Preparation

Saturday 10th November 2007
Dan bagged a space in the 3rd selection round  for the Mongol Rally entrance fee paid "Team CiderMen" was born.

Friday 30th November 2007
Neil and Dan went to watch the World Rally Championship in Wales to get some inspiration.....but somehow I think the cars they saw are slightly better than what they are looking to buy!!

Tuesday 4th December 2007
Website is launched after Neil spent many hours glued to the computer screen!

Friday 11th January 2008
Neil, Dan and Andy drove to Taunton to view a 1987 Nissan Micra. After a look around the car they decided to put an offer in which was accepted.
Neil drove the car home while giving it a good test in the flood waters that had risen around the Somerset area, and the car seemed to survive.

Saturday 12th January 2008
The CiderMen attending the first rally meeting in London in Cafe 1001 on Brick Lane, a presentation was shown by each charity along with a general question and answer session at the end answered by previous ralliers.
The CiderMen then had a curry after blagging some free beers from the dude outside trying to drag us in his Indian restaurant.

Sunday 13th January 2008
Work began on the car......well actually the workshop was sorted out to accommodate the car! New strip lights were installed along with shelves and a good clean up.
Andy decided to fall on his arse while cutting a new shelf......you had to be there!
After a few wheel spins later  "Oliver" the Micra was parked in the garage, ready for the next stage.

Saturday 19th January 2008
Olivers interior was gutted and given a good clean and checked over to ensure he would pass the MOT.

Saturday 26th January 2008
Interior replaced ready for the MOT.

Friday 1st February 2008
The new i-pod head unit was installed in "Oliver" which was absolute bargin @ £22.50 delivered!!

Saturday 16th February 2008
Trevor (spare Micra) which was kindly donated to Team CiderMen was picked up the Somerset way!
Route planning began with the team deciding how to get out of Somerset to the start in London........hmmmmm see our route page for an update on the route.

Tuesday 19th February 2008
"Oliver" came out of shed for an outing, a few stickers were placed on him. Then a few hours later on the return home Oliver was pulled over by the law ,to this day we're still unsure why. As everything was in order Oliver was sent on his way. (Probably wont be the last time this happens........role on Russia!!)

Saturday 23rd February 2008
Oliver was given new oil, filters and sparks. Also Trevor's ignition barrel was fitted into Oliver.

Saturday 1st March
New 206 seats fitted kindly donated by SparksTransport.

Friday 7th March 2008
Sponsor Stickers were stuck onto Oliver.

Saturday 8th March 2008
Speakers were fitted.

Saturday 15th March 2008
Roof rack finally fitted along with the new frame. Switch panel fitted.

Thursday 17th March 2008
Spot lights fitted to the roof rack thanks to Mr Symes for donating them. 

Saturday 5th April 2008
New rear shoes fitted.

Wednesday 9th April 2008 
New front discs and pads fitted and real wheel cylinder. Front light changed from trevor thanks Ben.

Friday  11th April 2008
New brake pipe fitted after shearing it off!! Brake system bleed and fluid re-newed.

Saturday 12th April 2008
New Thermostat, Water-pump and Timing belt fitted. Close call after shearing a water-pump bolt off got it out in the end!