EXCITEMENT thrummed in the air, along with the hum of 4-runners, as more than 50 of them gathered for the seventh Epic Savannah Drive, starting at Yarrowkabra Village on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway last week Sunday.
Dirt bikes and ‘quads’ (the 4-wheel variety) along with ATVs, wheeled between the milling throng of drivers and passengers preparing to hit the trail on this Drive, organised by Savannah Tours Guyana.
I hitched a ride with a first-time participant like myself, who hailed from Trinidad and Tobago, and was driving a spanking new Suzuki Jimny, nicknamed the ‘Guyanese Mountain Goat’, and rightly so as it later proved on the trail.
Before we set off, I accompanied the driver, Jeevan Maharaj, as he expertly manoeuvred the vehicle over a steep sand bank, tilted at a 45-degree angle over logs embedded in the sand, and achieved balance on a see-sawing ramp.
This was all part of a mini test course set up by organiser, Shane D’Andrade to give drivers a taste of conditions they were likely to encounter on their close to 30-mile journey.
THE TRAIL
This being the rainy season, the meandering trail was, for the most part, underwater. At one point it was so deep that the vehicles were brought to a halt, while trail guides, who monitored the entire route, waded in to check the depth and advise drivers on a path through.
The ‘convoy’ snaked its way through terrain that alternately switched from dense forest to sprawling savannah.
At times the water splashed high on bonnets and windscreens, even spraying in through open windows, while the slushy terrain taxed both the drivers and their vehicles. Not surprisingly, some did get stuck, but crews were on hand to pull them out.
VILLAGE STOPS AND SILICA CITY
We were greeted, on entering Swan Village – our first stop – by smiling, waving residents. Many held cellphones at the ready, taking photos and making videos.
When we pulled in, parking in organised ranks, folks happily disembarked to stretch their legs and chat. Amateur archers tried their hand at hitting targets set up at a designated distance, instructed by helpers in Pro-Archers jerseys. One man could be heard announcing loudly, to much laughter, “Ah thinking about it; ah never try it”. Others were egged on to ‘have a go’ by friends and family.
A drive through the vast expanse of Silica City, heralded as Guyana’s newest city-in-the-making, afforded us a glimpse of what is to come, with extensive road and building construction in progress.
The next stop at Laluni Village saw many tinkering with engines, snacking, strolling around, or just gathering in groups discussing this and other trail drives. One man pointed to a passing vehicle, telling his friend, “Ya see duh, although it got 4-wheel Drive, we had to pull it out one time”.
THE FINISH
On the way to the finish, proclaimed by a large banner at the Savannah Tours Park, the trail was lined with fruit and coconut trees, plantain and banana plants, with glimpses of chicken pens attesting to the agricultural nature of the surrounding communities.
There followed a few dirt bike, ATV and vehicle races across a slushy course, testing the ability of drivers and the capability of their vehicles. Those with tickets headed for the food tent, which offered barbecue chicken and drinks as the trail-weary took the opportunity to relax in their vehicles, some bringing out packed lunches.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Throughout the Drive, organiser D’Andrade, with seven years of experience hosting this event, could be seen driving and doubling back on the well-signposted trail, offering advice and ensuring drivers did not stray off course.
He was ably assisted by guides and monitors, some on ATVs and scramblers others on foot, many of whom were family members, decked out in yellow tee shirts emblazoned with the Savannah Tours logo and those of sponsors.
“This is a family affair,” he proudly told me, explaining that his brothers, nieces, nephews, children and even his parents pitched in to ensure the success of the Drive.
However, he also credited Mr. Rahaman from ‘Rent a Tent’ for “always seeing my vision and supporting me”, and John from Cole Screen Printing who, “always had our back and made us look proper”.
The drive organiser was also thankful to all his sponsors, including Beharry and Sons, for helping to make this drive a reality. The event ended with a ‘wash down’ at the Savannah Tours headquarters in Yarrowkabra.
But I still seem to hear those beating engines, the whine of the dirt bikes and ATVs as they passed us on the trail and in my mind’s eye, picture those dirty, sand-splattered vehicles, with their happy, weary and sometimes equally dirty drivers and passengers. I have now experienced what a Savannah Drive is all about. It was an unforgettable experience. Epic.
COMING SOON
D’Andrade, the motive force behind this Epic Savannah Drive, has announced his plan to hold a Summer Savannah Picnic to run races and distribute trophies, which could not be done on the Savannah Drive owing to time limitations.
“We want this to be a unique camping and off-road experience for the entire family…we plan to hold more races and hand out more trophies,” he told me, adding that the date for the event will be publicised shortly.
He invites sponsors to ‘come on board’ and help Guyanese to venture out and enjoy the natural beauty of our country. Having had a taste of it, I certainly intend to be there!
