The Mission


The Peking to Paris Rally is a recreation of the 1907 challenge issued by Le Matin, "Is there anyone who will undertake to travel this summer from Peking to Paris by automobile?"
The 2016 version will follow a route of 13,695 Km (8,510 miles) and take 35 days. We are travelling in Rhubarb and Custard, a 1936 Buick. We know nothing about cars or rallying.

Tuesday 5 July 2016

Richard's Summing Up

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

Muhammad Ali

The P to P is a big risk.

It is called "endurance" for a reason. The days are long and the driving is full on and tiring.

My reflections are that we did the "interesting" bits: China, Mongolia and most of Russia.

I have no ambitions to return to China ever. Dirty, chaotic, unfriendly (personal opinion).

Russia is just massive and the scenery is underwhelming: endless silver birch forests and not much else to look at let alone photograph. However I found the people to be friendly, interested in us and to have a great sense if humour. They inevitably want to know what we think of Putin (what they think of Boris, UKIP and Donald Trump , God only knows).

However…the "jewel" in this motley crown is without doubt Mongolia. A beautiful magical mesmerizing landscape. People who are friendly, proud of their identity and want to welcome outsiders to their country ( China: take note).

Yes I was saddened to leave the rally early, but I know Europe and have been to those places before or will do so in the future (using my non Brexit Irish passport!)

Would I recommend? Definitely yes, if only to see Mongolia.

Would I do again? Probably no, as is just a very long time ( for me anyway) to be away from family and work.

I will miss the camaraderie of our Aussie and Kiwi cousins especially and wish all the best for those still in the saddle.


2 comments:

  1. All endurance races is hard whatever you use, the body, the mind or a tool of some sort. You go until you drop or something fails, not everyone can reach the tape at the end however much you prepare or put in whatever resources it is not a given success. You do your best and that has to be reward enough in most cases.

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  2. Well done for a solid achievement - beers await.

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