Dambuk Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), Dec 15 (IANS): The annual JK Tyre Orange 4x4 Fury competition, which kicked-off on Saturday in this picturesque valley, is all set to witness an intense rivalry between Chandigarhs Gerrari Off-Roaders and Kochis United Kerala Off-Roaders.

Gerrari have fielded four teams, led by defending champion Kabir Waraich and Gurmeet Singh. United Kerala will be represented by a 22-strong team, as they launch an assault on this coveted title.

Over 50 teams lined up today, including AON Nagaland, who finished second and MOCA Arunachal, who took the third place last year, making it one of the biggest off-roading competitions in the country.

Commenting on the rally, JK Motorsports Head Sanjay Sharma said: "We are delighted to see the way the JK Tyre 4x4 Fury has grown since we conceived it. Today, it is the most important event on the Indian calendar and I am sure we are going to see some serious battles this year too."

This year's edition will offer fans and visitors high adrenaline adventure sporting opportunities like river rafting, dirt cycling and ATV rides deep in the forests.

The teams will have to negotiate two really tough circuits over some 800 metres that will challenge their driving skills, courage and teamwork, as also the sturdiness of their vehicles, ranging from the old faithful Maruti Gypsy to the bulky Sports Utility Vehicle and the Quad.

Their first obstacle course will be the Sisar river on the outskirts of the Dambuk town, that is going to be the venue for the Orange Music Festival this year. Next, the participants will have barely 20 minutes to negotiate a 500-metre course, with a dry river bed and mountains providing spectacular backdrops enhanced by bright sunshine.

In the final stage, the vehicles will have to tackle the Sineh riverbed which is like a 300-metre obstacle course that opens with a steep downhill section requiring the use of winches.