We made it!!

On the 21st September 2007, Nayan Mistry, Kedar Shukla, Tejas Mistry and Ash Mohamed (aka the Sagdiyev Brothers - named after the Kazakhstani legend Borat Sagdiyev) embarked on the roadtrip of a lifetime. We took part in the Home2Rome banger rally, a 1500 mile, four day drive from Calais in Northern France to Rome the capital of Italy. The catch was that our mode of transport was to be a car bought for no more than £100... they dont call it a banger rally for nothing. Our aim was to make it to the finish line in one piece and to raise money for Sewa International UK.

Some highlights of our trip include:

Day one - a 590 mile, 12 hour slog through much of France. We passed Dijon, Lyon and Grenoble and skirted the edge of the Alps. The other teams had gone all out with decorations so after some last minute ingenuity and some strips of speed tape, we enhanced our car with some go faster stripes over the bonnet and boot-lid! Nice I Liike!!

Day two - a truly incredible drive off the beaten track and onto the mountain passes. The highlight was the Gorge Du Verdon where Top Gear's Jeremy Clarskon raced a mountain climber (unsuccessfully) in an Audi RS4. Truly stunning views and a real test on the engine and brakes of our Merc which held up well. We decided against Sat Nav and opted for Prat Nav (i.e. us and a map!). But we got lost and caught a French farmer with a sheep in the back seat of his car (no joke!) who helped us find our way again.

Day three - out of France and into Italy, Ciao Bella! We passed Genoa and Brecia on our way to Venice. The organisers had set a challenge to take our spare tyre by boat to the centre of Venice and take a picture with it in the Piazza St. Marco.. in fancy dress as St. Trinnians girls. Unfortunately we didnt have costumes, but we still dragged the heavy, dirty tyre to the square, much to the amusement of passing tourists.

Day Four - a massive water pistol fight on the beach with the sister rally of Home2Rome, Staples2Naples. After much saltwater in the eyes we set off for the final day of driving. Heading out to Rome a few rally cars were involved in a serious crash with a lorry - thankfully no one was hurt but it served a timely reminder of the dangers of driving on foreign roads.

After 4 days, 1500 miles, a few minor arguments, a Frenchman and his sheep, the best views in Europe, one broken pipe in the engine, a few quarts of oil and lots and lots of laughs we finally made it to Rome. Unfortunately we couldnt bring the car back so she has been sent to the big garage in the sky at a scrapyard in Rome, but we are forever grateful for the the great drive and realiability she gave us. We have so far raised £600 for Sewa International, but we still have a way to go to our target of £1000 - so please be generous and dig deep.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Sewa international will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support,
The Sadgiyev Brothers.