Torrevieja to Morocco or Bust

Paul Harold and Richard Mentessi have set themselves a challenge for Spring 2012, to complete all 2,700 kilometres of the Maroc Challenge Car Rally while distributing aid to local and Moroccan Orphanages on route.

 The two local drivers have been involved in the motoring world for many years and many people will know Paul from his tuned Ford Anglia, which he has displayed at many car shows on the Southern Costa Blanca. At the moment Paul and Richard are busy raising awareness and funds for the trip and are on the lookout for a suitable, but fun vehicle, to compete the trip in.

To format the idea in your head, think Paris – Dakar Rally but in 4x2 cars or 4x4 SUVs manufactured and registered before December 31, 1995, provided they meet all the technical, legal and administrative requirements, that are worth about €500 or less! In fact, the organisers think you could probably pick up a suitable car for more around the €300 mark! As their website at http://marocchallenge.eu says “Can you imagine crossing a country along tracks and discovering astonishing landscapes and dunes from behind the wheel of an old car? All you need is an adventurous spirit. Don’t worry about your vehicle; the main requirement is that it is old. You need little else! Maybe you can recover that half-abandoned old family car and take it on the trip of a lifetime! Recommended Vehicles: Renault 4L, Citroen 2CV, Citroen AX, Fiat Panda, Renault 5, Peugeot 205, etc.”

On route the teams will be dropping off essential supplies to schools and clinics in remote villages. Both Paul and Richard look upon the challenge as more of a fun, weekend away with tent and backpack, rather than a competitive driving event. Both will be sharing the driving but Paul will be the chief mechanic on route saying “I’m the Costa Blanca’s number one bodger! As long as I’ve a couple of spanners, a hammer, gaffer tape and lots of chemical metal, we shouldn’t have any problem!” One should mention that both drivers do have a wicked sense of humour, which should go a long way on this trip!

Almost exactly 100-miles away from Torrevieja, the town of Javea will be an optional starting point for the spring edition of the Maroc Challenge. According to the organiser of the race, Rui Cabaço, “this low cost raid is an opportunity to experience the same sensations of rallies such as the Dakar or the Panafrica, but for very little money. Seven days along a route filled with dust and stones, camping outdoors and ending at a dream destination: Essaouira beach.”

The rally is specifically aimed at amateurs with limited resources and no backing from major sponsors, but who want to enjoy a great adventure. The most important feature of the rally to Paul and Richard is that it also has a charitable aspect, as the participants will be taking basic goods and materials to the people of the desert as they travel on route. The first edition of this low-cost rally was held last December, 2011, when it proved to be a great success in terms of participation. In its second edition, with a full two months to go before the closing of the registration period, there are already 37 teams signed up.
 
Cabaço also pointed out that the second mainstay of the Maroc Challenge is its charity effort. In the December rally, the organization itself was in charge of transporting clothes, school supplies, toys or medical supplies to the settlements and villages in the desert. Alicante-based children’s shoe company, Garvalín, has joined forces with the organisation and will be sponsoring the transport of the humanitarian aid material, as well as donating 300 pairs of shoes for Moroccan children.
 
Teams will meet up in Jávea on the 31 March, then head south on route to Almeria, where they will embark for Morocco, with Paul and Richard tagging on to the end of the motorcade as they pass on route. Richard said “Although we do have a backup car, we are asking anyone who as a car or van, anything diesel or petrol to call us on 603 100 692. We would like something older and more classic but anything will be considered. Anyone else interested in joining the challenge in their own car, place call us so we can form a team, to basically help support each other on route.” They also need any medical supplies, old glasses, children’s clothes and shoes, nappies and non-perishable foodstuffs, to give to the orphanages in both Morocco and also the San Jose Obrero Orphanage in Orihuela.

More information on the rally can be found on Facebook at ‘Maroc Challenge Paul Rich’ and the official site ‘http://marocchallenge.eu’.

Keith Nicol