I'm pooped. I have just finished a marathon training session with a humanitarian peace keeping organization. 72 people doing 4x4 & Vehicle recovery.
Anytime you have so much training in a relatively short time it takes it out of you. I gotta say my staff of Rory, Lawrence, Moses worked extremely hard to get through it and they deserve BIG kudos for a job well done.
I am happy to see the school business growing and it looks as if we are in for the best year yet in GEPDS history.
We are now looking forward to the next half of the year. Thanks for the support.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Developing Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School
Where to now?
As you can see from the last blog the famous Glen Edmunds Performance Auto Services is now sold and is called 4x4 Services by the new owners Colin & Terry Davidson. So what's the next chapter for Glen?
I am developing other areas of business and you’ll soon see a whole new look and feel to our current courses. Without giving too much away just yet, we are doing some exciting stuff in the development department and that will make not only the existing courses even better, but you will also see us launch some new products in the near future.
I will be in the USA in July and updating my own training, as well as following through on new business opportunities within our realm.
The staff at Glen Edmunds Peformance Driving School, (offices at Lengai house, Wilson airport) probably wish I was still in the workshop as they have had more work to do since my retirement from the workshop!
Well as I said before, we are going to be doing a lot this year, so watch this space....
As you can see from the last blog the famous Glen Edmunds Performance Auto Services is now sold and is called 4x4 Services by the new owners Colin & Terry Davidson. So what's the next chapter for Glen?
I am developing other areas of business and you’ll soon see a whole new look and feel to our current courses. Without giving too much away just yet, we are doing some exciting stuff in the development department and that will make not only the existing courses even better, but you will also see us launch some new products in the near future.
I will be in the USA in July and updating my own training, as well as following through on new business opportunities within our realm.
The staff at Glen Edmunds Peformance Driving School, (offices at Lengai house, Wilson airport) probably wish I was still in the workshop as they have had more work to do since my retirement from the workshop!
Well as I said before, we are going to be doing a lot this year, so watch this space....
The Workshop - The Final Farewell
So my mate Mick has been telling me for ages to get rid of the workshop and concentrate on the driving school. But I guess my ego has been standing in the way.
With the onset of the global recession creeping steadily towards Africa, and Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School's growing success, I decided that I should either sell the workshop or close it down. So I gathered up my courage and "bit the bullet" so to speak. Fortunately I managed to find a buyer and kicked my ego into touch and sold it.
It’s was a bit of a shock, but now that it's done and dusted, I’m sleeping better, have more energy, have more time on my hands to develop other revenue streams, and in general - much happier. It’s an amazing thing. All in all I know now I did the right thing.
The workshop is in good hands, and going well. Having a new management has breathed new life in to the “old dog”. When I look back on it, I guess I was holding onto it in the hope that Safari Rally would one day miraculously come back to Kenya. However, the realization that the Safari is never coming back, and that Kenya has fallen from favor with the IRC is quite sobering. So with Safari gone there was no need to have such an expensive or extensive work shop.
So I have said "goodbye" to all my staff and will try to remember only the positive memories (and to be honest there were more negative than positives recently trying to juggle two business).
My talents will be better spent doing what I love right now which is developing the Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School.
So in the words of the immortal Bob Hope – “Thanks for the memories” and "asta lavista baby"

With the onset of the global recession creeping steadily towards Africa, and Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School's growing success, I decided that I should either sell the workshop or close it down. So I gathered up my courage and "bit the bullet" so to speak. Fortunately I managed to find a buyer and kicked my ego into touch and sold it.
It’s was a bit of a shock, but now that it's done and dusted, I’m sleeping better, have more energy, have more time on my hands to develop other revenue streams, and in general - much happier. It’s an amazing thing. All in all I know now I did the right thing.
The workshop is in good hands, and going well. Having a new management has breathed new life in to the “old dog”. When I look back on it, I guess I was holding onto it in the hope that Safari Rally would one day miraculously come back to Kenya. However, the realization that the Safari is never coming back, and that Kenya has fallen from favor with the IRC is quite sobering. So with Safari gone there was no need to have such an expensive or extensive work shop.
So I have said "goodbye" to all my staff and will try to remember only the positive memories (and to be honest there were more negative than positives recently trying to juggle two business).
My talents will be better spent doing what I love right now which is developing the Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School.
So in the words of the immortal Bob Hope – “Thanks for the memories” and "asta lavista baby"

Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Responsible Training
Having seen alot of different training practices over the years it still unsettles me when I see trainers and organisations insisting in training drivers to do handbrake turns and J turns and the like.
Having seen a lot of different training practices over the years, it still unsettles me when I see trainers insisting on training drivers to do handbrake turns and "J" turns and and other similar advanced manouvres.
I find the practice of teaching these tricks irresponsible, especially in developing countries where drivers are often struggling to understand the basic fundamentals of driving.
“I can drive, so why not teach me the manoeuvre?” The problem occurs when you try one of these manoeuvre on a rough road and you end up dropping the car into a pothole or off the verge of the road and you wind up with a much bigger problem. You could easily put the car on its side or roll it over.
And unless you practice these techniques on a regular basis, you may end up doing something wrong and end up injured or worse. Hollywood has glamorised these techniques, but the reality is that in an emergency situation it’s much better to do the basics well.
In my opinion, it’s much easier and safer to teach more basic, practical techniques such as fast three point turns, high speed reversing, or the switch.
Having seen a lot of different training practices over the years, it still unsettles me when I see trainers insisting on training drivers to do handbrake turns and "J" turns and and other similar advanced manouvres.
I find the practice of teaching these tricks irresponsible, especially in developing countries where drivers are often struggling to understand the basic fundamentals of driving.
“I can drive, so why not teach me the manoeuvre?” The problem occurs when you try one of these manoeuvre on a rough road and you end up dropping the car into a pothole or off the verge of the road and you wind up with a much bigger problem. You could easily put the car on its side or roll it over.
And unless you practice these techniques on a regular basis, you may end up doing something wrong and end up injured or worse. Hollywood has glamorised these techniques, but the reality is that in an emergency situation it’s much better to do the basics well.
In my opinion, it’s much easier and safer to teach more basic, practical techniques such as fast three point turns, high speed reversing, or the switch.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
We recently spent time at a well known eco-friendly game ranch in Northern Kenya. I was interested to see just how many vehicles were running around. It got me thinking about the environment and the pollutants we were spilling out into this beautiful pristine environment and what the animals were having to breathe in as we were passing.It’s all well and good having an ‘eco friendly” lodge but if the vehicles being used to transport the tourist are spewing harmful toxins into the environment just how eco friendly are these lodges?
If humans are concerned by breathing diesel fumes continuously, how are the wild animals effected and what would the long term effects of breathing these diesel fumes daily from the many tour buses that visit these destinations. Is it time to limit the number of vehicles surrounding the animals or is the answer in the fitment of DOCS on all the vehicles? So I decided to do some research on the web. This is what I found out:
What are Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)
We know diesel engines offer better fuel economy, long-term reliability and lower fuel emissions than petrol engines. However, there are concerns about the environmental and health hazards posed especially by diesel exhaust emissions.
Diesel emissions are an important topic for catalyst development. Sales growth of diesel cars has raised concern on the possible health effects from the ultra-fine particulates in diesel emissions. All new diesel – engine cars sold in Europe are now fitted with oxidation catalysts.
Diesel Oxidation Catalysts lower particulate mass by up to 50%, by destruction of the organic fraction of the particulate, as well as making significant reductions in CO, HC and the characteristic diesel odour. However, the number of particles is unchanged and issues associated with the effects of ultra-fine particulates remain unresolved.
Here are some Q & A from the web site http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/documents/f03016.pdf
Technical Highlights
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Radiation EPA420-F-03-016
June 2003, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
Questions and Answers on Using a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst in Diesel Trucks and Buses
The pollution emitted by diesel engines contributes greatly to our nation’s air quality problems. Even with more stringent heavy-duty highway engine standards set to take effect in 2004 and 2007, existing trucks and buses will continue to emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both of which contribute to serious public health problems in the United States. Fortunately, there are several techniques and technologies designed to reduce diesel pollution from existing trucks and buses. Using pollution control devices such as a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is one way existing engines can be upgraded (or “retrofitted”) to pollute less. This fact sheet discusses diesel oxidation catalysts.
What are the health and environmental effects of diesel exhaust?Heavy-duty trucks and buses account for about one-third of NOx emissions and one-quarter of PM emissions from mobile sources. In some urban areas, the contribution is even greater. The fine particles in diesel exhaust (known as particulate matter) can penetrate deep into the lungs
and pose serious health risks including aggravated asthma, lung damage, and other serious health problems. In addition, diesel exhaust is a likely human carcinogen. Children are more susceptible to air pollution than healthy adults because their respiratory systems are still developing and they have a faster breathing rate.
Diesel exhaust also has environmental impacts. PM from diesel engines contribute to haze, which restricts visibility. In addition, diesel exhaust contributes to ozone formation (a component of smog), acid rain, and global climate change.
What is a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst?
A DOC is a device that uses a chemical process to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream into less harmful components. More specifically, it is a physical device with a porous ceramic honeycomb-like structure that is coated with a material that catalyzes a chemical reaction to reduce pollution.
What are the benefits of a DOC retrofit?
DOCs reduce emissions of particulate matter by at least 20 percent. DOCs also reduce emissions of hydrocarbons by 50 percent and carbon monoxide by 40 percent.
Does the EPA verify these emission reductions?
Yes, EPA evaluates the emission reduction performance of retrofit technologies such as DOCs, including their durability, and identifies engine operating criteria and conditions that must exist for these technologies to achieve those reductions. For a list of DOCs and other technologies that
EPA has verified, visit: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retroverifiedlist.htm. For more information about EPA’s verification process, visit: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retrofittech.htm.
How much does a DOC cost?
DOCs for school buses cost about $1,000 - $2,000. Field experience suggests DOCs take about 1-3 hours to install.
What type of fuel does a DOC require?
DOCs can be used with regular diesel fuel, but the effectiveness of a DOC may be increased with the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD – 15 parts per million sulfur). Currently, ULSD costs between 8 and 25 cents per gallon more than regular diesel. ULSD is available in many
parts of the country now and will be available nationwide beginning in June 2006.
Can a DOC be used on any engine?
Yes. DOCs have been used for years on a variety of diesel vehicles including trucks, buses and construction equipment.
Are there special maintenance requirements for a DOC?
No. Much like a catalytic converter on a car, once a DOC is installed, it rarely requires maintenance.
How long does a DOC last?
Most DOCs come with a 100,000 to 150,000 mile warranty, and can last 7 to 15 years.
Where can I get a DOC?
For more information about manufacturers of DOCs or other retrofit equipment visit our Web site at: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/cont_retromfrs.htm.
Where can I find more information?
For more information on these topics, please visit these EPA Web sites:
• Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit
• Clean School Bus USA – Basic Information on Retrofit Options:
www.epa.gov/otaq/schoolbus/retrofit.htm
• Clean Diesel Independent Review Panel: www.epa.gov/air/caaac/
clean_diesel.html
• Health Assessment Document for Diesel Engine Exhaust: http://
cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=29060
You can also contact the Office of Transportation and Air Quality library
for document information at:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
OTAQ Library
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734-214-4311
Email: GroupAALibrary
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Rant About Matatus!
Yesterday, I saw a matatu cut down the inside of all the traffic splashing all the pedestrians on the side of the road, while forcing them off the roadside into the gutter. Then the driver proceeded to cut me off and then pushed his way into the queue. When one motorist tried to talk to him, he just turned up his music louder to drown out the criticism. Then he pulled out and proceeded to overtake down the wrong side of the road, again forcing oncoming traffic off the road.When the matatu got to the junction he then turned right in front of a Minister's car, cutting him off and forcing the Minister's driver to brake very hard to avoid hitting him! Meanwhile, a policeman at the junction watched the whole saga and never pulled the Matau over, nor did the Minister's car make any attempt to do anything. This is normal operating procedure for matatus and everyone is fed up, yet they get away with it day in and day out.
I don't understand why the police don't do something to stop these maniacs. If a regular driver is seen by a policeman committing even the most minor misdemeanour they are immediately pulled over, chastised, taken to court, etc., while the matatus, the real killers, are left to wreak havoc on Kenya's roads. It just doesn't make sense to me.
The arrogance of the matatu drivers is becoming world renown, with overseas tourist talking about them before they even get here. Is this the impression of our country we want to send to foreign visitors? Do we want them to be stunned by Kenya’s beauty and wildlife only to have it tarnished by these dangerous, arrogant drivers?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fond Memories
Fond memories
One of the best moments in my life was when I spent a day with my son Craig and some of his mates taking them all for rides in my rally car.
We took them out to a ‘test session' about 30 minutes driver from Nairobi. They watched as we tested the car. Afterwards, we then spent a few hours taking each child in the rally car for a run on the test roads. They loved it and we all had a ball.
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