Timbuktu ChallengeEntry Fee: £375

1. The RULES as stated elsewhere on this web site stand. You must agree to abide by them.

2. Please be sure that you have read and understand all information available within this web site. In particular, you must be clear that you understand that the Challenge is Un-supported. Please ensure that you have read the Page that explains this term.

3. The Challenge is NOT for the faint-hearted. The Challenge is NOTHING like a package tour or an organised holiday. ALL Participants will be required to be able to think for themselves (and others) when in a difficult situation.

4. The Challenge IS NOT A RACE! Despite many years of the Challenge running, people still appear not to understand this aspect. There are NO benefits to arriving anywhere first (except maybe to grab the best camping spot). There are no points or prizes or status associated with being fastest over any section of the journey. Racing on Public highways is illegal in most countries. Stay safe, stay within the speed limits as determined by the locality.

5. The Challenge is not suitable for pig-headed, stubborn, pushy or short-tempered people. When travelling in small groups of people, easy-going natures are best for all concerned.

6. There are a limited number of places available to Participate on the routes to Mali and Gambia. All applications will be considered, but due to the high level of interest being shown, it is likely that many applications will have to be rejected.

7. For the purpose of the Plymouth-Dakar Challenge, a "TEAM" is defined as ONE VEHICLE and its 2 occupants. Multiple car Teams are not permitted, except as separate entries that must be applied for through the same process as any other Team.

8. At least one member of each Team is required to be willing and able to read. This person should be nominated as the Primary Contact - to whom all correspondence will be sent. Email is the primary form of communication used to inform and organise, and the Primary Contact must endeavour to maintain a reliable email account, with sufficient in-box capacity (hotmail accounts are not recommended - limited inbox capacity and current spam levels result in too many important emails being bounced from these accounts).

9. Yes, as well as all the costs related to your vehicle, fuel, food, camping, innoculations, malaria protection, border crossings, flights home, etc. there is also a fee to pay. The fee entitles you to the following, as applicable to the specific Challenge:

• One 'Dakar & Bust' DVD.
• One paperback issue book by a previous participant (Banjul and Timbuktu only).
• Exclusive PDC 'road-book' including guidance notes,
• Entry and camping at the Launch Party in Devon in July
• Official PDC car stickers and entry numbers.
• Two nights accommodation for 2 people, half board in one of two designated hotels in Southern Spain.
• Support on the Morocco/Mauritania border, hopefully including the payment of all bribes and car insurance costs.
• Discounted flights home on specific Gambia Experience routes (Banjul Challenge only).
• Visas support for Russia for Murmansk Challenge.
• Behind the scenes administration to try and smooth passage through Senegal and The Gambia (no guarantees of success, however!)
• Behind the scenes international liaison with partners and coordinators that allow this event to take place.
• Web site listing and Publicity.
• Inclusion within the formal lists of Participants that are issued to the Officials of some of the countries en route.

10. After completing the ON-LINE application form, press the "Submit" button. Then print and post. Your cheque for the entry fee must be submitted with your signed application. All unsuccessful applicants will have their cheque returned by Post, un-cashed. Entry fees will not be refunded after the Launch Party. Please be absolutely certain that you will be able to take part before you commit yourself.

11. In previous years, there have been a large number of successful applicants that have dropped out part way through - many in November and December.

Please be certain that, barring major personal disaster, you WILL make every effort to complete the Challenge. Your application fee will NOT be refunded or rolled over to a future event if you drop out of this Challenge.)