London Naadam 2008

Naadam report

As I drove into London in the pouring rain, I feared that the Naadam could be a wash out, but as the equipment started to arrive on Highbury Fields the sun came out and soon after so did the teams. One by one they started to arrive, and lining themselves up along the side of the park, with the Ambulance to Mongolia stealing the show straight away, and Matt of Team Hansen Transmission within a few hours was being classed as a ‘Rally Legend' along with his CBR1000 Sportsbike. Most of the vehicles all arrived before noon and the teams were all eager to go, and straight away you could see the camaraderie between the participants, sharing stories, phone numbers and route plans deciding where they would be meeting up in Eastern Europe and beyond.

The delicious smell of the hog roast filled Highbury with anticipation, and it wasn't long before a queue was forming in front of it whilst being entertained by Khukh Mongol playing some amazing Mongolian music. The field was soon filled with Mongolians, the ralliers and hordes of people who arrived for the spectacle.

After a few speeches, the Mongolian wrestling kicked off, grabbing the crowd to how technical and professional it is. The wrestling had an invite for anyone to take part and it wasn't long before some of the ralliers decided to give it a shot, which the crowd loved and while the competition heated up people could relax and watch traditional Mongolian Gers being set up. Wrestlers

Four o'clock soon came around and the teams prepared to hit the road. As the crowd went over to see the cars off, they were all blessed and a prayer was read for them and a safe journey through what was the unknown for nearly all of them. As the cars left, with horns bleeping and the ambulance's blues and twos going off, people were waving and families were crying. Every one of the crowd that weren't in cars felt jealous and really wanted to take part as well.

Once the convoy had left heading for the coast the Naadam closing ceremony continued and the remaining crowd had the chance to see some Mongolian dancing and another chance to hear Khukh Mongol till early evening.

All round it was a success and everyone enjoyed themselves, whether it be the teams in cars or those that where there primarily for the Naadam. If you missed it this year, make sure you are there for next year! - Tom Johns