Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Pavestone Rally sets off today, taking merchants and manufacturers across Europe from Ghent to Monte Carlo for four days, in a custom-decorated car that cost less than £500 to buy. Along the way, there will be a range of challenges and tasks for the participants to perform, and it will, of course, all be conducted in fancy-dress.
The Rally is to raise money for four amazing charities, Rainy Day Trust, Variety, Crash & British Heart Foundation.
One of the cars is being piloted by four people from the BMF, and BMJ had a sneak preview of their preparations for the epic journey.
Stacey Lock, the BMF’s IOBM and Events Co-Ordinator, introduced the team: “Greetings, fellow adventurers and rally enthusiasts! Today, we are excited to share our team’s thrilling journey as we gear up for the adrenaline-pumping Pavestone Rally, an extraordinary driving challenge that will put our skills, determination, and teamwork to the test. Join us as we delve into the story of how we have been preparing for this epic adventure!
“Before we dive into our preparations, allow us to introduce ourselves. We are a diverse group of four individuals, each bringing unique talents and passions to the table. There’s Oz Bham, the rally enthusiast. He may not have the supercar but what he does have are a very particular set of skills, skills he has acquired over a very long career. Skills that make him a nightmare for people like you. Stacey Lock, the team’s social media guru, responsible for documenting our adventure and keeping our followers engaged. Craig Jennings, the master mechanic of the team, ensures our trusty ride is in tip-top shape. And last but not least, Kerry Wilson, our tech-savvy expert, ensures our vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge gadgets to handle any situation.
The perfect ride
Who knew picking the perfect rally ride would be like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded! But after cracking the code of careful consideration and intense research, we embraced a quirky yet cozy 2-door vehicle that’ll brave the wild terrains like a boss.
Yep, you guessed it! We’re all crammed in together, closer than a can of sardines, sacrificing personal space for this epic adventure. Our ride isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to our commitment to the cause and how we’ll conquer any challenge—even surviving each other’s hilarious quirks on this unforgettable journey!
Route Planning and Navigation:
Calling it “route planning” makes it sound like we’re preparing for a military invasion rather than a rally! But trust us, folks, it’s no less intense. Our team has been going full-on Sherlock Holmes mode, analysing maps like detectives, and deciphering terrains like expert treasure hunters. We’re plotting a course so efficient, even GPS would be jealous!
We’re not just following the beaten path, oh no! Our mission is to unearth hidden gems scattered throughout the countryside, like a bunch of modern-day Indiana Joneses on four wheels. And don’t even get me started on iconic landmarks; we’re gonna explore them like they’re the lost cities of Atlantis!
So, buckle up and join us on this crazy rollercoaster ride. We might not have a treasure map marked with an “X,” but we’ve got our quirky sense of adventure and navigation skills sharper than a chef’s knife. Get ready to witness our rally mastery as we turn this journey into one epic joyride!
Training and Skill Building:
Oh boy, you wouldn’t believe the superhero training we’ve been through to prep for this rally! Move over Avengers, because we’re assembling our own team of driving dynamos! Off-road driving courses? We’ve conquered them like pros, leaving tyre marks that could rival Picasso’s brushstrokes. And let me tell you, our navigation workshops were like solving mind-bending puzzles! We’ve become human GPS systems—minus the annoying voice! But wait, there’s more! We even survived the wilderness like Bear Grylls, munching on “survival snacks” that tasted like they were cooked by Gordon Ramsay himself.
Each team member has transformed into a rally superhero, armed with skills to take on any obstacle that tries to mess with our epic journey. We’re like a turbo-charged, tire-screeching, map-reading dream team, ready to conquer the world — or at least the rally route! So, villains beware, because here come the rally heroes!
Fundraising for a Noble Cause:
Ladies and gentlemen, hold on tight because the Pavestone Rally is not your average joyride—it’s an adventure with a heart of gold! Sure, we’re revving up for the driving thrills, but that’s not the best part. We’re on a mission to make a difference, one mile at a time. Our fundraising efforts have turned into a full-blown extravaganza! We’re like a team of charming salespeople, wooing sponsors with our rally charm and business pitches that could sell ice to Polar Bears . And hey, who needs a superhero cape when you have a GoFundMe page that’s flying off the charts? It’s like a digital wonderland of giving!
But that’s not all—hold onto your hats because our auctions are hotter than a summer heatwave! Online or offline, you name it, we’ve got it. We’ve turned into auctioneers with charisma, promoting and pushing those bids like our lives depend on it.
Every event is our stage to shine, and you better believe we’re taking centre stage with our enthusiasm, passion, and shameless self-promotion. Because hey, it’s all for the greater good! We’re raising a mountain of cash for some incredible causes, making this rally an adventure with a purpose.”
Check out some of the participants in their Day 1 get-ups, and watch out for the updates:
