Road Runner Rallies announces 'Riviera Run' charity banger rally
Howard Lake | 18 June 2012 | News
What do the Ferrari Museum, Champagne and the Gotthard Pass all have in common? No not James Bond – it’s the Road Runner Rally – the ultimate banger rally experience.
Last year, the owner of a Shropshire care company who took part in a charity banger rally, decided he enjoyed it so much he would establish his own unique and ultimate adventure rally – with none of the pitfalls he experienced.
Ian Barnes from Shrewsbury, owner and director of Bluebird Care, developed ‘Road Runner Rallies’, with the first charity rally set to take place this year from September 8-13.
A banger rally sees participants driving a car worth less than £500, in a journey over several days, having a laugh and taking part in events and challenges – all while raising money for charity.
Teams are actively encouraged to dress up, decorate their cars and invent a wacky team name. But it is NOT a race and you can take part at your own enjoyment and leisure and join in as much or as little as you like, though there will be a party each night.
In order for Ian to establish the route and all of the tantalizing activities to make the trip one to remember, he avoided everything he didn’t enjoy from his ‘virgin voyage’ and put hours into the research.
This January, he and his son Chris went on a recce in order to create the ‘ultimate rally’. They researched the best driving roads, places to stay and things to do along the five day, 1500 mile route across Europe.
‘The Riviera Run’ was born and it will see participants starting in France near the ferry port of Calais, travelling through the Swiss Alps, past the Italian lakes and then onto the final leg to Cannes and the French Riviera.
Ian and Chris are taking part along with Shrewsbury friends Colin Jones and Dan Wright, as team ‘The Management’. They will be raising funds for The Mouth Cancer Foundation. (www.mouthcancerfoundation.org)
Ian said: “I took part in a rally last year because I thought it seemed like fun and would be an adventure for fourblokes. But I thought ‘I could organise a better one. “So I set my mind to it, and my son Chris, who also works for Bluebird Care, has helped me.
“A rally suits anyone over 18, male and female. You make friends, help each other out, and get to see so many places and try different things than on a normal holiday. And it costs far less than people might think. Charity-wise, people really get behind it and into the spirit of things dressing up and raising and donating money.”
With Road Runner Rallies, the driving times are kept short so you don’t spend too much time on the road – about four hours a day. There is some motorway driving, but driving roads that enable you to see the sights have deliberately been included. All the accommodation, events and optional excursions have been pre-arranged along the way.
“We start in France with a welcome party and during the next two days, adventurers can take part in a range of activities, including Champagne tasting, go-karting and a theme park in the snow,” said Ian.
“Then it’s onto Switzerland where we will camp by Lake Lucerne and have a barbecue. There is spectacular scenery as we cross the Alps via the Gotthard Pass – which is very James Bond. Then it’s on into Italy and past Lake Como and Lake Maggiore and from there the finish line awaits in the sun on the French Rivera.
“A visit to the Ferrari museum awaits for those who are really into their cars – and there’s always shopping and the beach. We end with a huge Paella Party in San Rafael.”
The trip is timed from Saturday to Thursday so participants can get home if they want or enjoy a few more days in Europe at their leisure – The Management will be heading to the oldest jazz club in Paris, for example.
Overall, Road Runner Rallies is hoping to raise £30,000 for charity through the Riviera Run – it’s up to individual teams what they want to raise for.
All cars must be roadworthy and Road Runner Rallies can arrange European breakdown cover for participants. Someone from each team must be sober each morning to drive. Apart from the essentials, Ian and Chris are creating challenges along the way to spice things up and there will be a prize for the best themed car. Two entrants from the local area will be coming as Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Plus, everyone gets a Road Runner Rally T-shirt and stickers to add to camaraderie.
“We will be there to greet people, give you a full guide of the route with details of things to do route including maps and directions for the night’s destination. It’s up to you how you get there! All you have to worry about is burning some rubber! What could possibly go wrong!?” said Ian.
The trip costs just £99 to enter and campsites are £9 with an upgrade to a log cabin or a mobile home from as little as £12.50 for a team of four.
If you want to take part in the next Road Runner Rally, or get more information call Ian on 07703 686841, email
ro*************@gm***.com
or visit
www.road-runner-rallies.co.uk
For more information, contact Catherine Roche or Andy Rao on 01743 454959 | Email
ca**@ke*******.uk
or
an**@ke*******.uk
|
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.