To Absent Friends

Whilst looking forward to Friday and an end to this seemingly unending planning, I thought I should just spare a moment of thought for those who nearly, but didn't quite, make the starting line. There have been a few, quite a few, who would have been great, or amusing, additions to the event.
To John Mallace and his collection of ancient motorbikes. Team Black Rat would have given us a different angle on the event. Outriders as we entered new towns and cities. But, alas it isn't to be this time.
To Russ and Liam. Two plus sized chaps who dreamed of squeezing together inside a Hona Acty van. I think, if they had managed to get in a Honda Acty, it would have taken a lot of us, with a large can opener, to get them out again.
To Chris and Gareth. They graced several of the early Windy 500 events, putting a fair bit of money behind the bar and in the charity coffers, even had a Mercedes Vito van bought and ready to go. Alas though it wasn't to be.
To Lee and Paul. The Doli Wallies. They rushed out and bought the Mustard Bomber, a vomit coloured Triumph Dolomite with white walled tyres, in need of some serious welding. Lives change, Lee became a parent, the Mustard Bomber moved on to find another owner with a sense of humour and a large wallet.
To the Motley Crew, Marie and Trevor. They had found a very bad car, a Daewoo Nexia . It turned out to be too bad for the Windy 500 and hence they won't be joining us at the starting line.
To Chris and Tom with their Bedford van. Having to pull out with barely 6 weeks to go due to excessive rust.
To Oz from the Kings Arms. Plenty of enthusiasm, plenty of generosity but alas work got in the way of the trip.
To Garry and his team. They still have the Mondeo I believe but lack of work prevented them coming.
To Big Phil. The Chief Nightmare himself. So sad that he won't be joining us, after all he put me through over the last 2 years or so.
So many people from all walks of life and there are so many more I could mention too. All will be finding alternative ways to amuse themselves over the next month. All will be missed.

Sudan. Not Tesco's. 

But, there is one other that I feel I should mention who should be there on the starting line. From my original bus crew I have Jo, Eileen the Negotiator and Evil Kev. Two others have jumped ship to set up on their own. The one other crew member I dearly wanted to be there was Bill Morris. Not only is he one of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet, easy going, hard working and sociable, he's also a bloody good mechanic. Saved our skins on countless occasions on the Dongola Highway in Sudan, on the Metema Road in Ethiopia, Wadi Halfa and Tesco's in Dorchester. Bill, you'll be sorely missed, and not just for your mechanical skills.

The Wobbly Awning

Life goes on I guess. I'm still working on Jezebel, with some assistance from Jim. The cupboard looks better with a shelf and a locking door. The roof now has a strut rather than a tool kit jammed in the hinge. I've been busy with velcro, gaffer tape and superglue. We have a functioning awning, albeit the poles are a bit wobbly. I may have to work on that.
We took in one final camping trip before the off. Sea Barn Farm, 2 miles down the road, but just what I needed (and others by the sound of it) a day of chilling out with a few drinks and some good food before the final push to the start line (God, that's a poor choice of phrase ).
Team Nightmare, as predicted, are leaving it until the last minute to get everything ready. They are still talking about graphics. Likewise Ralph and his Team Wessex Properties. Olly of Team Newlywed fame has some new stuff, but it's a secret apparently. Team LOTUS have managed a test drive to Coventry and they have survived and returned. Trigger is looking to become a media star with the Dorset Echo and Radio Solent are sniffing around for another volunteer for a live interview.
So, 4 days until the leaving do. 4 days of hard work, planning, sorting and packing. I want to get going now.