They Made it to Ulaan Bataar
"COME hell or high water" said globe-trotting Oxford father and son back in July, "we are determined to drive 10,000 miles to Mongolia in a clapped-out car bought off eBay".
And on Sunday 17th August at 4am Steve Merrow-Smith and son Will limped into Ulaan Bataar in their Seat Marbella after four broken rear springs leaving their comrades with their broken cars littered across Mongolia, finally meeting up with them all at the finish line outside the Mongolian State Department Store slap in the middle of the city.
They have spent the last few months fixing up their 16-year-old 903cc Seat Marbella ready for the ride of their lives.
The pair left London for Ulaan Bataar in the hope of raising more than £10,000 for the Mercy Corps Mongolia, and The Christina Noble Children's Foundation.
Every year more than 6,000 people apply for 300 starting places in the Mongol Rally and the lucky ones set off in a convoy of jalopies from London's Hyde Park on Saturday, July 19 ready for the big adventure.
The quest could take anything from three weeks to three months to conquer and Will only has a month off work from the Oxford University Press where he works in the subscriptions department.
Steve who works as a gardener handyman as well as struggling to be an artist said "We bought the car off eBay for £150 six months ago and have been testing the car's off road capabilities. It has cart springs at the back which although rugged make for a bouncy ride. It turns out that Lada springs fit too as we managed to snap four, as we were carrying such a large load of 100ltrs of fuel and four spare wheels as well as all the camping gear!"
Will has yet to pass his driving test but now has the necessary skills after his mammoth 30 day 8,000 mile driving lesson.
"Dad used to drive big HGV's on the night shift so when we got behind on our schedule, we'd split the driving and I did the day shift.
"The biggest problem was the state of the roads. Mongolia & Kazakhstan are both the size of Europe but tarmac is a rare sight. It's no surprise that only 60 per cent of cars normally ever finish the rally.
"There's no route, no support crew, no map there were a few scarey moments but it is amazing how people are prepared to lend a hand and save the day."
"We didn't quite make it to the big end-of-rally celebration at Dave's Bar in Ulaan Baatar on Saturday, August 16, but they will did manage to complete their route that included Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and the Ukraine.
From there they drove through Russia, Kazakhstan, back into Russia and finally Mongolia.
Though they have already raised about £1,500 and every penny donated via their "Just Giving" and "Will we make it?" links on their website go directly to their chosen charities.
Steve and Will Merrow-Smith's Charity Appeal
We have nominated two Mongolian Charities and need to raise a minimum £500 for Mercy Corps so please click the logo. Thank you to all who have given towards our handsome £1195 total for Christina Noble Children's Foundation.
The question is...Will We Make It to Ulaan Bataar in a 1992 Seat Marbella?
Friday, 22 August 2008
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Suggestion from Steve Merrow-Smith
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* NOT SPAM! This message was sent from our site to *
* you by the person named below because they felt *
* there was something here of interest to you. *
* This is not a mailing list. *
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Hi merrow-smith.org,
* NOT SPAM! This message was sent from our site to *
* you by the person named below because they felt *
* there was something here of interest to you. *
* This is not a mailing list. *
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Hi merrow-smith.org,
Steve Merrow-Smith stopped by Oxford Mail
website and suggested that you visit the following URL:
http://www.oxfordmail.net/search/display.var.2427324.0.rally_duo_reach_mongolia.php
Here is their message ...
we're in the paper
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Back in GB!
Gem says:
The lads have arrived home. No thanks to baggage delay of over an hour at Gatwick. After a cup of tea, slice of cake and a glass or two of champagne the boys are heading to bed.....
Monday, 18 August 2008
Flights Booked
11.00. Fay said
They now have all their flights booked! Arrive back at Gatwick Tuesday evening. Sounds as though they just want to get back now and enjoy some 'home comforts'.
They now have all their flights booked! Arrive back at Gatwick Tuesday evening. Sounds as though they just want to get back now and enjoy some 'home comforts'.
Mongauloises in Mongolia
nod in the car before heading in to town to the End of the Road finish
line for 6am a mere 11 hours late for the party. We lost one of our
convoy here in this photo as Colin from Team TorbayTourists hit a big
rock the size of a turtle which stopped him dead raising his Panda off
it's rear wheels smashing the gearbox bell housing. 4 hours later we
had helped him get going again by straightening out his engine mounts
only to later fail as sand was scouped up into the clutch and starter
motor and the drive shafts snapped. We left him with a lorry driver
who took him back to the airport.
We now were 2 cars with Lloyd and Simon in their 22yr old 2CV. They
after many repair stops had to quit 31 miles from home with a sheared
suspension arm at 2am on Sunday morning. Steve and Will soldiered on
alone feeling their way through the myriad crisscrossing tracks in the
dark completely exhausted but triumphant. We fly to Berlin tomorrow so
should be back in Blighty shortly after. What a fabulous adventure it
has been and we met up in UB last night with the whole gang. The 2CV
Bristol Heroes had been rescued by a passing lorry when a minibus full
of Mongols hoiked the car by hand onto the truck and brought them in
to town. Naturally many beers later we were still swapping horror
stories but we knew that our little car had stepped up to the
challenge and we too had made it. Viva Les Mongauloises!
Bye Bye Bella!
08.45 Fay said
Steve and Will have just handed over 'Bella' so that she can be repaired before being auctioned for charity. They have booked flights to Berlin for tomorrow - just need to get from Berlin to UK. So we will soon be able to hear all about their amazing adventure first hand!
Steve and Will have just handed over 'Bella' so that she can be repaired before being auctioned for charity. They have booked flights to Berlin for tomorrow - just need to get from Berlin to UK. So we will soon be able to hear all about their amazing adventure first hand!
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Shattered
10.30. Fay said
I spoke to Steve and Will a couple of hours ago, they are shattered but delighted to have reached UB. Steve was very emotional when he was telling me about having to leave Bristol Heroes stranded 30 km from UB. They needed to go on to try and get help to get BH to the finish but fortunately BH flagged down a truck and 10 Mongolians lifted their 2CV onto the back and they finished sat in the car on the back of the truck. Both teams have helped each other through some very tough times and are now going out to get proper food and have a few 'jars' together.
Bella ended the last few km's with one of the new springs flapping in the breeze and a puncture but they made it all the way. Well done and we all admire you both.
They are hoping to organise flights home for Tuesday.
I spoke to Steve and Will a couple of hours ago, they are shattered but delighted to have reached UB. Steve was very emotional when he was telling me about having to leave Bristol Heroes stranded 30 km from UB. They needed to go on to try and get help to get BH to the finish but fortunately BH flagged down a truck and 10 Mongolians lifted their 2CV onto the back and they finished sat in the car on the back of the truck. Both teams have helped each other through some very tough times and are now going out to get proper food and have a few 'jars' together.
Bella ended the last few km's with one of the new springs flapping in the breeze and a puncture but they made it all the way. Well done and we all admire you both.
They are hoping to organise flights home for Tuesday.
Saturday, 16 August 2008
They've made it!
Steve and Will just called from UB. Its 4am their time, they're tired and parked up in a hotel car park but relieved to have made it. They're going to find in and wake up reception then sleep!! Tomorrow they plans to have breakfast and a well deserved pint at Dave's bar.
Crack the champagne open - they bloody did it!!
love Gem xx
400km to UB
10.15. Fay said
Just spoken to Steve and Will and they have reached Arvaikheer. According to other teams its 400km to UB and mostly tarmac! They seem hopeful of joining the party later tonight! Spirits remain high and Bella is running well!
Just spoken to Steve and Will and they have reached Arvaikheer. According to other teams its 400km to UB and mostly tarmac! They seem hopeful of joining the party later tonight! Spirits remain high and Bella is running well!
Friday, 15 August 2008
Burning Bush!
0800. Fay said
Managed to get through to The boys just as they were driving into Bayankhongor where they need to find a welder! The additional springs have made a big difference to Bella but she has taken a knock at the front and the sump guard needs securing. Steve said this happened when they hit a boulder in one of the deep corrigated tracks! Bristol Heroes need a new shock absorber. They have been chasing one of the local buses - a large 4 x 4 - which takes 2 days to drive non stop at 45 mph from Altai to UB. At least they knew they were heading in the right direction!
They camped out in the desert last night and couldn't find any wood for a fire so set light to a bush!
They sounded very upbeat and now realise why they felt so 'odd' when we last spoke. They were beginning to wonder if they were ill but it was the effect of the high altitude.
Some teams say its 600km from Bayankhongor to UB and others say its 300km so I think there is some confusion between miles and km's! We don't really know how far they have to go but whatever it will be tough to reach UB in time for the party tomorrow night.
Managed to get through to The boys just as they were driving into Bayankhongor where they need to find a welder! The additional springs have made a big difference to Bella but she has taken a knock at the front and the sump guard needs securing. Steve said this happened when they hit a boulder in one of the deep corrigated tracks! Bristol Heroes need a new shock absorber. They have been chasing one of the local buses - a large 4 x 4 - which takes 2 days to drive non stop at 45 mph from Altai to UB. At least they knew they were heading in the right direction!
They camped out in the desert last night and couldn't find any wood for a fire so set light to a bush!
They sounded very upbeat and now realise why they felt so 'odd' when we last spoke. They were beginning to wonder if they were ill but it was the effect of the high altitude.
Some teams say its 600km from Bayankhongor to UB and others say its 300km so I think there is some confusion between miles and km's! We don't really know how far they have to go but whatever it will be tough to reach UB in time for the party tomorrow night.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Bristol Heroes Blog - courtesy of Rachel
Latest from Simon in Altai
At 06:47 on 14-08-2008 Simon said...
Rachel says...Simon phoned this morning which was great as I could check up on him after the drama of the engine fire. He's ok but he has burnt his hands which sensibly he has bandaged up and put some cream on (they had a good first aid kit so no worries there).
They met up with Steve and Will (Les Mongauloises) in Altai last night and both cars have had some repairs this morning (DaNiTA the 2CV needed a new shock absorber). They are now back on the road heading for Bayanhongor. It might be a bit tight to make it to Ulaan Bataar for Saturday (the official end of the rally) but I think both teams are confident they will make it.
As suspected sad news for Colin the Torbay Tourist. His car hit a rock on the road and basically the engine was on the road! A massive bodge from Colin and Simon saw the engine back in place only for the drive shaft to go 90km later. Truly heroic efforts and well done to Colin for getting to Mongolia - we'll see you for a few beers back in the UK!
Both teams are having phone problems so contact is difficult in this later stage but one thing I was keen to ask Simon about this morning was why, even though we had had no contact, had he burnt through £30 in 3 days on his mobile phone. Simon is not even sure he still has his mobile phone so my suspicians that I was funding some Mongol's international calls are probably correct - sorry I'm cutting you off!
At 06:47 on 14-08-2008 Simon said...
Rachel says...Simon phoned this morning which was great as I could check up on him after the drama of the engine fire. He's ok but he has burnt his hands which sensibly he has bandaged up and put some cream on (they had a good first aid kit so no worries there).
They met up with Steve and Will (Les Mongauloises) in Altai last night and both cars have had some repairs this morning (DaNiTA the 2CV needed a new shock absorber). They are now back on the road heading for Bayanhongor. It might be a bit tight to make it to Ulaan Bataar for Saturday (the official end of the rally) but I think both teams are confident they will make it.
As suspected sad news for Colin the Torbay Tourist. His car hit a rock on the road and basically the engine was on the road! A massive bodge from Colin and Simon saw the engine back in place only for the drive shaft to go 90km later. Truly heroic efforts and well done to Colin for getting to Mongolia - we'll see you for a few beers back in the UK!
Both teams are having phone problems so contact is difficult in this later stage but one thing I was keen to ask Simon about this morning was why, even though we had had no contact, had he burnt through £30 in 3 days on his mobile phone. Simon is not even sure he still has his mobile phone so my suspicians that I was funding some Mongol's international calls are probably correct - sorry I'm cutting you off!
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Repairs.
05.15. Fay said
Steve phoned at 5am (!) to say that they are having phone problems. The good news is that a mechanic who repairs the cars (that make it to UB) before they are auctioned for charity, has welded some additional springs on to Bella to give them extra clearance. Will said he didn't want to see under the wheel arches ever again! They are just waiting for Bristol Heroes to have a new bolt fitted and then they are off again.
They were travelling at 10 mph for much of yesterday so did not cover too much ground! Confidence is now high and they assure me they WILL make it.
Steve phoned at 5am (!) to say that they are having phone problems. The good news is that a mechanic who repairs the cars (that make it to UB) before they are auctioned for charity, has welded some additional springs on to Bella to give them extra clearance. Will said he didn't want to see under the wheel arches ever again! They are just waiting for Bristol Heroes to have a new bolt fitted and then they are off again.
They were travelling at 10 mph for much of yesterday so did not cover too much ground! Confidence is now high and they assure me they WILL make it.
They are safe!
16.30. Fay said
I have just heard from the boys who are safe - thank goodness! They have had a nightmare ride but can see lights ahead hopefully Altai. Torbay Tourists who were in their convoy smashed their gearbox on a rock which delayed the convoy for 2 days - unfortunately TT have had to give up.
Steve and Will have been with Bristol Heroes but both have had some car problems. Bella has had another broken spring and also developed a 'clunking' noise and they have had to dump the roof rack to get rid of some weight!
They sound a little down and shattered! Hopefully the terrain may improve slightly and make the going a little easier.
I have just heard from the boys who are safe - thank goodness! They have had a nightmare ride but can see lights ahead hopefully Altai. Torbay Tourists who were in their convoy smashed their gearbox on a rock which delayed the convoy for 2 days - unfortunately TT have had to give up.
Steve and Will have been with Bristol Heroes but both have had some car problems. Bella has had another broken spring and also developed a 'clunking' noise and they have had to dump the roof rack to get rid of some weight!
They sound a little down and shattered! Hopefully the terrain may improve slightly and make the going a little easier.
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
No Updates!
10.30. Fay said
Have not heard anything from the boys since their SMS messages on Sunday! Have checked 'Bristol Heroes' site as they were convoying with them and no news there either! The last I heard was they were heading south to Khovd and then Altai. Will post any news I get as soon as it comes in!
Have not heard anything from the boys since their SMS messages on Sunday! Have checked 'Bristol Heroes' site as they were convoying with them and no news there either! The last I heard was they were heading south to Khovd and then Altai. Will post any news I get as soon as it comes in!
Saturday, 9 August 2008
A Mongolian Ger (Yurt)
Perhaps this would solve the UK housing crisis?
Build your own Yurt!
Etiquette
Traditionally, anyone stopping outside of a ger is invited in for a meal, a sheep is killed for the feast (more practical on the lonely steppes of Mongolia than in this overcrowded island). When entering the yurt it is considered impolite to step on the threshold or to hold onto the ropes. The traditional greeting offered by the visitor consists of four questions: are you well?, is your family well?, are your cattle/sheep fat?, is the grass good? the answer to each of these questions is yes, whatever the reality. After exchanging greetings the guest is offered tea, followed by airag and then yoghurt. Visitors to a Kalmuk yurt are offered arak, distilled spirit of airag, three glasses must be drunk in rapid succession. Following these formalities men exchange snuff and the party can become more relaxed. At the meal the guest carves and shares the meat.
There are a number of rules which guests should follow. All weapons should be left outside, do not step on the threshold, point your feet at or put rubbish on the fire. Do not sit with your back to the altar, whistle, write in red pen, step over older people or point a knife at anyone. One should take at least a little of any food or drink offered. When offered arak or vodka flick a small amount to the sky, the wind and the earth before drinking.
Text lifted from www.woodlandyurts.co.uk
Gem xx
Gert hotel
16.30. Fay said
Latest text: We're with others at a Gert Hotel for $20 for the two of us. Got through the border at 14.30. Took really slow third gear road! Like Donkey Lane surface but set on Mars or the moon if there were cows and grass there! Massive hill stopped us - 1 in 4 - half way up. Bella ran out of grip at the goose neck as we took avoiding action from boulders and deep ruts. Stopped and had a think as we were looking down at the peaks! A Spanish team in a fiesta were stopped at the same place. So we agreed on the best course. In first gear we went hell for leather all the way to the top. The fiesta followed and the two passengers had to walk up 2000m! A Mongolian has told us that we will be ok now for any other slopes as this is the worst. A few miles along the ridge and a perfect black tarmac road appeared (as if in a dream) which ran 30km into town! Will took over and smiled at the thought of driving in Mongolia. Scenery stunning and we're in a Gert.
Latest text: We're with others at a Gert Hotel for $20 for the two of us. Got through the border at 14.30. Took really slow third gear road! Like Donkey Lane surface but set on Mars or the moon if there were cows and grass there! Massive hill stopped us - 1 in 4 - half way up. Bella ran out of grip at the goose neck as we took avoiding action from boulders and deep ruts. Stopped and had a think as we were looking down at the peaks! A Spanish team in a fiesta were stopped at the same place. So we agreed on the best course. In first gear we went hell for leather all the way to the top. The fiesta followed and the two passengers had to walk up 2000m! A Mongolian has told us that we will be ok now for any other slopes as this is the worst. A few miles along the ridge and a perfect black tarmac road appeared (as if in a dream) which ran 30km into town! Will took over and smiled at the thought of driving in Mongolia. Scenery stunning and we're in a Gert.
They are in Mongolia!!
14.30. Fay said
Just had a message to say they have reached Olgii and that Will drove. So they obviously did get through the border late yesterday or this morning! Great news!
Just had a message to say they have reached Olgii and that Will drove. So they obviously did get through the border late yesterday or this morning! Great news!
Friday, 8 August 2008
Latest
18.30. Fay said
Latest text from Steve says that the welded spring has been fitted and strengthened by 2 Mongolian guys. Have had tea, honey and bread at a local farm and now the vodka is coming out!! Only 10 cars got through the border.
I am unsure whether that means that they were one of the ten cars or whether they are still waiting!
Latest text from Steve says that the welded spring has been fitted and strengthened by 2 Mongolian guys. Have had tea, honey and bread at a local farm and now the vodka is coming out!! Only 10 cars got through the border.
I am unsure whether that means that they were one of the ten cars or whether they are still waiting!
Update
11.00am Fay said
Just heard from the boys again. They are still waiting at the border - 5 cars have been let through including Teams Top Gun and Panda Hands who they convoyed with on the stretch to Prague. A Mongolian family who are in front of them are confident that they will all get through. We wait to hear!! They are hoping that if they manage to get through the Russian side today, they will wait in no man's land overnight and have been told that the Mongolian side is open tomorrow morning!
It appears that they arrived at the border with a scaffolding pole and lorry strap holding one side of the car up! Steve said everyone was very impressed with his modifications! A 'local' has welded the old spring for £5 but Steve still has to fit it back on the car. They have also been given a spare spring by an Italian team so at least they are a little prepared for more of the same or worse roads!
Steve said they absolutely STINK but they had to drive through the night to make the border, stopping only for a couple of hours sleep by the side of the road. They said that the scenery was stunning with some wonderful lakes that they wanted to jump into but were not able to make the most of it due to limited time.
They send their love to everyone.
Just heard from the boys again. They are still waiting at the border - 5 cars have been let through including Teams Top Gun and Panda Hands who they convoyed with on the stretch to Prague. A Mongolian family who are in front of them are confident that they will all get through. We wait to hear!! They are hoping that if they manage to get through the Russian side today, they will wait in no man's land overnight and have been told that the Mongolian side is open tomorrow morning!
It appears that they arrived at the border with a scaffolding pole and lorry strap holding one side of the car up! Steve said everyone was very impressed with his modifications! A 'local' has welded the old spring for £5 but Steve still has to fit it back on the car. They have also been given a spare spring by an Italian team so at least they are a little prepared for more of the same or worse roads!
Steve said they absolutely STINK but they had to drive through the night to make the border, stopping only for a couple of hours sleep by the side of the road. They said that the scenery was stunning with some wonderful lakes that they wanted to jump into but were not able to make the most of it due to limited time.
They send their love to everyone.
Made it!
0845. Fay said
They have made it to the border but NO cars have been allowed through so it could be a long weekend
They have made it to the border but NO cars have been allowed through so it could be a long weekend
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Good and Bad News
0700: Fay said
The good news is that Steve and Will are 50km from the Mongolian border at Tsagaanuur! There are lots of other rally teams in the area. 11 teams have been waiting at the border for 5 hours so lets hope that LesMongauloises make it through before it closes for the weekend.
The bad news is that one of the springs has broken again! Steve has put a scaffolding pole in as a temporary repair! But whatever they have nearly reached Mongolia!!! Amazing.
The good news is that Steve and Will are 50km from the Mongolian border at Tsagaanuur! There are lots of other rally teams in the area. 11 teams have been waiting at the border for 5 hours so lets hope that LesMongauloises make it through before it closes for the weekend.
The bad news is that one of the springs has broken again! Steve has put a scaffolding pole in as a temporary repair! But whatever they have nearly reached Mongolia!!! Amazing.
300 miles until Mongolia
At 16.45 Steve said
300 miles to go until the Mongolian border. Roads good so far and no trouble from the plod!
300 miles to go until the Mongolian border. Roads good so far and no trouble from the plod!
Pushing On!
At 12:28 on 07-08-2008 Steve said...
About 100km from Barnaul. Then southeast to Tashanta. Will push on for a bit if roads stay ok.
About 100km from Barnaul. Then southeast to Tashanta. Will push on for a bit if roads stay ok.
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Border
At 07:16 on 07-08-2008 Steve said...
Waiting to get into Russia. Long wait in the sun - 4 hrs so far. When we finally get through it's a 1000km drive to the Mongolian border!
Waiting to get into Russia. Long wait in the sun - 4 hrs so far. When we finally get through it's a 1000km drive to the Mongolian border!
What a day!
3pm. Fay said
Just had a text to say the boys have arrived in Semey and were met by a chap from RBS and his wife who showed them where to get money and sorted them out with a hotel for the night. Steve said they are absolutely FILTHY and in need of a good shower!!!!
Lada springs that were fitted to the car earlier today are no better or worse than the originals but at least they are complete! There is a knocking noise as the rubber bushes that were fitted with the old springs are no longer there!
They are heading for the Russian border tomorrow and he said compared with what they have gone through today the distance is nothing! Lets hope he is right!
Looking at the SMS messages from other teams it appears lots of cars have taken a real bashing in Kaz. Fingers crossed Bella will make it to UB.
Amazingly they seem in good spirits and determined to go all the way.
Just had a text to say the boys have arrived in Semey and were met by a chap from RBS and his wife who showed them where to get money and sorted them out with a hotel for the night. Steve said they are absolutely FILTHY and in need of a good shower!!!!
Lada springs that were fitted to the car earlier today are no better or worse than the originals but at least they are complete! There is a knocking noise as the rubber bushes that were fitted with the old springs are no longer there!
They are heading for the Russian border tomorrow and he said compared with what they have gone through today the distance is nothing! Lets hope he is right!
Looking at the SMS messages from other teams it appears lots of cars have taken a real bashing in Kaz. Fingers crossed Bella will make it to UB.
Amazingly they seem in good spirits and determined to go all the way.
All fixed!
09:15. Fay said:
Just spoken to Steve again and the 2nd spring has been fitted and they have been taken back to the locals tiny house and are eating Melon in front of the TV. They are not sure how long they are expected to stay so will 'go with the flow' so to speak! What amazing people.
When they get going again they will continue to head for Semey, hopefully later today.
Steve said this was a reality check and he now has full respect to others who have completed the rally.
Just spoken to Steve again and the 2nd spring has been fitted and they have been taken back to the locals tiny house and are eating Melon in front of the TV. They are not sure how long they are expected to stay so will 'go with the flow' so to speak! What amazing people.
When they get going again they will continue to head for Semey, hopefully later today.
Steve said this was a reality check and he now has full respect to others who have completed the rally.
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Update
07.40. Fay said:
The latest news is that the locals have returned with two springs. One is already fitted but the second one is proving a bit more difficult! What service.
More later
The latest news is that the locals have returned with two springs. One is already fitted but the second one is proving a bit more difficult! What service.
More later
Middle of nowhere!!
Fay said:
Woken this morning at 5.45 by call from the boys. They have two broken rear springs and are stuck in the middle of nowhere approx 285 km from Semey. A passing motorist (who's passenger spoke a little English) stopped to ask what they could do to help and has taken one of the old springs with them to the nearest village to see if they can get a part or some help!
Steve is now trying to secure some blocks of wood to stop the wheels rubbing and hoping that if they don't see the 'helpful motorist' again they will be able to limp to the next village for repairs! Of course they are fully loaded with fuel with all the weight being at the back.
They are safe and there are other car/lorries passing along the track so feel confident that they will get going again!
I think they phoned me as we had given them telephone numbers of contacts at RBS in Kaz. Steve spoke to one of them yesterday who told them not to go on this road but being as all the locals seemed to be heading in this direction they thought they would take a chance as the choice was a 600km detour!!!
I will post news as and when it comes through.
Woken this morning at 5.45 by call from the boys. They have two broken rear springs and are stuck in the middle of nowhere approx 285 km from Semey. A passing motorist (who's passenger spoke a little English) stopped to ask what they could do to help and has taken one of the old springs with them to the nearest village to see if they can get a part or some help!
Steve is now trying to secure some blocks of wood to stop the wheels rubbing and hoping that if they don't see the 'helpful motorist' again they will be able to limp to the next village for repairs! Of course they are fully loaded with fuel with all the weight being at the back.
They are safe and there are other car/lorries passing along the track so feel confident that they will get going again!
I think they phoned me as we had given them telephone numbers of contacts at RBS in Kaz. Steve spoke to one of them yesterday who told them not to go on this road but being as all the locals seemed to be heading in this direction they thought they would take a chance as the choice was a 600km detour!!!
I will post news as and when it comes through.
Monday, 4 August 2008
Karaghanda
At 20:06 on 04-08-2008 Steve said...
Arrived in Karaghanda at 2330 and checked into hotel. No food in hotel so eating from supplies! Good straight roads but they don't dip their headlights for ages. Semey maybe border tomorrow. Amazing coming in off the desert! Think Bella's solenoid choked, needed push start but otherwise good except random warning light display as we came into town. Think she has had enough for one day!!!!!
Arrived in Karaghanda at 2330 and checked into hotel. No food in hotel so eating from supplies! Good straight roads but they don't dip their headlights for ages. Semey maybe border tomorrow. Amazing coming in off the desert! Think Bella's solenoid choked, needed push start but otherwise good except random warning light display as we came into town. Think she has had enough for one day!!!!!
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Mongol Rally 2008 London Start
Found this on youtube (courtesy of stephenpriddy). Notice that the boys are the first (red) vehicle behind the ambulance nearest the camera! Look close to see our friend Fay dip into shot (green top)!
This is what the boys have to look forward to....
Gem xx
Track the teams!
Going from this map it seems that the boys are right up there near the front!
Track the teams
love Gem
Aral
At 14:26 on 02-08-2008 Steve said...
Arrived in Aral with Infinite Improbability Drive. Camped last night in desert half way along 650km sand track. Bella a star with new fuel filter. 4000 ding dand does a night in classic Graham Greene hotel and there's a bar....hallelulia..bug free with the odd mouche!
Arrived in Aral with Infinite Improbability Drive. Camped last night in desert half way along 650km sand track. Bella a star with new fuel filter. 4000 ding dand does a night in classic Graham Greene hotel and there's a bar....hallelulia..bug free with the odd mouche!
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