Journey of a lifetime

FOR AN adventurer like Rizal Khalif, the opportunity to drive a dog sled 300km through the Arctic wilderness from Signaldalen in Norway to Vakkarajarvi in Sweden was a challenge he just could not pass up.
The Fjällräven Polar was initiated by Fjällräven, a Swedish outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment company. Inspired by the legendary Iditarod Race, it ran from 1997 right up to 2006 as an annual endurance race for ordinary folk.
Then, in 2012, Fjällräven Polar resumed, but with a new focus. Now, 20 ordinary people from all over the world would be invited to go on this epic journey of a lifetime.
Fjällräven Polar 2018 is taking place from April 9 to 14. And Rizal, 43, a father-of-five who works as the group corporate facilities head at Malaysia Airlines, will be one of those 20 riding in the Artic wilderness.

“Adventure is in me,” said Rizal. “I have always liked adventure. Even when I was 13, I used to travel alone.”
He had wanted to go backpacking through either the Arctic or Antarctic last year, but changed his mind when he discovered it would be too expensive.
He later saw an advertisement looking for participants for the Fjällräven Polar on Instagram, and decided to try his luck.
Those interested in trying out for the Fjällräven Polar need to submit images and videos of themselves to Fjällräven’s dedicated Polar website.

Participants are chosen based on the Fjällräven market regions. Key ones like Germany, the UK and Sweden each get two spots – one chosen by public votes, the other by the Fjällräven jury.
Other smaller markets are grouped together. Malaysia falls under the Asia/Oceania region, together with China,Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
Rizal earned his spot on the team with a total of 6,613 votes from members of the public.
According to him, the organisers have not given him specific guidelines on what he needs to do to prepare for the trip.
He decided to work out, and also gain some weight, as previous participants reportedly lost up to 15kg during the race.
Rizal also has several concerns, aside from the weather.
“The trickiest part about this event is that it involves dogs,” he said. “[Many] Muslims asked me if this is something we are allowed to do.
“I sought the help of the Mufti Wilayah from the Jabatan Agama Islam, and they were happy to help. In fact, they are excited about it.”
Rizal was told that when Malaysia’s first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor went into space in 2007, it helped develop a guideline for space travel.
It was felt that Rizal’s participation in a dog-sledding event would also help produce a guideline for similar events in the future.
Rizal also is wary of dogs. However, he has contacted a local dog trainer to help him overcome his fear.
But that’s not the biggest issue for Rizal.
“My biggest concern is how I am going to relieve myself. It sounds funny, but it is true!
“I have to wear up to three or four layers of clothing, and then at the same time, you have to follow the sleds in front of you. When to stop to relieve yourself, or even if you can relieve yourself, will be one of the biggest challenges.”