How the Croatia Trophy changed our lives

The idea of angry 4×4′s tearing up ancient forests horrified me. I adore nature and being outdoors. So when we got the chance to attend the Croatia Trophy, I was in a quandry.

On the one hand, not wanting to experience, let alone promote, such destruction … and on the other hand, wanting to know what the 4×4 adventure thing is all about.

The first thing I checked was about the forest. The trophy gets staged in a small part of the Croatian forest that is managed for timber production; providing warmth and energy to homes in the area. The ancient forests are protected. No unleashing of 4x4s. Cool.

What really surprised me though, was the care and attention that Igor, Andelko and the other members of the organisation take when choosing new tracks. With a dual purpose of providing an extra challenge for the contenders and letting Mother Nature recover, last year’s tracks aren’t used again. Bits and pieces of it may criss-cross new tracks, but not the entire route.

We saw tracks that had been used the year, or two, before and they were sprouting major new growth. It occurred to me that a herd of elephants performs the same task of clearing bush in African forests.

Damir recalled a story about the lumberjacks complaining how the trophy was scaring away the wildlife, but then during an investigation by the enviro-cops, some inquisitive wild pigs came to check out what the fuss was about. Classic. The organisation also takes care to leave the forest with tire tracks only. As with the Dakar Rally, there is a sweeper truck to pick up debris.

What tickled me the most though, were the contenders. I expected Neanderthals bent on destroying everything in their path. I’m happy to say I was wrong. Sure, there was the odd caveman behaviour, but on the whole, everyone was enjoying their experience with respect and appreciation.

I also grinned every time I saw someone chasing a frog off the path, away from the pending onslaught. It’s not just me who loves nature and wildlife. My personal highlight had to be the swamp, where I saw a snake slithering away safely and a funky little spider that graced my knee while I was filming. Fabulous!!

But how has the Croatia Trophy changed our life?

We grew up in Africa. Outdoors, adventure, rough and tough … The somewhat clinical lifestyle in Holland left us feeling trapped. The people are friendly, but extremely reserved when making new friends. It can take years before you can integrate. They’re serious too … hell, debating is one of the most popular past-times, with complaining “just because” topping the chart.

Things changed for us when we moved to Lelystad in 2007 and met Rob and Diana; like-minded, easy-going adventurers. Rob is an uber petrol-head and the best spokesman that Land Rover could ever wish for. His passion and enthusiasm is infectious. Not to mention his patience when explaining (yet again) exactly how and when to use the brake.

In the 9th hour, Rob asked Marcel to be a co-driver for the Croatia Trophy because co-owner of the Pink Panther, Jasper couldn’t make it.

Those 10 days changed our perception of living in Holland and Europe.

There’s not just constricting rules and regulations, but also plenty of adventure to be had … and not too far away.

We found our niche. A common interest with a bunch of fabulous folk from all over the world.

My time with the ”press guys” Damir, Carl, Martin and Hans was unforgettable. Their joviality and practical jokes made the time waiting for cars to reach the press points melt away. I learned a lot about Croatia and the affect of the war, and how the Croatians are picking up the pieces. We shared personal triumphs and challenges we’ve faced and got to know each other. I hope it’s the beginning of a very long friendship.

Experiencing the trenches of the trophy, Marcel enjoyed getting to know the other contenders … and learning how to fix a Land Rover in the field. But the best thing for us has to be the comradeship of the whole trophy. People helping each other, becoming friends and loving every single minute of playing in the mud, outdoors in superb nature. As Carl says, “It’s such a privilege to be here.”

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iHifyQvgGE

In the month since the Croatia Trophy, we have been to Axel (Zeeland, south of Holland) with the Land Rover Club Holland and have attended a 4×4 competition in Poland. Never in our wildest dreams would we have thought of going to Croatia … let alone Poland.

Our notion that owning a Land Rover in the Netherlands was stupid because there’s hardly a hill to climb, or nowhere left to drive was extremely short sighted. Having these countries on your doorstep … it’s a whole new playground.

So after applying some good ‘ol fashioned spit and polish, amid a stream of tears, we traded in my beloved, easy-to-drive Megane for a 1985 Land Rover 90. Adventure and comfort are parting ways ‘cos we’re opting for fun!

“Muddy Boots” needs some TLC, but is technically sound. We’re looking forward to customising our new baby, and more importantly, the new adventures we’re gonna face in Europe and beyond …

Thanks Croatia Trophy, we’ll see you next year!

A special thanks for the photos by Damir Pildek and Carl Reuter.