Keep heading south we're getting nearer...

So I last left you as we headed into Tanzania where our first night was spent in the very nice Mount Meru Hotel. On our arrival I fell asleep whilst Owen changed the rear shocks on all three MGZR’s. The next day we headed off to a 103 km timed section with 3 timing points. We were 6^th fastest although now not pushing to hard over the rough stuff to ensure our shocks lasted. Also we lose out on the long up hills to the more powerful cars. That night we stayed in Dodoma and were great by local dancers and drum band. Owen spent much of the evening helping others fix their cars but luckily ours only needed a spanner check.

Copyright Gerard Brown - Enduro  Rally

Next morning we had another good timed section and gained a place when the Toyota Highlux in front of us roller on a down hill bend. Luckily the crew was unharmed and they rejoined the event that evening having had the truck patched up. Another time section up a very rough hill climb finished the day which again we took easy so as not to damage the car. The hotel that night in Mbeya was without dough the worst of the trip to date. We had a room each but Owen’s bathroom had a hole in the floor where he could see the bathroom on the floor below!! That night there was a storm and the loudest clap of thunder you have ever heard waking everyone at 4 in the morning.

Tanzania - Zambia Border
Copyright Gerard Brown - Enduro  Rally

Sunday was spent heading down to the Zambia border. On our arrival it looked like we could be there for hours with a queue of trucks almost 5km long waiting to cross. But we were all waved up the outside and fast track though in less than an hour. Tanzania was added as to the list of countries that must be revisited at some time nice people and country side. We then had a 350km trek to our over night stop at Mpike. This was like a holiday camp from the sixties. Very basic room just two beds and nothing else not even a carpet but it was on suite. The bath room was like a long corridor with the toilet, shower and basin all in a line ideal for a S**t, Shower and shave. Again there was a great storm over night and it did not stop until late morning.

Copyright Gerard Brown - Enduro  Rally

We covered 660km to get to Lusaka with a short timed section of 17km on very narrow gravel tracks. We cleaned this section along with 5 other crews. Tonight we are in the Intercontinental Hotel and it so nice to have a toilet with a toilet seat again, a bath with a bath plug and a hot tap with hot water.

Now follows a couple of long days with no competitive driving but we should get to see Victoria Falls.

Time for an Imodium.

No question card updates other than Anton’s number 3 question we think we have come up with a grading system…..

Shocking news that may dampen things..

Well our journey down Ethiopia was beyond believe from the moment we entered the country to moment we left the roads were line with people cheering us on. We did a couple of timed section on gravel tracks which were very corrugated and the MG did not like these. We lost some time here being first on the road clearing it of all the goats and cattle. On joining the main road again the route instruction stated pass Blue Factory. Owen and I tried to decide what a blue factory made could it be cheesy boy bands or porn films or was it where they made the water that fills the Blue Nile just up the road. No sadly it was none of these but a large factory that is paint blue not a clue what it makes. We then descended in to the Blue Nile gorge. The road down to the bottom and up the other side makes the Stevilo pass look tame. We have a slight worry here as we were cutting it very fine on petrol as many of the station only had diesel. We stayed that night in a lovely hotel over looking a lake. Sadly their internet was down.

The next morning we had 350km run to the Kenyan border and they had closed the road for us the whole way. The crowds were beyond belief. We were told by a girl who was out there working for Oxfam that this was the biggest think to happen for over 20 years so everyone was out watching. A very fast timed section took us to the border. We were sad to be leaving Ethiopia and even sadder when we saw what Kenya had to offer. The hotel was grim and no beer for Owen until a local took us to the prison canteen. On route we passed the police station and the chief was stood out front. He called the local guy over to ask where he was taking us. He explain about the beer and the chief of police told him to make sure that he stayed with us and made sure we returned safe to our hotel later. No I did not have any beer my self.

The next day we headed up the road to Marsibite. This road was rougher than a rough thing on a rough day. It started with a 68km timed section and we set off at a good pace but sadly the suspension was not up to the job and by 30km all 4 shocks had blown. We made our way slowly to the end of the section losing some 34 minutes. Here we change all 4 for our spares in just under the hour and made our way slowly to the night halt without any more damage. The night was spent under canvas and was much better than the hotel the night before.

The next morning it was more of the rough stuff but rougher. Again it started with a timed section which we took at a much reduced pace to make our shocks last. Even so after about 45 km the rears had burst again. After 125 km we were at last back on tarmac but with no rear shocks and the rear beam bushes gone the next 400 km in 5 hrs was a drive I will never forget. We just made it to the hotel on the out skirts of Nairobi in time.

The Wednesday was a rest day although not much rest was had as we spend the whole day trying to fix all three MGZRs. Some new shocks had been sent out to us on the Monday and had arrived at Nairobi airport late Tuesday but got stuck in customs. We had not been impressed by Kenya and we were even less so now. We had tracked down some stiffer springs and modified some Toyota shocks to fit the rear of our car. Beam bushes were made from mud flap material and sticaflex and by 11pm all 3 MGZRs were ready for the next day.

So here we are Thursday morning and our route out this morning passed the airport where all our replacement shocks and bushes were still stuck. The morning contained 3 timed sections and our make do and mend suspension seems to have worked. Then a 120 km drive down to the Tanzania border where our new shocks finally caught up with us. Not sorry to leave Kenya behind. Some stunning country side but the population could learn some manners.

This evening will now be spent putting the new suspension on to all three cars.

Lots I’ve missed out but should give you a feel for what’s going on. Currently in 5th spot and leading 2 wheel drive.

And free Wifi that works!!!!!

I'm Back......

Sorry people for not posting for so long internet access has not been good thank you to Fiona for filling in. Here is what I was about to post a few days ago before the hotel internet crashed. Will post more later with all the latest shocking news.

So we final got the boat out of Saudi neither of us were sorry to see the back of the place. For a country that has gained so much wealth from oil it is a dump and the people have very little manners. A number of the cars had items stolen out of them over night luckily we did not. The only good thing was the price of petrol. But you have to wonder how a country with so much wealth has so many poor people. The most amazing thing we saw was a little old man wash our very muddy car with less than a gallon of water.

And so back across the Red sea on a boat that should have gone to the breakers years ago. Sudan another country not going on the list of places to return to. It took most the day to get though customs and finally ended when every crew pay $80 nice little earner for the man in the hut. This now meant we did most our 750km drive to the hotel in the dark arriving at 1:30 am. The road went from billiard smooth to pot holes the size of England made all the more interesting by Lorries driving along with no lights on. We stopped on route at a road side hut for some food. We were told in was Lamb and bread. Not sure it was Lamb but tasted very good and not suffered any ill effects. By the time we reach town there was a convoy of about 15 rally cars following us. Not a good time for me to miss a turning!!

This morning we continued to head south to the Sudan border and hand over more money to another man in a little hut. But first you had to see a man in another hut who filled out a form. You took this to the money man and handed over your money. He then stamped the form and you went back to the first man showed him the stamp and he would then stamp the carnet. Robbing bastards. Although one funny moment the driver was meant to do this by I had gone with Owen’s passport. They never spotted it but the man taking the money did ask if I was Michael Owen’s brother. Cheek do I look like a Nancy boy football player?

And down the road in to Ethiopia this is the country I had least been looking forward I guess as the only images we see are of staveing people in times of famine. But what a supprise we got. All the passport and custom people were there with extra staff and all the paper work ready we just sailed though and no money changed hands. Due to the speed we had time for a snack at another roads side hut before booking in the control. There were large crowds but they all stayed back and no one touched the cars unlike those Arabs. Sadly the 2 timed sections did not see any of the top crews pick up penalties so we still sit in 4^th place. The 200 km run from there to the over night in Bahir Dar will be a drive I will never forget. We had a police escort for 100 km until his brakes caught firer. But in every little village or town the road was lined with people waving, clapping and cheering. Groups of school kids had made banners welcoming us. People who had next to nothing were wishing us luck it was unbelievable. No Iphone Xbox or flat screen TVs they are just happy to have water to drink and food to eat. This is a country of people working very hard to make the best of what very little they have. When Philip Young ask Owen and me for lunch last year to persuade us to do this event he said we would see and do things that will change our lives today was one of those days.

Much to our surprise we drove through a rain storm so we had to stop and ask does it also snow at Christmas or is it just that Bob Geldof block telling an Irish yarn.

So a couple of question cards to catch up on.

Alison Forrest

1. Yes it does need sorting but not sure how but one thing they need to be able to speak English.
2. Dog.
3. Alreka Johnson

Gillian Norris

1. There are too many people involved for it to be a lie.
2. Mini skirt (although a white jump suite might do it)
3. A little of both

Rob Thomas

1. Yes overall it’s a good thing if they leave Bananas alone.
2. Owen Hillman Imp. Matt 106 Rallye
3. Personality all day long

Update on Anton’s number 3. Think we many have the answer working in this Hotel.

Day 18: Abroad thoughts from home (one for you literary types)

No update from Matt tonight. I've not had any contact from Owen either but I know some people that have and word is that they have spent much of the day negotiating with Kenyan Customs Officials. According the event website their 'vital parts are tied up in red tape' but I thought the issue was with spares that had been couriered. The shocks that have been shipped over to them arrived on Tuesday evening but officials would not release them today as they had to process 'perishables' first. Apparently, trying to bribe them just makes things slower...


However, following some detective work by Jamie, it would appear that they may have sorted something. Pictures on the event website seem to suggest that work has been carried out. Take a look at the picture - meticulous organisation. Surely this must be Matt's doing as Owen can't even put his socks in the wash basket! :)


Oh and Matt, don't think I haven;t noticed you adding photos to my posts!

Day 17: the story so far gleaned from snatched conversations. WARNING may not be 100% reliable

Well, no sign of Matt online tonight and so as promised, here is the news.

Anton or Matt? Never in the same room...

Both of our intrepid adventurers were blown away by the welcome they received in Ethiopia and were greeted like celebrities, with women cheering wildly whenever they arrived at a checkpoint. Sadly, it would appear that someone had told them that Anton Du Beke and Owen Turner (the one off Eastenders) were coming and so what the boys thought were cheers were actually cries of disappointment. Fortunately, Matt was able to placate the assembled crowds by sticking his tongue up his nose.

On arrival at the first overnight in Ethiopia they decided a beer was in order - a rather poor decision bearing in mind they were in a devoutly Islamic area. However, a funny little man (no, not Matt) accosted them and said that for a dollar he could find them beer. After handing over some money and following the chap down a very dusty path, they were taken in to the prison recreation room for beers and the Arsenal game!

The following day saw the boys crossing into Kenya and unbeknownst to them, Ben and Mike were trapped over the border following an issue with a stub axle. None of the crews really knew what was happening and so were waiting patiently for news of the Dawsons via Emma via Facebook via wives and girlfriends! But I digress - the crossing from well kept, smooth Ethopian roads was quite a shock as they embarked on the 'Road to Hell'. The accommodation also left something to be desired as they found their rooms in the first hotel already had occupants - with several more pairs of legs than they had! The second overnight was much better - camping under canvas, but the improvised bucket showers probably didn't manage to mask the smell of sweat accumulated during a mid section change of shock absorbers in 42degree heat. It may have been a blessing for Matt that he didn't have to share with Owen!

I know that the Kenyan roads have lost them some time today but they are loving it and now that the 'Road from Hell' is over, they should be back on track. They are currently in Nairobi, staying in what looks to be a VERY plush hotel so I am guessing that rather than using the wifi, they are having a well deserved rest!

They know that everyone here is rooting for them, but don't be surprised if their tracker goes all around Nairobi tomorrow - they'll be gathering spares for the next leg.

Day 17: an update from a rally widow

Matt may live to regret this but he has given me the login details so that I can keep you updated with how they're doing. I suspect Matt will be able to update himself this evening, but they are still going despite burst shocks and have, amongst other things, had a few beers in the local jail.

Probably not had a recent visit from Weights and Measures.

If Matt is not online tonight, I'll fill you all in!

Fiona :)

Day 10 the long drive south in Saudi

Well as predicted we are no longer at the head of the field. The sand in Egypt was our down fall. The section started well with us set off at a good speed then we enter the valley of death and very soon became stuck. Andy Actman eventually came along and gave us a quick tow and we were on our way. This did not last long and we were soon stuck again this time for almost 2 hours along with almost all the other 2 wheel drive cars. In the end we all help each other working on one car at a time slowly moving them on to hard ground before heading out in convoy. Then the organisers had the head ache of working out how to give out penalties. The up shot of this was we ended up with 40 minutes added to our total. The section should never had been run.
The night was spent crossing the Red sea to Saudi followed by a very long drive south 500km to our over night hotel. Free Wifi so I'm a little happier. Tomorrow is another long drive before crossing back across the red sea to Sudan. There will be no more competitive driving until we reach Ethiopia.

The 3 cars in front will need to keep an eye on the mirrors as Owens going to catch you Owens going to catch you Owens going to catch you.

Long long way still to go and we are not giving up without a fight.

Day 8 Africa at last.

Well having spent a day and two nights bobbing up and down on the Med we are finally in north Africa well Egypt to be more precise. We were fed and watered well on the crossing although Owen waisted much of it down the side of the ship. We arrived off the coast of Alexander around 5am and the pilot finally arrived on board at 9. We then spent the next five hours sorting out all the paper work before being sent out on to the roads of Egypt.

The next four hours were like something out of a Top Gear challenge. Over loaded lorries, mad taxi drivers, horse and carts, Cars coming the wrong way not to mention a very unhappy camel well he looked to have the hump to me and this was meant to be a motorway!! It was by far the most frightening part of the rally so far in fact maybe of our lives. But you could not help but laugh.

Back to competitive driving tomorrow with 3 timed sections on the shores of the Red sea. Think this could be when we finally slip from the top spot. But we have held the lead for 8 days and already won 2 trophies The Kent cup and the Europe cup have gained the lowest penalty on both those legs.

No question cards today although Anton's question 3 has now been talked about by most the entrants on the event and still we cannot come up with the definitive answer.

More tomorrow.

Day 6 Rain, Fog and Mud.

Well here we are on the ferry leaving Europe behind and still holding the lead but have only added another 6 secs to our lead today. The day has been spend in heavy rain and fog or maybe low cloud on high ground. It almost went all wrong on the first section when we got stuck on a very muddy stretch losing around 30 secs. The next section was narrow tarmac with hairpin after hairpin climbing up the mountain side the poor MG struggle up here but we were pleased to only drop 6 seconds. In a later section we almost came to grief on a muddy bit in the olive trees but Owens untold skill saved use or was it just luck we will never know. On the longest section of the day we had a real good go and the fog had come down. Owen pushed on listening to my road calling in the belief I could see more than him. Silly Boy.

We have a day on the ferry tomorrow all very strange as it is only the rally on the ferry with free food and free bar!! But another 3 euros for the Wifi. We do not do any more competitive motoring until Monday when it's off into the sand and goodbye to the rally lead. But also say goodbye to the rain.

Question cards are cards the people I work with have done for the boring moments. Three question on serious one funny and one naughty.
Today it was the turn of Paul Batmans.
1. Put it to the vote and let the people decide.
2. It would have to be no unless she was very very nice.
3. I'd stick to English no good with languages.

A little late but happy birthday to my big sister on the 3rd. Hope you got the card.

We're running out of under pants so may do some washing on board.

By the way our GPS tracker is not working.
Will try and post some pictures tomorrow.

Day 5 Rain, Snow, wrong slots and car ramps.

Did not have time to post last night we were busy working on the Vesty car after their coming together the day before with an Italian round about. Had much difficult try to straighten the sump guard. we found a work shop near the hotel and ended up using there car ramp to try and straighten it. This has the result of breaking the ramp with our car stuck on it up in the air. In trying to help fix the ramp I fell of a ladder!!.

Any back to the rallying. Not a great day on my park a small wrong turn on the first section cost us 20 sec. Then the second section a much bigger wrong turn cost us over 2 minutes. The only plus we were not the only ones. We still hold the lead although the gap to second has shrunk.

We used Rupert's (Postie) question card yesterday.
1. Yes in the long run it will be.
2. Yes they should but only people who live in non mobile homes and pay taxes car do it.
3. You are sexual deviant.

Long day to 6 timed sections.

Day 4 on the high seas.

Yes here we are in the middle of the Med and I've found some Wifi. Cost me 3 Euro so anyone reading this consider this as me buying you a drink.

One timed section today up in the hills on gravel tracks which without warning would turn to very slippery mud. We lost out here to the more powerful cars on the long climb to the top. Owen started to fly on the decent but after a couple of moments on the mud decided the risks were to high so took it steady to the finish. We still posted the 3rd fastest time and took time out of the cars close to us in the overall results.

So tomorrow in Greece we still lead the field away for 2 timed section and 2 river crossings!!

Did not use a question card today but will be back onto them tomorrow. Anton's question No.3 did come up a few times and we have sort the opinions of some of the other crews on the topic.

Owen has promised he with change his shirt in the morning!

Tune in tomorrow for more updates.

Day 3 in to Italy.

Well we have made it to Firenze and it seems we have extend our lead being the only crew to clean the very very twisty world cup section. The section was 50Km in the Ligurian hills with hairpin after hairpin and despite the steep climbs the MG showed everyone the way.

Most of the day was spent heading south down the Auto routes and though the Alps via the Frejus tunnel and we even found a little snow.

To day we used our first question card and it was the Turn of Anton White. And our answers were as follows.
1.Yes if it is of an important event or person that made a major impact on our counties history or a out standing achievement.
2. Because you think she could teach you something new.
3. This question is very complex and will be revisted though out the event.

Sadly to protect the Innocent we cannot reveal any of the questions.

Well off to bed as and early start tomorrow 5am!! Tomorrow night we will be on the ferry to Greece so will not be any updates sadly. Hopefully Owen will use a clean tee shirt tomorrow!!

Leg one over!!

Greetings ever one well we have finally arrived in Beaune after a very long 24 hours. We are pleased to find that we are in the lead but I'm more excited by the free Wifi in the hotel I do hate spending money.

The night in Kent went well for use with some quick times on the test and a very clean run though the navigation section. Seems I can still read a map after all (well currently). Had a small worry when the rear suspension started making nasty noises and we thought a shocker had gone. At Dover Owen jumper under the car to have a closer look and disscover the rear beam mounts had worked loose as a result of freshly painted stone chip.

Only been one timed section in France today which seemed to go well caught 3 cars. Rover now all checked over and washed ready for the morning when after the reseed we will lead the field away. But don't go getting to excited back home there is a very long way to go and once in Africa we expect to slowly start slipping down the order.