Teammates Russell Laver and Jonathan Simpson have entered the Mongol Rally (http://www.theadventurists.com/) this year to raise money towards Mercy Corps and we set out from Goodwood racing circuit track on the 24th July 2010. 

We will be driving our sky blue Fiat Brava 1.2litre 2001 amazingly reliable (cough cough) car from Edinburgh Scotland to Ulaan Baatar in Mongolia; a distance of approximtely 12,000 miles or a third of the way round the world.  The journey will take us through Eastern Europe and move into Russia then South along the edge of the Caspian Sea into Turkmenistan and along what is part of the old Silk route which was used by traders for several centuries.  We will be travelling along the Pamir Highway through Tajikistan also known as the 'roof of the world' which reaches 4600m above sea level; iIn total we will make our way through 20 countries!

This is a real challenge for us as we negotiate our way across tough terrain and non existent roads, combat the effects of altitutde, patch up our car if it breaks down using our limited knowledge and attempt to communicate with the locals who will generally not be English speakers. Once we get to Ulaan Baatar we will be donating the car to a local Mongolian charity, or it might end up beingused as an emergency vehicle.

Our chosen charity Mercy Corps (www.mercycorps.org.uk) helps people in the world's toughest places turn the crises of natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunites for progress.  Driven by local needs and market conditions, their programmes provide communities with the tools and support they need to transfer their own lives.  All proceeds we raise at this stage will go towards projects in Mongolia ranging from School Improvements, Unemployment Reduction and Combating Alcoholism amongst Youth. Please follow the link for more information.

hovd, mongolia; eleanor has had...

hovd, mongolia; eleanor has had to be left behind. The cars computer broke and we can't repair it in the time we have available. Got towed back to an official drop off point last night. Now completing the last 700 miles in a minibus. The roads are car killers. So many broken cars in the drop off points

Barnaul, Russian Federation

on our way to mongolia border now. Just passed the 10000 mile mark. This part of russia is so different to the last. Loads more trees.

Almaty Province, Kazakhstan

had a long days drive yesterday.went to visit charn canyon today. Was very impressive. 8800 miles on the clock. Heading north tomorrow.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

had a day looking around samarqand and got a new clutch release mechanism fitted as homemade one started to wear out. Seen some really nice buildings. Off to tashkent today. Feel rich in uzbek with the biggest bank note worth 35p. Massive pile of notes to buy anything.

Farab, Turkmenistan

time and the situation in krgystan are against us so we are going to have to change our route. Going o head up through uzbekistan now and have to miss out the pamir... Oh well... Always another year... Turkmenistan has been really nice.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

been a busy few days. The clutch went on arrival in turkmenbashi so spent 2 days in the garage getting custom made parts. No fiats anywhere to be found. Rear springs also replaced. Car is alive again. Drove to ashgabat yesterday...3am arrival very tiring. Everyone so friendly

Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

phew what a 48 hours. Roads are really hard going. Got out of kazahkstan at 7:05 last night and then found out turkmen customs closed at seven... Had to sleep in no mans land fighting scorpions. Everyone so friendly today. In turkmenbashi now.

aktay, kazakhstan, yesterdays drive was hard work... Roads turned into a giant pothole and desert tracks. Got stuck in the sand and had to dig ourselves out in the desert heat. Today been to a car wash and now off towards turkmenistan. ...

aktay, kazakhstan, yesterdays drive was hard work... Roads turned into a giant pothole and desert tracks. Got stuck in the sand and had to dig ourselves out in the desert heat. Today been to a car wash and now off towards turkmenistan.

Mangystau, Kazakhstan

roads have been ok so far but expected to get really bad today. Jonny's phone still not working. Heading to aktau today.

Astrakhan, Russian Federation

41 Outside the car this morning.... So ,much hotter inside... Great day driving through russian desert yesterday. Off to kazahkstan now.

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