Invited to be part of a Japanese documentary about the rally. The Japanese are making a 6-8 part documentary about the rally and want to follow a number of cars. I discussed it with my PR advisor (James) and we decided that the last thing we want is to be pursued by a bunch of Japanese documentary makers. Any film of James and I under pressure would make Gordon Brown’s recent gaff look like a prayer meeting!
RHC
The gudgeon pins have arrived and fit perfectly! Yeeeeeeh! The new pistons are in (strange but the old ones weren’t even a set of 6) and the top of the engine will go back on this afternoon. Roy confirms that he’s confident that we will be shipping by early July. Go, go, go.........
I’ve shelled out £800 today for fuel in Mongolia. Apparently often Mongolian garages have no fuel unless you pre buy it so that is what we have done. I shall be really peaved if I have £800 of fuel in Mongolia and no car!
I’ve also ordered a Skytag to fit to the car. This is a GPS transponder which is constantly transmitting our location. You will be able to follow James and I in real time right the way across the world. How cool will that be. If the car gets nicked (no chance of anyone else knowing how to start it let alone change gear) we can also track it which might e an added bonus.
RHC
Just heard from Cars UK, the shipping agents. They are now planning to collect the car on 5th July for shipment to China. That gives us an extra month to get the car sorted and run in. Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RHC
A replacement gudgeon pin (whatever that is!) had to be machined to fit. Unfortunately it was over machined and had to be put in the bin. A replacement part will arrive this morning and be taken tomorrow to the machinist. Lets hope we don’t screw up a second time! Time is passing us by.
Thanks to Wikipedia; the gudgeon pin (UK, wrist pin US) is that which connects the piston to the connecting rod and provides a bearing for the connecting rod to pivot upon as the piston moves
RHC
I have just spent and incredibly dull few hours completing visa applications for our various destinations. Since Krygystan went up in smoke last week and a hear today that the ex-president is fleeing it will be interesting to see what the reaction to our applications are! James got his second passport so at least he will getting a holiday before the challenge gets started.
RHC
Spoke to Roy this morning who seemed extremely relaxed and optimistic. Some widget needs a little machining which cannot happen until Monday but he has all the parts and the engine is being put back together today. My only concern was that he wanted to check whether the shipping date was the beginning of June or July! I haven’t heard that its changed so his feet will be held firmly to the fire!
Call from Roy this afternoon asking me to find about, about various torques. I thought of phoning James but not for long. A call to the Lagonda club put me in touch with an expert and luckily they answered the phone. Thank you Colin Bugler and Bishop Gray for all your kind help! I now know what the tightening torque for a Meadows M45 connecting rod small end clamp bolt is amongst other things.
RHC
The final entry list has been published. 11 Pioneer vehicles (pre 1921 vehicles) lead by Tim Scott riding a 1922 FN Motorbike on his own! He cannot be carrying many spares and he’s not snuggling into my tent! 72 cars in the Vintageant class (pre 1941 type cars) including AUA117 and 21 cars in the Classics Class (pre 1968 type cars). 104 vehicles in all.
Richard Cunningham and James Chancellor in their Lagonda M45 are car 66 sandwiched between the Danish Lagonda LG45 of Gerd Buelhler and the Swiss Bentley of Daniel Schlatter. We’re the last Lagonda to leave Peking. Where we be in Paris? Stay tuned!
RHC
The summary of the Briefing day from the organisers included the details of the maps to get us back from China. Despite having maps is “optional” I feel that detailed road maps, if indeed there is such a thing of Mongolia, might just get us out of some serious trouble. I have therefore invested £92.16 in the following;
China: Reise 1:4,000,000
Mongolia: Reise 1:1,600,000
Russia: International Travel Maps 1:6,000,000
Kazakhstan: Reise 1:2,000,000
Central Asia: Reise 1:1,700,000
Iran: Reise 1:1,500,000
Turkey: Rough Guide Map 1:1,100,000
Greece: Insight Travel Maps 1:300,000
Italy Touring Editore 1:200,000 maps 1,5,7 and 8
France: Michelin 1:200,000 Road Atlas
RHC
Off to the Heritage Motor centre for the Rally briefing. Clocks go back last night. The Briefing starts at 09.30am. I receive a call from James at 09.15am telling me that he will be at the Briefing by 09.00am. He’d forgotten to change his clock! Bodes somewhat ominously for 36 days of being at the right place at the right time!
Very exciting and interesting presentations on the route, medical issues and car preparation. The third question from one team was met by James’ “I’m beginning to get rather irritated by those people”. A sentiment felt by many sitting near us!
A real sense that we are now finally on the run in to the start line. It’s all down to getting the car repaired. I am still confident but nervous until I see how things are going next week.
Off to the airport for a week in Courcheval. I am really looking forward to it. I’m sure that all the children will now be faster and better than me which will be a real joy. Al and I will be trundling along at the back. 53 for lunch at La Soucoupe on Friday for my 50th Birthday! Should be fun.
RHC
