Mongol Rally Diaries Day 1: Finding Waldo

The Mongol Rally always begins at the legendary racetrack of Goodward. Teams meet and share their hopes and aspirations for their upcoming adventures. It seems that they also try and outdo each other with bizarre costumes. I came face to face with two completely red chaps. Two Russian Spies. A furry white car and some vintage looking British soldiers from the Zulu wars! Let’s not forget the giant Mongolian wrestlers who embarrassed a few ralliers by tying them up in knots and slamming them into the rain soaked grass.

Fun. This was most definitely the order of business on a perfect British summers day. Summer in England wouldn’t be the same without a deluge or three.

With the revelry in full swing it was time for the adventures to truly begin. A lap around the famed course heralded the beginning of the 2012 Mongol Rally. A rally that sees a multitude of adventure seekers (879 to be exact) attempt to drive across 10,000 miles of imposing terrain. What awaits those of us brave enough, or foolish enough, to make this trek is a once in a lifetime journey. A journey that will test us. A journey that will inspire us. Here’s to adventure, charity, and a whole lot of fun along the way…

As I write I am hurtling towards the Channel Tunnel. It seems that I grossly misjudged my time (I blame the woman dressed as a caveman!) and it is now highly improbable to reach my destination of Brussels tonight. This would not be first or the last time this Englishman has been late for his own parade…