Marrakech, Morocco— Friday, Oct. 2, 1998

	Mad camel

Camel riding lessons a bust

Hear Team Idaho's Muffy Ritz's take on camels

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After many hours of flights, dodgy connections and lost baggage, competitors, crew and media have made their way to Marrakech, Morocco for the '98 Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge.

The 57 teams made up of 220 athletes spend two days going through mandatory equipment checks and competency tests for the more dangerous events — rappelling, horse and camel riding.

"Rumor has it that several teams have already failed on the rappelling course which would eliminate them from certain sections and from overall placings..."

Rumor has it that several teams have already failed on the rappelling course which would eliminate them from certain sections and from overall placings.

Highlight of the day had to be watching nervous competitors have their introduction to camel riding...hear the camel's take on the "getting ridden" situation!
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The introductions went smoothly
The atmosphere about the plush Eco HQ in the hotel Es Saadi is electric. Teams are scrambling for lost baggage and trying to acclimatise themselves to the heat they will have to compete in when the race starts on Tuesday the 6th.

A big factor has also been the reaction to the local food/water which has seen more than a few people suffer the lurgy — NOT a good way to prepare for such a big event. But all part of the territory competing in such an exotic location.

So from here it's more team testing, official receptions, and a whole lot of organizing before things kick off on Tuesday.

Stay tuned

— Chris Vile, Mountain Zone Correspondent

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