Trash trailer

I came across the official trailer for the Mongol Rally DVD on youtube. Thought I'd share it with you.

I am a twit

I'm thinking about using Twitter on the road so that we can update family and friends remotely. I know it's a good 7 months until we leave, but ah, I'm enjoying setting up all these devices.

One problem: I haven't got a clue how to make it work with my phone. Does anyone know?

http://twitter.com/alexjohnturner

www.com

I am covering every single corner of the internet with info on our rally. I don’t care if people want to know about it, I want to talk about it. The kids, a demographic I still see myself firmly within, love the social networking site facebook. So I’ve made a group for all our loyal fans (ha!).

If you have an account, please join. If you don't have an account, have a look.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=60464608568

Ready, Flickr set, go!

I have created a set on my Flickr account where Dave and I can showcase inspirational snaps of what we can expect to see on our rally to Mongolia, along with images of our preparation etc. This will eventually be joined by photographic proof of us alongside our chosen vehicle in Ulan Bator.

Currently it only has images grabbed from The Adventurist’s site and Mongolia’s wiki page. This shall be amended when we actually have something to show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexanderjohnturner/sets/72157610536135453/

Quite a distance

Recently I have been looking at world maps/globes/google maps on quite a frequent basis. One can understand why – I’m still terribly excited about the trip.

Most people planning such an adventure would remember roughly how far away Ulan Bator is. No. Not me. Every time I see the distance a lump forms in my throat. Thought I’d share that.



Visit the map here.

Also, if anyone can recommend places to visit between London and Ulan Bator, please tell us. If we visit the recommended destination and enjoy ourselves we'll buy you a crappy souvenir as a prize – how about that? Please email with suggestions: rally@alexand.co.uk

Slim pickings

The rules imposed by The Adventurists and the Mongolian government narrow our choice of automobile down to what I’d call slim pickings. This, obviously, wasn’t going to be hard enough for Dave and myself. So our hopeful media alliance with Truck and Driver has narrowed the selection further by stipulating it also had to be a commercial vehicle. Great. Here’s what we’re thinking:


The Bedford Rascal/Suzuki Supercarry would be first choice on most peoples list.


The Rascal also comes in pick-up form, which has caught our eyes.


A Rascal camper would be ideal (for comedy reasons).


Citroën C15 is on the list too. The diesel is far too big at 1.9. There was a 1.1 petrol and I think sub 1L versions were released on the continent.

If you can think of any other small capacity commercial vehicles please email us: rally@alexand.co.uk

Press

An article about our rally is being published in Truck and Driver magazine. Due to this media link we are planning to use a commercial vehicle. Does anyone know a kind dealer/manufacturer/person who could help us find a rugged, reliable van with an engine under 1.0 (if more than 10yrs old) or under 1.2 (if less than 10yrs old)? Ask around.

Health haze

Having just completed my first triathlon, with a haze of healthiness still clouding my mind I signed up for the Paris marathon. I’m slowly starting to train now, ramping it up between January and April.

Hopefully we can somehow use this to raise more money for our chosen Mongolian charities.

Motorcycling, dogs, theatre and Arthur's seat

Over the weekend I got some long distance riding under my belt. My flatmate and I planned a trip to see an old friend who has a production on at the Edinburgh Playhouse for the festival. We took our time riding between London and Edinburgh, visiting friends on the way.

Success

David Hillier and I have successfully obtained a place on the Mongol Rally 2009. How exciting. The Adventurists - who organise the rally - have given us our own page, which can be found here.