From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Steve and Jeff are “The Dirty Canadians”. In the 12+ years we’ve known each other, many things have been learned: beer and chocolate chip cookies go quite well together, a Hyundai Accent can be launched over a snow drift, it’s only manly to use a blender to make drinks if it’s gas-powered and uses motorcycle handlebars, and it’s not hard to make an 11hp riding lawnmower do 70km/h with very minor modifications.

When Jeff heard about The Mongol Rally over the winter of 2008/09, the idea of doing something stupid in two other continents was just too enticing to resist – but first Jeff had to clear it with the wife – likely a good idea when you’re going to be on the other side of the world for over a month. The funny thing is, she wants us to do it (she probably has a good life insurance policy on him).

OK, great, but who the heck are The Dirty Canadians you ask?

JEFF PERRON Age: 28 Born: June 4, 1981 Occupation: Auto Sales & Financial Adviser Special “Talents”: Mad scientist. Well versed at speaking “Engrish”. The only person to ever put a car on it’s side when doing a burnout. Talent That Will Help The Most: Has a unique ability to fix things without ACTUALLY fixing them.

STEVE MALARSKY Age: 30 Born: January 7, 1980 Occupation: TV Graphic Designer & Webmaster Special “Talents”: An uncanny sense of no direction. Can survive for weeks on nothing but noodles and Pepsi. Talent That Will Help The Most: Earned a lot of badges in Cub Scouts when I was 9. Biggest Concern: Where are we going to get coffee in the middle of the desert?

THE OILERS GARDEN GNOME Age: unknown Born: in China Occupation: Stand in peoples yards, play hockey with the birds