Today was an African day!

All best laid plans were ignored to such an extent that my voice found itself above acceptable decibel levels. The problem with that fact is that Africa loves nothing better than the feeling She has something over the Big Guy. I simmered, fast!

Car update

She has a name, The Falcon. Yes, I suppose unoriginal given it’s based on Han Solo’s crate but apt for the many years of service and welding rods.

Johannes and I spent a couple of hours yesterday trying various configs and settled on cutting the back arse out of her to accommodate wheel articulation, bridging ladders, farm jacks, batteries, fuel tanks and seating. Plans were carefully laid, limited 7 steps order of work agreed.....

Result: see top of page! 😡 Hopefully plans have today now been relaid and re-understood. Tomorrow they will no doubt be re-interpreted. 😤

Fundraising

Johannes and I have been trying to convince various companies in Nairobi to sponsor the car. We have tried a number of corporates already, including Glenfiddich whisky, Taxify etc. JJ, another of our hot targets provides ambulance services; thought you would like that.

The US 🇺🇸 team members have done a fine job so far 🙏🏻 and we would like to point out that there are still a couple of slots remaining in the Support Car!

We also have opportunity/slot for clothing sponsor though this might go with the current negotiations.

Our search for funding continues, aiming to reach and even surpass our original $30k target. There are plenty of good reasons to keep cash coming in (charity, decent camp, wishlist for improved mechanics and technical gizmos to mention a few). We remain on the hunt for contributors and welcome any ideas, offers etc.

Navigation

Having smashed the Falcon up a bit in the yard, we headed across the road to the local pub for a navigation planning session. 🍻

Guys, this is where this team competes! In the pub! Our wagon is great but realistically not in the top tier technically. Others have spent $200k+ on their crates and yet Car 30’s record speaks for itself. (Top Ten x3, Top 20 x4 etc). When it comes to the smarts however, we like to be up there with the best of them. 🧐

Shout out to the German, because he is now taking this properly seriously. An example is the analysis of what happened a couple of years ago and realising where we could have done a lot better with a different mindset. It’s all about incremental improvements and Johannes is ringing that bell. I won’t steal his thunder but JJ be warned, there is smoke in the pipe and it is coming down your tubes! Mike, we would like your input as well, please when Johannes publishes.

Conclusion

The day ended better than it started.

I came 5th out of 10 in my fantasy league 6 Nations rugby game (top half goes free!) and The Falcon’s newly reconditioned diffs were Somali-delivered from the UK to my front door. Gotta admit, they are HEAVY. Hoping to get them installed and running by this time next week.

We are keeping it rolling in spite of the rains and flooding.