Budget Bikers set to take on the Mongol Rally
10:00am Sunday 6th July 2008
MOTORBIKE enthusiasts Pete Anstey and Bob Golding are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime.
The 50 somethings are taking part in the Mongol Rally on vintage motorbikes.
The rally is predominantly undertaken in clapped out cars but Mr Anstey, of Neston near Corsham, and Mr Golding of Devizes, are each doing it on two wheels.
The pair have bought Honda CG125s, the same model driven by Prince Harry in the Afghanistan desert.
The rally sets off from London on July 19 and depending on the route taken the journey to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar will be 8,000 to 10,000 miles.
Mr Anstey, 57 and a self employed plumber, said: "I like to go away every year and it's good to see somewhere new and different cultures."
Mr Anstey has driven a motorbike across the Sahara Desert but the Mongol Rally will be the biggest motorbike challenge for Mr Golding, 54 a builder and metal fabricator.
Mr Golding, a member of Devizes based Moonraker Motorcycle Club, paid £50 for his motorbike. It is 31 years old and has only done 16,000 miles.
Mr Anstey's motorbike is 32 years old and has clocked up 33,000 kilometres. He bought it for £112 off ebay from a Frenchman.
The men, whose team name is Budget Bikers, will be sleeping in tents at night and will transport all their supplies on their motorbikes.
The pair are hoping to drive 200 miles a day.
They have so far raised £4,500 for the Mongol Rally charities with the majority of it going to the Christina Noble Children's Foundation.
This helps children in need of emergency and long term medical care, educational opportunities, vocational training, job placement and the protection of children.
They would like to offer the opportunity for companies to sponsor them for a penny for every mile completed.
If you are interested contact Mr Anstey on (01225) 810586.