One Englishman, one Dutch woman and two clapped-out Citroen 2CVs set out on an incredible journey of do-daring and fortitude and other very macho things...         je ne regrette rien

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In July 1999 the good ship Marie Anne sailed from Rotterdam, bound for the USA. On board this creaking cargo ship were Rob Godfrey and two Citroen 2CVs. This voyage was the first leg of an epic journey to Prudhoe Bay, on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, a journey that took Rob Godfrey and Jose Oostveen 8000 road miles across North America. The 2CV Alaska Challenge was not only the first time a 2CV had been driven up to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska, it was also the first time that charity fundraising had been attempted entirely via the internet, and also the first time that an ongoing travelogue had been posted as 'almost live' reportage - the only things that weren't cutting edge about the 2CV Alaska Challenge were the cars. Delay, deviation and danger while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, breakdowns, bust-ups and bacchanalia during the road journey to Alaska, and lots and lots of pissed-off grizzly bears were all part of what beforehand had seemed like a good idea.

I've just had a brilliant idea! is not only an account of Rob's travels, it's also a quirky history of Canada and the Pacific Northwest. The ebook runs to approx. 67,000 words and has 26 photos and can be bought for just 10 Euros. Payment can be made with either a credit card or a Neosurf card (a prepaid card which can be purchased from tobacconists in France, Belgium and Switzerland) or by SMS from your mobile phone (see further details). For card payment just click on the button below to be taken to our secure server.

Rotterdam - the No.1 car being loaded Mid Atlantic - painting the cranes at sea

Prologue and Chapter 1 - The Marie Anne Payment card 3 Euro.   SMS approx. 3.5 Euro The prologue explains how Rob first got the idea to do the 2CV Alaska Challenge, after meeting Ringo Starr's brother in a bar in Vancouver. Chapter 1 recounts the Atlantic crossing on a cargo ship; a voyage which should have taken eight days - from Rotterdam to Savannah, in the southern states of America - but instead took a month. This involved a mid-Atlantic diversion to New York, laying off Long Island at open anchorage for 5 days, then another diversion 140 miles up the Hudson River to Albany, in upstate New York. This chapter also gives some background as to how Jose became involved in The Alaska Challenge, and the cost of the venture and how Rob and Jose managed to obtain sponsorship.

A pit stop somewhere in the Carolinas The photo shoot at Niagara Falls

Chapter 2 - Into The Arms Of America Payment card 3 Euro.   SMS approx. 3.5 Euro The road journey up from Savannah to Quebec City (the official starting point of The 2CV Alaska Challenge), which was fraught with difficulty; not least because both cars developed serious mechanical problems. This chapter also explains the history of the Citroen 2CV, and the how and why the 2CV Alaska Challenge became a charity fund raiser. Includes a brief history of slavery in the United States.

Kicking Horse Pass, Canadian Rockies Fairbanks airport, Alaska

Chapter 3 - The Wild West Payment card 3 Euro.   SMS approx. 3.5 Euro The road journey from Quebec City to Fairbanks, Alaska, and the ever-increasing tension between Rob and Jose. Also, the stop-over in Calgary, in western Canada, where Rob had lived in a previous life. This chapter includes an overview of settlement in the Canadian west, a history of the Alaska Highway, and histories of the Cariboo gold rush and the infamous Yukon gold rush.

Mist over the Yukon River 8000 miles later - the Arctic Ocean?

Chapter 4 - The Arctic Payment card 3 Euro.   SMS approx. 3.5 Euro The record-breaking attempt to drive a Citroen 2CV up to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska. Also includes a history of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, a history of the Alaskan gold rush and a general overview of the Arctic, both past and present.