Desert Dash

Five MCC Members and eleven other fellow blades set themselves a formidable challenge to raise money for Running for Rangers. John Rogers recounts their adventure.

Running for Rangers Desert Dash

John Rogers fixing the car watched by curious Samburu. In June this year, eight foolhardy teams, which included MCC Members John Rogers, Colm D’olier, Ross Field, Casimir Gross and Kendall Evans, set off on a 5-day ‘rally’ through the deserts of North Kenya. The rules were simple, no Toyotas or 4WDs, the cost of the car could not exceed $1,000 and with only $500 more allowed for repairs and spares, this was not going to be easy! The choice of car selection varied a great deal with Peugeots quickly becoming the obvious favourite, totalling four in number, followed by two Datsuns, one Mitsubishi Lancer and a Nissan Sunny. There were two no 4WD support vehicles carrying mechanics, a doctor with medical kit and extra fuel and water. Every car had to carry 60 litres of fuel and 40 litres of water and affix tow points to the front and rear. Each car was responsible for carrying its own food, drink, bedding (camp beds and mosquito nets), clothing and spare parts. Ironically the smallest car in the fleet, a Peugeot 205, accommodated the two largest men in the team - two ex- Kenyan rugby players - who became adept at driving with their knees around their ears and their camping equipment digging into their backs.

There had been much pre-departure debate as to whether front or rear wheel drive would be best in the sand. It wouldn’t be long before we found out. Each day started with a driver’s briefing. Aside from the constant threat of looming breakdowns or total vehicle disintegration, the route passed through some inhospitable areas, known for violent tribal conflict. Safety and communication at all times was key - all vehicles were carrying either satellite phones or GPS trackers, to ensure constant communication and, in the more dangerous areas, the vehicles travelled in tight convoy. There was a simple points system to determine placement each day – completing the course within the set time allowances for each attracted 50 points, however punctures, general repairs and getting stuck resulted in hefty deductions! Assisting those stuck/broken down, either with manpower or with parts, gained the teams credit points; this was

End of day recap under a thorn tree John Rogers & Colm D’Olier ready for Black Tie End-of-Rally-Dinner.

Running for Rangers Desert Dash

a sure way to ensure constant and willing support. Each day would end around a campfire with a few beers and wild debate over who helped whom the most. Most days took an average of seven hours of rough, hard, bumpy, dust choking driving, typically setting off at 8am and limping into camp at 4pm where much needed “bush repairs” were undertaken. It was important to get all cars to the day’s finish before dark - which comes suddenly in the African bush. The terrain ranged from miles upon miles of arid scrubland, to rocky desert around the shores of Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake. This provided a great spot to take a much-needed bath, whilst keeping an eye out for the monster Nile Crocodiles that inhabit the lake. The more ambitious had carried fishing rods to do some fishing along the way, however the only casting they did was their shadows over the engine trying to work out what engine part might be playing up this time! Aside from the dramatic scenery, enjoyed from the comfort of no air conditioning, North Kenya also delivered a spectacle of wildlife along the way - including elephant, cheetah, giraffe, gerenuk and many more. From Lake Turkana the route headed east into the Chalbi Desert, composed of alkaline sediment and stabilised sand dunes, the relics of the former Lake Chalbi. Luck was on side, as the desert floor was dry enough to hold the weight of the vehicles, which saved them traversing a longer and rockier route. The campsite in the Chalbi was 2kms into the dunes this took their toll on the manpower and vehicle clutches as car after car bogged down in the loose sand. It quickly became clear that the rear-wheel cars were better suited to the sand, leaving the front-wheelers digging their way out with shovels and sand ladders under the unforgiving desert sun. The last and final day of this crazy adventure was concluded in very extravagant fashion, black tie no less. After a quick dip and wash in the local river, the competitors dressed in their finest and sat down to their first prepared meal in days - BBQ goat, cabbage and warm beer. A fitting end to an adventure of a lifetime. Of the eight cars that started – seven managed to complete the 1,250 kilometre long trip. There was only one puncture between all eight vehicles over five days - nothing short of a miracle! John and his fellow team members raised 500,000/- for Running for Rangers.