I received an email last week from Lauren of Abandon the Cube about an update on the Mongol Rally, a charity event that will benefit Mercy Mongolia. I was thrilled to know that they were able to achieve their target.
A brief information about Mongol Rally from ATC:
“The Mongol Rally began several years ago as a way to make the world less boring and to help our fellow man in the process. 500 cars depart from London, Spain, and Italy simultaneously, and race to Mongolia to donate their cars and an additional $1,700 USD to Mercy Mongolia.”
The Route (Pic Courtesy of ATC)
Here’s Lauren’s short report about their participation in the Mongol Rally.
“The 2010 Mongol Rally was much dirtier, harder and longer than we anticipated when we began planning for it in 2009. We crossed fifteen countries in roughly 40 days, some 10,000 miles, in a tiny Citroen Saxo on dirt roads and without a map. It wasn’t always easy but it was always an adventure– and one we’ll remember for a lifetime.
A Memory that will Last a Lifetime (Pic Courtesy of ATC)
Some of the most memorable occurrences on the rally were not the ‘up’ times but the ‘down’ ones. We found out the morning after crossing the particularly difficult border of Ukraine-Russia that a rallier had died in a car accident. It was sobering and devastating. Everyone who participated in the rally felt the loss and, for the duration of the trip, kept the loss in their minds. The morning we crossed into Mongolia we drove around a corner to see one of our friend’s cars in a ditch, glass and steel everywhere and their belongings strewn out across the steppe. They suffered broken ribs, but were lucky to have walked away. The rally had some rough moments for everyone, and challenged us in ways we didn’t expect and couldn’t have imagined.
There were many great times as well. We met people from all over the world. Our convoy included people from six nations. Interacting with people from around the globe on a daily basis was enlightening and uplifting, and to be blunt meeting these people was the joy of the rally for us. We met dozens of amazing locals on our travels who invited us into their homes and into their culture with open arms.
We managed to raise our goal in funds for Mercy Corps- Mongolia. It was a great joy to see that goal achieved while we were on the Steppe. Our last and goal-clenching donation came through as we were on the rally and it was cheered by dozens of people when announced to the convoy. We all saw the need for this money while in Mongolia, and I believe the rally does some real good.”
Success!!! (Pic Courtesy of ATC)
Congratulations to ATC and to the other teams who joined the Mongol Rally! ‘hope I could join you guys in a couple of years.
