Hillcrest resident tackles Namibian Odyssey challenge

Hillcrest resident, Christopher Sadler (30) is one of the three KZN representatives to take part in the 2014 Ford Ranger Odyssey, from 8 to 20 September, in Namibia.

Travelling in convoy in Ford Ranger Odesseys especially equipped for the journey, the contestants will spend 13 gruelling days experiencing the most intense terrain that Namibia has to offer, from thick, soft sand, of the riverbeds to rocky mountain top terrain which will test the vehicles and contestants to the limit.

The 20 contestants have been divided into 10 teams. Christopher has been teamed up with Mark McIntyre (31) from Pretoria to form team 9.

With the slogan: The Ford Ranger is built tough, but what about you? The aim is to find a worthy ambassador for the Ford Ranger brand. Contestants will be judged on every aspect of the adventure, from driving skills, knowledge of the vehicles, team work, environmental awareness and attitude.

With a strong passion for cars and anything outdoors – including running, cycling, canoeing, and surfing – Christopher has the necessary physical fitness to deal with whatever the journey throws at him. But having competed in the Dusi Canoe Marathon, Comrades Marathon and SA Ironman, Christopher believes it is the mental strength needed to compete in these events that will help him the most in Nambia.

“4×4 experience does help but it is more about the mind set. I have a willingness to explore, an adventurous spirit and like to try something new which takes me out of my comfort zone. I have never been to Nambia but have always wanted to go and this is a great opportunity.”

With temperatures soaring to 35 degrees during the day and camping at night, it isn’t going to be a walk in the park but Christopher is prepared for whatever comes his way.

“I am going to make the most of it. It is a great learning opportunity. I am going to make the most of each day, explore and just enjoy this amazing adventure.”

Some hardships which they may encounter according to Christopher include tyre changes, making repairs to the vehicles, moving rocks to make a passable road, staying up for night duty around the camp fire as there are wild elephants and lions present, dealing with the intense day time heat and cooler evenings and being in remote areas far from civilisation.

Christopher was one of the 40 out of the 8400 online entries to make it through to Boot camp in De Rust in JHB. Christopher had the added pressure of being the final 2 who made it through based on how many Facebook likes they got.

“Getting through to Boot camp was tough but once I made Boot camp I enjoyed the weekend and was lucky enough to make the final 20. Of course I would love to win the final prize but I’m just going to make the most of my time in Nambia.”

This year’s winning two-person team will each win a Ford Ranger to drive for a year, complete with a R5000 fuel allowance per month, for the year.

To follow the adventure go to : https://www.rangerodyssey.com/