2016 Rainforest Challenge India Day 5: Terminator stage concludes

Pradeb Biswas Published: July 27, 2016, 04:11 PM IST

Just like the 2016 Force Gurkha Rainforest Challenge India's Predator leg, the Terminator leg was also held was held at Quepem (Cavorem) in South Goa. The Terminator leg was further split up into six stages and as the teams had been divided into multiple groups. So, just like Day 2 and Day 3, all stages were being held simultaneously.

While the Predator leg separated the chalk from the cheese, the Terminator leg was ten times technically tougher, physically excruciating and demanded a high level of driving and winching skills. Considering the demanding stages, quite a few teams were unable to complete some of the stages.To give you an idea, at least 11 teams were unable to complete the Terminator SS-22 stage.

Terminator SS-19 was the easiest stage of the day, but much more gruelling than any of the previous day's stages. The course was around the ruins of a defunct stone quarry. Starting from the top, teams had to drive downhill around a tight loop which brought them back up. The marshals commented that this stage was more of a winching test for the teams. It comprised of five 80 degree inclines and in certain sections space was at a premium and demanded inch perfect steering inputs. With limited visibility, the drivers were completely dependent on the co-drivers for guidance.

SS-20 was a bit longer and technically challenging as well. It's course also had multiple almost 70 degree inclines and the only way up was by relying on the winch. The course mostly comprised of a muddy trail and chances of damaging the vehicle or tyres were comparatively less.

SS-21 literally ended up making drivers sweat and co-drivers run out of breath. To complete the stage, teams had to tackle two steep inclines which were around 80 degrees and climb up two walls. The muddy surface meant teams had to rely on both the winch and bridging ladders to make it through. This stage comparatively saw many DNF's.

SS-22 was the only stage which required teams to drive through a slush pit. What made it challenging was that it was over three feet deep in some sections and choosing the correct line was critical. There was also a vertical wall to climb and an 80 degree incline to negotiate which required teams to rely on the winch. This stage saw the highest DNF's.

What made SS-23 different was that its terrain comprised of huge rocks. Starting from the top of a hill, teams had to drive down to the base and climb back up. Co-drivers had a lot of running around to do to ensure that their drivers stuck to the correct line and minimised vehicle damage.

SS-24 was a combination of yesterday's SS-15 and SS-16 stages. Teams had to drive through a fast-moving stream for over two kilometres. Then they had to tread across a muddy trail and climb up a hill. After taking a u-turn at the top, teams had to drive down again and cross the stream to reach the finish point. The final Twilight stage will be held on July 28 and 29 at Sattari (Morlem) in North Goa.

2016 RFC Day 5 16 Terminator SS-19 was the easiest stage of the day but much more grueling than any of the previous days stages