Al Ain: Three Italian brothers who are attempting to set a world record are on a 1,000km off-road expedition around the UAE and their next challenge will be the rugged mountains as they head towards Fujairah.
They have already passed through the barren desert of the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali).
Their attempt will help get them into the Guinness Book of World Records.
The trip started last Friday from the town of Sila in Abu Dhabi's western region. It ends today at Le Meridien Al Aqah in Fujairah.
Paolo Rossetti, 40, and his two brothers - Andrea Rossetti, 38, and Marco Rossetti, 32 - have been riding two KTM 525 XC and 450 XC bikes and a Ford Expedition support vehicle provided by Al Tayer Motors on the trip, along with satellite connectivity, courtesy Red Bull.
Paolo, a student development coordinator at UAE University, said he spent three years in planning the expedition.
"It took us so long since we are not professionals and had to consider all the necessary aspects," he said.
The team has hi-tech support including GPS and real-time satellite tracking. The expedition will be video recorded.
Two of the brothers ride the bikes for three hours while one rides in the support car. They have been changing their positions regularly during the trip. Paolo said his biggest concern was the possibility of straying into neighbouring countries.
He said they have covered 750km after rescheduling their track.
"We had entered into a prohibited area at the UAE-Saudi border and the border patrol sent us back," he said.
The team has not yet strayed into the neighbouring Saudi Arabia or Oman but have been facing severe difficulties on the way.
"We have been stopped three times by the border patrols, and once attacked by more than a dozen wild dogs in the desert," said Paolo who is also the team leader.
Thunderstorm, rain, and cold conditions have also been testing their resolve, but the three brothers are determined to complete the mission.
Paolo said his colleagues at the university have given them a letter explaining the trip in Arabic for any intercepting UAE, Saudi Arabian and Omani border patrols.
The team will be resting at six to nine points on the way, spending nights at tents. Their first stop was in Liwa where their friends set up a desert camp. "It is a marvellous adventure and we have experienced the real beauty of the desert," said Paolo.
Paolo said the brothers have two objectives to achieve through the trip.
They want to set a world record as well as a UAE national record.
"We want to inspire Emirati youths to break the record or improve it later," said Paolo and Marco.
"I am involved with 4,500 students at the UAE University and work on the development of their character. The expedition will help them to think positively and dream high. Dreams need proper planning and untiring efforts to translate into reality and this expedition is all about that," said Paolo.
Daily reports from the trip will be posted on www.emarat4X4.com, an online fraternity of off-road enthusiasts based in the UAE.
