Things have not been progressing particularly on the rally front. Bureaucracy, unrealistic (in my book) requirements from the organisers and radio silence in response to my queries have not filled us with confidence.
Somewhat predictably, none of the major vehicle manufacturers wanted to know or help, despite the fact we were only asking for the odd contact name of firms who might be able to sell us an ambulance (whilst hoping, of course, that they just said "here, just have one"). So thanks, Mercedes, Ford, Fiat, Renault and Volvo. Still in search of a nearly new, low mileage, functioning ambulance for free.
A more crushing blow was the news this evening that we have lost a team mate. After wrestling with her conscience and responsibilities over the last few weeks, Lucy has unfortunately concluded that it's not going to be possible to fund the trip this year. The perils of being self-employed and simultaneously shafted by HMRC.
Gutted that my best mate will not be making the epic trip with us, but if we don't continue to try and do the rally this year I think there's a strong possibility we won't ever get round to it - I can see normal life closing in again if we let this one slip through our fingers and before we know it we'll be swimming in mortgage payments and nappies (or the like). We've publicised our plans far too much as well to back out this early.
So J and I will continue to plan and are still determined to be at the starting line in July for our trip due east.
The only thing that may change is our choice of vehicle - or perhaps even our choice of rally. I've been really unimpressed by the lack of contact from the organisers and the seemingly unreasonable demands being made from us: a £2-3 grand vehicle & £1500 sponsorship just to be allowed to reach the start line, plus all our petrol, living expenses, visas and flights home to fund on top of it.
Compare that to our alternative - £500 a head which buys us all our visas, a cap of £100 on the vehicle cost, and a roughly-set route meaning that we may miss out on the odd country we want to visit, but we'll have companionship on the road. Having enquired about the potential pitfalls of import duty on such an old banger, I've been told "we're not sure, but if it comes down to it we'll be parking in the short stay carpark at Ulaanbaatar airport and not looking back". Obvious mild irresponsibility aside, that's the kind of attitude I was looking for (not to mention the fact it only took them 10 hours to reply to me) - the kind of charity rally I want to be part of. Plus, there is no minimum amount for us to fundraise and whatever we do raise can go to any charity we blimmin well like. Sounds to good to be true, doesn't it? All we need is a grand. Anyone?
Bummer about Lucy not being able to join you. Also, that second charity sounds way better. I say go for that one!
ReplyDeleteCan't help with the grand though. Hmm.
hee hee - it's ok, apparently we can pay in instalments! Yeah, it does sound better - although it's not for charity. It's just blokes in cars driving somewhere weird! Woot! (we'll obviously be raising money for charity though as we go)
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