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Just a couple of weeks ago I chanced upon this year's rally http://gbdev.blondegorilla.com/rally and that a place was available due to a cancellation. We decided to go with our Phantom Drophead.
It was all too exciting to miss: San Francisco-Los Angeles-San Diego-Las Vegas...then the cars to Shanghai and the participants to Pyongyang for a day, then to Shanghai to pick up the cars and drive to Beijing for the Olympics!
Of course it was too late to send the car to San Francisco by sea, so it had to be flown out. The car turned out to be too big for the airlines, so it was booked on to FedEx! After much "its on, its off", FedEx said they had made a mistake and couldn't take it! Or at least, they would have to parcel it up (yes, seriously) in a special crate and the time this would take would mean that it would not get to San Fran in time.
Our shipping agents, Brinor International Shipping & Forwarding Ltd, hurriedly made new arrangements, and I delivered the car today to forwarding agents at Heathrow.
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It (not old enough to be honoured with "she") will be transported to Luxemburg to take a Cargolux flight to San Fran, arriving the evening of 6th August, 18 hours before we fly in. Lets hope there are no hitches.
I doubt very much that I will have time to keep a daily diary, but will update after our return.
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Our dear friends John and Chrissie have flown in from Bali...
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...Chrissie has to go to New York on a business trip and can join us from San Francisco to Los Angeles, while John can come all the way to Las Vegas.
A meal is offered...
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...and Ellen soon makes herself at home.
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Clear skies over Greenland with spectacular views:
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before arriving over Foster City (!) and San Francisco.
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We had to abort our first approach, which led to a rather tortuous arrival path...
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at a very business twin-runway airport...
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...and then to collect the car which had thankfully arrived just hours before and been cleared through customs.
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The morning sees the cars being covered with decals, and we find that we are one of four Phantom Dropheads - the most common car on the rally!
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Then comes registration and a couple of charming policemen tell us all about their traffic laws and what they will do to us if we speed!
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I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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The morning sees the cars on show to a huge public.
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and some less automotive sights
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What's a camper doing here? Well this one has a nitrous injected 911 drivetrain and does at least 130mph with 8-up and hanging out of the roof! It was wonderful and totally insane.
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We had asked the handling agent to arrange for us to be met at the airport and were fantastically lucky to meet with Angel - by name and nature. He drove us to lunch and dinner yesterday too and we just hit it off with great chemistry. He came to see us off – here he is with Ellen and Chrissie (who was in San Fran a couple of weeks later, met up, and had a great time with him, sending me endless triumphant SMSs while I was trying to sleep):
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And so finally we set off with a parade lap first around San Francisco, with lots of roads closed for us. There were thousands of enthusiastic watchers...
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...but of course one or two inconvenienced and rather pissed-off.
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The route took in Lombard Street - reputedly the windiest road in the world, and I can well believe it. That's wind as in clock, by the way, not wind as in gale!
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Then we're off on the way to Los Angeles, carefully observing the speed limits.
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and along a superb country road with a fantastic switchback
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to lunch.
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Thanks to an error in the roadbook, we get to Hollywood rather late.
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I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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Well we drove to San Diego and the excellent The Ivy Hotel. Unfortunately I don't remember much about the day, and can't find any photos. Must have been a good party last night.
I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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Drove to Victorville, Southern California Logistics Airport, to deliver the car for airfreight to Hangzhou, Peoples Republic of China.
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We get the Gulfstream down to pick us up and transport us to Las Vegas...
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...where the mandatory stretch awaits.
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Spent some time on the slots, and I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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Now the best part of the trip as far as we are concerned. We are taking the Gulfstream to Pyongyang, Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea (NORTH Korea) via Shenyang, China. We can't fly straight there as the US authorities will not allow lodging of a flight-plan from the USA to North Korea! And the poor guys who have a GIV can't take it to North Korea because it is US-registered (ours is Swiss) so they have to take public transport with the rest of the Gumballers from Shenyang in an Air Koryo Tupolev TU-204. Air Koryo is on the list of carriers banned by the EU for safety reasons. Oh well. At least it's a new 'plane.
Our first view of one of the Axis of Evil:
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Note the dense traffic...
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...but very beautiful
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and we land with some trepidation as to what awaits us
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We are met by a guide and a representative of the Arirang committee and take the crew with us for some sightseeing and souvenir shopping.
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The PDRK attracts some 1,500 tourists a year and we are unlikely to be back. This hasn’t stopped them spending 2% of GDP building but not completing a 105 storey 3,000 room hotel
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http://www.esquire.com/the-side/DESIGN/hotel-of-doom-012808. We stay at the only slightly less grandiose Koryo Hotel.
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The monuments are, well...monumental.
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In the evening, to see the Arirang
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/gallery/2008/apr/15/northkorea?picture=333506252.
Cecil B DeMille eat your heart out. 150,000 spectators watching 120,000 performers of synchronised gymnastics and dance. Absolutely amazing. The background consists of 30,000 children changing their clipboards which are effectively pixels in a massive picture. Luckily I captured a change.
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My camera can only capture about half of the stadium.
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Then a Gala Dinner and a welcome speech by the Minister of Tourism. Clearly a busy man.
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I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night in the Karaoke bar but don't remember too much about it.
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So its goodbye DPRK from Ellen and the bear
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and our lovely guide
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and the traffic police - clearly also very busy people…
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...and your fleet of old unused Soviet airliners.
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and its hello to Hangzhou, China
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and extraordinary iced coffee with a raw egg dropped in it
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while the bear makes a new friend...and so do we
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22 cars have come on to China, and we have to get our Chinese driving licences and number plates, and hear what they will do to us if we break the speed limits. I already have the telephone number of the British Consul on my mobile.
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then the interminable speeches
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and we're off to Shanghai
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I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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Shanghai's Meridian Hotel was great, and had 3 hour express LAUNDRY so we have some clean clothes again at last, but we leave early for Xuzhou, 520 mi, with the freeway closed for us and a policy escort. We manage to push the police escort up to 110 mph and then, when they get baulked by lorries, we use the hard shoulder to lose them and spend the next hour and a half cruising at 120-140mph.
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On the way we stop off at the fantastic F1 circuit.
First, we drive ourselves around in convoy...
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...then 3 laps with an instructor in the passenger seat.
And finally to the New Century Grand Hotel. Xuzhou.
I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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So away to Beijing at last.
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with happy police
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but we can't lose than damn Combi
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The wonderful police co-operation was epitomised by their allowing me to affix a Gumball sticker to a police car.
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I'm pretty sure there was a big party that night (or two) but don't remember too much about it.
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We are now at the fabulous new Westin Hotel, Beijing.
The car has performed faultlessly.
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In the morning we drive to Tianjin Container Port, 90 mi from Beijing, to deliver the cars for shipping home. The organisers have made no arrangements for our return, and taxis cannot leave their province, and taxis in the next province cannot enter Beijing. Oh what fun. We get a cab and at the first police control point I am asked for my ID and what I am doing in China. Well I left all docs at the hotel! I show the policeman the Gumball leaflet and tell him we are here as guests of the government in connection with the Olympics, and that the UN are involved. He gives the taxi a permit to the next province! We call the hotel, get them to send a car to meet us at the city limits where the cab has to stop, and eventually get back to the hotel. A whole day gone, but quite an adventure.
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In the evening, off to the Olympics.
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I’m pretty sure there was a big party that night and do remember too something about it. It was the Awards party.
Sam and Rami, who have become bosom buddies.
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and our medals
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And so to the airport...
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...with a hitchhiker...
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...and a last look
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I'm pretty sure there wasn't a big party that night and we slept a bit.
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I can hardly believe what we have done and seen over the 11 days. We've flown around the world, driven the west coast of the US and from Shanghai to Beijing, seen the most amazing things in Pyongyang, and watched the Olympics. All with a bunch of people that the old conservative me would have run a mile from. And you know what? They were all absolutely wonderful people. Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart. You've destroyed my prejudices and pre-conceptions, and I'm a different person now. I love you all.
Words and pictures will never be able to share the experience with those that weren't fortunate enough to be there.
The next Gumball? Bring it on.
There are lots of video clips at http://www.youtube.com/user/gumballrally08
Until the next rally (January 2009 Carthage to the Red Sea in my 1925 Silver Ghost), goodbye for now.
And thanks for listening.
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Gumball 3000's 10th Anniversary rally was nothing short of epic!
San Francisco, USA - Beijing, China. August 9-16th, 2008
On Saturday 16th August, over 100 exhausted and exhilarated superstars and supercars crossed the finish line in Beijing, China, having driven 3000 miles as participants in the 10th Anniversary Gumball 3000 Rally. 120 of the most amazing cars, driven by film stars, musicians, sports stars, billionaires, and the cast of MTV's Jackass all set off from San Francisco on Saturday 9th August taking part in this incredible eight day drive – with parties each night – incorporating Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, a 24-hour stop-over in Pyongyang, North Korea, Shanghai and Xuzhou - as part of this whirlwind road trip adventure!
The revelry kicked off in San Francisco, when Gumballers donned their Puma driving shoes and set off in car culture heaven as David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff led a parade of over 120 spectacular vehicles through the city in his original 1982 Knight Rider Pontiac Trans Am - better known as KITT! After waving the flag, all vehicles headed south to Los Angeles, via an incredible drive on the 58, before a legal burst of speed at Button Willow raceway on route to the Hollywood Boulevard stage finish line. Hollywood went Gumball crazy as tens of thousands of fans turned up to cheer in the cars, with favourites including Travis Barkers 1965 Ford F250 custom low-rider, the stunning Gumpert Apollo GT, the 1960 VW T1 custom Samba Campervan, Maximillion's "tooled up" Jaguar XJ220 supercar, not to mention KITT!
Following a night of partying as DJ Fredwreck spun the tunes at the Roosevelt, Gumballers set off for the short but action packed drive to San Diego. From the LUX5 "bikini fashion show" checkpoint in Huntington Beach, to HRE Wheels in Vista; lunch followed in the most idyllic setting at Rancho Santa Fe, followed by a gathering of over 1400 cars at Qualcomm Stadium and a "Presidential style" police parade to San Diego's Gas Lamp District to cross the finish line at the stunning Ivy Hotel. The Ivy hosted an amazing party on the rooftop, with Barry Peters and DJ Este entertaining!
From San Diego a drive north through the desert to Las Vegas brought the US stage to a close, with Gumballers dropping off their vehicles at Victorville Airport, to be flown on cargo planes to Hangzhou, China, for the adventure to continue.
The Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted the wrap party of the US stage in "Wasted Space" where the Cuban Brothers and MSTRKRFT entertained, as trophies were awarded in the shape of Nixon watches to all participants. Other prizes awarded were the HRE "Best Car" Award going to Ben Abrams and Gregory Langlais in the 2007 matt black Ford GT; and the US "Spirit of the Gumball" going to Yo "megaphone" Esbensen and Jasper Watts from Rogue Status, driving and entertaining the crowds in a 2008 Scion XB.
The following morning saw another early set off as Gumballers boarded the "Gumball Air" Boeing 757 "all first class" plane to North China on route to Pyongyang, North Korea. In North Korea Gumballers got to spend an unprecedented night in this undiscovered city to watch the incredible "Mass Games" - their spectacular display of arts - as a global "friendship" initiative. Following the Mass Games, the North Korean Minister of Culture hosted Gumballers for dinner, followed by a night of karaoke - and an early morning skateboard session led by legendary skaters Bam Margera and Sal Barbier.
Upon safely exiting North Korea and a short flight on Koryo Air to Hangzhou, China, Gumballers were reunited with their cars and ready for stage two to begin with a 3-day drive north to Beijing. With full Chinese Government support, roads were closed off in spectacular fashion – and the route into the super-futuristic city of Shanghai resembled a scene from Blade Runner with almost surreal fork lightening striking the skyscrapers overhead!
From Shanghai the rally headed north to Xuzhou, before crossing the finish line in Beijing on Saturday 16th August, in time for the Gumballers to watch a week of Olympic finals!
Entrants included MTV's Jackass stars Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn and Loomis Fall filming for a Jackass Special, David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff, male supermodel Tyson Beckford, comedian Orlando Jones, Death Race movie bad guy Max Ryan, and action sports legends Todd Richards, Rooftop Escamilla, Sal Barbier and Bucky Lasek - driving everything from Ferrari Enzo's to Rolls Royce Phantom's, to old Mustang's, Low Riders and even a Donk!
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air's Carlton Banks aka Alfonso Ribeiro together with Natalia Cigliuti of Beverly Hills 90210 fame, presented Gumball live daily online shows:
http://www.youtube.com/user/gumballrally08
The wrap party took place in the amazing Beijing Westin Hotel, and "gold" Gumball Olympic medallions were awarded to all participants, with "special awards" presented as follows; The Mechanics Award - went to father and son entry Breson and Richard Delator; the "Green" car award to Arkady and Ilya Golubovich in the hybrid Lexus 600L Sedan; Best car was awarded to none other than "KITT" the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird (despite sadly breaking down on route to Shanghai!); Best Car Graphic to Dimitry Zelenov and Alik Gold in the Russian "hammer and sickle" Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead; the Veteran Award went to Karta Healy, for participating in all 10 Gumball's; Most Stylish went to "the Sheikh" Amro Kayal; and the main accolade for 2008 "Spirit of the Gumball" was deservingly awarded to Dave Carrington and Phillip Wright in the 1960 VW T1 custom Samba Campervan (complete with Porsche engine and nitrous!)
This was by far Gumballs most spectacular event to date - everyone that took part enjoyed a safe and epic "once in a lifetime" journey! Thanks to Puma, Monster Energy Drinks, Nixon Watches, Spy Optics, Top Trumps and everyone that helped to make this event happen.
For more information go to www.gumball3000.com bringing you the latest news, reviews, videos, products and celebrity blogs. The social network for the Gumball generation, incorporating art, apparel, music, films, events, street culture and everything automotive.
Editor Notes:
The first Gumball 3000 took place in April 1999, when British creator Maximillion Cooper invited 50 of his friends to take part in a 3000-mile party around Europe to bring together the music, film, fashion and sport industries. Ten years later, and things have certainly grown, with crowds of over a million people attending the start last year in London, and a televised and online audience that reached over 60 million in over 150 countries around the world.
Gumball 3000 consistently hits the headlines as "Cool Britannia's" most unique addition to pop culture, described by Vanity Fair Magazine as "the most rock 'n' roll car rally ever staged" and famed for its exploits and celebrity participation. The event annually attracts stars including Oscar-winning star of the Pianist Adrien Brody, Jackass' Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera and Ryan Dunn, David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff, Hugh "Playboy" Hefner, supermodels Jodie Kidd, Caprice and Tyson Beckford, Kill Bill’s Daryl Hannah, action sports legends Tony Hawk, Matt Hoffman, Carey Hart, and rock stars including Snoop Dogg, Travis Barker, Jamiroquai and Xzibit!
Incorporating a new 3000 mile route each year, the attraction of the Gumball transcends social barriers, appealing to the adventurer in everyone, regardless of status or wealth; combining grease, glamour and guts in equal measures, stretching the experiences of travel and entertainment - just that bit further. Over the past 10 years Gumball 3000 has been hosted by Kings and Presidents, partied with Snoop Dogg, appeared on the Jay Leno Show, raised awareness for testicular cancer, chartered the worlds 3 largest aircrafts, created untold amounts of "Jackass" fuelled mayhem, hung out at Hugh Hefner's, and most recently has been invited to work with the United Nations, all through the language of the motor car.
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