British Odyssey 2024 prep

It just 55 days the biggest adventure this year is about to start. The British Odyssey 2024 – a trip through the UK from Lands’End to John O’Groat – which officially cannot be called LeJog but might be even better. The idea was spawn almost immediately after the announcement at LeJog2023 that Hero-ERA will pause the event in 2024. I remember very well Horst’s reaction as I sat next to him. As long time LeJog participant he was devasted about the news. After a few silent minutes of contemplation, he went upstage and announced: “No worries – I will come up with an alternative.”

And so, he did. Obviously, it is not possible to organize an official rally thru the UK without a large team, a lot of costs and organisation. Together with a friend Horst came up with “The British Odyssey”. This is not a rally. It is an epic winter adventure from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Made by enthusiast for enthusiasts. It is an intensive puzzle ride with friends. The British Odyssey has no timing or average speed schedules or targets. It is not a race or a rally. The proposed route is only a suggestion, and you are free to choose your own route.

Talking about the route – the “suggestions” come in the form of Map features HerringBones, GridLines, Roadletters. Digitial equipment is not allowed – about 40 Ordnance Survey 1:50.000 Landranger Maps are required to meet the friends in other cars in the right location. Today took some time to sort these maps. We received instructions which areas we will need to each day. I added a label on each map with the day and already marked out the hotel locations – the only known spots so far. The navigator will need to be aware of tasks you would get at a LeJog event. It does require some training and practise – but if I can do it – I am sure others can do too. Oh – that reminds me:

Navigator wanted !!!

A major advantage of the British Odyssey is that we only drive during the day and have a hotel every night. I am really looking forward sharing the experiences with other teams in the evening at dinner or a drink. LeJog has this to some extend – but it is also competitive at the same time. The long drives and test at nights much more demanding.

Today I also finished booking all hotels, the Eurotunnel and the ferry back from NewCastle to Amsterdam. An extra stop (which I assume many will do) will be Edinburgh on Dec 12th. I booked a hotel close to the Royal Oak – an actually quite famous pub. Martin (my team mate and driver of the 1973 Mini Cooper S we will use) and I found it by coincidence last year. We just wanted a last drink after dinner at 9pm – we ended up having an epic night until well after 2pm among a diverse, open, funny, international collection of interesting people with awesome live music. You cannot plan an evening like this – but we hope for the best this year again 🙂

Compared to the costs for a regualar LeJog – this “puzzle ride with friends” is more affordable. Sure, the earlier you book the hotel, the cheaper it is – so it might vary for every team. Organisational costs are – plus the Landranger maps (approx 300GBP). The cheapest hotel on the road is 66GBP – Edinburgh is the most expensive with 160GBP. Tunnel and ferry are about 400€. Expected fuel costs for a 4000km round trip from Germany in a Mini Cooper S are about 800€. Food and drinks come ontop.

Reach out – if you are interested in joining.