Morne Diable Teak Fields in South Trinidad. June 12th, 2005

VIRGIN EXPERIENCE- New member report.
By: Raffick Mohammed.

 My venture into the off-road club commenced on Sunday 12^th. June 2005, as a passenger on trail. It was my first experience and undoubtedly not my last.

My son and I were introduced to the club by Shivanand Maharaj, a co-worker from the Petro-Chemical sector and we attended our first meeting on June7th.2005. The meeting was both impressive and informative and we were invited to one of the scheduled trail expedition and being enthuse we took up the challenge. It was unfortunate that Shiv was unable to attend due to other demanding circumstances, however Mr. Paul Tiah, the clubs’ President had encouraged us to attend.

We were welcomed as club members and treated as family. Let me extend my appreciation at this time to all and on behalf of my son Dameian, I say Thank you.

I was afforded the privilege (and I mean privilege) to ride with Mr. Tiah, also known as  “GRAZER” while Dameian rode with Mr. David Landreth-Smith. From the feedback given by Dameian, David had shared many experiences with him and unknowingly at the time I had returned one of the many owed favors to David by assisting in his “on trail vehicle repairs” being small as it was. I never knew how important a 6mm bolt could become. Special thanks to you David.

Paul Tiah on the other hand had approached the trail very cautiously and was unstoppable. I must mention though, that trail was a grade three. I think he was the Knight in shining amour since he was the only person that was not stuck and had to be given any ‘wrecking’ assistance.

A Tractor had accompanied all members on the trail and thanks to that crew of four, all but the ‘Grazer’ was disabled. The Grazer also assisted in disabling the disabled Tractor.

(May be the grazer should be used as the emergency response unit).

It was an unforgettable experience. Hats off to Shane Blackman, even though stuck at times, has proven to be outstanding by virtue of his experiences.

As a new comer, let me take this opportunity to encourage anyone that reads this article and wishes to be part of an off road club of the following.

• Do not be distracted by the type of vehicles and by the highly experience drivers, but I encourage you to look for what the club stands for.
• The T.T.O.R.C as an organize unit takes great pride in what they do. They look after its members as a family would.
• They respect the environment and do not encourage destruction. I was told that during each adventure, any one vehicle can be discretely used as a mobile trash bin.
• No alcohol drinking is encouraged on the trail and each one looks after others.
• No one is left alone or unsupervised
• The experiences of the group are shared
• Respect for people views and opinion is encouraged

It is one of the fondest ways of utilizing spare time and recreational as it is, it keeps away from idle company and drug influences.

To all members of the club, I say Gods Blessings to you and your families, keep up the good work and may the club grow from strength to strength.

Once again Thank You....Regards.....Raffick/ Dameian.

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