Hello Everyone-

As you can see the car is running and is undergoing rigorous testing under our close supervision to ensure it is competitive when we start charging.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

What is Rhino Ark (http://www.rhinoark.org): Rhino Ark was formed in 1988 by the conservationist and engineer, Ken Kuhle, in response to the threat of extinction in the Aberdares of the Black Rhino, which, was being ruthlessly poached for the sake of its horn.

Rhino Ark was set up to assist The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in the financing of a fence to be built along the Eastern Salient of the Aberdare National Park , at the point where it bordered directly onto farmland.

Why The Aberdares Fence is needed

§  To stop wildlife marauding onto farm land outside the fence

§  To protect the farming communities and their crops that border the fence.

§  To curb illegal log extraction.

§  To promote harmony between wildlife and local farmers.

§  To prevent illegal entry into the Conservation Area.

What is the "Rhino Charge":

The Rhino Charge is an off-road event in which competitors are required to visit 13 points scattered over approximately 100 square kms of rough terrain within a 10 hour period. Competitors are supplied with a 1:50,000 scale map of the venue, co-ordinates of the 13 Control Points and their Start position (at one of the Controls). Each competitor must plot the Control Points on the map and decide his/her route. Navigation is by compass/GPS and the winner is the competitor who visits all controls in the shortest distance (GPS measured). The event is organised to raise funds for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. Competitors are required to raise the minimum sponsorship set by the organizng committee.

Car #10’s Humble Origins

Car # 10’s humble origins are something to be admired. This Range Rover/Jeep Renegade Hybrid was conceived not too long ago when the two founding members initial plans fell through. Initially, we were to run a Range Rover 2.5L diesel 300 series. Through much consultation and deliberation, we thought we had the perfect vehicle for Rhino Charge tough conditions. This was not to be as we found ourselves, with no vehicle and a charge that was only four and a half months away.

Almost settling for a unimog- not a bad back-up plan under the circumstances- an opportunity floated our way we could not decline. One of the premier Rhino Charge car builders made us an offer we could not refuse. A fully prepared Range Rover/Jeep Renegade! This monster truck is to sport a 3.9 litre EFI Range Rover engine and running gear/drivetrain with the not so subtle Jeep Renegade body. If that wasn’t enough; two winches- front and rear- full belly plating for extra diff and drivetrain protection with a roll-cage and bullbar even monster truck owners would write home about! Where the rubber meets the terrain, the "Renegade" will not be disappointed with its Trans-world lugs tractor grip tyres which give it ample ‘bite’ to go with that monster V8 under the hood/bonnet.

Team News And Events:
Up-coming team events prior to the charge- we intend to run a full team charge simulation this weekend (6/7th May) at Kitengela.  Glenn Matthews, a superior off-road specialist and former multiple Rhino Charge Champ will be giving us a few tips on how to handle the vehilce and work as a team if  we are to get through the Rhino Charge.

Just so you're up to speed, the Rhino Charge is under a month away- 3rd June.  So this is a final plea to friends and family to help car#10 heat things up in preparation for the big day!.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of our sponsors- and sponsors to be- for supporting this worthy cause of which our/your children and childrens children, will be the true benficiaries. Contributions to the Rhino Ark Foundation and those who take part in this gruelling annual event are much appreciated and do fulfill our social personal/corporate responsibility to our society as members within it.

Please dig deep and we promise that Car #10 - The Renegade- will not disappoint!

For more info on the history of the Rhino Charge and its goals, please log on to www.rhinoark.org Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Rhino Ark 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. 

Car #10- Mbugua, Jomo, Maryanne, Musa & Jang.