Team


Who are the team and ‘Why oh Why’ would each of them chose to accept The Mongolia 5000 challenge.  It makes interesting reading. Take a look at why each of the Mongolia 5000 team members said yes, below.

Bus Pass

AKA Jim

Who am I?

Jim…

Why oh why?

And why not? Mongolia is mythical. The Steppes. What are they really? It is beyond remote. It is old. The people are wild. Ghengis Khan’s dna came from here. It is adventure. Challenge. We are not fully in control. We will meet the unexpected. Lots of laughs. Maybe some tears. Mates. Living. What’s not to like? 😊

Buspass.

The Bok

AKA Gregg

Who am I?

Gregg aka The Bok. There is nothing I love more than adventure. And the unknown. The three motorbike trips through Africa and South America took a great deal of planning and organisation and were incredible experiences. I guess it was only a matter of time before the next adrenalin fuelled exploit was debated around a campfire. This time some old cars, backed up by brand new Grenadiers. in outer Mongolia. The locals appear dubious. But there’s always a first and we aren’t afraid of a challenge! The route: from The Altai Mountains on the far flung Russian Border to the Great Wall of China via the Gobi Desert. What more could one ask for?

Why oh Why?

Mongolia always evokes visions of great big wide open steppes and colossal mountain backdrops. It’s also the mysterious land of Ghengis Khan and great medieval empires, with stories and tales only disseminated to us by Marco Polo. So, throw in some pre war Bentleys, a couple of old Land Rovers, a retro Porsche and a route from one end to the other that has never, ever been attempted before and, you have a recipe for a serious challenge. Now that is something that hardly weds a second invitation. My bag is packed…!

Michelin

AKA Ben

Who am I?

The definition of a “Petrolhead”. Happily afflicted by “amor mechanica” all my life, I have spent most of my life trying to use internal combustion powered devices with 2, 3 or 4 wheels to have as much fun as possible. Rallying, riding, racing or just messing around in the workshop, I am never happier than when I have handlebars, a steering wheel or a spanner in my hand. It’s a sort of “zen” thing, it brings calm to soul and a smile to the face. Throw in some of the wilder bits of the world and I’m in heaven – well my kind of heaven….a petrol powered one!”

I’ve always rather viewed the description “A life well lived” as a mantra to be employed on a daily basis rather than a fitting epitaph, it is an attitude to life rather than the endgame. Thus when the invitation came I couldn’t reply fast enough – it’s got adventure written all over it, it’s a cocktail of exploration, jeopardy, great company, high and lows, spectacular scenery and a language you’ll never understand

A nation that produced Genghis Khan has got to be interesting. We’re not making it easy, half the cars have a collective age of 425 years!

I suspect that we will get lost and discover wonderful things that we never expected to see. I am certain we will laugh until it hurts and take home memories that will last for ever. I hope that the spanners don’t get used too often and at the end I will probably wish that it will never end.

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Totti

AKA Robin

I answer to Robin or Rob or on previous adventures Stelios or Totti…….. the day job is as a hotelier and entrepreneur but my main expedition attributes are being handy with a corkscrew in my role as travelling cellarmaster and the fact I can cast a fly line.

‘Having completed several adventures with Jim on two wheels in other parts of the world, I have a very good idea of what might be in store! Obviously, this trip along the iconic Mongolian Silk Road presents a rare opportunity to see this ancient trading route through the Gobi Desert and beyond.

Four wheels instead of two, the camaraderie of old friends and new, amazing vehicles………….this will undoubtably be yet another experience of a lifetime – Robin Hutson’

Clogs

AKA Leen

Who am I?

Hi, I am Leen Heemskerk, Dutch (‘Clogs’) from that flat country well known for it’s milk, yoghurt, cheese, bovine animals and caravans. So yes, I am really looking forward to visit Mongolia and experience the local delicacies of yak milk, yak yoghurt and yak cheese and sleep in these iconic yurts. Any windmills in Mongolia?

Why on earth you would want to cross the Gobi desert in an old car?

I am not sure about the old car bit, that wasn’t my idea. However who would not want to spend some weeks with a group of like-minded folk exploring different regions of a country that is simply not connected to our modern world. In today’s world there are not many places left that are completely isolated. I mean no internet but also no people, no obvious signs of civilization, no settlements, just us. I expect it to be a very special place, I am very happy to be part of this adventure

Pronker

AKA David

Who am I?

Being the Pronker leads to two diverse avenues of thought: that of strutting one’s stuff or taking survival leaps through the air (although the link to the Tomson Gazelle being one of the quickest land animals doesn’t really hold  true)

Or, the avenue associated with those lads from Peckham…..

Why oh why would I want to cross the Gobi Desert in an old car?

Well, last time I crossed the Atacama Desert with some old geysers, so why not try crossing the Gobi Desert with some old blowers?

And as to what I’m expecting, then I’m sure that it will be a totally unique, mind opening and rustic, fun experience, back with the Patagonian Pack. Having Gregg as a guide to pick up on the local wildlife is always special – as will be the starlit night sky, the dunes, the Flaming Cliffs and the Silk Route finale to the Great Wall and Beijing.

Dead Cat

AKA Oli

Who am I?

I was once Bambi, the long-legged, wide eyed, and youthful adventure. I am still the long-legged and wide eyed adventurer but perhaps not so youthful, so I’ve been renamed Dead Cat!

Why oh Why?

Having dipped my toes into the original Africa 100 challenge, I formally took on my new Disney movie star name when I officially joined my first adventure – the epic that was Africa 200. Then came Namibia 600, Wild Coast 3000, and the World’s End motorcycle adventure. Each and every one of these experiences has been a life impacting journey through the far ends of the world. Immense, unforgettable adventures, each with their own unique challenges. Making one’s way across the Gobi Desert is undeniably befitting to this list of experiences. Right now there is a magic to the mystery of the adventure yet to begin, and I would just love to be there as the stories unfold and the lifelong memories are formed.

Why Dead Cat?

Bambi is now trading for a living. The “Dead Cat” bounce is a trading term describing a short lived recovery in the stock market after a significant decline. It seemed more fitting than Bambi!

Peachy

AKA George

Who am I?

I used to be known as The Kid, but through no choice of my own, got re-branded to Peachy (apparently due to bruising too easily when the ex-All Black’s physio went to work on me). I am almost one of the veterans, having only missed a few days of Africa 100, but managed all the other miles since these adventures have been going ahead (whether it be by foot, bike, motorbike or raft). 

Why oh Why?

 A birthday, the Gobi and spoilt for choice.  

Firstly, it’s my dad’s 70th big trip! We circumnavigated Southern Africa for his 60th, and we’re still talking about that 10 years on. Now, as the world seems to be getting smaller, we needed to find the next adventure. Mongolia/China is on the same level, maybe more, than any expedition we’ve done before. So few people know anything about Mongolia or China, the culture, terrain or what to expect at all. We’ll report back for sure!  But we are going in completely blind. What’s in the Gobi desert? And China, it’s been shutdown/ off grid for more than two years, we will be the first tourists let back in. That’s what makes it such a genuine adventure, lots is ‘un-plannable’.  

Secondly, it’s a month of driving off road in 1920s Bentleys – as simple an answer to why I said yes as that. Plus there are a few cool backups, including the first Land Rover ever made, a few brand new Grenadiers, the first ever pickup Grenadier, plus a rally 1980s Porsche. What’s not to like about that lineup!  

But to summarise, without adventure, new challenges, the very very unknown and leaving room to enjoy yourself with family and friends, it’s always easy to say no, and even easier to stay in the safe zone. And I don’t want to be there, and nor do any of the participants. And those are the people I want to be surrounded by.  

Shrek

AKA Nick Hayward Young

Who am I?

The lucky one (with sausage fingers). Worn a few hats over the years but now letting the sun colour the shiny bit on the top of my head. 

Why oh Why?

Why oh why not?  One has to dig pretty deep to find a justifiable reason to decline an invitation to what will surely be another life-changing, breathtaking, life-affirming, laughter-filled, once in a life-time experience.  I dug deep and couldn’t find one.  And what if the earth really is flat?  I’ll be heading off over the edge – again.  Can’t wait. 

Imelda

AKA Chris

Who am I?

Happy go lucky fellow, or more precisely…. Lucky and Happy to be invited on the once in a lifetime adventure to end them all.

Why oh Why?

Growing up, time spent in celibacy was known as ‘being in the Gobi Desert’….. how could I miss the chance to see the real thing having spent so much time there in my youth (score through youth please) life!

Bentleys, Porsches, Landrovers and Grenadiers, fine wine, cigars and mates. Happy days.

Imelda.

Sleazy Rider

AKA Tim

Who am I?

I’m Sleazy – Silver haired creative type who works and lives in London and the New Forest. I have once again taken leave from my long suffering clients, staff and the ‘just eat’ moped delivery job to join some pals on another adventure this time deep in the wilds of Asia. As attested to by those who know me, I will eat anything and have no known food allergies but goat or mare based offal does make me a bit queasy.

Why Oh Why?

The obvious attraction of this trip for me was the nightlife and the chicks. What’s that you say – Mongolia, no bars, no birds? Oh its a boys trip then – even better!

The Gobi is somewhere I wouldn’t think of travelling to. The wife’s idea of travelling ‘rough’ generally involves a touristic cruise leading to a wonderful hotel, possibly a beach and a lunch involving seafood and provencal rose. So now we’re our own horde. Tracking the return of the Mongols back from conquering the known world after Genghis K, unfortunately for him, fatally fell off his pony.

The idea of bumping through spectacular landscape in ridiculously impractical vehicles has obvious attractions; reliving the glories of bike trips in the past, but without the fear of falling off! I know there was some sort of Paris Peking rally back way back before I was born, (probably in the ’90’s) but really… vintage Bentleys? They were only worth about tuppence back then. Bags I a Grenadier, I have a feeling my one in the New Forest will only have to deal with muddy verges on narrow lanes avoiding myopic old dears in Hyundai 100’s.

It’ll be great to mix it up with the old team on another adventure, swapping stories and coming up with some new ones too. See you in a few.

Biggles

AKA Charles

Who am I?

Charles also known as Biggles due to my aerial exploits on a motocycle.

Why oh Why?

Where the hell is the Gobi Desert and is Genghis Khan still there doing all the things which the woke world has moved on from?  Well, I guess the invitation to find out,  using 3 old Bangers from 1929, some mid 20th century wheels and something thought up in the Okavango Delta and now called the Grenadier was just too good to turn down  At least this time we’ve got 4 wheels and I’ve got a licence!

Another great adventure! Carpe Diem as the saying goes.

BJ

AKA David K

Who Am I?

I am B.J. This could mean Big Jock, or as Billy Connolly would say Bigyin Jock, or… well the most obvious would be… probably best not tell the children.

Why oh why?

The Gobi desert – speaks for itself.  One of the largest and most inhospitable deserts in the world, covering an area of over 500,000 square miles. A place that conjures up a sense of mystery, adventure, and harshness. Vast emptiness, extreme temperatures, sand dunes – amongst the largest in the world, camels, Nomadic peoples with their own unique culture, customs, and way of life, fossils and dinosaur remains. Cross this with a drive through 100 years of automotive history – Bentley’s from the 1920s, the first Landrover and the soon to be iconic Grenadier! Add a pretty remarkable bunch of people – all focused on following a route no one has ever done before. Equals yet another unbelievable once in lifetime experience….

Philistine

AKA Phil

Who am I?

The Philistine!

Why oh why?

Why ? Many of the highlights in my life come from adventures like this, so for me, there’s only one answer when I asked ….Are you in? And that is, ….Of course!!!!!! 

Double D

AKA Effie

Who am I?

If it’s unwise for a man to ask a lady her age, then god help him if he asks the reason behind her nickname.

Why oh why?

As a veteran of the motorbike safaris and a lover of speed, DD wants to turn her hand to negotiating the desert on four wheels instead of two!

Intrepid and in search of adventure DD will enjoy the ‘Bon Homie’ as well as the ride.

Butch

AKA Sam

Who am I?

I am Sam. Also known as Butch or the mechanic, the wheel changer and the guy you hope is behind you in case you need assistance or in Georges case, someone to operate the camera in those ever so carefully planned photo opportunities that win awards.

Why oh Why?

Someone once told me you should always try to maximise your number of memorable days. This adventure to a region of the world that remains undiscovered to ourselves seems like a good opportunity to heed the earlier advice. This trip wont happen again, it will be unique. The format, the rather eccentric range of vehicles spanning 94 years and the route will not be repeated.

Opportunities like this are rare, and so, here I am signed up from start to finish, excitedly waiting for the first day I will drive a beautiful 1929 Bentley 4.5L straight off the road and into the desert.

Panoramic views, technical driving, and cars stuck in the sand are but a few of the memories I imagine we will capture on the trip. There will be laughter, challenges and breakdowns, there will be questionable navigational decisions and, there will be more stories than we could possibly cover.

That is why I am going on this trip.

Gobby

AKA Tim

Who am I?

I’m Gobby, nicknamed for my constant pearls of wisdom.

Why Oh Why?

Having missed out on the last Auld Mug tour in South America, I’m determined to be on the Mongolian extravaganza. Four wheels instead of two definitely suits me better! The opportunity to drive Bentleys, Land Rovers and Grenadiers across the Gobi Desert to the Great Wall of China and beyond. Wow, it doesn’t get better than that. It is going to be an absolute blast and I’m looking forward to it enormously.

As to why I’m included; no trip is complete without Gobby’s enthusiasm and words of encouragement 😂

The Hack

AKA Richard

Who am I?

I am Richard, aka: The Hack….It can mean journalist, but I am told it is more likely to reflect my ability on the football pitch! I am, also suspicious, once again, that the mode of transport does not involve burning of any calories… Hmmm! We all know better!

Why oh Why?

Why not take cars, very old cars, where there are no roads, no mechanics, spares accommodation or people! And drive them 5000 kms, from the high Altai Mountains at over 3000 metres, across The Gobi Desert and on to Beijing! What could possibly go wrong!? Once again, Jim, Gregg and a few G&T’s have excelled themselves and concocted a classic Jim challenge. Think Mad Max meets Indiana Jones, but with better views, more exposure, uncertainty, jeopardy and comradery!

Mongolia 5000 presents another once in a life-time adventure, with a great bunch of people. An opportunity to once again maximise the number of our days that are unforgettable!

There is no doubt going to be more adrenaline, more stories, more grit and humour, in the land that gave us Genghis Khan – a vast untouched adventure playground, without phone signal or email! Absolutely perfect!

…I had to say yes!

Hotlips

AKA Adam

Who am I?

Allegedly “Hotlips” from MASH, because I might be useful with a plaster or a paracetamol and let’s hope we don’t need them on this trip.

Why oh why?

An amazing opportunity to make more days of memories with a group of friends who love exploring. Mongolia remains one of the worlds few remaining wildernesses. With less than 2,500 miles of road, a predominately nomadic population who love their horses, music and are predominately Buddhist. What’s not to love.

Mango Robbie

AKA Catherine

Why oh Why?

Embarking on a road trip through the Gobi Desert in a vintage car with your partner is no doubt an exciting adventure that promises to be challenging in more ways than one.

Beyond the thrill of cruising through breathtaking landscapes and interacting with the local population, this journey presents a unique opportunity for cultural exploration.

Beyond the cultural and natural attractions, a road trip through the Gobi Desert can also be a deeply personal experience!!! It offers the chance to disconnect from the distractions of daily life, spend quality time with your partner ( ! ) and some great people  ( !!) , and reflect on your priorities in life ( !!! ).

In conclusion, a road trip through the Gobi Desert promises to be an unforgettable adventure that offers a unique opportunity for cultural exploration, natural discovery, and personal growth and challenge !

Why Mango Robbie?

Always takes the dried mango from the nibble bag when skiing.  And given Buspass’ soft spot for the actress “Margot Robbie” it seemed to fit perfectly – She looks like Margot and likes Mango.

Monkey

AKA Julia

Why oh why?

Because Dad asked me if I fancied another unique adventure.

All the others have been great fun and I expect this will be equally amazing. I cant wait 🙂

Why Monkey?

Because I’ve always been Monkey.

Daub

AKA Toby

Why oh Why?

Peking to Paris always sounded like the ultimate road trip to me.  When I spoke to people who had actually completed this incredible journey, the one place that they all spoke about with passion , the one place they loved and felt truly privileged to spend time was Mongolia .

Doing this trip at all is something quite extraordinary, however doing it in a car I’ve helped design , along side the car I’ve loved since a boy, is very special indeed.

My grandad told me that Bentleys were only ever driven by gentlemen.  With this in mind, what better way to explore Mongolia ?

Why Daub?

Daub or Impasto, is the technique of applying thick layers of paint to canvas with visible brushstrokes, creating a highly textured surface. A technique is often associated with the work of artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Willem de Kooning or as we found out Desmond Morris and “Congo the Chimpanzee”. Toby is a talented artist / designer type, but we thought Desmond Morris and Congo the Chimpanzee fit well so Daub it is…

Louisville Lip

AKA Tom

Why oh Why?

Would you like to join us in crossing the Gobi desert in 3 1929 Bentleys, 2 Series 1 LandRovers and a clutch of Grenadiers?   Would I?   Who wouldn’t jump at that opportunity.   To spend time in one of the remotest and beautiful parts of the world with a bunch of like minded folk is a once in a lifetime opportunity that cannot be missed.  I can’t wait to get started.

Why Louisville Lip?

Many names were considered for Tom: Murphy? Spud? Guinness? Harp? The Ambassador? Paddy? Houdini? Spinner? The Spin Doctor and Louisville Lip?

Ali was nicknamed “Lousiville Lip” for talking up his own achievements and being born in Louisville.  Tom’s current responsibility requires similar communication skills less so talking up his own achievements or boxing…yet! However ‘The Lip’s’ interview style is characterised by his quick wit and clever wordplay. Engaging, entertaining, and often thought-provoking. A master of the art of communication. Fits well, we thought!

Medici

AKA John

Why oh why?

I  must admit I didn’t know what to think about this trip- Mongolia? Isn’t that a big desert? Old cars? Don’t they breakdown a lot?! My last ‘old car’ trip with Jim was in Bordeaux- St Emilion, Cognac, Pauillac…!

However, as Jim would say, you have to get busy living, or…

Looking forward to it immensely- I have no real idea what to expect but I do bring with me vast experience of camping- with the Scouts over 50 years ago! I’m sure it will be a Big Adventure and you can’t ask for more than that- not often opportunities like this come along.

Why Medici?

The ‘naming committee’ considered lots of options for John: numbers? Bean counter? The accountant? Mr Bean? But given John’s background and current position Medici felt appropriate. The Medici dynasty began with the founding of the Medici Bank in Florence in 1397. The family effectively funded the Renaissance, as bankers to the Pope, they basically ran Italy. Not quite as challenging as John’s current role but you get the point.

Peacock

AKA David Sweetnam

Why oh Why?

I worked out quicker than most as a doc  that life is worryingly short . Your time on this planet  is therefore  probably best measured by the relationships you’ve formed and the experiences you’ve had . After all who on their death bed says … ”I wish I’d travelled less“ ? 

So, it wasn’t that tricky a decision when faced with an amazing  opportunity to cross the Gobi in a bunch of vintage cars to just accept first then give it some thought later. After all what could possibly go wrong !

However, perhaps more importantly HMRC usually come after me in June so I welcome being out of the country!

Why Peacock?

Many names were considered by the committee: Rant, Ranter, Bluster Jester, Aquaman,   Sharkbate, The butcher, The Meatman, Sawbones Bones, Stand Up  Rubber gloves,hatchet man, primo uomo, (male equivalent of Prima Donna), Jaws. (Two meanings. Talks a lot and afraid of sharks.) But as “the” prima donna showman, Peacock is in his natural state as centre of attention. Flamboyant in every way a perfect moniker in every way.

Chilly Philly

AKA Phillip

Why oh Why?

I can’t imagine a more compelling and exhilarating adventure. Crossing some of the most stunning landscapes, which were once home to some of the most ruthless and prolific conquerors the world has ever seen. 

I think it’s going to be an experience of a life time, having a taste of the testing voyage that so many explorers, traders and conquerors endured for thousands of years, and now it’s our turn! 

I expect we’ll have a few breakdowns, and get lost more than once.. we’ll definitely feel exhausted and beaten down by the rough roads. But nothing that a few gin and tonics and some laughs at the end of the day won’t be able to fix.

Why Chilly Phil?

Given he’s from Chile and he’s called Phil… his new name is pretty straightforward really! “Chilly Philly”

Shadow

AKA Phillipe P


Pourquoi?

Lorsque l’on est enfant, on rêve d’aventures, d’explorations, de traversées de déserts et de découvertes…

Lorsque l’on est devenu adulte, il est bon de ne jamais avoir oublié ses rêves.

Les concrétiser est alors un incroyable aboutissement.

Quoi de plus fou que de participer à la traversée du désert de Gobi, au volant de vénérables véhicules de caractère et d’une nouvelle génération de 4×4, en quête d’intensité et d’authenticité, comme dans la plus improbable des chasses aux trésors : sur les traces de Roy Chapman Andrews, le rêve devient réalité.

*Jim, may I bring my detector ?…

Why oh Why?

When you are a child, you dream of adventures, explorations, desert crossings and discoveries...

When you have become an adult, it is good to never have forgotten your dreams.

Making them a reality is an incredible achievement.

What could be crazier than taking part in the crossing of the Gobi Desert, driving venerable vehicles with character and a new generation of 4x4s, in search of intensity and authenticity, as in the most improbable of treasure hunts : in the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews, the dream becomes reality.

*Jim, may I bring my detector?...

Why Shadow?

International man of mystery.  Served in the special forces

Enough said… and I don’t want to cross him really!

Lovejoy

AKA Jussi

Who Am I ?

I am a nomadic Finn, born in Helsinki, raised in London and very good at getting lost.

Why oh Why ?

This is a chance in a lifetime to visit one of the unspoilt, untouched corners of the world with an extraordinary history and a national culture as strong as the Samis’ of Northern Finland. I have assurances from everyone that we plan to go completely native. To show my commitment I have been learning Mongolian. Bidend amjilt khusiye.

Like my fellow Finns I love a rally car, open terrain and the roar of well-tuned engine. Rolling Steppes, the broad reaches of the Gobi Desert, travelling for days without a map, without signposts, without roads, without Satnav and without knowing how to ask the way in Mongolian. Jim we might find the phrase Bi torchihloo useful….what can possibly go wrong?  Knowing the crew I suspect quite a lot…..Stay tuned.

Why Lovejoy?

Lovejoy was a  TV show about a less than scrupulous but likeable antique dealer. It is a delightful and entertaining series that offers a glimpse into the world of antiques dealing, while also providing plenty of humour and adventure. The ‘committee for nicknames’ thought it was an appropriate moniker for a Finnish art dealer, and the global President of a world leading auction house as he heads out across the Steppes of Mongolia.

Gisele

AKA Nicole

Why oh why?

Since my childhood the incredible beauty of our planet and its extraordinary variety has always made me dream and wonder – indeed, my first little money earned, I went off to travel around with my backpack…! 🙂

I could never have imagined that the course of live would give me the chance to travel from deep Africa to the Poles, thanks to Jim – and now to be part of an amazing expedition in the mythical country of Genghis Khan, crossing by car one of the biggest deserts on earth, searching for fossils and flaming red cliffs !
As Mark Twain said: “They did not know it was impossible so they did it !”
Looking forward to share this incredible adventure with family and friends!

Why Gisele?

Named after the beautiful Brazilian model; Gisele Bundchen.  “Gisel” is the name given to smart, beautiful women.

IKEA

AKA Klara

Why oh why?

Because it’s my Job! But what an amazing opportunity!

Why IKEA?

The committee thought long and hard about this one – Swedish? Snork? Moomin? kaffebryggare? (Coffeemaker in Swedish) Jeeves, Moneypenny, Dot 2 or Pat 2? In the end a very obvious name came to mind…

Just like IKEA Klara is popular, very practical, helpful to have around the house, relatively inexpensive, and she’s Swedish…!