Weardale Vs. Mongol Mountains

Posted on Friday, 04 July 2008 09:51AM by

I didn't think that anybody would ever compare Mongolia to Weardale before I met Mike Griffiths. Mike rang me and asked if we could give him some pre-expedition training for a mammoth voyage to outer Mongolia. He arrived in a customised 110 Land Rover with three very enthusiastic friends. They were about to embark on a trip to Mongolia in aid of the Northumbria Water Charity, Water Aid. They arrived in matching T-Shirts and some very unsuitable footwear with a Land Rover that was carpeted throughout and equipped with their teddy 'Ratty' and a packet of wet wipes. Gemma explained that the rat was for her, and the wet wipes were to make sure that the boys were not 'too smelly'. Shortly after they arrived the Features Editor of Land Rover Owner International Magazine arrived. We then set off for an afternoon of training with Tom the photographer along for the ride. We gave the team comprehensive, but not too strenuous, training in hill climbs, hill descents, cross axle, V-shape gulleys and water training. They began to realise, or at least Gemma did, that they were about to embark on an enormous challenge. Weardale can only attempt to be as extreme as the terrain that they will cross to achieve their goal. We wish them all the best in their trip and hope that they return in one piece. Godspeed.