Hello from...

Hello from Ulan-Batar!

As you have probably already heard, we made it!  Our 7000 mile journey didn't pass without hitch, having endured 3 police stops, had to bribe 3 officials to get accross borders, experienced our tent blowing over and almost taking off with us in it in the middle of the night, dealt with some truly terrible roads, the worst of which strangely enough was the main highway into the Mongolian capital in the last 10 km, and not too mention endured the temperamental nature of our bowels.  But Ulan-Batar is awesome, and we've had some good, hard earned, rest and recuperation.  Well almost...

This journey would not have been possible without help from a huge number of people.  Peter and Dave's mechanical workshop was very useful to us, as was the mechanics advice I got from Kane, the groundsman at Cathedral Grammar School in Christchurch.  I'd like to thank my friend Slanderpuss for setting it up, and my former boss Dirk Gildenhuys for letting me have the time off work!  We'd like to thank Steve from village auto-repairs, for servicing the car, and we'd especially like to thank Dave and Michelle Clarke, for selling us such a magnificent vehicle.  We'd like to thank Karen and Maria, and everyone else at the Children's Trust for their support.  We also owe a great deal to Dave the keyman from Crawley, and Halfords Redhill, for the free equipment they gave us.  Last but not least, we'd like to pass on a huge amount of thanks to our families and wags, who have all been unbelievably supportive and rescued us when we realised we had nothing prepared on the night before the rally.  Extra special thanks must go to Pernelle, for looking up all sorts of things for us along the route, and sending us some trully inspirational morale boosting messages in our darkest moments.

Finally, we must pass on our thanks to everyone who sponsored us.  We are going on a jeep tour out of UB tomorrow, but when we are back we are planning to visit the orphanage we've raised money for.  Stay tuned for some photos!  Our fundraising website's still up and running, so if you'd still like to donate it would be very much appreciated!

We are now heading off to the official finish line party.  We will try to remember this one...

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Bidding an emotional farewell to Usain after almost writing it off driving onto the podium. But 6,851 miles of potholes, dubious overtakes, mud tracks, massive bugs and 3 inches of ground clearance has caused no damage to Usain apart from giving the exhaust a healthy roar

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Celebrating finishing the Mongol Rally with 2 other teams in the Mongol capital. Rooftop bar, stunning views, and a bottle of Genghis Kahn vodka. We hope we'll remember this moment for the rest of our lives. The chances of us remembering it even tomorrow morning however, are very very slim indeed...

Selenge, Mongolia

18 hours after arriving at the border and following a nights sleep on a plank, the boys are on the road to Ulaanbaatar, albeit with much lighter wallets. Beers and a shower is next on our priority list

Ulan-Ude, Russia

Team Usain Colt would like to congratulate Usain Bolt on his gold medal and Olympic record. Hopefully now he will have time to reply to our email

Slyudyanka, Russia

Went for a dip in beautiful Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world. So deep that even Bobby couldn't touch the bottom

Sayansk, Russia

Cries of 'Mummy!' rang around camp last night as big Bobby Sharp heard a clap of thunder and bid a hasty retreat to the car.

Tayshet, Russia

Mayfair prices for a side of the road horse meat kebab after Bobby's wallet was spotted two towns away.

Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Tensions have boiled over this evening. Team arguement on point of causing brawl in Japanese restaurant. I think we should tiptoe round the issue of Tottenham sacking Harry Redknapp in future...

Krasnoyarsk, Russia

After receiving a condescending driving lesson in sign language, Alec appears to have been granted unconditional bail. Onwards we go!

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