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6 Oct 2009
Resume 2008
You want to know what your favourite Gazelles were up to in 2008-2009? Here’s a brief glance for you.
What is the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles?
This race, for women only, will take place in Morocco’s desert, with only maps, a compass and a Breton protractor as orientation instruments. No GPS, not even binoculars and for the first time in the Gazelles’ history, electronic compasses are not allowed.
Completely off-road, the Gazelles have to reach the predefined check points in the least number of kilometres. They have to push their limits, show courage and determination and provide mutual aid to their teammate… all important values for women. One of the strengths of this trek is its humanitarian mission.
A short introduction of your Gazelles.
We are both native of Gaspésie, with the sea at our feet, we both love the outdoors and the wind. We were raised savouring the various outdoor activities this beautiful part of our country has to offer: trips, hiking, camping and snowboard. Manon and I were always united by our thirst for challenges.
Our story…
The dream…
A few years back, Manon, the driver, and I, Martine, the navigator discovered that we both had the same dream: participate in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles.
The beginning…
In May 2008, Manon went to a briefing meeting. That was it: at the end of the meeting Manon was not excited… she was totally captivated! One phone call to Gaspésie and I was sold to the idea. Manon’s enthusiasm is very contagious!
And the start!
Can’t wait until March 2010!
Behind the scenes
Last October, we went to Saint-Donat for a training required to participate at the Rallye. We learned about mechanics and navigation… very useful for future Gazelles. How to take good care of your vehicle and how to locate where we are at all the time, are details that may seem meaningless here but that can save our lives in the desert!
And the all-important question: what do we bring? Even though we are going in a “hot” part of the world, our suitcase will not be the same as if we were going to an “all inclusive”. Other than the usual stuff, we need reference information about mechanics, navigation, security… our suitcase will surely be voluminous!
If you want to know even more, last year’s archives are available here, on our site.
Our next bulletin: The Return!