Kuchly company places great hope in youth and their dreams. For this reason, we are committed to helping them, within our means, to achieve their dreams. There is nothing more promising than a nation whose youth are realizing dreams and projects.
Kuchly company was contacted via LinkedIn message by Mr. ALCARAZ Esteban at the end of 2019. He wished to discuss with us as he and his partner were seeking sponsors to finance their humanitarian project.
After a few discussions to fully understand their motivation and the reasoning behind their embarking on this adventure, it became clear to us that we should assist them. The 4L Trophy is a humanitarian rally-raid for students aged 18 to 28. Each year, several tons of school and sports supplies are transported across Spain and Morocco by flamboyant 4L cars for the “Enfants du désert” association.
A large portion of the money also goes to local artisans for the construction of schools or libraries in the Moroccan desert.
The Recovery and Renovation of their 4L
Esteban recounts his journey:
“We first had to find our 4L, which would accompany us throughout the adventure. We needed to find one that was still operational but within a tight budget. The essential point for us was therefore the condition of the chassis structure and body panels, ensuring they were in the best possible state, particularly regarding rust and deformations. We therefore finally purchased a 1987 Renault 4 TL Savane, truly in its original condition, from its long-time owner. It was operational, but of course, it required a complete restoration to tackle the Moroccan desert! “
The student duo therefore began a complete restoration of the car, starting with a thorough cleaning and an assessment of the work to be done: engine restoration, running gear, chassis, bodywork, paint, equipment to add…
“The list is long, and during this year of preparation, there was no respite for us!” The two young men ultimately decided to do almost everything themselves, apart from the painting, due to budget concerns but primarily out of passion and a desire to get their hands on the mechanics and to know their future partner by heart.
The goal was to ensure they departed with sound mechanics, leaving little to chance.
The Search for and Delivery of Materials for Moroccan Schools
The search for materials was not very complicated, as many people spontaneously offered donations of school supplies of all kinds, as well as plush toys for young children.
The delivery of materials then took place at their first bivouac in the desert at the foot of the dunes, where a large number of donations had been deposited, as is done every year by the participants. They even had the opportunity to play in the evening with the Moroccan children invited for the occasion at the bivouac.
That year, several projects for schools, nurseries, and a library for Moroccan schoolchildren were able to come to fruition in the most disadvantaged areas of the desert.
The 4L Trophy Race
Their adventure began in the Grand Est region, in Chaumont, where the three crews gathered. They first had to cross France from one end to the other in two days to reach Biarritz, where the 4L Trophy departure takes place annually and where all participants gather.
They then crossed Spain, also in two days, to Algeciras, where they set up the first common bivouac with all participants, before embarking by ferry to Morocco.
It was from the Moroccan port of Tangier that they had to follow their roadbooks to find the checkpoints (simple at first) to reach the first bivouac in Morocco. This was followed by a series of orientation race days around the dunes of Merzouga, with loops as long as they were tricky. Then finally, they reached Marrakech for the official arrival and to get some rest before heading back in the opposite direction to return to France.
What a wonderful life experience for the adventurers!
