Unlikely Lads take on Plymouth-Banjul Challenge!

If you are one of those people who struggles with a trip down to the coast, then driving more than 3,500 miles across hostile terrain may not appeal!!

Dave Cavanagh and friend, Mark Wilson, both from Hemel Hempstead, will be leaving the daily grind behind them on 17^th December when they take on an arduous three week challenge which takes them from Plymouth to Banjul on the West Coast of Africa.

And their vehicle of choice….none less than a 14 year old Opel Kadett GSi for which they paid less than £100!! “People think that we are mad and we probably are” said Dave “It all started when we read an article in “Top Gear” magazine about the “Lada Ladies Team”. We were so convinced that we would be rejected that we decided to call our team the “Unlikely Lads”. But not only were we accepted but we were put in the first group to leave”.

Contrived in 2003, the aptly named “Ultimate Banger Challenge” involves 200 teams, all travelling in cars costing less than £100. Those vehicles which successfully complete the Challenge are auctioned off in Banjul to support local charities.

The two lads chose to raise funds for The Douglas Bader Foundation as Daves sister is an amputee and for the Haemophilia Society as Marks son suffers from the condition.

If you would like to contribute to their fund raising effort or to wish them well on their epic adventure, contact Dave on 01442 388755.

Plymouth – Banjul Itinerary.
Day 1    Depart                                         
Day 2    Arr St Malo, drive to Spanish Border                                                      
Day 3    Cross to Gibraltar                              
Day 4    Rest/repairs Sotogrande              
Day 5    Ferry to & drive to Rabat                                                   
Day 6    Drive to Marrakech                       
Day 7    Rest/recovery day                                 
Day 8    Drive to Agadir                             
Day 9    Drive to Laayoune                        
Day 10  Drive to Dakhla                                        
Day 11  Drive to Nouadhibou                                 
Day 12  Rest/repairs/catch up/party                       
Day 13  Into the desert o/night camp       
Day 14  Continue through desert, out of National Park of Nouamghar & part way down the beach
Day 15  On down coast to Nouakchott
Day 16  Drive to Zebrabar Campsite near St Louis    
Day 17  Rest Day/Party Night
Day 18  Recovery Day    
Day 19  Customs escort through Senegal 
Day 20  Drive to Gambia
Day 21  Chill out at the Safari Garden Hotel. Surviving cars auctioned with proceeds going to Gambian charities.
Day 22  Fly home after 3699 mile drive