The Ultimate Challenge – Around the World 4x4 Charity Drive

[TomMc]

How about this for a challenge?

Four over 70’s in two Suzuki Jimnys are about to embark on one hellava drive – a circumnavigation of the world in four months. As if that’s not enough of a challenge, there will be no luxury and no frills, just four old guys, one a BIG tent and doubtless … a lot of snoring!

Entitled “The Ultimate Challenge” they will be raising funds for a new charity – “Heaven Can Wait I'm Busy” – supporting local and national organisations. As they themselves say, “the idea is to prove that age is no barrier when it comes to getting up and getting on with living life and giving something back to society”.

Departing at the end of this month (March) they will of course also gratefully accept any donation of whatever size towards their sizeable fuel/ferry costs.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

They’ve got a sponsorship idea going whereby, for the princely sum of £5, you can have your name (or company name) “displayed on a vehicle that will travel around the world”.

See http://www.heavencanwaitimbusy.com/roll-of-honour.html

Departing at the end of this month (March) they will of course also gratefully accept any donation of whatever size towards their sizeable fuel/ferry costs.

After the event they will be auctioning off the Jimnys. To this end, I have offered them a free promotional pitch at ADVENTURE OVERLAND … The 4x4, Bike & Trekking Travel Show at Stratford Racecourse 28-29 September 2013 where hopefully they can raise a goodly amount for the vehicles (TBC).

Personally, I think they’re barking mad as 26,000+ miles in a Suzuki Jimny would test the patience of a fit 25-year old, so fair play to them for setting the bar so high. Hence this appeal on their behalf, as I reckon they are going to need all the help they can get – and what better then raising a stack of cash for their charity? Now that’s a great incentive!

[TomMc]

Sorry, I got some of this wrong. The line … Departing at the end of this month (March) they will of course also gratefully accept any donation of whatever size towards their sizeable fuel/ferry costs.

Having just spoken to one Les Carvell, the guy whose idea it was originally, it transpires the crew of the vehicles are completely self-funding, therefore all donations will go direct to the charity – NOT to running costs.

Thought this was an important fact that should be stated.

[jerryd]

Apart from being a bit small for carrying gear, I think the Jimny will be an okay vehicle for the trip they have planned. I owned a lwb suzuki and covered some 200,000 miles in it before the dreaded rust ate it I found it fine on long journeys and it was good in the rough stuff too.

I now own a suzuki carry van and it is my daily work van, it has the same motor as the jimny and it flies along and easily sits on the speed limits. It's also comfortable on long runs and very cheap to run, it's also very reliable. In fact I often say to my boys that it would make a great little camper to take on a road trip


Good luck to these guys and I hope they make it

[TomMc]

Mmmmmm, depends on your frame I'd say. They certainly weren't built with tall blokes in mind, so a continuous 26,000+ miles could become a tad wearing. Apart from that, think you're right. The Jimnys will do the job okay and if the lads are sensible with what they take in terms of clothing and kit, it'll be a doddle (ish).

[Troika]

Makes my 'Bucket List' positively tame by comparison.

[TomMc]

Just so you are aware:-

The leaving celebrations for The Ultimate Challenge will take place at the Novotel Hotel, Southampton on Sunday 31st March 2013.

It all kicks off around 9.30am and there will be tea, coffee and biscuits for everyone attending. The event will be filmed by Viewpoint Productions as part of the overall film/DVD 'While We Have Time', and Julian Clegg from BBC Radio Solent will be waving the chequered flag to send them off at 11.00am - definitely not 11.30am as stated on the website. Computer crash means they can't amend the website. Technology eh?

I realise they are not driving Land Rovers, but you’re around they would appreciate your support nonetheless. Be aware though that it’ll be busy in the area, so leave yourself plenty of time!

More details of the send off: http://www.heavencanwaitimbusy.com/latest-news.html

[Alpinerover]

GM our German partner is 6ft and for many many years traveled in one with no problems

[TomMc]

GM our German partner is 6ft and for many many years traveled in one with no problems

Fair enough, but I'd wager that he/she isn't 70+ years of age and has travelled 26,000 miles in some very high temperatures the space of 4-5 months! That's going some. As you well know, excessive miles and hot humid days can catch up with you, and that's at any age, for them it will be particularly gruelling.