Over 200 women from around the globe will head to Morocco on March 19th, 2011 to compete in the 21st edition of the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, the only all-women rally raid in the world.
Traditional navigation is the name of the game through the nine days, where competitors can only use a compass, 1:100,000 scale maps and a ruler. Binoculars, mobile phones and GPS devices are forbidden! While speed is necessary to hit all of your checkpoints, the winning score is determined by the fewest number of kilometers. Meaning, competitors must take the shortest route through the desert, making excellent navigation and smart driving a must. On top of that, the winners and participants are awarded with pride and celebration, there is no prize money or trophies.
The nine-day event is comprised of one prologue day and six competition legs. Two of the legs are marathon legs where teams must camp in the desert without mechanical support from the bivouac or re-fueling. The “Gazelles,” as the competitors are referred to, drive through two of the most famous and scenic dunes in Northern Africa - Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga.
Participants compete in one of three categories: 4WD Truck, Quad or Motorbike and Crossover.
Along the way the Rallye features a medical caravan that plans to provide over 5,000 medical screenings and treatments to remote villages. Organizers also work to provide job training and education to women in the areas the Rallye travels through as well as build schools and support orphanages and sustainable building.
The Rallye was started in 1990 as a project to improve the image of women and help to dispel prejudices. It has grown into one of the most popular motorsports events in France.
Thanks to the US team's Emily Miller as well as Maienga, founders of the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles and the Raid Etudiant, for use of the Rallye images and information.
For more information on the Rallye or if you are looking to compete please visit Rallye Aicha des Gazelles.
