London to Mongolia on a 20 year old bike.

[Matt splat]

The last post I made on here a few months ago was saying that Bert had inspired me to get off my arse and do something, I meant it.

At Christmas I entered myself into a Mongolian Charity Rally, not the Mongol Rally, I am not supporting a bunch of 18-30 type businessmen. But the Charity rally organised by www.gohelp.org.uk a 100% charitable organisation run by unpaid trustees.

I wont be making my journey on my GSA, but am making my journey on a 1988 Honda CBR1000F with 200,000km on the clock. Alone and totally unsupported all the way to Ulaan Bataar.

I will be heading through Turkey to Azabijaan, across the Caspian Sea and through the rest of the 'stans' and entering Mongolia from the west. Once I reach Ulaan Bataar, I will be donating EVERYTHING, including bike to the rally organisors, where everything is auctioned off and the proceeds go to Childrens Development & Protection Foundation for the children in Mongolia.
I have today signed the momo of understanding with Riders for Health to support their work in Africa and I am also supporting UNICEF. These are my 2 personal charities and not to do with the rally charity. I am also carrying sticker support for MoR.

I have a website up and running, it is still rough around the edges and is a work in progress so you will have to double click everything. There is a guest book and a blog, please leave comments. I appreciate your moral support in a sea of overlanding negativity!

Please take a look on www.mongolia-or-bust.eu

I am not asking for anything of you members, you guys have seen it all before. I already have parts sponsorship from Honda UK, full motorcycle clothing sponsorship from REV'IT.eu, sponsorship from CamelBak International and many other uk motorcycle companies. But that said, I am still looking for a camping sponsor! Look at my blog to see who is supporting me so far.
Just come and have a double click around, leave your messages of support, or even take the piss if you really feel the need.

I even have a Netherlands/vlammes language link.

Thanks for reading. Matt

 

[Loiq]

cool, when are you going? perhaps I should look at your page first. I also know Stephen from go help I also know the other outfit Tom and co.

Anyway hope to catch up with you in UB keep posting progress and stay in touch

regards Lo-IQ

 

[Matt splat]

I leave London on July 5th.

Normally bikes must be in teams of two.

I am attempting this solo.

I will certainly keep you and the other GSers posted on my progress, like I said, moral support is always appreciated

 

[Loiq]

well I'm leaving on the 4-5th ish July got a job which I have to deal with and then leaving from Brooklands race track if they ever get their finger out and let me know it's okay.

was thinking of sending an email to Stephen to see what the score was as he's agot a few things going on which did sound a laugh.

 

[Rolf]

Best of luck Matt - shall watch your progress with interest. Please do not take this as a criticism but I am interested by your choice of bike - wouldn't something single cylinder and off-road like be more use in Mongolia? I only really know what I saw in LWR and there didn't seem to be much tarmac in Mongolia! If there is any way members of this site can contribute towards your efforts would be willing to contribute.

 

[Matt splat]

Best of luck Matt - shall watch your progress with interest. Please do not take this as a criticism but I am interested by your choice of bike - wouldn't something single cylinder and off-road like be more use in Mongolia? I only really know what I saw in LWR and there didn't seem to be much tarmac in Mongolia! If there is any way members of this site can contribute towards your efforts would be willing to contribute.

Thanks for wishing me luck.

And no, I dont take it as criticism that you are raising an eyebrow of my choice of steed.

That is the whole point, its getting my journey and the charities noticed. Its got me the equipment sponsorship from big multi-national companies that see the publicity possibilities.

I am a GS rider, I love my GSA and would dearly love to be going on it. But that being said, I have a disease in my spine which makes this is my last big chance in life to do something and try and make a small difference (just like my hero, Bert!) before the wheelchair gets rolled in. So, if I am going to make this marathon effort, I want to raise as much money and awareness for the Charities as is possible, hence my choice of bike.

As for you asking if any members could help, yes, as of yet I have no camping equipment! Do any other the GSers know of any smpathetic camping shops or suppliers?

Regards.

matt