Where? With what?
In 2011 I learned about Rally Mongolia (which is basically a trip from London to Ulaanbaatar in a small car) and exchanged a few emails with one of the organizers. Ultimately, I settled on a Trabant - which seemed appropriate, as this car's engine is not only small (hey, no kidding at 36 cubic inches / 595 ccm, 2 stroke, 27 HP on a new engine), but it was also built in the communist Eastern Germany - which was not exactly known for the quality of their cars. Just see it for yourselves.------------------------------------------>
Four years and two co-drivers later I have abandoned the Mongol Rally as too expensive, but I have not abandoned the idea of the drive. So, in about a week I fly to Prague to drive to Mongolia. And beyond. In a Trabant. Which, of course, is still in pieces. But we have almost two weeks before we leave and there is no accounting for the pleasures of the last minute panic. |
Why? Of course for fun but also...
I have also decided to raise some money for the Mexican Christian shelter for battered women and children Mi Casa Esperanza in Ensenada, which I got to know quite well during my racing in Baja 1000. Here is what is so special about the Casa:
- 100% of every donation goes to Casa's women and children and nothing for overhead.
- There is a lack of such shelters in Mexico and the need for these services is acute.
- The women do not stay in the shelter forever. Their meals and accommodation are provided for free and the kids get their education either from a certified teacher at the Casa or in the local schools. The women save their earnings and in about two years they buy a little piece of land, build a small house and get back on their feet.
The route to Mongolia and beyond is about 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Quite a few of my friends think that there is no chance I will ever make it the whole way; some even claim that I will be happy to make it through Poland with a car like this. Others noted with a smirk that the only good thing about it is that I can fly back with the Trabant in my carry-on luggage.
So, if you also think that we will not make it (and by "we" I mean two old men in an old car - the age of all these three fossils together is about 165 years), try to bet with or against us - say 0.5 cent or 1cent or whatever you want for each kilometer or mile we make.
Or, if you are just too scared of our abilities, make a fixed pledge. I promise that 100% of it will end up in Mi Casa Esperanza. We do not keep a single penny of what you donate. And I might be able to arrange for Charitable Donations Receipts (at this time, I can do it only for the US donors).
I can promise you two things:
1/ Your money will make a lot of difference for the Casa moms and kids.
2/ We will keep you informed each time we get to a place with an internet connection.
Or, if you are just too scared of our abilities, make a fixed pledge. I promise that 100% of it will end up in Mi Casa Esperanza. We do not keep a single penny of what you donate. And I might be able to arrange for Charitable Donations Receipts (at this time, I can do it only for the US donors).
I can promise you two things:
1/ Your money will make a lot of difference for the Casa moms and kids.
2/ We will keep you informed each time we get to a place with an internet connection.