- Title: Egypt motorcycle rally takes on stunning western desert
- Date: 5th January 2017
- Summary: FAYOUM, EGYPT (JANUARY 4, 2017) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF MEMBERS OF EGYPT RALLY TEAM ON MOTORBIKES IN THE DESERT MEMBERS OF EGYPT RALLY TEAM GETTING READY TO RIDE TWO MEN RIDING THEIR MOTORBIKES, DOING STUNTS VARIOUS OF RALLY TEAM MEMBER RIDING MOTORBIKE THROUGH DESERT (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) KHALED NASSER, MEMBER OF EGYPT RALLY TEAM, SAYING: "It started off as a hobby, because we all like motorcycles, and because the roads in Egypt aren't safe or exciting for riding, we decided to try off-road riding. I personally began five years ago, some others started before me, and they've been riding off-road for seven or 10 years. We formed a group together to take trips and adventures in various locations across Egypt. Egypt's desert is magical, and we fell in love with the sport, not just because of the sporting aspect of it, but also because of the fun and adventure." VARIOUS OF RALLY TEAM MEMBER RIDING BIKE THROUGH DESERT (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ISLAM AL-SHEIKH, SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND MEMBER OF EGYPT RALLY TEAM, SAYING: "I've been riding since I was young, since I was about 11 years old, so I've been involved in off-road sports my entire life, and I like motorcycles and the desert, and at the same time I'm fond of adventure." VIEW OF "MAGIC LAKE" / RACER RIDING IN THE DESERT IN BACKGROUND RACER RIDING THROUGH DESERT ALONG THE LAKE VARIOUS OF RALLY MEMBER RIDING THROUGH DESERT (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) KHALED KABO, MEMBER OF EGYPT RALLY TEAM AND SAFARI TRIPS ORGANIZER, SAYING: "Ninety percent of Egypt is off-road, or desert, the country itself is only 10 percent of the million square kilometres, so why shouldn't we use that space? That 90 percent that's all off-road. Also, Egypt is known for its touristy sites, such as that in the western desert." VARIOUS OF RACERS RIDING THROUGH DESERT
- Embargoed: 20th January 2017 13:07
- Keywords: Egypt motorcycle rally desert landscape sports tourism
- Location: FAYOUM, EGYPT
- City: FAYOUM, EGYPT
- Country: Egypt
- Topics: Living/Lifestyle,Society/Social Issues
- Reuters ID: LVA0015XT0UOL
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A group of rally racers are taking their motorbikes off-road to explore some of Egypt's majestic deserts.
The enthusiasts travel around the country each week, choosing a different location for their adrenaline-charged activities.
This week, the destination is Fayoum's Wadi al-Rayan just south of Cairo, which is known for its soft sand and breathtaking scenery.
Khaled Nasser, one of the founders of Egypt Rally Team, says the rally is more than just a sport for the participants.
"It started off as a hobby, because we all like motorcycles, and because the roads in Egypt aren't safe or exciting for riding, we decided to try off-road riding. I personally began 5 years ago, some others started before me, and they've been riding off-road for seven or 10 years. We formed a group together to take trips and adventures in various locations across Egypt. Egypt's desert is magical, and we fell in love with the sport, not just because of the sporting aspect of it, but also because of the fun and adventure," Nasser told Reuters.
Desert motorbike rally can also be counted as extreme sports because riders climb mountains and take high jumps, he added.
Islam al-Sheikh has been riding since a young age and loves to explore the deserts on his bike.
"I've been riding since I was young, since I was about 11 years old, so I've been involved in off-road sports my entire life, and I like motorcycles and the desert, and at the same time I'm fond of adventure," said al-Sheikh, who is a school principal by profession.
Like al-Sheikh, other team members have full-time jobs that aren't disrupted by their once-a-week rally ride.
One member says it would be a shame not to make the most of Egypt's vast desert terrain.
"Ninety percent of Egypt is off-road, or desert, the country itself is only 10 percent of the million square kilometres, so why shouldn't we use that space? That 90 percent that's all off-road. Also, Egypt is known for its touristy sites, such as that in the western desert," said Khaled Kabo, a member of Egypt Rally Team and an organizer of Safari trips.
The team takes safety seriously, and its members ride in full protective gear, including arm braces, knee guards and helmets. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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