To the editor:

Our family was most interested to learn about Mike Gaus and Andrew Schmidt’s planned participation in the Mongol Rally. Our son, Justin Wood, a friend of Mike’s older brother, Matt, drove the third Mongol Rally in July 2006.

Justin is a graduate of Lawrence High School, now living in Seattle.

Justin and his friend Patrick drove a Nissan Micra 8,759 miles from London across France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russia and finally into Mongolia. Justin and Patrick were the first American team ever to complete the rally and reach Ulaanbaatar. Their trip of more than four weeks included hassles and bribes with the border police in several countries, mechanical problems, of course, and the development of many new friends.

While each team was independent, several American and English teams banded together, providing support, comradeship and assistance with breakdowns or trouble. Eventually, Justin’s car became the rescue car, helping other teams whose cars died along the way. At the end of the rally, their car was sold to help support a local orphanage.

Justin, an Eagle Scout, said he prepared for the Mongol Rally using skills he learned as a Boy Scout going on various high adventure backpacking trips with Troop 59. His camping and outdoor skills helped along the way. He also kept his parents happy during the long trip by sending blog messages detailing his adventures along the rally route.

We wish Mike and Andrew the best of luck in a worthy cause.