The world’s a little too safe…

The word “rally” conjures the image of a turbocharged Subaru Impreza with aerodynamic parts, a sequential gearbox and anti-lag systems racing through the asphalt and gravel tracks of Cyprus or Argentina with supporters cheering along the way. This ain’t one of them…

The year was 2001, when a couple of London-based chappies decided to test the limits of Italian engineering. Their quest for adventure and a game of spin the globe saw them driving their rackety old FIAT through some of the world’s most treacherous terrain to Mongolia. They never made it to Mongolia due to visa and border trouble, but the enterprising lads gave birth to the Mongol Rally.

The Mongol Rally has grown leaps since 2001 and has redefined adventure. Rally rules stipulate participants to drive a completely unsuitable sub-1-liter car a third of the way around the globe through a plethora of geographical and cultural oddities. More details regarding the route can be found here.

Nearly 500 cars launched from the Goodwood Motor Circuit for Mongol Rally 2009 cheered by over 5,000 supporters and media crews. More information can be found here.

The Mongol Rally isn’t just adventure.. Each year the teams raise boatloads of cash for charities focused on various development projects in Mongolia. Last year’s rally generated over £400,000 in cash (~US $700,000) with more expected in 2010. The teams also have the option of donating their car, albeit a little beaten down by the time (if) it reaches Mongolia.

With a spirit of adventure and sense of purpose, Sanchit and Sathya aka The Gobi Manchurians will embark on the trip of a lifetime on July 24, 2010. Please support us by donating for our cause in cash or kind

• Gobi Manchurian
• Sanchit
• Sathya
• Gautam

The Gobi Manchurians are an Indian team based out of New York City and Philadelphia in the United States. The name is inspired by one of our favorite Sino-Indian fusion dishes and a driven (no pun intended) desire to pay homage to the Gobi desert.

Gobi Manchurian is essentially a Chinese dish but spiced up to satisfy the Indian palate. It is made by marinating cauliflower (gobi) florets in a motherload of spices and stir-frying them in a wok. Can be served dry or with gravy. The recipe will be put up once we figure out how exactly our local dhaba guy (streetside chef) in New Delhi conjures up his magical version of this dish.

A management consultant by profession, I live my life "on the road". The rally offers an ideal opportunity to visit exotic lands not covered by the corporate travel budget.

Rally plans: Utilize my Starwood points to provide luxurious pit stops and much needed showers to my teammates en route to Mongolia

Most looking forward to: Prague, Istanbul, ferry ride from Baku to Turkmenbashi, crossing the finish line in Ulaanbaatar.

Why do the rally? -- Why not?

Rally plans: I occupy the critical and life-saving role of team statistician. My task, as should be obvious, is to investigate the properties of the quantum random walk as the team performs one from the west to the east coast of Eurasia.

Most looking forward to: Istanbul, Caspian Sea, Make-Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, Hot shower in Ulaan Baatar.

Coming soon ...