“It’s on steep declines that the Adidas Terrex Agravic kicks impress the most”
“I crawl over the boulders, scared I’ll rip the Range Rover’s bumper off”
On the occasions that I do refer to my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, it copes admirably with getting soaking-wet after puddle-jumps. IP68 waterproofing is just one of the phone’s many fantastic features.
The final stretch is marked with steep rocks but, armed with grippy kicks and lightweight kit, I explode up this section, leaving the car in my wake. No amount of kit can stop the acid in my thighs on the finish line, but it’s worth it to taste victory. I expect a Star Wars- style medal ceremony but get a bottle of water instead – which is probably better. I won, and not even a teary-eyed Spencer whinging about comfort can take that away from me.
the Race from Spencer’s perspective:
This whole shebang started during a spirited conversation over a pint. “F**k off! There’s no way you’re faster than a Land Rover,” I spluttered, fuelled by liquid courage. Fast forward two weeks, and we’re standing in a muddy forest, surrounded by flies, with a 10km route in front of us.
The excuses start early. Luke is stiff due to “over-training”, while I’m worried about tyre pressure and whether I’ll have to pay for any damage to the Range Rover. I climb in, set the air-con to a crisp 18 degrees, and move my seat into the perfect position. Once I’m comfy, it’s time to prepare the vehicle for the first part of the race. This means increasing the ride height (which is easy, thanks to the air suspension), setting the Terrain Response system to ‘Mud and Ruts’, and engaging the low-range gearbox to help get traction. It doesn’t take long and is easy to do, despite Luke’s incessant complaints about the smell outside.
I signal to Luke that I’m ready, and before I know it, he’s torn off through the dense forest. My start is a little slower – whereas he can take the most direct route, I’m confined to a narrow, waterlogged path. The water is full of mud, so I can’t see how deep it is. A few taps on the InControl screen brings up the vehicle’s wade sensors, which tell me the depth of the water and if I’m in too deep. This stops me from flooding the engine and requiring a tow.
Once out of the forest, it’s time to descend into the valley. Despite Luke’s quick start, I manage to draw level with him, until we come to a 45-degree incline. I slow to a complete stop while Luke ploughs on. This isn’t a slope you’d drive down in a regular car – it’s almost vertical. But I engage Hill Descent Control, which will enable me to drive down the slope without touching the brake pedal, and pull up to the brink. The Range Rover slowly rolls over the edge. Releasing the brake pedal is petrifying, like I’m on some kind of theme-park ride, but the HDC system quickly kicks in and the ABS rolls me safely down to terra firma.
I can see Luke in the distance. Between us is a flat, open field. Perfect – I can finally use the full potential of that massive diesel engine. With ‘Grass, Gravel, Snow’ selected in the Terrain Response System, I floor the throttle and catch up with Luke in no time. I consider running him over and storming to victory, but I settle for steamrolling past, just close enough to kick dust into his face.
I approach the final obstacle – a rock climb. Reverting to low range, I crawl over the boulders, scared I’ll rip the bumper off. Out of nowhere, Luke comes tearing past, jumping from rock to rock like Spider-Man.
After successfully negotiating the rock crawl with all bumpers intact, I’m able to stretch the Range Rover’s legs again. But it’s too late. As I tear up the hill overlooking Eastnor Castle, Luke comes into view, bent double at the finish line trying to catch his breath. I pull up beside him, trying not to look dejected. While Luke gloats, I decide that, even though he’s ‘technically’ won, my journey was more comfy and enjoyable – so who really won? I’ll let you decide...